F.B.L. is the abbrevation for Fabrication Bicyclette Lightweight of Berlin's famous wholesaler Hübner & Koch. Heinz Koch, son and grandson of the both founders introduced this make with some other brands in 1953. He wished to offer besides Cinelli, Girardengo, Chater-Lea and others an own brand for an attractive price. He won the young and talented Heinz Paupitz to build the F.B.L. frames. Two models were launched, the Champion du Monde, a proper racing model from Reynolds 531 and the sport model Torino made from Lepper tubes. In 1958 Paupitz gave up this liaison to start his own business. For some years Hugo Rickert made the Champion du Monde bicycles as the production of the Torino went over to Sudbrack in Westphalia.