Airwolf YFR068 - 2023 Gravel Frame

[Avalius]

The SL7 compression part and decent bearings fixed all the issues i had. Did a few very hard gravel races with it, its holding up fine

[BeePiers]

Replace the compression cap with this part?

[this is dog]

Replace the compression cap with this part?

No, I think what they've mentioned in the previous post is a compression ring that holds the headset bearing. The compression plug you are showing does not fit in the steerer tube since it's D-shaped.

Specialized sl7 compression ring

[Avalius]

No, I think what they've mentioned in the previous post is a compression ring that holds the headset bearing. The compression plug you are showing does not fit in the steerer tube since it's D-shaped.

Specialized sl7 compression ring

Yes, exactly this is the part

[Shorteetheboy]

--> Do not overtighten the expander in the fork. It pushes the top part up. (That was the issue)
I always tighten those very hard but here the expander didn't really like it. Fixed.
Quoted myself in case someone runs in this issue.

Besides that this frame rides like a dream.

Hi!

I have the same issue, headset play. May I ask you how to solve it? Iy worked with some carbon past for some time but after a bump it got loose again.

All the best!

[Avalius]

Hi!

I have the same issue, headset play. May I ask you how to solve it? Iy worked with some carbon past for some time but after a bump it got loose again.

All the best!

The posts above you, read the last pages. The compression ring and all the tips here will sort it

[Phaxe]

Hi guys - awesome thread and some great builds and suggestions for improving the overall experience. Has anyone ordered directly from airwolf? Or would ordering through aliexpress be a safer bet?

Cheers

[Phaxe]

I'm about to pull the trigger and I'd like to order the additional parts that look like they're required to make this a painless build.

Along with the frame, I'm going to order:

* Two good quality headset bearings
* Specialized SL7 compression part.

My shop has sandpaper and a dremel so that I can make the adjustments needed for everything to seat properly.

I want to install mechanical GRX 1x - it seems this shouldn't cause too many headaches?

Anything else anyone would recommend before I pull the trigger?

[frankpaul1]

I'm building one myself. Already ordered the SL7 compression ring. But good idea to buy quality bearings as well. What do you guys recommend?

[mikelmtb]

If you want to install SL7 compression ring, you need to order also SL7 specific bearings. AFAIK the bearings provided with the frame are not exactly the same, they have a different internal diameter. Outer diameter is the same, in order to fit on the frame.
SL7 bearings can be found from realiable brands or also on any specialized store.
I consider that it is a good idea to install good quality headset bearings on frames like this. If you need to replace them, you need to disassembly all the hoses, quite a mess. So better get good ones which may have less maintenance isues.
Personally i purchased bearings from brand Black Bearing.

[Phaxe]

Thanks for that info.

On the Venge and SL7, it uses the same size bearing at the top and bottom of the head tube - is it the same with this frame?

[frankpaul1]

The SL7 compression part and decent bearings fixed all the issues i had. Did a few very hard gravel races with it, its holding up fine

Avalius, maybe you can comment on this? Since you already solved the problem.

[mikelmtb]

Thanks for that info.

On the Venge and SL7, it uses the same size bearing at the top and bottom of the head tube - is it the same with this frame?

Yes, exactly the same. Both bearings are the same for this frame also.

[Avalius]

I've changed the bearings with these:
https://nl.aliexpress.com/item/1005006494594127.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.main.13.2f4f28c5JbgM9u&algo_pvid=2157d1e1-d7c2-4c25-919f-97452429802a&algo_exp_id=2157d1e1-d7c2-4c25-919f-97452429802a-6&pdp_npi=4%40dis%21USD%219.44%219.44%21%21%219.44%219.44%21%402101fb1817192992612758621ea44a%2112000037409748632%21sea%21BE%21751425989%21&curPageLogUid=VyisANL5fNA9&utparam-url=scene%3Asearch%7Cquery_from%3A

Fushi Acb495h6.5  - 49.5x40.5x6.5

That and the compression ring from the sl7 solved all my issues.

[Phaxe]

Yes, exactly the same. Both bearings are the same for this frame also.

Thanks! That's very interesting, and obviously different to OEM Aspero which uses two different sized bearings.

This forum, and this thread, has been so useful, I'd be hitting my head against the wall if I tried to go alone with it.