Chinertown

Chinese Carbon MTB => 29er => Topic started by: Jarne on August 20, 2020, 06:16:18 AM

Title: 29er hardtail
Post by: Jarne on August 20, 2020, 06:16:18 AM
Hi everyone,

I'm looking for a 29er (boost) hardtail frame (and maybe some wheels as well).
Since there are so many  dealers online, I don't know where to start looking...

If you guys have some tips for me, or some specific frame that you guys already bought,  pls let me know
I don't really have a specific budget,it depends on the frame i can get for it. I live in Belgium so a fully isn't really needed here.

already thanks for the responses

Jarne  :)
Title: Re: 29er hardtail
Post by: chris_mtb on August 20, 2020, 10:45:44 PM
Welcome. I've been around for about a week and the basic strategy seems to be to find a popular/common model and buy the same one. If you read the forums a bit you can also get a sense of which suppliers are currently doing a good job by delivering high quality frames and customer service. Seems like Carbonda is hot right now. There used to be a good contact on here that people would use ('Peter') with predictable results but that currently doesn't exist.

I'm looking for the same thing as you and i've narrowed my search to:

http://www.carbonda.com/mountain/mtb/97.html or another one of their HT's or something from ICAN. Let me know what you figure out.
Title: Re: 29er hardtail
Post by: carbonazza on August 21, 2020, 02:53:51 AM
Here is an FM386 size XL from Carbonda I've built recently.

The bar is from Carbonda
The seatpost is an Elita One from Aliexpress
XT BR-M8100/BR-M8120 brakes
SRAM AXS
SID Ultimate 2020 100mm
LightBicycle wheels

Same good quality as usual, frame and paint.
No issue to report and the user is very happy  :)


(https://i.imgur.com/7jeBfTB.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/MS0Abtm.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/TyBZwdl.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/IPsShx2.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/76QlOO5.jpg)
Title: Re: 29er hardtail
Post by: Colt__Seavers on August 21, 2020, 08:56:49 AM
Here is an FM386 size XL from Carbonda I've built recently.

The bar is from Carbonda
The seatpost is an Elita One from Aliexpress
XT BR-M8100/BR-M8120 brakes
SRAM AXS
SID Ultimate 2020 100mm
LightBicycle wheels

Same good quality as usual, frame and paint.
No issue to report and the user is very happy  :)


(https://i.imgur.com/7jeBfTB.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/MS0Abtm.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/TyBZwdl.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/IPsShx2.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/76QlOO5.jpg)

should be very light then.
Title: Re: 29er hardtail
Post by: JMClark47 on August 21, 2020, 02:24:59 PM
I am looking for the same thing - 29er HT w/Boost. Also struggling to find something suitable. I am looking at the following...

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32707208629.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.0.0.528f1656f8bBAi&algo_pvid=851d3cdd-59a6-4a86-beb4-47471278a306&algo_expid=851d3cdd-59a6-4a86-beb4-47471278a306-0&btsid=0ab6d67915980317171635653e5d31&ws_ab_test=searchweb0_0,searchweb201602_,searchweb201603_ (https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32707208629.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.0.0.528f1656f8bBAi&algo_pvid=851d3cdd-59a6-4a86-beb4-47471278a306&algo_expid=851d3cdd-59a6-4a86-beb4-47471278a306-0&btsid=0ab6d67915980317171635653e5d31&ws_ab_test=searchweb0_0,searchweb201602_,searchweb201603_)

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000598699016.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.0.0.528f1656f8bBAi&algo_pvid=851d3cdd-59a6-4a86-beb4-47471278a306&algo_expid=851d3cdd-59a6-4a86-beb4-47471278a306-1&btsid=0ab6d67915980317171635653e5d31&ws_ab_test=searchweb0_0,searchweb201602_,searchweb201603_ (https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000598699016.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.0.0.528f1656f8bBAi&algo_pvid=851d3cdd-59a6-4a86-beb4-47471278a306&algo_expid=851d3cdd-59a6-4a86-beb4-47471278a306-1&btsid=0ab6d67915980317171635653e5d31&ws_ab_test=searchweb0_0,searchweb201602_,searchweb201603_)

Any comments on these or other suggestions?
Title: Re: 29er hardtail
Post by: carbonazza on August 21, 2020, 05:34:08 PM
should be very light then.

Yes, XL makes a very big bike, and when you grab it, you don't expect it that light.
Unfortunately I didn't weight it  ::)
Title: Re: 29er hardtail
Post by: Jarne on August 22, 2020, 07:26:45 AM
should be very light then.

Yes, XL makes a very big bike, and when you grab it, you don't expect it that light.
Unfortunately I didn't weight it  ::)

That bike looks really good!! Do you know what the price of the frame and the wheels was?
Title: Re: 29er hardtail
Post by: Jarne on August 22, 2020, 07:33:16 AM
I am looking for the same thing - 29er HT w/Boost. Also struggling to find something suitable. I am looking at the following...

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32707208629.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.0.0.528f1656f8bBAi&algo_pvid=851d3cdd-59a6-4a86-beb4-47471278a306&algo_expid=851d3cdd-59a6-4a86-beb4-47471278a306-0&btsid=0ab6d67915980317171635653e5d31&ws_ab_test=searchweb0_0,searchweb201602_,searchweb201603_ (https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32707208629.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.0.0.528f1656f8bBAi&algo_pvid=851d3cdd-59a6-4a86-beb4-47471278a306&algo_expid=851d3cdd-59a6-4a86-beb4-47471278a306-0&btsid=0ab6d67915980317171635653e5d31&ws_ab_test=searchweb0_0,searchweb201602_,searchweb201603_)

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000598699016.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.0.0.528f1656f8bBAi&algo_pvid=851d3cdd-59a6-4a86-beb4-47471278a306&algo_expid=851d3cdd-59a6-4a86-beb4-47471278a306-1&btsid=0ab6d67915980317171635653e5d31&ws_ab_test=searchweb0_0,searchweb201602_,searchweb201603_ (https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000598699016.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.0.0.528f1656f8bBAi&algo_pvid=851d3cdd-59a6-4a86-beb4-47471278a306&algo_expid=851d3cdd-59a6-4a86-beb4-47471278a306-1&btsid=0ab6d67915980317171635653e5d31&ws_ab_test=searchweb0_0,searchweb201602_,searchweb201603_)

Any comments on these or other suggestions?

I was also looking at aliexpress at the beginning but I think you need to be really carefull. I like aliexpress for little parts but I don't think I would trust  aliexpress frames (I never tried one, so if you buy one from there pls let me know if the quality is any good). there is a list on chinertown with trusted dealers,  so maybe it's a good idea to buy from one of these sellers.
Title: Re: 29er hardtail
Post by: carbonazza on August 22, 2020, 05:14:07 PM
$350 for the frame but $660 in the end, with axle, bar, headset, shipping.
And $90 for the paintIng.

$1010 for the wheelset: RM29C19 rims with i9 hubs(they were on sale), and SAPIM cx-ray spokes.
Title: Re: 29er hardtail
Post by: Rick64 on October 22, 2020, 01:05:43 PM
Has anyone pulled the trigger on one of these with success, Im interested in the frame just matt black with no logos

https://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/OEM-Custom-Brand-29er-27-5_1600060266274.html?spm=a2700.icbuShop.41413.13.20994381u3uiGR

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4001012208187.html?spm=2114.12057483.0.0.725d54997fY55g


https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000960721251.html This seller looks to have good feedback and genuine, waiting to hear back from them....
Title: Re: 29er hardtail
Post by: carbonazza on October 23, 2020, 05:38:32 AM
I see this bike on trifox, it looks really nice~

Jessica, you are from Trifox right ?
Just say it, we know you exist, fine.
But please don't pollute all threads like this.
Title: Re: 29er hardtail
Post by: chetosmachine on October 23, 2020, 05:39:18 AM
That trifox would look much much but very much better without 8cm of spacers on the fork’s steerer tube.
Title: Re: 29er hardtail
Post by: emu26 on October 24, 2020, 01:49:22 AM
i hate to accuse anyone but it sure feels like a lot of the people that post in this forum are shills.  I don't know the game but with so many people with low post counts and enthusiastic responses or leading question it feels sort of suspect.

Case in point

Hi, hhhhh I just ordered a carbon frame from them, quality is good. The service people are very nice, and I like their paintings.
I am new here and just want to show some of my ideas and learn more about bikes, sorry about any inconvenience caused.
Title: Re: 29er hardtail
Post by: carbonazza on October 24, 2020, 05:37:22 AM
Case in point

Yeah... almost hilarious
Title: Re: 29er hardtail
Post by: Sitar_Ned on October 24, 2020, 06:19:34 AM
Banned.
Title: Re: 29er hardtail
Post by: Jotegr on October 24, 2020, 09:41:49 AM
Oh man, what a great name! Jessica Hunk lol.

Title: Re: 29er hardtail
Post by: Rick64 on October 25, 2020, 09:11:17 AM


Medium frame ordered today!  https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000960721251.html  ;D They weren't the cheapest price for the frame but hopefully the most reliable vendor! and promised a free spare rear mech hager ::)
Title: Re: 29er hardtail
Post by: Rick64 on October 25, 2020, 09:13:42 AM
Nice to see I'm not the only one that doesn't ride with the stem slammed anymore (old age  ;D ;D)




Here is an FM386 size XL from Carbonda I've built recently.

The bar is from Carbonda
The seatpost is an Elita One from Aliexpress
XT BR-M8100/BR-M8120 brakes
SRAM AXS
SID Ultimate 2020 100mm
LightBicycle wheels

Same good quality as usual, frame and paint.
No issue to report and the user is very happy  :)


(https://i.imgur.com/7jeBfTB.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/MS0Abtm.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/TyBZwdl.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/IPsShx2.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/76QlOO5.jpg)
Title: Re: 29er hardtail
Post by: carbonazza on October 25, 2020, 03:00:21 PM
Nice to see I'm not the only one that doesn't ride with the stem slammed anymore (old age  ;D ;D)

If you look again, it is slammed! Well... 5 or 7º  ;)

I start always conservative, when I build a bike for someone who is not very sure.
Full stack of spacers, and flat stem, we'll see in the coming months if we cut the fork more and slam it.
This is an XL, and still a bit small for the guy.
Title: Re: 29er hardtail
Post by: Jarne on October 26, 2020, 03:23:54 AM
Hi guys,


I did order a frame on aliexpress (I did some research to make sure it wasn't crap) and wheels, stem and handlebar from lightcarbon. Everything seems fine, I'm putting everything together at the moment and it looks absolutely fabulous! (in my opninion :p) Photos are coming when the bike is ready to ride!
I think she will be finished tomorrow!

Title: Re: 29er hardtail
Post by: hemp22 on October 26, 2020, 11:49:21 PM
To piggyback on this thread....
I’m also looking for a 29er hardtail from a seller with a good reputation.
But, I specifically am looking for something with a 27.2 seat tube, and workable with a 120 fork. Boost would be nice, but not required.
Anyone have a recommendation?  So far, options seem limited and  I’m looking at Tantan, LightCarbon, and DIYCarbonBikes....any strong opinions on those? Or anyone have other recommendations?

Thanks
Title: Re: 29er hardtail
Post by: Jarne on October 28, 2020, 04:04:51 AM
I have a frame with all the same specifications, didn't test the frame yet because the delivery of some parts are taking longer then expected... Here is a photo of it standing around (with 120mm fork).
Title: Re: 29er hardtail
Post by: Shinso on November 03, 2020, 03:38:47 AM

Medium frame ordered today!  https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000960721251.html  ;D They weren't the cheapest price for the frame but hopefully the most reliable vendor! and promised a free spare rear mech hager ::)

Rick64 - really interested to see what your ChEpic HT will be like, are you getting it painted? Looking to order one myself.
Title: Re: 29er hardtail
Post by: Rick64 on November 03, 2020, 02:43:42 PM
Hi,Shinso

Just Matte Black, apparently it shipped today! Beatrice was very helpful and included a free spare rear mech hanger. Not sure when it will arrive as used duty free shipping option but hopefully about 21 days!! Just ordered the SPECIALIZED HDS CANE CREEK, CAA2016,41.8 / 28.6 / FLAT IS52 / 40 W / AL RACE SEAL, CROWN RACE FOR MY20 EPIC / EPIC HT SW (I found the bearing sizes supplied on another sellers advert and they match so hopefully drop in!) and an s-works 70mm 6 degree stem, I have some s-works carbon flat bars but may order the new Specialized S-works Carbon Mini Rise Handlebars  2020 when their in stock (28/12/2020 apparently) as Id cut mine down to 680mm and want them about 720mm.

Who are you thinking of ordering from?
Title: Re: 29er hardtail
Post by: Shinso on November 04, 2020, 10:31:51 AM
Hi,Shinso

Just Matte Black, apparently it shipped today! Beatrice was very helpful and included a free spare rear mech hanger. Not sure when it will arrive as used duty free shipping option but hopefully about 21 days!! Just ordered the SPECIALIZED HDS CANE CREEK, CAA2016,41.8 / 28.6 / FLAT IS52 / 40 W / AL RACE SEAL, CROWN RACE FOR MY20 EPIC / EPIC HT SW (I found the bearing sizes supplied on another sellers advert and they match so hopefully drop in!) and an s-works 70mm 6 degree stem, I have some s-works carbon flat bars but may order the new Specialized S-works Carbon Mini Rise Handlebars  2020 when their in stock (28/12/2020 apparently) as Id cut mine down to 680mm and want them about 720mm.

Who are you thinking of ordering from?

That sounds like a promising build!

If your experience is good then I guess I'll be tempted to use the same vendor.  It looks like they will do the OEM paintjobs.  Are you sure it doesn't already come with a headset?  I have some decent carbon finishing kit to put on it (carbon Romin Evo, Deda Mudcross 720mm bars, Uno 60mm stem, absolute black top cap & expander, ESI chunkies), plus will order some superlight Chinese carbon wheels with Novatec 411/412 boost hubs and a mainly XT groupset but for some XX1 carbon cranks.  I want to try the Ztto superlight cassette.  Hopefully can also pick up a lightly used Fox 32 SC too, with a view to having it all ready for Spring! Until then, I'll continue to trudge through the slop of a South Oxon winter on my Boardman Pro 29er...
Title: Re: 29er hardtail
Post by: Rick64 on November 04, 2020, 02:56:24 PM
It does come with a headset but I want to use the Cane Creek if I can, I like the flush headset top cap look. I'll run my fox factory 32sc on it, just need to drop my rear wheel to the wheel builders to change 240 142 rear hub to DT 240 148 exp ( they had one in stock and priced matched Star Bikes internet price ) when i had the wheels built they sized the spokes to take ta boost hub as about 1mm longer on drive side I think. Hoping my GXP xx1 crank works with a 3mm offset chainring so I can use my left side Stages power meter, re use my xtr brakes.... That is of course if the frame is good when it arrives! An age old school friend owns his own paint shop so I could get a good paint job on it but I like the matte black because I don't have to worry about scuffing the paint..... Im hoping it arrives about first week of December or sooner!!
Title: Re: 29er hardtail
Post by: Rick64 on January 25, 2021, 01:43:32 PM
Notification received today that my frame will finally be delivered by DPD on Wednesday after a long and painful delivery time due to covid-19 and Bexit delays at the DPD warehouse, fingers cross it arrives undamaged after storage!
Title: Re: 29er hardtail
Post by: Rick64 on February 01, 2021, 02:43:46 AM

The frame arrived eventually on Sunday!!  https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000960721251.html

Bearings are a sloppy fit in the head tube as its not correctly formed, carbon contact area is minimal, You can't drop a Specialized headset in ( I had a genuine Crane Creek AER ) as the top bearing sits too high and again a sloppy fit due to poor carbon construction, bottom bearing just falls out with no interference fit as with the top. The rear mech hanger seems of brittle construction and again you can't replace with a genuine specialized sandwich hanger as it doesn't fit. The free! seat post is utter junk due to the clamping hardware being of extremely poor and crude manufacturing and too wide to fit between the saddle rails. Seat post clamp is cheap and nasty. The carbon construction around the seat tube isn't of uniform construction, thinner on one side. BB seems to be parallel and the threads are ok. Rear brake calliper mounting posts will require filing flat. Frame weighed 833g without the hardware, paint was ok! Although EPS mandril formed the frame is still a little rough internally. Is it worth the money? NO. The frame comes with a thin black latex coating sprayed over it to disguise the graphics, S-Works clone!!!
Title: Re: 29er hardtail
Post by: RobinRLS on February 01, 2021, 03:10:02 AM
Indeed I thought that for this price, finishing would be almost perfect...
Is it possible to give us pictures to illustrate what you describe ? Thanks by advance  ;)
Title: Re: 29er hardtail
Post by: Jarne on February 01, 2021, 03:14:08 AM
My bxt frame (probably the cheapest you can find) was very good quality... I guess it's still a little bit of a gamble sometimes. I hope you can get warranty or something...
Title: Re: 29er hardtail
Post by: Rick64 on February 01, 2021, 08:07:27 AM
Indeed I thought that for this price, finishing would be almost perfect...
Is it possible to give us pictures to illustrate what you describe ? Thanks by advance  ;)

Ill upload a video as soon as I can
Title: Re: 29er hardtail
Post by: Shinso on February 01, 2021, 08:35:01 AM
Ah that really sucks...what are you going to do? Build it up and see how it riders or return it? They should at least refund you part of the cost if you complain with photos.
Title: Re: 29er hardtail
Post by: Rick64 on February 01, 2021, 10:03:57 AM
https://youtu.be/jnF1qEjdnEg

https://youtu.be/CvyDBY52h5Y
Title: Re: 29er hardtail
Post by: Rick64 on February 01, 2021, 10:07:08 AM
Thoughts on the bearing free play, a slight interference fit would've been nice  ;D
Title: Re: 29er hardtail
Post by: Rick64 on February 01, 2021, 10:16:43 AM
Almost finished build
Title: Re: 29er hardtail
Post by: Vipassana on February 01, 2021, 11:30:41 AM
Every Chinese hardtail I've built have had play between the headset and the frame.  It is no longer an issue ones everything is tightened down because the conical interfaces centering everything.  But the pre-load of the top cap is key before tightening the stem.  I also lightly coat the bearings in waterproof silicon grease to prevent creaking/chirping.

Title: Re: 29er hardtail
Post by: theirishrider on February 01, 2021, 12:43:07 PM
Looks good! How much does it weigh?
Title: Re: 29er hardtail
Post by: Rick64 on February 01, 2021, 01:36:07 PM
I haven’t finished assembly yet but it will be close to s works claimed weight of 7.9kg bearing in mind their weight is minus pedals and sealant, should come in at about  8.3kg, I didn’t set out to build with weight as a target, I’ll weight it just for curiosity when it’s fully assembled
Title: Re: 29er hardtail
Post by: bromster on February 03, 2021, 02:56:09 PM
I got the same frame last week. I ordered here on November 5th: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32794203847.html (https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32794203847.html)

The overall quality after a first visual inspection looks good, except for a little piece of the frame that was broken off near the rear deraillieur. The BB threads are not the smoothest ones too. However, the paintjob looks quite nice (white color with red decals) and the headset bearings just fit snuggly from top and bottom.

Unfortunately, the seatpost was missing in my shipment. I opened a dispute on Aliexpress and will get one somewhere else for me.
Title: Re: 29er hardtail
Post by: Rick64 on February 04, 2021, 09:50:25 AM
The seat post I received was utter junk! the seat clamp was very crudely made and you couldn't fit a saddle on it. I got a lightly used genuine 30.9 s-works 10mm layback from ebay, I really like the single bolt adjustment on them, I also got a genuine seat post clamp  S184700003  the one supplied was like cheese when torqued to 4nm, are you going to put up a build photo
Title: Re: 29er hardtail
Post by: superenzo on February 04, 2021, 10:16:50 AM
Almost finished build
Questo telaio ha il foro per scolo dell'acqua sotto il movimento centrale? Il mio no. Ho trovato l'acqua dentro. :-[
Title: Re: 29er hardtail
Post by: Rick64 on February 04, 2021, 10:23:26 AM
The seat post I received was utter junk! the seat clamp was very crudely made and you couldn't fit a saddle on it. I got a lightly used genuine 30.9 s-works 10mm layback from ebay, I really like the single bolt adjustment on them, I also got a genuine seat post clamp  S184700003  the one supplied was like cheese when torqued to 4nm, are you going to put up a build photo

I was very tempted to get the white with red graphics too  :D
Title: Re: 29er hardtail
Post by: Rick64 on February 04, 2021, 02:46:07 PM
I haven’t finished assembly yet but it will be close to s works claimed weight of 7.9kg bearing in mind their weight is minus pedals and sealant, should come in at about  8.3kg, I didn’t set out to build with weight as a target, I’ll weight it just for curiosity when it’s fully assembled

Bang on 8.5kg, including pedals, stages dash mount and bottle cage, power meter, 100ml sealant front and rear, it’ll drop a bit when I get another Syncros Tofino carbon saddle, it’s lighter than a lot of 6k big brand XC ht race bikes     :D
Title: Re: 29er hardtail
Post by: Rick64 on February 21, 2021, 02:47:42 PM
Update on the frame, re weighed it with new batteries and it came in at 8.285!. First ride on it outside today (Its been hooked up on my wahoo kickr to set the bike fit. Its a rocket, no flex in the rear when you stamp on the peddles just forward motion and feels compliant for an HT on the dirt. Stole its first KOM across a 0.56km segment across an arable field by 6 seconds even with coasting some of it due to sloppy sections and only running s-works Renegades. I built it mainly for fast gravel and light XC rides-single track, My bodies to old and broken for smashing down gnarly technical decent and sections. Longterm will have to see how the frame holds up.
Title: Re: 29er hardtail
Post by: theirishrider on February 22, 2021, 04:49:27 AM
Update on the frame, re weighed it with new batteries and it came in at 8.285!. First ride on it outside today (Its been hooked up on my wahoo kickr to set the bike fit. Its a rocket, no flex in the rear when you stamp on the peddles just forward motion and feels compliant for an HT on the dirt. Stole its first KOM across a 0.56km segment across an arable field by 6 seconds even with coasting some of it due to sloppy sections and only running s-works Renegades. I built it mainly for fast gravel and light XC rides-single track, My bodies to old and broken for smashing down gnarly technical decent and sections. Longterm will have to see how the frame holds up.
Good to hear you're enjoying it! Looks great in the pictures!
Title: Re: 29er hardtail
Post by: Rick64 on March 11, 2021, 11:56:26 AM


How's the build going?


I got the same frame last week. I ordered here on November 5th: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32794203847.html (https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32794203847.html)

The overall quality after a first visual inspection looks good, except for a little piece of the frame that was broken off near the rear deraillieur. The BB threads are not the smoothest ones too. However, the paintjob looks quite nice (white color with red decals) and the headset bearings just fit snuggly from top and bottom.

Unfortunately, the seatpost was missing in my shipment. I opened a dispute on Aliexpress and will get one somewhere else for me.