ICAN X6

[jonxmack]

Does anyone have any experience with the ICAN x6 frame?

http://www.icanbikes.com/html/MTB/29ER_frame/230.html

Looks to be a lot like the IP-256SL but with slightly different geo, namely a BB drop of 69mm and 450mm chainstays.

For me it's between this and the 256, the advantage being that I can get this shipped out within 3 days of payment, whereas with the 256 I will have to wait 35-45 days.

I probably should have planned it out better but I sold my frame today assuming I'd only be without a bike for 7-10 days and my heart set on the X6, but seeing the BB will drop to -80.9 with my Niner forks (470 a-c) I'm having to reassess what frame I'm going to pick up!

[carbonazza]

When you meet a new culture, all people look the same initially.
Probably this is what makes you think it looks like a 256

[JackBNimble]

Haha.. They do all look alike!

Well the frame is slightly different from the 256, but I don't know enough about it to really comment on how those differences would translate while riding it. One thing that jumps out at me is the seatstay / seatube junction doesn't have the "wishbone" junction like the 056 does.

Here's a pic, looks nice:

[jonxmack]

Well the fact they both have similar internal routing placement, same cover over the BB, both have the straightish top tube to seat stays, as mentioned the wishbone is the major difference (and the thickness of the seatstays), but has anyone bought one?

[carbonazza]

Today on mtbr someone posted one of the first build pictures I saw:
http://forums.mtbr.com/29er-bikes/chinese-carbon-29er-640919-311.html#post11316074

But plenty of people ordered them but had to wait a long time to get it.

[brmeyer135]

Looking at this differently,  GENERALLY, I see riders looking for shorter chainstays...450mm  is quite long.
Just asking on that....
What is your riding going to be - it may help your choice also.

[carbonazza]

brmeyer135, what is a short chainstays?

The upcoming Cannondale F-Si, has a 429mm chainstays.
They say "The shortest chainstays on the market, for incredible traction, stiffness and agility"

Does the 21mm makes a real difference, or it is just marketing?

[brmeyer135]

On a 29" it is under 435-440mm
I don't know - wasted my time reading this thread:  http://forums.mtbr.com/29er-bikes/long-vs-short-chainstays-784542.html
some say they can tell others not
Summary:  short chainstays are associated with a more nimble bike(makes some sense...bike is shorter) that climbs better(this is a toss up to me) vs. long is more stable at speed(makes sense to me....more bike)
Ultimately, the sum of the total bike and not any one part.

[jonxmack]

The CS length is also an issue, 450 does seem long when I take into account most other stuff is 440 and under, and as I am after an XC rocket which is nimble and pointy and can climb like F, maybe the ICAN isn't the frame for me.

The 256 would probably be perfect if I could get one in the next couple of weeks, but I can't imagine having to wait 6 weeks for a frame when right now all the trails are dusty and dry and there to be ripped!

Time to look for something else I feel.

To add to this, do any of the China bikes have chainstays in the sub 440 range? My problem is I'm after a frame with quite a specific look, basically something low and aggressive looking, with a lot of seatpost and a racey position. I don't want something with curvy tubes, and it seems at the moment that's how all the bikes are looking.

[carbonazza]

I had the same anti-curve feeling when I saw the new Cannondale F-Si
http://reviews.mtbr.com/first-look-cannondale-2015-f-si-29-carbon
But it won't be ready for next week either and sits on another price range!

Some folks posted recently their 256 on mtbr.
And I think I'll be happy with it(mine is on its way to Europe).
Honsen Bikes had a slightly shorter lead time(4/5 weeks).

[brmeyer135]

Is it still 4-6 wks?
You might try Miracle or Honsen for their 256 version.