Just ordered CS-057 frame

[Dictatorsaurus]

Hello,

I just placed an order for the CS-057 frame.   I currently have the LTK-023 frame and got the CS-057 since I like the geometry a little better. It's slacker, higher BB and short chainstay.

How are the 057 frames regarded overall? 

Are they considered stiff? 

How's the durability? 

What's the best way to run the rear derailleur housing wire?

[Carbon_Dude]

How are the 057 frames regarded overall? 
Very popular frame, one of the best selling Chiner frames.

Are they considered stiff? 
Yes, the frame is stiff but still absorbs small vibrations.

How's the durability?
No reported failures due to defects that I know of, haven't seen anyone complain about any problems in general.

What's the best way to run the rear derailleur housing wire?
You will see it is straight forward once you get the frame, but the cable runs internal in the frame.  My suggestion is to feed the cable from the chainstay end and it will pop out the correct hole up at the head tube.

[Dictatorsaurus]

Is the housing built inside the frame compressionleas?

I'm asking because I'm looking for optimal shifting performance.

[trekcarbonboy]

The internal housing is a white plastic tubing. Stiff yet flexible. It will not compress. Shifts great.
There will be a smaller diameter tube in each of the pathways (a little longer and taped in place) to show you which goes were. You do not need to use this to pull your brake hose or shifter cables through. Just pull it out and feed your parts through. Everything feeds through perfect and easy.
Not sure about what Carbon Dude said about feeding the shifter cable from the rear forward. There's a feral on the cable that wont fit through that way. Hydraulic brake hose yes, but not cables.

[Oolak]

Another thing about the 057 is that it's one of the best values for the $$$. Costs less than some of the other frames. Only thing about the 057 is that some of the newer frames are a bit lighter.

[Carbon_Dude]

My frame didn't come with any cords installed in the internal routing.  Just saying that I ran the bare cable from the derailleur end up to the headset, since there is a sleeve inside it really doesn't matter, just saves you a minute if you are unsure about which hole to use up at the top of the head tube.

For the brake line, I would suggest not disconnecting the caliper, disconnect from the lever end, and feed the cable from the other chainstay up to the head tube.  There is also a no-bleed method of doing this, you just remove the pads, squeeze in the pistons a little, feed the line, cut to length, push the pistons back out, and reconnect the lever.  This method purges any air that gets in the line when sizing the cable length for you bike.

[cmh]

Heheh, ordered the frame and then asked for input?

Everything I've read about the 057 has been excellent. Looking for myself, it would be at the very top of the list. I just chose an 041 for my wife due to the weight difference, but am pretty sure she'd enjoy the 057 as well.

The derailleur cable question's been answered, but someone posted how to hollow out the stops so you can run a full length housing through the frame. I prefer full housing runs as I find it lasts longer before shifting degrades. Internal routing will help, but you'll still have breaks in the run. The option to run the full housing was one of the deciding factors for the 041 for the 057 for me, although if it was the 057 I'd likely just hollow out the stops and run full housing anyway.

[Dictatorsaurus]

I researched before I ordered the frame but with these Chiner frames things can be different or change from frame to frame.

Some claim there's built in internal housing and some can route entire housing through the frame. Will have to wait and see. I prefer to route my own housing so I can change it when it wears out.

Peter provides excellent service. Looking forward to getting the frame.

Still curious how different it will ride from my 4 year old LTK023 frame.

[Oolak]

Still curious how different it will ride from my 4 year old LTK023 frame.

I'll be curious to hear your thoughts on that, will be a good comparison

[Vipassana]

I think the 057 is like the Chevy 350 of Chinese carbon bike frames.  Older design, but super reliable with great performance that runs with the best of them.  Basically one of the best, if not the best, dollar per performance ratio frames out there.  Good luck with the build.

[cmh]

I think the 057 is like the Chevy 350 of Chinese carbon bike frames.

LOL! A perfectly fitting and brilliant analogy. Well done, sir, I tip my hat to you.

[Dictatorsaurus]

I received my CS-057 today.

I opted not to order the 142mm axle and ordered a DT Swiss one instead.

The drive side dropout doesn't have any threads for the DT Swiss axle to thread through. 

Am I missing something?

[Carbon_Dude]

Yes, you did miss something.  You need to get the e-Thru compatible DT Swiss axle that comes with the nut.  I believe it's also a little longer than the standard DT Swiss RWS thru axle.

Looks like this:

[Dictatorsaurus]

Will this work?

http://www.jensonusa.com/Shimano-AX56-12X142MM-Rear-Thru-Axle

[Carbon_Dude]

Yes, that is what I have on both of my bikes.