Legendary in the MTB scene, COMMENCAL has been designing cutting-edge mountain bikes since 1999. The brand is lesser known outside of this world, but the 365 gravel bike has arrived and is set to change that.
Who are COMMENCAL?
Established in Andorra in 1999 by Max Commencal, COMMENCAL quickly gained momentum in the mountain bike world. The brand's base in the heart of the Pyrenees makes the perfect testing ground for the brand's range of downhill, enduro, trails bikes and more.
Aluminium construction is in their soul, and is a factor COMMENCAL is very proud of. It’s an extremely reliable material and, as the brand specialises in this metal, the engineers are able to utilise their expertise to perfect every element of the design. Aluminium is also recyclable and the production of aluminium is more socially and environmentally friendly than carbon fibre. COMMENCAL is doing its bit to care for the planet by using more ethically sound methods.
Crossing over into gravel
Gravel bikes encompass the spirit of mountain bikes, enhanced by modern technology. Wide tyres are now on wider rims, constructions are lighter, and hydraulic disc brakes are commonplace.
The COMMENCAL 365 is not sold as a competitor to the super fast, super light carbon racing gravel bikes that are hitting the scene, which have far more in common with road bikes but with bigger tyre clearances. Rather, it combines COMMENCAL’s MTB heritage with the brand’s MTB expertise, modern tech, and the capability that riders demand. The result? A super versatile, fun bike that’s comfortable and practical at the same time, without compromising performance. Dropped seatstays and an off-road geometry contribute to comfort, great handling and a lively yet stable ride feel. This is a bike built from premium quality triple butted 6069 T4/T6 alloy, by people that specialise in aluminium design, ensuring that every element has been well considered to perfect the ride.
If you’re looking for a bike for fast trail rides, mixed terrain exploration, bikepacking, or even commuting, and want to go with a brand that’s steeped in history, and really knows its stuff, the 365 is well worth considering.
Aluminium frame and fork: It’s quite unusual to find alloy forks on modern bikes these days. But it’s not purely the material chosen that makes or breaks a bike, but also how the material is used, and the bike as a whole. The entire shape and thickness of the fork delivers a vibration-damping, fatigue-reducing effect while creating a responsive ride. COMMENCAL's designers are experts in the material, and if you want to steer away from carbon, then choosing a brand that know how to use it is key.
1x-specific drivetrain: The norm on mountain bikes these days, this setup is also being seen more and more on gravel, and even road bikes. There are huge benefits to a single chainring setup off-road: simplicity, reduced chain drop, easier maintenance and weight reduction to name a few. Eliminating the option of a second or even third chainring up front leaves more room for variation in tube shapes and sizes around the bottom bracket area, allowing optimisation of strength, weight and stiffness. Ultimately, there’s more flexibility to perfect the ride feel.
A MTB-inspired cockpit: The stem is short and the handlebar is wide and flared, enhancing stability and control over the rough stuff. More control means more speed, and more fun.
Protection: There’s a custom-designed front mudguard to reduce spray, and the concave downtube keeps your feet drier for longer too. Frame protection on the downtube saves the frame from stone chips.
47c tyre clearance: Beefy tyres mean smoother riding over the rough stuff, and enhanced capability.
Dropper post compatible: Most riders who have experienced a dropper post would agree it’s a pretty game-changing feature. Popular on mountain bikes for a fair few years, dropper posts are slowly making appearances on gravel bikes, where you have a mix of on and off-road, easy and more technical terrain. When things get steep, being able to drop the saddle down and out of the way allows body position optimisation, and brings confidence.
Build options
The COMMENCAL 365 is available in three build options: 365 SIGNATURE (€3,750.00 excl. VAT), 365 RACE (€2,500.00 excl. VAT ), 365 RIDE (€1,666.66 excl. VAT), and frameset only for those who want to completely customise the bike. All builds are supplied with 180mm rotors for braking efficiency, and wide-ranging cassettes. COMMENCAL sells worldwide, directly from their website, so the 365 should be available in most countries.
The 365 SIGNATURE is the top-end model in the range, featuring a full SRAM Force AXS electronic eTap 12-speed drivetrain for the smoothest shifting experience. DT Swiss gravel-specific aluminium wheels and a Rockshox 75mm travel dropper post complete the build.
In the middle of the range is the 365 RACE, with a Shimano GRX RX810 drivetrain and DT Swiss wheels. Also with a dropper post, this model is trail ready.
The entry-level model, the 365 RIDE, is kitted out with capable GRX RX600 components and DT Swiss wheels. There’s no dropper post but the included seatpost can easily be swapped out.
