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Messages - Dave TN

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I finished up the handlebar wrap, applied a frame protector, then took it out for its maiden voyage yesterday. I only had time to get in about 35 miles before other obligations drew me back home. So far, I feel like this is a VERY stable frame. I deviated from the trail a couple of times while looking around at the fall scenes and in one instance I ran through a patch of walnuts without incident. The CFR707 maintained its composure. I went with a longer stem (easier on the back and more clearance for my gut). Be sure and ask for additional spacers when you order your frame. They're pretty inexpensive through Carbonda and they work with the FSA headset. You can always trim your steer tube shorter, but it's hard to put more back on. Happy riding, folks!

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29er / Re: Carbonda FM 1003 / Flybike FM 1266 180mm "Super Enduro"
« on: October 31, 2022, 06:55:50 AM »
Freda,

I have the frame and I think it pedals VERY well. This is my second full-suspension bike (the first being a 2017 Diamondback Release) and the two frames are night and day, with the Carbonda FM1003 being the much superior climber (and descender). I believe there is one other forum member (Zooky, I believe) who rides this frame but as I recall, he thought it climbed as well as his hardtail. I'm pretty darn happy with it. Also, someone had paint issues with their frame in the past. Mine is holding up quite nicely and the CFR707 frame is too. Cheers!

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26er & 27.5 (650b) / Re: What are Enduro, Super-Enduro & DH options?
« on: October 24, 2022, 09:23:40 AM »
RAVC,

I just put together my first full-suspension Carbon bike and I am absolutely blown away with the performance. I went with the Carbonda FM 1003 which has 180 mm of travel front and rear. They have at least three other full-suspension options with shorter travel. I spent a TON of time comparing geometries with the FM 1003 and decided that for the price, this was what I wanted. I ride similar trails to Crankydad with small to medium jumps, roots, and some quick but not super gnarly enduro runs with about 500' of descent. I am probably over biked for the terrain but we also have some black diamond trails that I am hoping to work up to. I built my bike with 27.5" wheels, though the frame is rated for 27.5 and 29" wheels. I have a few more pedal strikes than on my previous 27.5" bike (2017 Diamondback Release--basically a Sant Cruz 5010 copy) so I am planning to remedy that with a 29" fork and wheels in the near future. I really love how the bike handles on 27.5" wheels though so will probably do some experimenting with the 29" fork and the two different wheel sizes, in various permutations (29" fork with 27.5" wheels, mullet, maybe even reverse mullet, who knows?) before converting it to a full 29" rig. I am so impressed with this frame. I think it ran me $1,180 plus paint ($75 for a single color with plenty of schemes and options available) and shipping. The import bike company, Sherpa, is working on adding the FM 1003 frame to their lineup. My frame came with a two-year warranty and it takes the newer trunnion style rear shocks. I've included a couple of pictures, which I also posted in the 29er thread. Happy shopping!

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29er / Re: Carbonda FM 1003 / Flybike FM 1266 180mm "Super Enduro"
« on: October 24, 2022, 08:24:01 AM »
Katie from Carbonda told me that the frame comes with a two-year warranty. Basically, the only fit issue I have had relates to using a two-piece TRP rotor on the rear. It was a little snug and the rivets actually rubbed a bit on the brake mount. As for handling, once I got used to the slacker head angle, I found that I am way faster on the FM 1003 than I ever was on my 2017 Diamondback Release. I really like this bike. If I get the 29-inch wheels together before the snow flies, I'll post an update.

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29er / Re: Carbonda FM 1003 / Flybike FM 1266 180mm "Super Enduro"
« on: October 16, 2022, 01:17:21 PM »
Draz: I didn't have a chance to air out the suspension because we were riding most of the weekend. Here's a picture of the linkage from a couple of different angles.  It works pretty well. I'm definitely getting the hang of the different geometry and am really impressed with the bike. I also ordered some 29" rims to build up later this winter.

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29er / Re: Carbonda FM 1003 / Flybike FM 1266 180mm "Super Enduro"
« on: October 13, 2022, 09:26:31 AM »
I got out again briefly last night. I climbed out of the valley on the main paved road that I've taken on my Diamondback many times. The idea was to compare climb times and effort expended on Strava. Mind you, my legs weren't fresh and I'm pushing 2.6" tires (instead of the Diamondback's 2.35" Hans Dampfs). Despite the differences, the climb times are almost identical. The real shocker was the descent. It actually felt like I was moving much slower than normal. I was losing daylight and not pushing hard because I couldn't see well enough to make out spacing for some of the jumps, so it was kind of a lackluster run. BUT when I checked Strava, I'd PR'd all of the downhill sections. I thought it might be harder to steer in switchbacks, but it was actually pretty composed and effortless. I get the feeling that when I figure out what input it needs from me, the FM 1003 is going to be very fast. I'm still fiddling with the rear shock settings and could really just use an entire day to get to know the bike. I really like the Rockshox Superdeluxe Ultimate and was pleased that the frame takes such a modern suspension component. Speaking of, the derailleur hanger appears to be Carbonda's version of the SRAM universal derailleur hanger system--except at a fraction of the cost. It's robust, I can't complain a bit about it, and htere should be replacements readily available anywhere. 

Draz: I'll try and get a picture of the rear suspension at full travel this weekend and post it for you. From my experience with the bike so far, it is a super-efficient linkage system. When I lock out the shock, it actually stays locked out and puts power to the ground. You can definitely tell you're pushing a steeper head-tube angle up hill but the suspension seems to make up for it. I may try some lighter trail tires on it at some point for a comparison--probably not this year yet though.

Casual_build: Agreed on the mullet build. I think I may actually be able to sneak a 29" wheel in the existing fork. My plan is to build up some 29" wheels this winter and see how it rides in spring. For now I'm just trying to be more mindful of my pedaling (and sharp cornering while pedaling on pavement). As for paint, I was hoping the gloss might make cleaning easier. It's only had two short rides so there's plenty of time to be let down. I should have it out again this weekend, weather permitting.

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29er / Re: Carbonda FM 1003 / Flybike FM 1266 180mm "Super Enduro"
« on: October 12, 2022, 07:18:39 AM »
Just barely had light enough at the end of the day to get it out and try our local trails last night. I can only compare it with my 2017 Diamondback Release aluminum framed bike (similar to a Santa Cruz 5010 in geometry). The FM 1003 definitely did what I needed it to. It climbs at least as well as my diamondback and just smashes through EVERYTHING on the descent. I took a couple of bad lines that put me into rocks that I normally try to avoid and found that I could just ride over them with impunity. I've had more pedal strikes on this bike than with my Diamondback, but I think it's mostly been my line choices. If I can get out of work early enough this afternoon, I'll give it some more seat time. I'm pretty pleased with it and the paint looks great so far.

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Long time lurker, second time poster. I just received paint proofs from Katie at Carbonda. Ordered with an FM 1003 frame to save on shipping. Looking forward to putting it all together in the coming weeks. Will be running GRX 800 (x2) with 11-34 cassette, DT Swiss 350 hubs and DT Swiss TK 540s (wish I would have bought Spank Wing 22s but already had the TK 540s for another build that never came to fruition). I went with the full internal cable routing. Also, I borrowed the paint scheme (but not the colors) from one of you on the forum so thanks and my apologies. Remember: imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. I was going for the 1968 Ford GT 40 color scheme. Close enough for me.

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29er / Re: Carbonda FM 1003 / Flybike FM 1266 180mm "Super Enduro"
« on: September 16, 2022, 05:15:09 PM »
Just got the initial paint proofs back from Katie at Carbonda. Zooky, I appreciate you taking the plunge first. At 100 kg, I should be able to give you some idea of durability though am really just getting started with local enduro runs and tend to shy away from huge drops and jumps. I went with pastel orange. Maybe a little lighter in color than I was envisioning but I think it'll look good with some dirt on it. Will keep you posted.

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