Chinertown
Chinese Carbon MTB => 29er => Topic started by: gohloum on September 14, 2016, 12:16:26 PM
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Well, I pulled the trigger on this frame, wheels, bar, and seat post from Peter @ xmcarbonspeed.com. Due to the Chinese holiday and the fact that Peter is headed to Interbike in Las Vegas on the 18th, Some stuff is shipping before, but the wheels have to be built and wont ship until later. No big deal though... We have had sooooo much rain here all the trails are flooded.
So here is what I have for specs. Pretty sure I found a SRAM solution I can afford.
Frame CS-MB01 (carbonspeed)
Flat Bar B7 (carbonspeed)
Seat Post SP7 (carbonspeed)
Wheelset (carbonspeed)
Rims: YHR930C rims 32/32H UD matt : http://www.xmcarbonspeed.com/Productinfo.asp?f=1428
Hubs: Novatec D771/D772 hubs 32/32H for 100x15/142x12
Spokes: Sapim D-Light spokes
Nipples: Sapim self-securing nipples
Fork: Fox Float 32 Factory SC (Step Cast) No remote.
Stem: Origin8 (from amazon)
Pedals: Shimano 737 Vintage (on my current bike).
Saddle: Carbon GUP 1153
Tires: Specialized Ground Control 2.3
Grips: Probably RaceFace Half Nelsons
Crankset: SRAM GX 175mm 34 tooth
Chain: SRAM
Trigger Shifter: SRAM x1 11 speed
Cassette: SRAM GX level
Derailleur: SRAM GX
Normally, I'd be going crazy waiting on everything to come in, but with the excessive rain, it's not that fun to ride now anyway so it's all good.
I'll add pics and send details as components arrive. ;D
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You'll have to let us know if you think the shock absorption bits seem to do anything, or if they make the frame feel too flexy.
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You'll have to let us know if you think the shock absorption bits seem to do anything, or if they make the frame feel too flexy.
Definitely interested in how these inserts perform and if they compromise the frame in any way.
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Absolutely! I did a search in the forum about this frame. All you guys talking and speculating, but no one gave any feedback. Peter sent me that same pic of the rigid bike built up. He even sent me the owner's email, but I didn't get any response.
I figured I'd do all you guys a good solid and be the the test pilot for this one. 8)
The more feedback each of us can give on our frames, but better we can help others on making a good purchase decision.
I read this article about hard tails and one of the topics was the BMC Teamlite which has a removable insert in the seat stays. However theirs gives about 15mm of rear wheel travel and the inserts can be changed out for different stiffness settings.
Seeing how this bike only comes built with XTR currently an is WAAAAAAY beyond my budget, I found the idea of modified seat stays interesting. I'm sure it's not going to work anything like the BMC, but if it takes a little bit of jar out of the ride, I'm all good.
Article: http://marathonmtb.com/2015/08/10/why-the-hardtail-isnt-dead/
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I'd have to take a look back at the races to confirm, but pretty sure Julien used that softtail BMC for only one race before he went to - and stuck with - a full suspension bike.
Not that what the pros ride translates directly into what we should ride, of course, but I thought that was interesting.
The Trek softtails I believe are being used more extensively, and their 'cross bikes also have the same technology. Sven Nys finished his career on one of those last year.
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I'm in Southwest Florida, so I really don't need full suspension for 90% of my riding.
I do see them on the trails, but most of the time its super old dudes with grey hair with super high-end name brand bikes, lycra 2 sizes too small, riding slow, and GoPro cameras stuck all over them and their bikes like leeches. I don't qualify for that club just yet... ;D
... Although a GoPro might be kinda fun...
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So I heard back from the guy who owns the bike in the pic that Peter sent out to a few of us (facing to the right with a rigid fork and those funky laced wheels).
Turns out he is happy with the frame. However he feels it could be a little bit stiffer, but he said he is running the 135mm QR instead of a 142 Through Axle. Also he is almost 200lbs. I'm only 160, and I ordered the Through Axle, so it will be interesting to see what I find when it arrives.
From the owner of the bike in the pic:
"The frame is good and the ride is soft-ish, I would like it little stiffer or less comfortable, can`t really tell if those kevlar inserts are making a big difference. With a QR at the rear instead of the thru axel and my weight is 190 pounds so that doesn't do much good for the frame.
This also makes it a bit wobbly in the corners, still much better then my specialized hard rock fully 26”
Im riding it with crank brothers wheels cobalt 2 and a fixed front fork.
The quality of the frame and all other parts is good so is the finishing.
All-in all I`m happy with the bike."
More to come...
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What did you pay for the step cast fox? Interested in why you choose the best fork possible but went with GX? Not that anything is wrong with GX.
I believe the more travel the bike has the more budget % is taken up by suspension.
Pumped to see this frame built up. Looking forward for the review.
Cheers
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I wen't with Gx because of $$$ available at this time. Upgrading drive train components is less of a hit at once than upgrading a fork. Also, as I upgrade, I can use the Gx stuff as backup repair parts or move them to other bikes and bike builds.
I'm probably going to build a plus bike or fat bike next time, and if I had started with say a Reba RL, I'd be stuck with a $400+ fork that I can't use on another bike.
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Just got my tracking numbers from Peter! He said about a week. 8)
Sram Group set will be here tomorrow. Fork, early next week. Other accessories are in transit. Since I work from home, I will get right on the build so I can get it up and running asap. Now the rain just needs to stop. Every place to ride around here is completely flooded! :o
Carbonazza, I took your advice and ordered the smooth smp style saddle you suggested along with the other one that is not bent down, I think the 1158. I'll likely order the 1153 anyway and give them all a test ride. I have a few friends that are interested in them so selling what I don't keep or want to should be a snap.
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...along with the other one that is not bent down, I think the 1158. I'll likely order the 1153 anyway and give them all a test ride
Great! Let us know how do they compare.
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Really excited to see how this turns out. I'm still collecting the cash for my build. Thanks for the info and continued story.
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For those of you following this thread, I went with Hope Tech 3 XC brakes. Again great advice and info from you guys over in the components area. I think everything is in transit to me except the fork, but it's coming domestically once the shop receives it, so probably 2-3 days I am thinking.
.... The waiting is the hardest part.... Right Tom Petty? ;)
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A quick update:
The frame and wheels arrived from Peter as expected this past Saturday. I've had company in town so I didn't do much until today.
When installing the crankset (SRAM GX 1400), I found there to be a little play in it. I took it to a local bike shop and they added another washer to the non-drive side around the collar of the bb where it screws in (I have BSA for GXP). I had already used the 2 included black collars. There still seems to be a little play. Not much, but enough that the tech felt like it would end up chewing up the bearings. He's gonna call SRAM in the morning and find out what the fix is for this issue.
I do have my suspicion that the BB casing in the frame is actually a bit less than 68mm. From what I understand, the BB has the included 2 collars to make up the space difference between 68 and 73 mm BB casings.
I will know more tomorrow and give you an update. Also, my fork and tires should be delivered as well (Wednesday 10/12/2016), and my Hope Tech brakes came today. I was concerned about the 5mm braided hose being too big to route through the frame, but I found some old 5MM Shimano brake cable housing in my toolbox and was able to push it through all the openings. So I should be able to get it through without too much fuss.
More to come...
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Thank you for the updates gohloum, one more waiting for your posts to close a deal with Pete if everything goes well with your bike, it`s been very helpfull
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Yes Alex, Dealing with Peter was very good. I happen to try and make my purchase during a typhoon, then Chinese holiday, and then Peter leaving to Las Vegas for Interbike. Once he shipped, it took about 7 days. They had to build my wheels as well, so that's why nothing was shipped before hand.
So I completed the build today. For the moment I have a GX 1000 crank instead of the 1400. Mine was defective as we couldn't get the play out of it. SRAM will have a new one in my hands on Tuesday. At least I will ride some trails this weekend.
OK, so considering it's been raining and its dark outside, I just rode around on my street to test gears and brakes and my first impressions are great! The bike feels solid to me, however, I am 160 lbs and on a 17" frame. I will take it for a more thorough ride in the morning and put some miles on it. Probably only black top and some dirt roads, but enough to see if I feel any unwanted flex or what not.
I emailed with another guy who built one in Europe. He's considerably larger than me and got the 21". He said it flexed a little but he was happy with the purchase. He also has 28 spoke wheels where mine are 32.
Hope Tech 3 X2 brakes... Whoa! Where to even begin on these, they are amazing. I used to own a Buell X1 motorcycle and these brakes in combination with the shock gave me flashbacks. The modulation is incredibly controllable. I've never felt more confident putting so much force on the front brake of a mountain bike before. Granted I'm coming from V Brakes, but I've ridden a few Shimano brake builds. Not even comparable. I got mine from Merlin for only about $60 USD more than Deore XTs. Even with the Snail brand (Hope copy) rotors, they are amazing. I was able to cut the hose (stainless braided), route through the frame, refit the brass ends, and bleed all on my own with no help or manuals. I did watch a video on bleeding V1 Hope brakes about 2 weeks ago, but that was it. Simple to do provided you have the tools you need like good Shimano SIS cable housing cutters. Super easy to adjust reach and bite as well. kinda fun to find that comfy spot for quick finger response... Seriously, I can't say enough good things about them. Even getting the calipers and rotors aligned was super easy. From here on out, I will probably run Hope Tech brakes exclusively.
So here is what's on the build:
Frame CS-MB01 - Carbonspeed (Peter @ xmcarbonspeed.com)
Wheels 29 with Novatec hubs - Carbonspeed
Bars - Carbon from Carbonspeed
Seat Post - Carbon from CarbonSpeed
Saddle: G-House all carbon (Selle SMP clone) $25 from Aliexpress (Thanks carbon_dude for the link, I love this thing!)
Fork - Fox 32 Factory SC (Step Cast) very light and got it under $875. Message me for supplier.
Brakes: Hope Tech 3 X2 - Merlin Cycles for about $260.00
Rotors: Hope copies by Snail from AliExpress ($25 for the pair)
Stem: Fun 80mm 7degree from Chain Reaction Cycles (about $25)
Grips: RaceFace Half Nelsons from Chain Reaction Cycles ($20)
Groupset: SRAM GX with 1400 crankset upgrade from r2-bike.com (about $350).
Pedals: I have from another bike.
Tires: Ground Controls 2.3 ($55)
Here is an initial pic, but I'll do more tomorrow outside with some closeups of various parts. As for any cons, the aft mount for the rear brake caliper is akward to get to due to the seat stay over it. Had to use a single bent allen key to get it tightened up, but looking at the design, I don't see how this could have been avoided.
(http://www.tangerinepop.com/biking/cs-mb01/MB01-2.png)
Frame routing holes were big enough for the 5mm brake lines. I was initially concerned about this. The way I routed my cables was I took a wire from a coat hanger and fished some 40lb braided fishing line through my down tube routes. I used this as a pull string and tied it to the brake line and the shifter cable. There is ample room and a large opening with a bracket for the shift cables and a separate hole for brake under the BB. I was able to use needle nose to assist with pulling through on the fishing line. The trick is to route from head tube down to BB. Don't try going the other way, you don't any real way to manipulate the brake line if it hangs on the edge of the carbon opening. ( I found this out the hard way, LOL).
OK, enough for tonight. I'll put up a few more posts over the coming days with more pics for you guys and my thoughts on the ride.
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Nice setup, I especially love the orange accent (I'm kind'a biased with that color). I don't own this frame but my new road bike was built on a frame that uses the same vibration dampening system (also from Peter, you can check my rb at the Road Bike section). And I would say that system have proven to be effective for me, especially on the rigid road fork. It does a pretty good job in taking away vibrations that would usually hurt your wrists and elbows.
Also have to echo that Peter was pretty good and easy to deal with.
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The orange color is very nice! Glad to see you got your bike completed.
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Took her for a 17 mile ride today, about 50% road 40% hard pack and 10% single track. I am very surprised at the flick-ability of the bike. Honestly, I had concerns going with a 29 originally. I was pretty sold on a 27.5... At some point I said screw it, Florida is a lot of pedaling and I want speed.
Remember, I am coming from a 20 year old 26er, so it was an interesting ride. However I actually found cornering to be more secure and better grip and I was able to actually take some of the corners at higher speed with less drift. I assume that has to do with a larger contact patch, plus a 2.3 instead of 2.1 tires. The bike feels short, which I actually like. I'm not stretched out or overextended. Might even move the spacers around and lower my bars a tad more.
Next ride will be this weekend on some serious trails. Most likely Markham Park or Alafia. Both rated #1 and #2 in the state of Florida. After that, I'll have a real good update for you guys. :-)
More pics after the first ride. Al little sand here and there, but that's it.
(http://tangerinepop.com/biking/cs-mb01/MB01-3.png)
(http://tangerinepop.com/biking/cs-mb01/MB01-4.png)
(http://tangerinepop.com/biking/cs-mb01/MB01-5.png)
(http://tangerinepop.com/biking/cs-mb01/MB01-6.png)
(http://tangerinepop.com/biking/cs-mb01/MB01-7.png)
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Your post´s an photos are very helpful, thank you very much, congratulations on your new "toy" I´m sure you will be enjoying it a lot, will be waiting on your future comments on the bike
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So me and the beast went to Markham Park and thrashed about for 17 miles of some pretty high-speed and insane trail busting. Did all the black diamond stuff that was open. Loads of rocks, jumps, drops with roots and misc obstacles. I even crashed. I got a little banged up and am somewhat sore today, but the bike performed beyond expectation. The crash was in the first 1 mile as I was more psyched out about some of the terrain on a new bike. Once I got over that, no more hesitation and no more spills. Jumps and lands like a dream. Super light in the air and easier to whip around as a result.
The trails were wet as we got a morning rain, but all things considered, I still pushed the bike really hard and I was with a group of guys that are pretty fast and had no problem hanging with them even though I was fairly unfamiliar with the terrain, given I've only been there a few times.
From here on out, I guess it will be updates on mods from here on out unless I have some sort of failure.... Probably some pics too. My Fun orange pedals and Kore blue crank ring just came in. Once I get everything mounted I'll snap a few more.
Regardless of my pain, I'm hitting CRP trails in the morning. There are some jumps and bmx/free ride things there, but mostly a big XC pedal trail with a lot of changing terrain. https://www.leegov.com/parks/facility?fid=0253
Keep the shiny side up!
TJ
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Great looking bike and thanks for the info... Cant wait until the new year and get my project going!
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So my replacement crank made it here. Added a blue KORE chainring to finish things off. Just weighed the bike too. I'm at 20.7 lbs! Almost sub 20. But I'm sub 21, so I'll take it!
(http://tangerinepop.com/biking/cs-mb01/MB01-8.png)
(http://tangerinepop.com/biking/cs-mb01/MB01-9.png)
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Did you weigh the frame and wheelset?
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Unfortunately, no. I didn't weight it before it was assembled. However, I did weigh it after going to tubeless and right now it sits at 20.3lbs.