Chinertown

Chinese Carbon MTB => 29er => Topic started by: andrerav on December 11, 2023, 06:53:17 PM

Title: Frame advice - hardtail with a 40T (or more) chainring
Post by: andrerav on December 11, 2023, 06:53:17 PM
Hi!

First of all, thanks for letting me join this forum. I've already trawled through a few of the threads here, and wow what a massive treasure chest of information.

I am looking for a XL sized hardtail frame (not gravel, just a regular hardtail) with the ability to fit a rather large chainring (40T or ideally 44T). So far I've eyed the following:

My findings/opinions about these frame so far:

Spcycle SP-M028
Unknown chainring capacity (question sent to seller), nice design, good geometry

Airwolf YF-M026
Max chainring 44T according to seller (after asking), bulky design, good geometry

Spcycle SP-M030
Max chainring 36T according to listing, ok design, good geometry. Might be able to fit a 40T with more offset on the chainring?

Flyxii FR-701
Unknown chainring capacity (question sent to seller), quirky design, good geometry. I guess 40T shouldn't be a problem, but with a large cassette there might be some limitations. Not a fan of the design though.

Ceccotti MF-05
46T chainring capacity according to seller, nice sleek design, somewhat cramped geometry compared to the other frames.

Seraph/TanTan FM199
According to various posts here this frame should take a 42t or possibly 44t chainring. Nice design, nice geometry. I think this might be the one.


Are there any other alternatives that you know of that I should consider looking at? It doesn't really matter if it's boost or not as long as it's a big frame (21"/XL) and can fit a 40T (or larger) chainring.
Title: Re: Frame advice - hardtail with a 40T (or more) chainring
Post by: catdog on December 12, 2023, 12:26:48 AM
Bro, how huge are your legs that you're pushing around 40t mountain bike? Genuinely impressed and also confused on the use case. You might consider either a 2x which puts larger ring out a bit or that weird 'Classified' 2 speed hub with crazy expensive cassettes.
Title: Re: Frame advice - hardtail with a 40T (or more) chainring
Post by: Aradell on December 12, 2023, 03:28:59 AM
I was looking at the same thing, and eventually put an order in for the Airwolf YFM026. The frame will hopefully arrive by the end of January.

I'm building a beach racing bike/gravel bike based on a MTB frame. So my needs were:

It looks like a company from the Netherlands, which specializes in beach racing bikes, resells the Airwolf YFM026 as their race bikes. They have loads of pictures of this frame on their Instagram. All these bikes have 40+ chainrings.
https://www.instagram.com/stormbikesnl/ (https://www.instagram.com/stormbikesnl/)

I think they chose this frame specifically because of the dropped chainstays, which allows for this bigger chainring while still having a semi-normal chainline.
I'm not 100% certain it's the exact same frame, but the geometry looks spot on, aswell as the general look of the frame.

Title: Re: Frame advice - hardtail with a 40T (or more) chainring
Post by: svensurfs on December 12, 2023, 08:48:22 AM
Hi Aradell and Andrerav,

I ordered the same airwolf frame 6 weeks ago but mine is still underway. Wanted a storm bike but did not had the budget :)
Building a beach racer/allrounder with 42T, have a pair of carbon asymetric elite wheels and the rest of the parts are in.
For the crank I bought the rotor PF4624 BB MTB. Full XT group 12 speed with non-boost crank. So hopefully the chainline will be good.
This is my first built ::)

Title: Re: Frame advice - hardtail with a 40T (or more) chainring
Post by: andrerav on December 12, 2023, 10:54:34 AM
Bro, how huge are your legs that you're pushing around 40t mountain bike? Genuinely impressed and also confused on the use case. You might consider either a 2x which puts larger ring out a bit or that weird 'Classified' 2 speed hub with crazy expensive cassettes.

It's what I'm currently running on my allround hardtail, and I'm mostly happy with it but could use even higher gearing for the long asphalt stretches :) A 2x up front could be an alternative, but I like the simplicity of the 1x.
Title: Re: Frame advice - hardtail with a 40T (or more) chainring
Post by: andrerav on December 12, 2023, 10:56:14 AM
I was looking at the same thing, and eventually put an order in for the Airwolf YFM026. The frame will hopefully arrive by the end of January.

I'm building a beach racing bike/gravel bike based on a MTB frame. So my needs were:
  • 2.35" tire clearance
  • Clearance for 40+ ring
  • Geometry with a "short" reach so I could run drop bars with a normal-sized stem.

It looks like a company from the Netherlands, which specializes in beach racing bikes, resells the Airwolf YFM026 as their race bikes. They have loads of pictures of this frame on their Instagram. All these bikes have 40+ chainrings.
https://www.instagram.com/stormbikesnl/ (https://www.instagram.com/stormbikesnl/)

I think they chose this frame specifically because of the dropped chainstays, which allows for this bigger chainring while still having a semi-normal chainline.
I'm not 100% certain it's the exact same frame, but the geometry looks spot on, aswell as the general look of the frame.

Interesting info, thank you very much. This frame looks like a solid choice for sure, but ideally I would like something that looks slightly slimmer since I won't be running tires wider than perhaps 2.25" at most (and probably 1.5" most of the time).
Title: Re: Frame advice - hardtail with a 40T (or more) chainring
Post by: andrerav on December 12, 2023, 10:58:55 AM
Hi Aradell and Andrerav,

I ordered the same airwolf frame 6 weeks ago but mine is still underway. Wanted a storm bike but did not had the budget :)
Building a beach racer/allrounder with 42T, have a pair of carbon asymetric elite wheels and the rest of the parts are in.
For the crank I bought the rotor PF4624 BB MTB. Full XT group 12 speed with non-boost crank. So hopefully the chainline will be good.
This is my first built ::)

Awesome, congrats!
Title: Re: Frame advice - hardtail with a 40T (or more) chainring
Post by: andrerav on December 12, 2023, 11:03:24 AM
I added Ceccotti MF-05 frame to the list of candidates. It can take a 46T chainring. It has mounts for a front derailleur should I want one in the future. It is only available in max 19", but still an ok reach/stack/wheelbase for my usecase though. Fairly cheap frame at $208.
Title: Re: Frame advice - hardtail with a 40T (or more) chainring
Post by: Aradell on December 13, 2023, 03:01:48 AM
Hi Aradell and Andrerav,

I ordered the same airwolf frame 6 weeks ago but mine is still underway. Wanted a storm bike but did not had the budget :)
Building a beach racer/allrounder with 42T, have a pair of carbon asymetric elite wheels and the rest of the parts are in.
For the crank I bought the rotor PF4624 BB MTB. Full XT group 12 speed with non-boost crank. So hopefully the chainline will be good.
This is my first built ::)

So I’m not the only one that found out these frames were super similar ;)
Keep us posted when your frame arrives! I might also do a build thread of my bike when most of the components are in. It’s also my first build!

Since you are mainly running smaller width tires, another option would be a gravel bike with tire clearance for 50C tires, and running flat bars on it. These gravel frames usually have sleeker lines, and can surely accommodate a big chainring up front. As an example, the LCG073-D is offered with both a gravel bar and flat bar option (see thread). I’m sure there are other frames like this.
https://chinertown.com/index.php/topic,4413.0.html (https://chinertown.com/index.php/topic,4413.0.html)
Title: Re: Frame advice - hardtail with a 40T (or more) chainring
Post by: Kommandant33 on August 05, 2024, 09:16:09 PM
Hey OP - any update on this build?

Does it seem that for a bigger front chainring the frame has to be non boost? I would love a 40+t front chainring on a boost hardtail bike..
Title: Re: Frame advice - hardtail with a 40T (or more) chainring
Post by: mermlundry on August 06, 2024, 12:13:07 AM
Also interested in what ended up happening with this build!
Title: Re: Frame advice - hardtail with a 40T (or more) chainring
Post by: svensurfs on September 10, 2024, 04:04:33 AM
Also interested in what ended up happening with this build!

Here it is, with 42th chainring, pf4624 bottom bracket, full shimano XT and Elite Pro36 wheels.
Title: Re: Frame advice - hardtail with a 40T (or more) chainring
Post by: svensurfs on September 10, 2024, 04:07:29 AM
And a bike for my girl :)
Building in progress.
Title: Re: Frame advice - hardtail with a 40T (or more) chainring
Post by: Kommandant33 on September 10, 2024, 07:41:07 PM
Here it is, with 42th chainring, pf4624 bottom bracket, full shimano XT and Elite Pro36 wheels.

That looks gorgeous! So that is BOOST with a 42 tooth chainring? Nice!
Title: Re: Frame advice - hardtail with a 40T (or more) chainring
Post by: svensurfs on September 12, 2024, 02:12:56 AM
That looks gorgeous! So that is BOOST with a 42 tooth chainring? Nice!

Thanks! Yes it's a boost frame with 42 chainring I think that a 44 also will fit. Size off the frame's are XL and L.

Title: Re: Frame advice - hardtail with a 40T (or more) chainring
Post by: RDY on September 13, 2024, 07:26:20 AM
Thanks! Yes it's a boost frame with 42 chainring I think that a 44 also will fit. Size off the frame's are XL and L.

Looks like a 46 round or 44 oval will fit.

Is that 52mm Boost with +3 offset chainring?
Title: Re: Frame advice - hardtail with a 40T (or more) chainring
Post by: mermlundry on September 14, 2024, 09:32:47 PM
Here it is, with 42th chainring, pf4624 bottom bracket, full shimano XT and Elite Pro36 wheels.

Thanks for following up! Happy with the Airwolf frame? Built up ok?
Title: Re: Frame advice - hardtail with a 40T (or more) chainring
Post by: svensurfs on September 16, 2024, 02:27:24 AM
Looks like a 46 round or 44 oval will fit.

Is that 52mm Boost with +3 offset chainring?

Yes it is 52mm boost but with 0 offset chainring.
Title: Re: Frame advice - hardtail with a 40T (or more) chainring
Post by: svensurfs on September 16, 2024, 02:35:50 AM
Thanks for following up! Happy with the Airwolf frame? Built up ok?

Yes frame is ok but I am no expert on this subject. Build complete for my configuration is 9kg.
The first frame I ordered came in damaged so I contacted Airwolf and send them photos. They directly send me a new frame so I was happy with that :)

Only problem I have is that the B-gap is almost 1cm so changing gear is slow, but I think that is the fault of a to short chain lenght. I did exactly as shimano says in the manual 5+chainlink. So I going to extend the chain and see what happens.
Title: Re: Frame advice - hardtail with a 40T (or more) chainring
Post by: rawr on September 17, 2024, 09:45:02 AM
And a bike for my girl :)
Building in progress.

What color is that frame and where did you order it? That purple is fire and a big cr hard tail is agar I need.
Title: Re: Frame advice - hardtail with a 40T (or more) chainring
Post by: jefflinde on September 17, 2024, 02:51:11 PM
Yes frame is ok but I am no expert on this subject. Build complete for my configuration is 9kg.
The first frame I ordered came in damaged so I contacted Airwolf and send them photos. They directly send me a new frame so I was happy with that :)

Only problem I have is that the B-gap is almost 1cm so changing gear is slow, but I think that is the fault of a to short chain lenght. I did exactly as shimano says in the manual 5+chainlink. So I going to extend the chain and see what happens.

where did you get the fork?  is there another link for that frame that has the fork or did you just request it from the frame builder?  i am looking at the link that is posted and it is frame only.
Title: Re: Frame advice - hardtail with a 40T (or more) chainring
Post by: Aradell on September 18, 2024, 03:08:17 AM
where did you get the fork?  is there another link for that frame that has the fork or did you just request it from the frame builder?  i am looking at the link that is posted and it is frame only.

If you look in the description of the frame on AliX, Airwolf has a rigid fork to go with the frame:
https://a.aliexpress.com/_EyRAvGp (https://a.aliexpress.com/_EyRAvGp)
I did 2 build with this frame and fork aswell. We just ordered both on AliX, payed for the "Seller shipping method" on the frame (so we didn't have to pay import tax in Belgium) and messaged Airwolf to ship the fork with the frame (fork was ordered with "Standard shipping").

Not sure if Sven had to pay extra to get the paint on both the frame and fork since we ordered matte black and painted it ourselfs.

Pictures of my build in this thread:
https://chinertown.com/index.php/topic,5097.15.html (https://chinertown.com/index.php/topic,5097.15.html)
Title: Re: Frame advice - hardtail with a 40T (or more) chainring
Post by: svensurfs on September 18, 2024, 04:49:14 AM
What color is that frame and where did you order it? That purple is fire and a big cr hard tail is agar I need.

Ordered at https://airwolfcarbonbike.com/ trough the chat with Werner. The color is Crystal Purple.
Title: Re: Frame advice - hardtail with a 40T (or more) chainring
Post by: svensurfs on September 18, 2024, 04:50:18 AM
where did you get the fork?  is there another link for that frame that has the fork or did you just request it from the frame builder?  i am looking at the link that is posted and it is frame only.

Trough the chat with https://airwolfcarbonbike.com/ you can request the fork in the same color.
Title: Re: Frame advice - hardtail with a 40T (or more) chainring
Post by: svensurfs on September 18, 2024, 04:54:23 AM
B-gap problem is solved by extending the chain with a couple of links.
I have the 10-51 cassette on the XL frame and the 10-45 on the L frame. The 10-45 b-gap is perfectly aligned but with the 10-51 there is still some space left although the screw is fully loosened. Shifting goes faster on the 10-45, so I would advice that for future builds.
Title: Re: Frame advice - hardtail with a 40T (or more) chainring
Post by: kerolah on September 23, 2024, 07:54:51 PM
Any xc frames that can take 40+ chainrings?
Title: Re: Frame advice - hardtail with a 40T (or more) chainring
Post by: Kommandant33 on September 23, 2024, 08:56:11 PM
Any xc frames that can take 40+ chainrings?

The mentioned Airwolf frame is a XC frame:

https://airwolfcarbonbike.com/product/yfm026-chamelon-carbon-mtb-frame-29-xc-boost-carbon-frame-thru-axle-148-quick-release-142-135-max-tire-29er2-45-inch-mtb-bicycle-frame/
Title: Re: Frame advice - hardtail with a 40T (or more) chainring
Post by: kerolah on September 24, 2024, 02:33:31 AM
Sorry I'm a spaz meant to say dual suspension xc
Title: Re: Frame advice - hardtail with a 40T (or more) chainring
Post by: Deem on October 08, 2024, 04:55:45 AM
Have you seen story about the Airwolf YFM-026 on bikepacking.com? See also the comments with an update. Spoiler alert:  he isnt'using the frame anymore. https://bikepacking.com/news/readers-rig-willems-airwolf/#:~:text=Our%20Reader%E2%80%99s%20Rig%20of%20the%20week%20comes%20from%20Willem%20Schouten
Title: Re: Frame advice - hardtail with a 40T (or more) chainring
Post by: Deem on October 08, 2024, 04:59:55 AM
I was wondering which frame you have choosen. The Seraph/TanTan FM199?

Do you know what the max size front chanring will fit on this frame?

Hi!

First of all, thanks for letting me join this forum. I've already trawled through a few of the threads here, and wow what a massive treasure chest of information.

I am looking for a XL sized hardtail frame (not gravel, just a regular hardtail) with the ability to fit a rather large chainring (40T or ideally 44T). So far I've eyed the following:
  • Spcycle SP-M028 https://www.aliexpress.com/i/1005003519445706.html
  • Airwolf YF-M026 https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005005254091618.html
  • Spcycle SP-M030 https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005005180265369.html
  • Flyxii FR-701 https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32885761409.html
  • Ceccotti MF05 https://vi.aliexpress.com/item/1005002201546421.html

My findings/opinions about these frame so far:

Spcycle SP-M028
Unknown chainring capacity (question sent to seller), nice design, good geometry

Airwolf YF-M026
Max chainring 44T according to seller (after asking), bulky design, good geometry

Spcycle SP-M030
Max chainring 36T according to listing, ok design, good geometry. Might be able to fit a 40T with more offset on the chainring?

Flyxii FR-701
Unknown chainring capacity (question sent to seller), quirky design, good geometry. I guess 40T shouldn't be a problem, but with a large cassette there might be some limitations. Not a fan of the design though.

Ceccotti MF-05
46T chainring capacity according to seller, nice sleek design, somewhat cramped geometry compared to the other frames.

Seraph/TanTan FM199
According to various posts here this frame should take a 42t or possibly 44t chainring. Nice design, nice geometry. I think this might be the one.


Are there any other alternatives that you know of that I should consider looking at? It doesn't really matter if it's boost or not as long as it's a big frame (21"/XL) and can fit a 40T (or larger) chainring.
Title: Re: Frame advice - hardtail with a 40T (or more) chainring
Post by: Deem on February 11, 2025, 07:07:22 AM
I've just finished building a beachracer for beachracing with a 29er.  :)
- Frame: TanTan (Seraph) FM199 29ER*2.35Tire. Flared handlebar, seatpost and stem are also from TanTan.
- Control levers GRX ST-RX820 1x12s
- Flat mount brake calipersGRX RX820  (front Post Mount to Flat Mount adapter)
- Frontring 48t Narrow-wide (0 offset) with 10-45 (1x12speed) (https://www.themechanic-parts.com/)
- Rear derailleur GRX RX820 12s
- Crank XT 165mm
- Carbon rims: 40mm and 36mm (Elavo Carbon Ali) with Dt Swiss hubs and Sapim spokes (Spoke the carbon rims myself) 8)
- Tyres: 60mm Schwalbe G-One Speed Evolution 60-622 and VITTORIA Tattoo II 29x2.3

Title: Re: Frame advice - hardtail with a 40T (or more) chainring
Post by: jefflinde on February 11, 2025, 06:45:01 PM
I've just finished building a beachracer for beachracing with a 29er.  :)
- Frame: TanTan (Seraph) FM199 29ER*2.35Tire. Flared handlebar, seatpost and stem are also from TanTan.
- Control levers GRX ST-RX820 1x12s
- Flat mount brake calipersGRX RX820  (front Post Mount to Flat Mount adapter)
- Frontring 48t Narrow-wide (0 offset) with 10-45 (1x12speed) (https://www.themechanic-parts.com/)
- Rear derailleur GRX RX820 12s
- Crank XT 165mm
- Carbon rims: 40mm and 36mm (Elavo Carbon Ali) with Dt Swiss hubs and Sapim spokes (Spoke the carbon rims myself) 8)
- Tyres: 60mm Schwalbe G-One Speed Evolution 60-622 and VITTORIA Tattoo II 29x2.3
Please post some pictures of this rig.  it sounds amazing.  Also would love to see the clearance on the chainring.  this sounds like the best option so far for the "monster gravel" style build.
Title: Re: Frame advice - hardtail with a 40T (or more) chainring
Post by: Deem on February 14, 2025, 02:06:31 PM
Here are some pictures of the beach racer :)
Title: Re: Frame advice - hardtail with a 40T (or more) chainring
Post by: jefflinde on February 14, 2025, 04:58:16 PM
Here are some pictures of the beach racer :)

that is awesome.  did you size down on the frame at all or just the shorter stem?  the long reach is one thing holding me back from this option unless i size down in frame. 
Title: Re: Frame advice - hardtail with a 40T (or more) chainring
Post by: Deem on February 15, 2025, 04:00:27 AM
I've chosen my usual frame size with the shortest stem to reduce the reach. I also used a seat post without offset and moved the saddle forward. This setup works well for me, and I use 165mm cranks.

Have you heard of this website?
https://www.bikestem.fit/ (https://www.bikestem.fit/)
Title: Re: Frame advice - hardtail with a 40T (or more) chainring
Post by: Aradell on March 20, 2025, 05:17:23 AM
I just put a 44t chainring on my dropbar hardtail for a upcoming flat gravel race.

It's the YFM026 from Airwolf. I had a 40t and 42t on it without altering the chainline.
But to fit the 44 tooth chainring I put a extra 2mm spacer on the driveside. The clearance between the chainstay and is 3mm.
Shifting is still fine with Shimano GRX and a 10-51 cassette.