Author Topic: Any real competitors to Carbonda CFR-505 SL?  (Read 852 times)

LazyCyclist

Any real competitors to Carbonda CFR-505 SL?
« on: April 08, 2025, 01:33:14 AM »
I'm looking to buy an endurance-style frame for everyday riding, capable of running 32–35 mm tires on wide rims. I'm tall, and my body proportions require a very short reach combined with a relatively high stack, so most bikes I ride end up with a lot of spacers and a fairly upright position.

My current bike suffers from speed wobbles on descents, and despite multiple attempts by mechanics, the issue couldn't be resolved—so I'm looking for an upgrade.

Among many options, the Carbonda CFR-505 SL stands out as a near-perfect package (classic seatpost, UDH, T47).
I also considered the HongFu FM238, but the press-fit BB and limited 32 mm tire clearance are drawbacks.

I'm leaning toward giving the Carbonda a shot. Are there any other important things to know or other frames to consider?



Serge_K

Re: Any real competitors to Carbonda CFR-505 SL?
« Reply #1 on: April 08, 2025, 01:45:10 AM »
I think you've chosen already, and i don't think it's a bad choice.

I would end with a cryptic quote from Yoda, but disney killed the IP so i havent watched star wars stuff in years.
Fast on the flat. And nowhere else.

LazyCyclist

Re: Any real competitors to Carbonda CFR-505 SL?
« Reply #2 on: April 08, 2025, 01:53:52 AM »
You know that weight of choice, when there's no urgency and you're just trying to find the perfect deal? Most Chinese frames either have a low stack or an extremely short seat tube in L/XL sizes. So I wondered if I'm probably looking at the wrong bikes...

jfcb

Re: Any real competitors to Carbonda CFR-505 SL?
« Reply #3 on: April 08, 2025, 02:03:54 AM »
Peter from CarbonSpeed is going to come with an endurance frame.
It's a new frame so no experience while the 505SL is a proven performance frame. Also it's going to be pricier than the carbonda, but maybe you like it more: https://chinertown.com/index.php/topic,4173.0.html

tiz92

Re: Any real competitors to Carbonda CFR-505 SL?
« Reply #4 on: April 08, 2025, 05:40:43 AM »
I have the 505 SL and I use it as both light gravel and road frame and its literlly perfect for my use. Cannot complain at all.

LazyCyclist

Re: Any real competitors to Carbonda CFR-505 SL?
« Reply #5 on: April 08, 2025, 06:10:29 AM »
Was the surface preparation from the factory good? Bottom bracket and brake mounts?

tiz92

Re: Any real competitors to Carbonda CFR-505 SL?
« Reply #6 on: April 08, 2025, 11:48:01 AM »
Was the surface preparation from the factory good? Bottom bracket and brake mounts?

yes it was literally perfect and on par if not better than on my geniune s works sl7

svanimpe

Re: Any real competitors to Carbonda CFR-505 SL?
« Reply #7 on: April 09, 2025, 11:16:56 AM »
Depending on your size, the Yishun G075-D may offer an even shorter reach.
https://snapshot.yishunbike.com/product/g075-d-adventure-gravel/