My FM 196 build

[Carbon_Dude]

After I returned at home, I cleaned the bike and .... maybe found the origine of the creacking noise, at leat maybe a part of it
I lost 1 screw of the right dropout, and the 2 others from the left side were not totally screwed     

I need to find the same kind of screw before being able to ride again - I don' t want to have a bad surprise by losing the second screw - the result could be dramatic

is anybody has this type of screw reference?

 

I don't know the size off the top of my head, possibly email Peter and ask if he knows the size.  If you are in the US, you can order a replacement screw from McMaster.com.

[Molothi]

yes I will reach Peter
I'm not in US, bit I'm sure I can find some local reseller for that ;-)

[HaakonJohansen]

Hi there guys and girls! I'm 186cm tall, and I've just got myself the 19" version of the frame because Peter recommended this size for me. When asking around though, many people seem to think the frame seems too small for my height, but when comparing to the recommendations on Merida's website the frame seems to be fine, so I'm hoping that it'll be ok for me. What do you guys think?

Also; do any of you know how long the reach of the frame is? I can't find it.

[SportingGoods]

Hi HaakonJohansen (I did a copy-paste, too difficult to type right )
This is the right size for you, no doubt. I'd say you are the average size for that frame. I'm 181 and I'd hesitate between 17.5 and 19". I think that most people pick a bike too big for them, and that becomes their reference

[HaakonJohansen]

Thanks for the answer man. Glad to hear that;)

[Molothi]

Hi HaakonJohansen
I confirm that it' s the good size
(I'm 1.78 told and I took a 17.5" frame size, because I like compact frames, but this size would defently be too small for you)

[HaakonJohansen]

Again, I'm glad to hear that;) Also, I'm wondering which seat clamp to get? I'm looking at the Mt Zoom, but I'm a bit concerned that the 10mm height is a little bit short, and that it might cause damage to the frame. Any thoughts about this? Also, it's torque limit is at 4Nm, is this enough to hold the seat post in place?

And any suggestions to cheap carbon bars? I'm upgrading to Schmolke TLO or Extralite bars later this year, but I'm a little short on money right now (complete build from scratch, and I'm a student), so I just want some cheap ones for some months. It's also my first XC-build so I want some cheap bars, that can be shortened, to find the bar length I like the most. Are there any reliable carbon bars under 40 USD? Or should I rather spend 60-70 USD on a new 3T bar (good deal with private seller)?

PS: my weight is around 75-80 kg.

[bxcc]

Any clamp should work fine. There's a plethora of choices on eBay in every size and color. As for the bars, how wide do you want them to be? There are plenty of chiner bars on eBay for under $40. It's not justified by anything but I don't go for the chiner bars. Name brand carbon bars can be had for under $100 and at that price, I just feel better about it.

[carbonazza]

I think inseam is a more important size than height.

Measure your inseam, multiply it by 0.877(not sure where this theory comes from) and you get an idea of the distance between the bb axle and the top of the saddle for an efficient pedalling.

Draw the geometry of the frame(+saddle,stem & bar) you want, eg. in sketchup, and measure:
1) the vertical drop between the saddle and the bar
2) the horizontal distance between the back of the saddle and the bar

Look at the bike you ride today, and compare these two values.
If the drop or the saddle/bar distance are longer you will have a more racy position, but less comfortable.

I'm 178cm with an inseam of 89cm, and a 19" is right for me.
On a 17" I would need a very long seat post, and the big drop would make me too cramped.

 

[Carbon_Dude]

Bike is looking good. Sorry about the creeking. I know youll get it sorted out. Cheers and happy riding. P.S. Both bikes I have have been holding strong...

If you are in the US, you could try Mcmaster.com for the replacement screw.  Although I do not know what the dimensions are.  If you have a set of calipers you could measure the length and diameter and match it up to one on Mcmaster's website.

[HaakonJohansen]

I think inseam is a more important size than height.

Measure your inseam, multiply it by 0.877(not sure where this theory comes from) and you get an idea of the distance between the bb axle and the top of the saddle for an efficient pedalling.

Draw the geometry of the frame(+saddle,stem & bar) you want, eg. in sketchup, and measure:
1) the vertical drop between the saddle and the bar
2) the horizontal distance between the back of the saddle and the bar

Look at the bike you ride today, and compare these two values.
If the drop or the saddle/bar distance are longer you will have a more racy position, but less comfortable.

I'm 178cm with an inseam of 89cm, and a 19" is right for me.
On a 17" I would need a very long seat post, and the big drop would make me too cramped.

Thanks for the reply. Sounds like white a lot of work doing the measuring in sketchup (maybe not if I'm using simle tubes, just for the sake of measuring though), but I see your point. The problem is I have no point of reference, as this is my first XC bike. I've only been riding freeride oriented bikes before (street, downhill etc.). But I think my inseam is around 86/87 cm. Am I right that you have a little long legs relative to your height, or maybe my legs are quite short? Just curious;P

[HaakonJohansen]

Any clamp should work fine. There's a plethora of choices on eBay in every size and color. As for the bars, how wide do you want them to be? There are plenty of chiner bars on eBay for under $40. It's not justified by anything but I don't go for the chiner bars. Name brand carbon bars can be had for under $100 and at that price, I just feel better about it.

I guess I'm better off with the 3T bar then (this one: https://www.3tcycling.com/mountain/en/bike-components/mtb-bars/flat-720-team-stealth/). I'm also considering alu bars, as I might want to cut them to find my preferred length. Are cheap Alu bars usually safe?

[pondman74]

Hi, I am thinking to build one; however i am confused about the dropout.  Can this frame take both 135mm QR and 142*12mm axle?  or do i have to specify which one i want when order this frame?  Thank for your help.

[Carbon_Dude]

The rear axle spacing can be either 135x9 QR or 142x12 thru depending on which dropouts you order.  If you are not sure which you want, you can order both dropout standards.

[pondman74]

Got it! That is good to know because i am not sure which wheels set i am going to buy yet.  Again, thank you very much