Looking for a playful gravel frame with more tire clearance – similar to CFR505-

[humpty_dumpty11]

Hi everyone (first post  ),

I hope you can help me out. I'm currently riding a Carbonda CFR505-SL in size M and I really love how it rides – especially the short chainstays (420 mm and the compact wheelbase which make the bike feel very sporty and agile.

I'm also quite happy with the riding position: the stack-to-reach ratio of 1.51 combined with a 90 mm stem and a 400 mm handlebar feels just right for me.

However, the tire clearance is a limiting factor I'd like to run 50 mm tires with 700c wheels which sadly isn’t possible on the CFR505-SL.

The only frame I’ve found so far with similar characteristics is the ARC8 Eero but it’s out of my budget.

Since many of you here are familiar with a wide range of Chinese/open-mold frames, I wanted to ask if anyone knows of a frame that rides similarly playful and agile, but with larger tire clearance (at least 50 mm with 700c).

I realize it might be a bit optimistic to expect 420 mm chainstays together with clearance for 50 mm tires. I'd also be happy to hear about options with 425 mm stays – as long as the overall geometry still leans toward that fun, responsive ride feel.

I really hope someone here can help me out, as I’m honestly not sure where else to look or ask at this point. I’ve already checked Tantan, Hongfu, BXT, Carbonda, and AliExpress, but haven’t found anything that quite fits the bill.

I’ve linked the geometry of my current frame below for reference:

[Carbonda CFR505-SL Geometry (Size M)]
https://bikeinsights.com/bike-geometries/66a0551a74f097001b2b55d6-2023-carbonda-cfr505-sl-m

Thanks a lot in advance!

[Serge_K]

Peter grevil clone gr01 has 425 seat stays in M and 50c clearance. You can look at the grevil geometry, it's a clone. I own one. Feels 100x nicer to ride than VB g02, that's for sure. I'm pleased with mine, you can tell Peter I send you (won't change a thing). Xiamen carbon speed. They make wheels too. Peter is on the forum.

[humpty_dumpty11]

Thanks so much for your help! The geometry really looks great. I don’t want to sound nitpicky, and the frame actually has everything I need, but it’s just really ugly Do they make it with more traditional straight bike tube shapes? (My wife said it looks like it was designed by a drunk ) Or is there something similar out there? I really appreciate the quick help—I didn’t expect such a fast response.

[jfcb]

I fully understand your opinion. I'm also not a big fan of the pinarello shapes.
- Look at the Tideace GR201 frame or the Velobuild aero gravel frame.  https://www.velobuild.com/products/2025-velobuild-carbon-fiber-racing-gravel-bike-frame  Both should fulfill your needs.
The Tideace-> plenty of experience on the forum.
The velobuild ticks also all the boxes. It has the same geometry as the ridley astr. Whether that's a good thing, I won't comment on.

[demeaux]

unrelated but any pics of your 505 sl?

[jfcb]

unrelated but any pics of your 505 sl?

Have a look in this thread: https://chinertown.com/index.php/topic,5633.15.html

[demeaux]

I'm in that thread!
and there's not that many pictures....(though on clicking it i can see you have some)