Well my build is 90% complete. Waiting on some power meter SRAM Force cranks to finish the build. Running some loaner cranks for the time being.

Mixed feelings about this bike. The quality of the paint (see pic of example - it chipped really easily. Has happened in a few locations), issues with the headset plug (as others have noted) and misaligned brake caliper mounts were low points (normal methods for aligning brakes didn't work, needed to really play around to eliminate brake rub). Overall required excessive fiddling to get things right, in my opinion.

The bike rides well enough, but it seems noisy and the wheels I chose are probably too stiff. I can't tell if the noise is the chain/cassette combo? Open to feedback, based on my componenet selection - maybe I'm made some bad choices. Once I get final parts on it, I'll weigh it. I'm not shooting for weight weenie but I think it'll end up light as a result of all that carbon.

Here are the specs:
- SRAM Force AXS brakes and shifters
- SRAM GX AXS rear derailuer (went mullet on this build, good for where I live)
- Garabuk 10-50 cassette
- SRAM Rival cranks with 42T cassette (upgrading to SRAM Force with PM and 44T when it arrives)
- Shimano 160mm ICE-tech rotors
- SRAM GX chain (for now)
- WheelsFar Wheels. 50mm deep, 24mm internals, 30mm external width, DT350 hubs with aero Sapim spokes
- GravelKing SK 43mm tires
- 400mm handlebar and 110mm stem on 58cm frame
- Specialized Power Comp Saddle (not what's on in pic, but have since swapped it out)

Anyone else find specing and building bikes to be almost more fun than riding them?

can anyone comment if the frame brake mounts are setup for 140 or 160mm rotors by default? I've ordered 160mm rotors and need to know if I need to get my hands on some adapters.

I was running a mullet setup initially, 10-50 SRAM Eagle GX AXS in the back + 42t SRAM Force AXS crankset. Changed it to SRAM Force XPLR AXS 10-44 + 44t SRAM Force AXS crankset.

Interesting - what has made you switch away from the mullet setup? That's exactly the route I am thinking to go. And thanks for confirming 44T up front is max.

Are you happy with sizing down? How does your build ride? Did you end up changing the stem or headset spacers to increase reach/stack?

I sized up and have no complaints.

Yeah, I'm definitely happy with the bike. I was worried it might be a bit small and I'd have to push seat back in rails or go longer stem. But the fit is fine with seat centred in the rails and a 50mm stem. The centre of the bars to seat measurement is within 5mm of my 2019 XL Commencal Meta TR, which has the same HTA, STA so it feels very similar to that bike, but weighs about 10lbs less and pedals like a hot damn! Looking forward to doing XCM with it.

Thanks! I have been reading quite a lot on the offset, 51mm seems common on 120 forks that replace 100mm forks to decrease the trail a bit caused by the longer stroke and slacker head angle. However, to increase slow speed uphill maneuverability, progressive brands move the wheel towards the frame again by reducing the offset to 44. I think I'll look for a 44mm 120 fork. 

I found it helpful to take design cues from NS Bikes, who use this frame on the Synonym. They use 44mm offset on 120mm fork, as well as 170mm crank length (175mm on XL being the exception).

Finished the build! Too bad winter has come a bit early and won't be able to ride till the spring now. Build specs:

- Size Large Frame; custom painted "Chrome Green"
- Shimano XT 12spd
- Shimano XT brakes
- E*thirteen XCX iW28 rims
- Bontrager XR4/XR3 tires
- RaceFace Next R cranks (170mm)
- RaceFace Next Handlebar (760mm)
- RaceFace Stem - 50mm
- OneUp Dropper (210mm)
- Giant Contact Seat
- Fox 34 SC 120mm, 44mm offset
- Fox DPS Float 42.5mm (the one everyone was buying on ebay)

The bathroom scale test (me with bike, me without bike) says 27lbs, but I sure hope that's wrong cause my spec sheet says it should be around 25lbs based on listed weights + 1lb buffer. Will have to get to a bike shop to properly weigh it. I spent about $5200 CAD on this, but did have some access to pro deals for RaceFace and Fox gear. Bought a bunch of the Shimano stuff on AliExpress a few months back before the prices started climbing.

 

Quote from: Colt__Seavers on September 04, 2020, 01:20:46 AM

Looks like a very light build. Wonder how much you did spend on components.

Why you did take size L? Your seatpost length looks enormous!

I took an L because my Torso is short compared to my legs AND my local woods are quite tight and twisty. I was a bit worried about the overall length of the XL. I like the low handlebar on my L so an XL would have needed negativ rise stem and flatbar to get the same position. Its all compromises! 

I understand. I'm 6'2" and have ordered a L for similar reasons. I'm going to start with 50mm stem and can run 60mm if needed. When descending it should fit really well. I did want that agility and nimbleness when pedaling in tight/twisty areas. At my height I'm usually just between sizes so will likely have a big seat-post showing (have the same OneUp 210mm dropper). Frame should be showing up later this month!