All-road / Aero-Gravel frame / Size 49-51

[smoothmoose]

Hi - help me find my next bike frame!

I'm looking to upgrade my existing do-everything all-road bike - right now it's setup for TT/Triathlon as I have Ironman race coming up, but I've also have had this setup with 27.5x2.1" XC MTB tires!  It would most often be used on all-road/smooth gravel running 700x40c gravel semi-slicks.  My current frame really has great geometry to meet all these needs decently well.  So I'm looking for a carbon mold frame that will have similar geometry and tire clearance.  Here are the main numbers/attributes I'm seeking and here is the full geo chart https://bikeinsights.com/compare?geometries=5cf66199c0d1b6001756e2e6,, of my current bike:

- 700x40c and 650x2.1" tire clearance (limited mud clearance is OK)
- 70-71 HTA
- 74-75 STA
- 420-425 RC/CS
- 385 Reach
- 530-540 ETT

I do like the design of the 3T Exploro quite a lot, but the slack 72.5STA is a deal breaker.  What other all-road / aero-gravel frames do people recommend?

[jfcb]

Hi,

Have a look at the airwolf yfr066 (same as the Rinasclta Granite where you can find a thread on this forum/youtube reviews).
https://airwolfcarbonbike.com/product/yfr066-airwolf-carbon-bike-frame-700c-disc-brake-road-carbon-bicycle-frame-roadbike-frame-carbon-road-disc/
It states 38C tires, but according to real life experiences from others 40c is possible without any issues.

[smoothmoose]

Thanks, that one looks interesting, but from the pictures I am doubtful it can clear 650bx2.1".  I know I'm asking a lot 

[flyedf]

what tire is it at 2.1"?

[Noladutch]

Thanks, that one looks interesting, but from the pictures I am doubtful it can clear 650bx2.1".  I know I'm asking a lot 

That is asking a ton of a frame really. You will get into problems unless it has a cx bb drop and a 55mm tire on any bike it is asking the world in your wants. Hell with knobs those are massive.

You could just find a cx bike easy to fix the bb drop issues with running 650s but will only get away with probably 47s

[Sakizashi]

Technically this airwolf frame should meet your requirements:
https://airwolfcarbonbike.com/product/yfr068-2023-new-arrival-airwolf-a5-gravel-carbon-frame-with-handlebar-70040c-and-27-5er2-1inch-gravel-bike-frameset-thru-axle-14212mm-internal-cable-road-bicycle-frames-49-52-54-56-58cm/

However it’s a copy of the Cervelo Aspero 5, which tops out a 51mm with 4mm clearance. IMO you really want 6mm for offroad with a 54mm tire to really fit a 2.1" tire, and I doubt the Airwolf version is any different as they seem to have tried to copy everything including the flip chip and the C shaped steerer. Given current prices, I would consider getting the genuine non-integrated one from Cervelo as a starting point as the round steerer will give you some more cockpit options.

As far as big brand bikes go, i think the specialized crux will be close to what you want as well.

If you were to relax your requirements, particularly around chainstay length you would get more options.

The other thing to do would be to go custom and do a geometry like this. You would probably want to run 165mm cranks, but could get what you want and have enough clearance to run a 2x drivetrain. With a short head tube area, doubt you would be loosing much if any aero compared to an open mold frame.

(Edited for clarity)

[smoothmoose]

Thanks.  Yes, the Aspero did catch my eye.  My current bike gives about the same clearance on 650bx54mm.  I'm good with that, as I won't be riding that bike in the mud.  I'll definitely check out the Aspero at our local shops after my Ironman race this weekend.  The sales are pretty good.  Though, I would prefer frame only.  So I'll have to sell the take off parts.  I'm already running 160mm cranks....love them.

Custom - definitely has cross my mind, not sure I want to go the steel/titanium route.  I can be a weight weenie and my training partner just sold his Moots in favor of full carbon rig.

[smoothmoose]

That is asking a ton of a frame really. You will get into problems unless it has a cx bb drop and a 55mm tire on any bike it is asking the world in your wants. Hell with knobs those are massive.

You could just find a cx bike easy to fix the bb drop issues with running 650s but will only get away with probably 47s

Correct, my current bike is technically a CX frame with 70mm BB drop, which I'm fine with.  I was running 170mm cranks and it's fine.  Now that I'm running 160mm cranks I'm sure a 80mm BB drop is fine too, but I don't really have a preference on that really.  Other than grip, the reason I like to run 650b x 2.1" is it gives the same wheel diameter as 700c x 40mm.