I've raised an order to Airwolf (through Aliexpress) and received the frame.
Even if the bike is not yet built (I miss the Hunt bike wheels), it's time for first feedback.
Pros :
- communication was smooth
- paint quality is nice (but not perfect)
- additional parts were received as expected : headset, rear axle, chain guide, seat post clamp (really bulky)
- original Specialized chainstay protector (S186900003) fits like a glove
- delivery was pretty fast : order placed 4th of March / frame received 8th of April
Cons :
- As received, friction for some pivots (circled in green on the schematic) is incredibily high. Basically, it's a hardtail.
Of course, it's a problem.
It also means that no quality control is performed.
For swingarm main pivot (problem was only on left side) : I managed to fix it by myself (I put an additional homemade washer between the bearing and the spacer).
By using original Specialized hardware, problem also is fixed. It seems improvement is procured by different shape in spacers.
Another great improvement provided by Specialized is integrated seal in bolts.
For pivots between S-Link, use of original Specialized hardware improves the situation. However, it's still far from providing a smooth rotation.
Airwolf told me that they'll send 2 spacers. I'm dubious but who knows.
- there's a thread in left chainstay for brake hose clamp. Clamp is not provided (it's not told to be provided) and I can't find the original Specialized part. I think I'll adapt a Fox fork clamp.
- Bottom bracket is told to be BSA 68mm. Actually it's BSA 73mm. No consequence for me but strange/disapointing that such a basic information goes wrong.
- swingarm main pivot : for Specialized model, on right side you've a left-hand thread. On Airwolf model, it's a standard right-hand thread. You can't use the Specialized bolt (but you can transfer the seal from Specialized bolt to Airwolf bolt).
- seems that Specialized model has 3 no head screws for the internal routing. You don't have thread in Airwolf model.
- downtube protector : Specialized S184200063 may work but I don't see how to set it in position. I'll probably have to go with glue.
- Headset assembly is not totally clear for me : bearings OK crown race OK split compression ring OK Top cover OK. Spacers between top bearing and top cover ? Seal position
?
Price paid :
868 $ for frame + delivery to France using standard Aliexpress shipment
+ extra 30 $ for metallic paint
+ extra 96 $ for express shipment (I was told that this express shipment will be done with DHL : it was not true : wxy-express was used / I was told that this express shipment will avoid custom tax : it was true)
