Chinertown
Chinese Carbon MTB => 29er => Topic started by: Willis24 on March 20, 2016, 06:05:05 PM
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After a few years of dreaming about Ti frames, I finally decided that carbon would be more budget friendly. By going this route, I could also have money to replace some aging cockpit items as well. Now that the frame has arrived without damage and appears to be what I had wanted, I have place an order for the new cockpit and other assorted items
My budget is still limited, so I will have to re-use a large portion of components to include my wheelset, fork and drivetrain. The big goal with this build is to have a frame that dissipates a bit of trail chatter over aluminum and slacks out the head angle about three degrees over my previous frame. So far, the build is right on track.
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Welcome to Chinertown! Please post pictures of your frame and your build.
Yes, the second biggest benefit after weight savings is the much smoother ride a carbon frame offers.
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Certainly looking forward to the change in feel.
(http://www.kustomz.com/202.jpg)
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Did yo order your frame from Flyxii?
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Yes, I purchased it from Flyxii through their eBay store, which gave buyer protection that we all want. The shipment took 25 days, which seems long, but I was not in a hurry so no big deal. The packaging was minimal but sufficient with no damage to be found.
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I've always wanted a Ti frame as well. You do know that you can get them direct from manufacturer just like the carbon bits, right? Still, I think you made the better choice going with carbon.
I was actually going to buy this bike: http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/fly_TeamTI_29_sramxx.htm right when I discovered the chiner option. So glad I didn't drop almost 3k on that bike. Could save over 1k doing a similar quality chiner build.
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I had been saving for a Titus Fireline Evo that was selling for $825, but I would have only been able to afford the frame only. This way I can get new bars, stem, and grips,then also replace my worn out tires and sealant. My wife and I have agreed that this is my 2 year plan. At age 55 I will then have permission to spend up to 5k on whatever catches my eye... Probably a Trek EX variant.
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You do know that you can get them direct from manufacturer
When my second carbon frame cracked, in despair I considered Ti too, and contacted titanproduct.com
But the cost was/is 3 times as much as the workswell 62 for instance.
So I gave carbon a last chance( that I do not regret at all).
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Syncros cockpit items arrived. Just waiting on tires and bottom bracket, then everything else will be taken from the previous bike build.
(http://www.kustomz.com/syncros.jpg)
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I built the frame up over the weekend and pedaled down the street, but of course the jury is still out until it actually see's dirt. The build came out to 23.5 pounds ready to ride, which I am well pleased with. Now If we can just get some wind to kick up and dry the trails out...
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Looking forward to seeing some pictures of the finished product out on the trials.
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Ready to hit the trails this weekend.
(http://www.kustomz.com/202w.jpg)
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Looks good! You will need to post up some ride impressions and let us know what you think about your new bike.
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I now have three good weekends of riding on the new build and am very satisfied with the frame. You really can't knock the quality and numbers of Flyxii for the price at $280. As someone mentioned to me at the trail head, "At those prices, you can buy several others if you break it." I am not a fan of the thought of breaking a frame, but suppose it is true. In any case this will fit the bill until I can update to rear suspension and a though axle versus quick release in a few years.
The overall ride of the frame on the trail is very good in comparison to my last two aluminum hardtails. It is very compliant and has a velvet smooth ride with a dead quiet presence. So far, I am amazed at how fast it rolls on the flats compared to my last frame with the exact same tires and wheelset... almost night and day difference!
There is one sensation that I am not a fan of though and that is what seems to be an ever so slight bit of noodle effect in the top tube or later stiffness. It is really only noticeable when seated and leveraging on the bars side to side on a grippy surface. My initial thought is that it may possibly be the result of more leverage from a 60mm wider bar over my last build. In any case, you have to be intentional to notice it, so I will just try to avoid doing that.
So far, I am a carbon convert and don't see myself purchasing a big name brand anytime soon. For the curious, the top tube reads "wandering."
(http://www.kustomz.com/202WCC.jpg)
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Nice feedback Willis, you are the first person I have read about who has commented on a top tube not being as stiff as expected, usually these carbon hard tail frames are plenty stiff yet a bit of compliance in the seat stays.
Only my -036 lacks a bit of lateral stiffness in the rear triangle, however it's not bad for a FS frame. Just not as stiff as my hard tail.
For only $280 I think you did really well on your purchase.
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Great job on the bike...love it! Looking to get the same frame for my build and wanted to know what size frame you went with? I am 5'11" with 30" inseam. Can't decide between a 17.5 or 19".
Thanks in advance.
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Thanks for checking in! I am 6ft with a 35.5" cycling inseam riding a large. I have really long legs and short torso, so that is why there is so much seatpost showing and also why I may notice a lack of lateral stiffness. But still very content with my purchase and build.
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Thanks for checking in! I am 6ft with a 35.5" cycling inseam riding a large. I have really long legs and short torso, so that is why there is so much seatpost showing and also why I may notice a lack of lateral stiffness. But still very content with my purchase and build.
Thanks for reply!
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Okay, I'm over it! I gave this frame a good 5 months to get along with it, but just can't stand it anymore. The wet noodle sensation just had to go. I swapped all the parts back over to my On-One Scandal and immediately fell back in love with aluminum. I like the flex and dampening of carbon in a bar and seat post, but not the frame. Hopefully someone locally will want it cheap...
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I tried, but could not give up on this project. In an effort to reduce the wet noodle sensation I tried a different component mix. I went with the matching rigid fork, instead of the Magura suspender, then installed aluminum bars, stem and post instead of the carbon. The bike is still a respectable 21 lbs and has lost most if not all of the wiggles. It will be used on an upcoming week long bikepacking trip, so I'll will post pictures and more impressions then.
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Otherwise maybe give a different chiner frame a try, the CS-057 always felt pretty stiff to me.
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Just came off of a week-long back country bikepacking trip and the FR-202 was a remarkable companion. The bike was a rocket up the climbs when I had the juice and was very stable on the descents. The matching carbon fork smoothed out all of the chatter and just asked for a light grip through a the rough sections. I guess it is true... the best bike is the one you are riding.
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Looks like lots of work... I mean fun :).
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Just came off of a week-long back country bikepacking trip and the FR-202 was a remarkable companion. The bike was a rocket up the climbs when I had the juice and was very stable on the descents. The matching carbon fork smoothed out all of the chatter and just asked for a light grip through a the rough sections. I guess it is true... the best bike is the one you are riding.
You and I have a similar setup as far as fork, hb and stem goes. I'm also using a full carbon rigid fork combined with aluminum stem and riser bar. I did retain a carbon seat post and using a different frame. I don't really miss the suspension fork feel... well, at least most of the time.
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Yep, I just can't say enough good about how smooth this frameset is for the money. Great purchase.
(http://www.kustomz.com/FLYXII.jpg)
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Looks like you had a lot of fun. Do you mind if I ask what is the estimated weight of total load (rider + baggage + water) you had on the bike for your bikepacking trip? Need some info as me and some friends are considering doing some bikepacking. Thanks.
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Yep, I just can't say enough good about how smooth this frameset is for the money. Great purchase.
Wow... you do long distances with a rigid fork.
And your tires seem well inflated too(... a supposition, as they seem to keep their shape with you and baggages on ;) )
I'm wondering where do you get that smoothness from ;D
I would like soooo much to organise a trip like you do/did.
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Looks like you had a lot of fun. Do you mind if I ask what is the estimated weight of total load (rider + baggage + water) you had on the bike for your bikepacking trip? Need some info as me and some friends are considering doing some bikepacking. Thanks.
Rider=158lbs, baggage=front 13lbs (sleeping bag, bivy, pillow), rear 10lbs (clothes, stove, sleeping pad), water=double 24oz camelback bottles and 3 litres in Osprey pack, with food and a beer. Don't forget you will need a tube, tools, food, phone and battery. You won't break any records, especially if you climb over 5,000 feet like we did. Super fun and this is a great bike for it.
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Thanks for the info Willis. That's pretty much around 200lbs load. I'm gonna need to shave of 10lbs... from my body. You're a couple of inches taller than me but I outweight you by at least 10lbs.
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I don't want to hijack your post but I can't resist to post a picture of my FR-202, with a rigid fork too! Those cheap frame can do anything ;)
Agreed that your bikepacking ride sounds like a lot of fun!!!
(https://s27.postimg.org/e1484hvyr/IMG_3356.jpg)
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Nice and shiny. Looks like a candidate for gravel tires and big mile rides.