Andorran bike brand Commencal has just released its first carbon frame. Yup, that's right, instead of jumping on the carbon bandwagon at an earlier date the company took the decision to take its time, spending much time designing, riding, tweaking until they were happy with the end product.

The result is a full-carbon XC race frame, dubbed the Skin. The frame takes its cues from the Flame, a fast-back aluminium race frame, so expect similar numbers in the geometry departments.

And as we've come to expect from Commencal, the frame looks superb. Smooth curvaceous lines, flowing carbon weaves, with minimalist decals wrapping 360° around the top and down tubes and seat stays.

www.commencal.co.uk