Author Topic: Similar to flat bar gravel bike  (Read 1424 times)

guanzo

Similar to flat bar gravel bike
« on: February 13, 2023, 10:48:36 AM »
Hi guys,

I'm looking for a new similar to gravel bike but built in flat bar MTB frame anyone have recommendations?

Like this bike,

https://www.orbea.com/gb-en/bicycles/mountain/alma/cat/alma-m-ltd-2023



FullCarbonAlchemist

Re: Similar to flat bar gravel bike
« Reply #1 on: February 13, 2023, 12:09:12 PM »
There are several hardtails that will fit the bill — personally I recommend Carbonda for both frame quality and being a good company to deal with.

The real issue IMO is finding the right suspension corrected rigid fork to keep the frame geometry where you want it. Notice how the Orbea fork is a good bit taller than most.

FullCarbonAlchemist

Re: Similar to flat bar gravel bike
« Reply #2 on: February 13, 2023, 12:14:20 PM »
I’ve been looking at a similar kind of build because as a disabled rider with severe degenerative arthritis/back issues plus a permanently dislocated clavicle from a crash in 2015, my current drop bar bike (GT Grade alloy V1 2016) hurts my spine and neck way too much. I end up struggling most of the spring mud season and spending weeks in bed because of it.

I’d love to keep shallow wide drop bars but need something with very upright MTB geometry and tire clearance. And it’s fairly likely I’ll just be better off with flats in the end.

Will be watching this thread with interest!

Chamomile

Re: Similar to flat bar gravel bike
« Reply #3 on: February 13, 2023, 01:07:03 PM »
I consider something similar as well, but with dropbars (hello chinese "Surly Corner"). The problem for me at least is a chainring around 40T. So far I have found two frames from Lexon with somewhat modern geo:
1) https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005003476882567.html
2) https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005004907721458.html
But after chatting with them a bit I got a feeling that either they were retarded or just toying with me. From what I found here, people basically got similar experience. So, there's another version of №2 from Winow:
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005004579692520.html
A guy told me that it fits 38T just fine, chainline is 52 mm.

As for rigid forks, a few options again:
1) https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005003771260988.html
2) https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005004222398248.html
You can see it's 490-497 mm. Assuming all frames are for 100mm forks by default with standard 506 mm length you can try this guy also to keep the geo almost the same:
https://reverse-components.com/en/products/05°-angle-spacer-tapered-forks

PS:
Quote
https://www.orbea.com/gb-en/bicycles/mountain/alma/cat/alma-m-ltd-2023
mother of god this price O_O
« Last Edit: February 13, 2023, 01:08:37 PM by Chamomile »

Tijoe

Re: Similar to flat bar gravel bike
« Reply #4 on: February 13, 2023, 02:01:50 PM »
I am a "Boost" and "super Boost" frame type of rider these days.  All my recent off-road frames are 148mm rear spacing and 110 front forks. 
The rear wheels I have recently built, lace up and true even faster having almost the same drive/non drive spoke lengths.

But if your other bikes have 142mm rear spacing, it might be good for wheel swapping.

FullCarbonAlchemist

Re: Similar to flat bar gravel bike
« Reply #5 on: February 13, 2023, 02:26:17 PM »
I consider something similar as well, but with dropbars (hello chinese "Surly Corner"). The problem for me at least is a chainring around 40T. So far I have found two frames from Lexon with somewhat modern geo:
1) https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005003476882567.html
2) https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005004907721458.html
But after chatting with them a bit I got a feeling that either they were retarded or just toying with me. From what I found here, people basically got similar experience. So, there's another version of №2 from Winow:
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005004579692520.html
A guy told me that it fits 38T just fine, chainline is 52 mm.

As for rigid forks, a few options again:
1) https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005003771260988.html
2) https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005004222398248.html
You can see it's 490-497 mm. Assuming all frames are for 100mm forks by default with standard 506 mm length you can try this guy also to keep the geo almost the same:
https://reverse-components.com/en/products/05°-angle-spacer-tapered-forks

PS: mother of god this price O_O

Always check the intended A2C, a lot of hardtails are meant for 120.

Chamomile

Re: Similar to flat bar gravel bike
« Reply #6 on: February 13, 2023, 02:34:17 PM »
Always check the intended A2C, a lot of hardtails are meant for 120.
So far I saw only that weird one from BXT:
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005003614935191.html

guanzo

Re: Similar to flat bar gravel bike
« Reply #7 on: February 15, 2023, 02:02:47 PM »
I'm looking for right spot geometry for rigid MTB frame does anyone know which geometry is perfect spot for rigid gravel use?

Pedaldancer

Re: Similar to flat bar gravel bike
« Reply #8 on: February 15, 2023, 06:07:47 PM »
I'm looking for right spot geometry for rigid MTB frame does anyone know which geometry is perfect spot for rigid gravel use?

I know this kind of bikes also as "fitness bikes" ..copy from them
The Carbonda 707 is quite long in geometry. I have seen some Flatbar builds with this frame. Then you have also no issue to find a fork.


wfl3

Re: Similar to flat bar gravel bike
« Reply #9 on: February 16, 2023, 09:03:10 AM »

Small chainring max was the deal breaker for me on most of the "MTB" frames I was looking at for more of a monster gravel build with 1x.

Ended up just going with a fezarri shafer when they released with updated geo.