Chinertown

Chinese Carbon Road Bikes => Cyclocross Frames, Wheels & Components => Topic started by: carbonazza on December 21, 2017, 03:49:49 PM

Title: Carbonda Gravel CFR505 build
Post by: carbonazza on December 21, 2017, 03:49:49 PM
Finally !! After about a year of mental convolutions, I decided for this gravel frame:
http://www.carbonda.com/road/gravel/cfr505.html (http://www.carbonda.com/road/gravel/cfr505.html)

My contact at Carbonda was Hedy Lee.
Perfect communication, very professional and kind during the whole process.

I received the frame, fork, bar and seatpost today from Carbonda.
Along with a matching pair of ultra light rims from Peter( 29er hookless, 300g - 19mm inner width )
What a day !
 
(https://i.imgur.com/cNMDA4K.jpg)
Just a couple of screws to tighten and ready to ride !  ???

First impressions are great.
The frame looks of very high quality, outside as well as inside !

The objective is to have a winter training road bike, that can ride in the forest too.
Making the parts as interchangeable as possible between my 041 and my ultra posh Canyon Ultimate.
Title: Re: Carbonda Gravel CFR505 build
Post by: 325racer on December 21, 2017, 08:20:41 PM
Looks like they did a good job on the fade..

What is the component build plan?
Title: Re: Carbonda Gravel CFR505 build
Post by: carbonazza on December 22, 2017, 09:39:49 AM
For the wheelset, the idea is to make them compatible as:
I will give a chance to D411CB/D412CB Novatec instead of my usual expensive and heavier Hope's.
And straight pull for the first time too with 28 Sapim CX rays.

Then for the transmission.
Beware it becomes frankly aristocratic  ::)

I did put a quarq powermeter on the roadbike this summer.
As a result, had a spare Sram Red crank that I will re-use here.
If everything is compatible as it seems, putting a single CX1 chainring on it.
Probably 38T like on the 041 or maybe 40T.

I should have gone for a road bike trip in the Alps this summer( I couldn't after all ).
But in that plan, I bought a couple of compact chainrings.
And a medium cage derailleur(wi-fli etap) and an 11-32 cassette.

Of this I will re-use the medium cage derailleur and buy a cheaper 11-32 cassette.
Keeping the Red cassette and rings for actual road mountain climbing, and able to swap rear derailleurs between my bikes.

All these re-uses "force" 8) me to go with the SRAM etap hydro levers and brakes here too.
That way I'll have a totally swappable, set of components between my bikes depending on the need or in case of failure.
I hesitated a long time with the SRAM Force 1x groupset, but went for the big plan.

Here is my secret hope:
SRAM will provide in the coming months/year a 12sp etap long cage rear derailleur and road cassettes.
That will be compatible with the existing shifters.
And at that point I will be able to use/swap almost everything on all my bikes.
Title: Re: Carbonda Gravel CFR505 build
Post by: Le Duke on December 31, 2017, 12:58:44 PM
Any updates?

Considering the CFR 505 myself and I'd like to see what your end result looks like. Off to a great start, though. The frame looks amazing!
Title: Re: Carbonda Gravel CFR505 build
Post by: carbonazza on December 31, 2017, 03:06:00 PM
Family vacations are currently preventing any progress 8)
However I’ll try to order the missing parts this week to get them when I’m back.
Title: Re: Carbonda Gravel CFR505 build
Post by: carbonazza on January 08, 2018, 11:29:36 AM
(https://i.imgur.com/ITfU1LW.jpg)

Everything but the chainring and brake discs are there.
I got even two Haribo bears bags from r2-bike.com (http://r2-bike.com)

Build time !!  :D
Hopefully nothing is missing, everything is compatible, and my spoke lengths are correct( these are my first straight pull wheels  ??? )
Title: Re: Carbonda Gravel CFR505 build
Post by: bxcc on January 08, 2018, 08:09:32 PM
I think this frame just moved to the top of my list. Well, when I get around to building a CX bike that is.

Any chance of running an internally routed dropper on it? I know that sounds odd but it would be nice to lower it a bit while on rougher stuff without getting off of the bike.
Title: Re: Carbonda Gravel CFR505 build
Post by: carbonazza on January 09, 2018, 07:18:43 AM
... Any chance of running an internally routed dropper on it?

If you stick to BSA ;) you are probably out of luck, as the shells are usually closed.
You could still route it from the front derailleur exit hole if you go 1x or etap, for a semi internal routing.

But if you go for the BB86, there are holes in the BB space where you could route a cable from the front derailleur( 1x ), or both derailleurs entry(etap), fiddling over the BB to the seatpost.
However it is a 27.2mm, so not many options.
Title: Re: Carbonda Gravel CFR505 build
Post by: bxcc on January 09, 2018, 07:52:14 AM

If you stick to BSA ;) you are probably out of luck, as the shells are usually closed.


Haha, well played.

I can live with BB86 or BB92 shells as the GXP cranks still work  ;D. My daughters CS-406 frame I just got from Peter has the BB92 shell and that was open like you mentioned. I tried the OTSO Warakin and loved that bike. The durability of the stainless steel frame has some definite benefits but being lightweight isn't one of them. So I've been searching for a generic carbon frame with similar geometry and this one is pretty darn close. Some things are a little off but one calls for a 400mm axle to crown fork and the other calls for 385mm. That should make up for the HA difference. I guess I'm just looking for more of a road capable drop bar mountain bike than a trail capable road bike. If that makes sense.
Title: Re: Carbonda Gravel CFR505 build
Post by: carbonazza on January 15, 2018, 05:21:42 AM
It is built !

(https://i.imgur.com/EINjt3M.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/LLeiMgG.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/UI17ghA.jpg)

From a quick tour around the block, the first impressions are great.
Feels light, stiff, agile to turn and I love its ultra-flashy look compared to my other black bikes ;D

Some doubts or issue I had during the build:

For the ones who care about this: it weights just over 7.4kg as it is on the pictures, and feels very light when holding it and riding it  :D
Title: Re: Carbonda Gravel CFR505 build
Post by: MTB2223 on January 15, 2018, 07:07:33 AM
WHOW !!! Awesome build !!!!!

And at the end, what did you spend at total ?

Can you please tell me the rim types ? Or a url to Peters shop ?
Title: Re: Carbonda Gravel CFR505 build
Post by: carbonazza on January 15, 2018, 08:24:12 AM
WHOW !!! Awesome build !!!!!

And at the end, what did you spend at total ?

Can you please tell me the rim types ? Or a url to Peters shop ?

Probably about 2600€ but reusing a crank and rear derailleur I had already.
Probably around 3300€ otherwise.
A Force CX1 groupset would have been a quite cheaper option, but incompatible with my etap road bike.

The rims are http://xmcarbonspeed.com/Productinfo.asp?f=1472
Beware they are limited to 60psi/~4bar max.
I'm not sure I'll be able to reuse them on my road bike, as mountain climbing wheels because of that tire pressure limit.
Title: Re: Carbonda Gravel CFR505 build
Post by: bxcc on January 15, 2018, 04:47:06 PM
That’s an awesome build! You must be stoked.

So they can make the frame with fewer cable routing holes?

Also, what about the hubs? Why did you choose Novatec hubs? Just curious on your choice over other options.
Title: Re: Carbonda Gravel CFR505 build
Post by: carbonazza on January 16, 2018, 02:40:44 AM
That’s an awesome build! You must be stoked.
Stoked is the right term, yes totally!
I can't decide myself to ride it in the mud yet :D

So they can make the frame with fewer cable routing holes?
Yes some folks on the ridinggravel forum asked for not having mudguard screws, so I guess there is some flexibility available.

Also, what about the hubs? Why did you choose Novatec hubs? Just curious on your choice over other options.
I wanted to try a straight pull and light wheelset.
Then I saw these, relatively cheap for their weight, compared to other light brands.
Read about good and bad stories about Novatec hubs on the web, and decided to try.
They look very well built, we'll see how long they last.
Title: Re: Carbonda Gravel CFR505 build
Post by: Rick64 on January 16, 2018, 03:44:27 PM
Awesome looking bike Carbonazza, love the paint, whats the saddle your using? It looks very light and comfy.
Title: Re: Carbonda Gravel CFR505 build
Post by: 325racer on January 16, 2018, 11:04:37 PM
Looks like some options for a dropper post.  Wonder if you can request no front mech mounting and holes.

Can we see tire clearance?  Would a 42 fit?
Title: Re: Carbonda Gravel CFR505 build
Post by: carbonazza on January 17, 2018, 03:00:07 AM
Awesome looking bike Carbonazza, love the paint, whats the saddle your using? It looks very light and comfy.

Thank you! Yes, I'm very happy of the paint. It looks even better live.
The saddle is a Gub model 1156, you can find it on Aliexpress for $45-$60 depending the seller and period of the year.
I was riding the same saddle shape before, but bare carbon.
Even if the padding is quite thin on the Gub, it makes a noticeable comfort difference.
Beware it remains a hard saddle.

Looks like some options for a dropper post.  Wonder if you can request no front mech mounting and holes.

Can we see tire clearance?  Would a 42 fit?

The seatpost is a 27.2mm.

They may politely tell you it is not possible, but yes, you can request a no holes frame :)

For the tire clearance.
The tires at 4bar(60psi) are around 40mm width.
And there are about 9mm of clearance on each side of the tire, front and rear.
(https://i.imgur.com/pXjSWIO.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/HSrqy62.jpg)

For the chainring, it is tight.
With a 40T, I can move a 2.5mm allen key between the frame and the ring, but not a 3mm.
I think Carbonda say on their web site a 42T will fit.
(https://i.imgur.com/TJ1vP5W.jpg)
Title: Re: Carbonda Gravel CFR505 build
Post by: Le Duke on January 17, 2018, 05:58:23 PM
What's the total weight on this beast?

Looks fairly light.

I'd love to build up a sub-16lb gravel bike.
Title: Re: Carbonda Gravel CFR505 build
Post by: MTB2223 on January 18, 2018, 07:55:19 AM
What's the total weight on this beast?

Looks fairly light.

I'd love to build up a sub-16lb gravel bike.

For the ones who care about this: it weights just over 7.4kg as it is on the pictures, and feels very light when holding it and riding it  :D
Title: Re: Carbonda Gravel CFR505 build
Post by: carbonazza on January 18, 2018, 11:48:13 AM
As MTB2223 pointed out, it weight 7.4kg or 16.3lbs. Not that far from your target.
Unless you mean 16lbs without pedals, in that case we're in ;)

You could shave grams with a lighter cassette and a lighter seatpost( I got the carbonda one ).
The final discs should be lighter too.
And I found a nut for the Hardlite axle, some grams less there. Now it is an Aliexpress e-thru axle.

I'll weight the definitive build.
Title: Re: Carbonda Gravel CFR505 build
Post by: 325racer on January 26, 2018, 12:40:30 AM
Has it been ridden yet?
Title: Re: Carbonda Gravel CFR505 build
Post by: carbonazza on January 27, 2018, 10:30:42 AM
Has it been ridden yet?
Not really, except a setup ride around the block :(
The weather was quite bad recently, and I’m waiting for a friend to receive his Diverge to inaugurate them together. Next week!
Title: Re: Carbonda Gravel CFR505 build
Post by: tripleDot on February 05, 2018, 10:54:32 PM
Wow, that is a cool color!  And really light.
Looking forward to your ride reviews.
Title: Re: Carbonda Gravel CFR505 build
Post by: carbonazza on February 06, 2018, 03:43:23 AM
I did only a 70km ride on mostly flat terrain for now.

But it was an exhilarating ride, all of a sudden becoming my preferred bike.
It is very lively, I couldn't stop smiling from start to finish :D
I was asked a few time what brand it was, probably the unusual color.

The frame and wheels do not flex at all even when pushing harder.
And the 40mm tires + 27.2mm seatpost makes it very comfortable too.

My friend will gets his Diverge tomorrow.
That means, we'll see how it rides on harsher roads pretty soon.

But mostly, having a do-it-all bike opens lots of new tours options and travels ideas.
Title: Re: Carbonda Gravel CFR505 build
Post by: hmpws on February 10, 2018, 08:03:21 AM
I am thinking of getting this frame after Chinese New Years holiday. I am totally new to building a bike up, any tips or things to look out for with this frame? What size disc brakes does it take?

I will probably request a BSA BB, 12mm through axial front and back, and maybe an extra bottom cage mount on the bottom tube.
Title: Re: Carbonda Gravel CFR505 build
Post by: carbonazza on February 11, 2018, 11:01:05 AM
The flat mount brakes came by default with spacers for 160mm discs, front and rear.
I should have asked Carbonda what is the max front size disc allowed for the fork, but I didn't.

I do not like the front axle most builders provide, bulky, heavy and of general poor quality( like most of the screws we get on our frames ).
So I took a Maxle 100mm: https://r2-bike.com/ROCK-SHOX-Thru-Axle-Maxle-Stealth-Road-QR12-12-x-100-mm
This one is a 12mm for you, as I went with a 15mm axle to make them compatible with my MTB.

Then for the back any 142x12 eThru axle will do, there is no integrated nut in the dropout, so you need an axle + nut.
DT Swiss has a good one: https://r2-bike.com/DT-SWISS-Thru-Axle-RW-RWS-12x142-mm-E-Thru

Or if you prefer a stealth version:https://www.ebay.com/itm/272752768990?rmvSB=true
With a Shimano nut: https://r2-bike.com/SHIFT-UP-Nut-M12-for-Shimano-E-Thru-Thru-Axle-12-x-142-mm
I used the last ones.
Title: Re: Carbonda Gravel CFR505 build
Post by: carbonazza on February 11, 2018, 11:12:10 AM
I had my first long gravel ride today.
It was wet, slippy, and muddy.

I tried to push hard, over corner it, slipping the front wheel on a few roots.
But each time I managed to avoid falling.
I guess the frame is good, and the tires too.

On Wednesday, maybe we'll go for another, longer ride.
I look forward to it.

And here are a couple of picture after the ride.
Still beautiful( well... to me ), but mudded !
Not that bad, considering how muddy the terrain was.

(https://i.imgur.com/Ol27sm8.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/gKE8Hnq.jpg)

Title: Re: Carbonda Gravel CFR505 build
Post by: Srmanuel on June 26, 2018, 04:32:09 PM
I am thinking ablut doing a gravel bike. I already have a hardtail and domain most mtb groupsets, but I am a bit lost in road/gravel.

How much was this frame without any other components ? I would like to spend less than 1500 euros in total so it may be hard to do
Title: Re: Carbonda Gravel CFR505 build
Post by: carbonazza on June 27, 2018, 06:41:56 PM
$490 for the frame+fork
$90 for painting it
And between $90 and $165 for shipping
+ paypal fees of 4.5%

+ taxes, when arriving, if you have this
Title: Re: Carbonda Gravel CFR505 build
Post by: bast.eln on July 25, 2018, 07:17:43 AM
Hey carbonazza,

nice bike! Thinking about to buy the same frame.
Are you satisfied with the frame? Would you recommend it?

Which size did you buy? I´m 181cm  with long legs - so I´m between the 54 or 56.

Thanks!

Best regards,
Sebastian
Title: Re: Carbonda Gravel CFR505 build
Post by: carbonazza on July 25, 2018, 10:48:39 AM
Hello Sebastian,

Yes, very happy.

It is a 54.
With a relatively short 90mm stem.
The reach was already a bit too long for me (I'm 178cm, 89cm inseam).

I have planned a 170km ride in September, but for now, it fits me well, and never had any back or other pain when riding.
Title: Re: Carbonda Gravel CFR505 build
Post by: brendanh09 on October 03, 2018, 05:34:39 PM
Hello Sebastian,

Yes, very happy.

It is a 54.
With a relatively short 90mm stem.
The reach was already a bit too long for me (I'm 178cm, 89cm inseam).

I have planned a 170km ride in September, but for now, it fits me well, and never had any back or other pain when riding.

Amazing bike and love the color. Did you go on that long ride? How was it? Looking to build essentially the same bike but with Force Cx1 and a few other differences
Title: Re: Carbonda Gravel CFR505 build
Post by: carbonazza on October 04, 2018, 02:13:16 PM
Hello Sebastian,

Yes, very happy.

It is a 54.
With a relatively short 90mm stem.
The reach was already a bit too long for me (I'm 178cm, 89cm inseam).

I have planned a 170km ride in September, but for now, it fits me well, and never had any back or other pain when riding.

Amazing bike and love the color. Did you go on that long ride? How was it? Looking to build essentially the same bike but with Force Cx1 and a few other differences

Yes I finished it! 166km of gravel, with 2600m of elevation gain, the ride is called the Dirty Boar.
And happen every year, in between Belgium and Germany.
Everything went well, I didn't get any mechanical issue, not even a flat with the Maxxis Ramblers in tubeless.
My friend rides a Force CX1 and is very happy of it. The cassette has a better range compared to mine.
Good luck for your build, and do not hesitate to ask questions if needed.

Title: Re: Carbonda Gravel CFR505 build
Post by: planeta on November 01, 2018, 07:39:05 AM
Hey guys,

really a lot of useful information here! I am about to order an CFR505 aswell. @Carbonazza, how wide is your crank? I am searching for a crank for a 1x11  with 40t set up aswell.
Did you use the headset provided by carbonda? Is it any good? I think you mentioned the axles are not worth taking them...

Cheers
Chris
Title: Re: Carbonda Gravel CFR505 build
Post by: carbonazza on November 01, 2018, 05:27:29 PM
how wide is your crank? I am searching for a crank for a 1x11  with 40t set up aswell.
What do you mean by wide? The Q-factor?
It is on a BB92, with a SRAM Red crankset.

Did you use the headset provided by carbonda?
Yes. I'm using $10 headset on all my bikes. Just insure it is the compression plug model, not the starnut.

I think you mentioned the axles are not worth taking them...
This one on the rear: https://r2-bike.com/DT-SWISS-Thru-Axle-RW-RWS-12x142-mm-E-Thru

This one in front: https://r2-bike.com/ROCK-SHOX-Thru-Axle-Maxle-Stealth-Road-12x100-mm (well I use the 15mm version as my fork is 15).
You can buy any road 12x100, just insure the pitch of the thread is 1.5
Title: Re: Carbonda Gravel CFR505 build
Post by: carbonazza on May 05, 2020, 03:24:08 AM
After using my gravel frame as a road bike for a year, I gave it a proper upgrade few weeks ago ;D

The transmission is the SRAM AXS Mullet: Eagle derailleur, cassette and chain. Force shifters.
It is a Garbaruk 46T chainring.
And Deckas discs.

The wheels based on Novatec 411/412 hubs, and ultralight 29er XC rims, CR-ray spokes are still fine.
And I got as well a new fork, for 12mm axles( I initially took a 15mm one, but it was making swapping wheels harder )

(https://i.imgur.com/fHfJBgs.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/fYFhJhW.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/pWiArvw.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/MQeSAwZ.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/Nw4nojb.jpg)

Title: Re: Carbonda Gravel CFR505 build
Post by: Cerps on June 12, 2020, 11:41:55 AM


Carobonazza - can you tell me how thick the chainstay is?  I am trying to order flat mount bolts and don't know what length to get.  And does anybody know what diameter the flat mount bolts are?  I've got access to plenty of stainless metric bolts and might just use them instead of ordering bike specific ones.
Title: Re: Carbonda Gravel CFR505 build
Post by: carbonazza on June 12, 2020, 05:18:33 PM
The chainstay is 25mm.
If that helps you guess, they need a T25 key.

If you've got plenty, take an M4 or M5 it should be one of them if it is metric.
Sorry for the imprcision, I ride tomorrow morning, and it is already too late here in Belgium to start messing up with my caliper to measure it  :o
Title: Re: Carbonda Gravel CFR505 build
Post by: tripleDot on June 22, 2020, 11:57:33 PM
@carbonanza, that's a pretty cool looking Garbaruk chainring. I've personally used the much cheaper Chinese Deckas and sort of in between (price-wise) Stone chainrings and wonder how the quality compare to these Russians (or Czech?) Garbaruk.
Title: Re: Carbonda Gravel CFR505 build
Post by: carbonazza on June 23, 2020, 03:29:39 AM
There wasn't that many options to fit with my Quarq when I was looking at it.
It seems they are quite known by motorbike fans.
Their first cassettes were quite fragile a couple of years ago.

The ring works smoothly with the Eagle chain.
I even did a crazy 600km ride this weekend with it, with a freshly waxed chain and no additional lube.
But it is only a couple of thousands km old, so a bit early to know about quality.

They seem to take the bicycle gear seriously, I'm confident it is a good choice and start to put their rings on bikes I build instead of Absolute Black that clearly went through the roof with their pricing.

They are Ukrainian that moved to Poland by the way ;)
Title: Re: Carbonda Gravel CFR505 build
Post by: tripleDot on June 23, 2020, 04:45:19 AM
Agree with Absolute Black... absolutely too expensive. I've run over 2.5 thousand kilometers on my $8 Deckas chainring and it still looks like it can take another 10 thousand kilometers.
Title: Re: Carbonda Gravel CFR505 build
Post by: Cerps on July 16, 2020, 09:36:00 PM
On the 54cm frame size do you have any issues with toe overlap when turning sharp?
Title: Re: Carbonda Gravel CFR505 build
Post by: carbonazza on July 20, 2020, 04:12:12 PM
On the 54cm frame size do you have any issues with toe overlap when turning sharp?
No, but it may depend on the position of your cleats on the shoe.
My shoe size is 43 or 9.5-10

At some point I tried to put them far back, and I had it.
But after a few scary moments, you get used to it, and avoid being in that situation by moving your pedal on the right side of the wheel.

Title: Re: Carbonda Gravel CFR505 build
Post by: carbonazza on August 11, 2022, 12:30:36 AM
How nice, my bike(and maybe yours) is on sale for $73  ;D
https://www.a2oshop.com/?product_id=194002711_73

Wait ! Here too:
https://shope.off75.tk/products.aspx?cname=carbonda+cfr505&cid=1

I was looking for Carbonda's picture on Google and found that.
Title: Re: Carbonda Gravel CFR505 build
Post by: Glen on August 27, 2022, 08:36:27 AM
Hi... Does anybody have an alternative e-mail to order a frame from Carbonda? Have had a hard time trying to contact them through their website. Thank you!
Title: Re: Carbonda Gravel CFR505 build
Post by: acedeuce802 on August 27, 2022, 09:55:33 AM
sales1 at carbonda dot com
Title: Re: Carbonda Gravel CFR505 build
Post by: noodleshop on September 01, 2022, 11:03:49 AM
Hello carbonazza!

I am presently thinking of getting this frame, now that it's available again. Predominantly planning to run 30-32mms on there, but appreciate the option to go wider should the need arise. Looking to a Shimano 52-36 crankset and Ultegra mechanical hydros for the build. Do you think this would this work well in that configuration?

Also curious to hear if the frame has held up well!

Thanks,
- noodleshop
Title: Re: Carbonda Gravel CFR505 build
Post by: Pedaldancer on September 01, 2022, 04:56:47 PM
sa...

By writing an email somewhere in the www it creates more spam. Making it more likely that real mails are skipped


The spec of the 505 can be googled, it's online, just not directly linked on Carbondas website. 52/36 is allowed according to that. But I would fear the teeth could be very very close to the chainstay. I ride  a 46/30 crank from FSA with roadbike chainline and I already thought that there is not too much space left.
Title: Re: Carbonda Gravel CFR505 build
Post by: carbonazza on September 01, 2022, 11:36:17 PM
...Also curious to hear if the frame has held up well!

I didn't know it was available again, that is a great news!

I've built a few dozen of them, not a single issue reported.
And I plan to have a week ride with it in Croatia next month  8)
Title: Re: Carbonda Gravel CFR505 build
Post by: Glen on September 02, 2022, 09:35:56 AM
Yes, I contacted them this week regarding 505 and the have it available... But, the shipping is rather expensive!
Title: Re: Carbonda Gravel CFR505 build
Post by: Pedaldancer on September 02, 2022, 11:16:14 AM
Yes, I contacted them this week regarding 505 and the have it available... But, the shipping is rather expensive!

It will be similar for the other vendors I guess. At least i remember for my Workswell it was a similar value.
Title: Re: Carbonda Gravel CFR505 build
Post by: Glen on September 04, 2022, 08:19:29 AM
From China to Malaysia 160$US
Title: Re: Carbonda Gravel CFR505 build
Post by: gravity on September 05, 2022, 03:09:37 AM
Its hard to get any cheaper than that. Its normally a pretty fast courier like a week to your door. Iys worth it.
Title: Re: Carbonda Gravel CFR505 build
Post by: Glen on September 05, 2022, 09:32:29 AM
I am hoping China opens up soon... Then I could visit and just get the frame delivered to the hotel or even go take the frame from the factory myself.
Title: Re: Carbonda Gravel CFR505 build
Post by: freakforti on September 11, 2022, 11:23:20 AM
I am rather satisfied with mine - running for two years now  ;)
Title: Re: Carbonda Gravel CFR505 build
Post by: carbonazza on September 13, 2022, 09:50:22 PM
Yes, I contacted them this week regarding 505 and the have it available... But, the shipping is rather expensive!

Did you consider the FM-606 ?
https://www.flybike-asia.com/product/153.html

Strangely the 707 isn't on their site anymore (or I didn't find it)
Title: Re: Carbonda Gravel CFR505 build
Post by: Pedaldancer on September 14, 2022, 04:55:10 AM
Did you consider the FM-606 ?
https://www.flybike-asia.com/product/153.html

Strangely the 707 isn't on their site anymore (or I didn't find it)

Is it possible to get a model from the larger flybike catalogue if it's not listed on the Carbonda webpage? Without buying a bunch of them
Title: Re: Carbonda Gravel CFR505 build
Post by: Glen on September 14, 2022, 07:51:19 AM
The 606 looks good too! I was interested in 505 because there is many reviews online.
Title: Re: Carbonda Gravel CFR505 build
Post by: carbonazza on September 14, 2022, 05:30:40 PM
The 606 looks good too! I was interested in 505 because there is many reviews online.
The 505 design starts to show its age.
I see more the reviews here and on the gravel forum, as a result of Carbonda's frame quality and service, than just this specific model.
If I remember well the 505 was the first of their frame to be presented here.
We should ask Wing about the availability of the 606.
 
Title: Re: Carbonda Gravel CFR505 build
Post by: Pedaldancer on September 15, 2022, 01:09:05 PM
The 505 design starts to show its age.
I see more the reviews here and on the gravel forum, as a result of Carbonda's frame quality and service, than just this specific model.
If I remember well the 505 was the first of their frame to be presented here.
We should ask Wing about the availability of the 606.

 ;D maybe you think about the 505 because it's your mate for a long time now. Regarding the style and maximum tire width it's  in any case more road bike related than other frames.. but the optic with the low seat stay is not old-fashioned
From my side the newer gravel frames got longer and longer which is somehow weird if I want a more relaxed body position as in a pure road bike.
Taking a shorter stem by not changing fork steering angle and offset to much creates a uncomfortable riding (at least to me)

My 505 is roughly 2 years old now and I  think the frame shape is pretty up-to-date. And I am fine with 40mm maximum :). For more I'll take my 909 ;)
Title: Re: Carbonda Gravel CFR505 build
Post by: carbonazza on September 15, 2022, 02:22:34 PM
;D maybe you think about the 505 because it's your mate for a long time now. Regarding the style and maximum tire width it's  in any case more road bike related than other frames.. but the optic with the low seat stay is not old-fashioned...

I badly notched the seatstays last year (or the previous) by not attaching a mudguard firm enough.
On top of knowing the design is from 2015, how could I not find it old and in the need for a new one ?  ;)
The 696 is too much MTB for me. I can't stand the seat stays/seat tube junction of the 707.
I didn't ask Wing about the 606 availability yet, so I can still dream a little about it... ::)
Title: Re: Carbonda Gravel CFR505 build
Post by: Pedaldancer on September 15, 2022, 04:31:02 PM
I badly notched the seatstays last year (or the previous) by not attaching a mudguard firm enough.
On top of knowing the design is from 2015, how could I not find it old and in the need for a new one ?  ;)
The 696 is too much MTB for me. I can't stand the seat stays/seat tube junction of the 707.
I didn't ask Wing about the 606 availability yet, so I can still dream a little about it... ::)

There is no reason required for a new bike  8). but if you feel better, the 505 is old.


;) still the shape of the frame is quite similar to currently sold bikes.
Title: Re: Carbonda Gravel CFR505 build
Post by: diefobo on September 20, 2022, 04:31:36 AM
There is no reason required for a new bike  8). but if you feel better, the 505 is old.


;) still the shape of the frame is quite similar to currently sold bikes.

Agree, and aslo the 696 is too much MTB....maybe 696 with front 505 fork?
Title: Re: Carbonda Gravel CFR505 build
Post by: carbonazza on October 31, 2022, 04:37:21 AM
...And I plan to have a week ride with it in Croatia next month  8)

We had a blast in Croatia with our 505 gravels along the coast and in the rocky mountains( Velebit, Plitvice ) in the back on the picture.

And as feared, the nice 606 frame is already taken by a brand  :(
https://www.flybike-asia.com/product/153.html
Title: Re: Carbonda Gravel CFR505 build
Post by: RDY on October 31, 2022, 06:43:05 AM
606 doesn't really seem very interesting.  Geo on everything except the 707 that FB / Carbonda do is very similar, and nothing with a more relaxed front end and steeper seat angle in the larger sizes.  May not be what interests you or others (it does me), but my point is that they have several models with relatively little differentiation.

I'd love to see something like the Argonaut GR3 - but with the rear triangle adjusted for 2x.
Title: Re: Carbonda Gravel CFR505 build
Post by: carbonazza on October 31, 2022, 04:53:51 PM
...  May not be what interests you or others (it does me), but my point is that they have several models with relatively little differentiation...


I was seeing it more like an iteration of the 505(that is just fine for many).
With a more modern look, bigger tires, inner hoses routing.
But ok, the Argonaut is on another level.
Title: Re: Carbonda Gravel CFR505 build
Post by: Serge_K on November 01, 2022, 03:28:02 PM

I was seeing it more like an iteration of the 505(that is just fine for many).
With a more modern look, bigger tires, inner hoses routing.
But ok, the Argonaut is on another level.

VB just released a GF-003 in the last day or 2, looks very interesting, haven't seen a complete bike yet.
Title: Re: Carbonda Gravel CFR505 build
Post by: Zycomatique on December 04, 2022, 08:59:49 AM
Hello,

This carbonda 505 seems to be the best frame for my use and could match perfectly with my body! But there Is no medium size left and I ve to wait for springtime for New ones with a T47 BB!
Is any problem for those who bought this frame?

David/France
Title: Re: Carbonda Gravel CFR505 build
Post by: Kactusdog on January 23, 2023, 05:40:07 PM
It is built !

(https://i.imgur.com/EINjt3M.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/LLeiMgG.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/UI17ghA.jpg)

From a quick tour around the block, the first impressions are great.
Feels light, stiff, agile to turn and I love its ultra-flashy look compared to my other black bikes ;D

Some doubts or issue I had during the build:
  • Straight pull hubs & spokes:
    I thought the hubs were two cross, while they were 3 cross.
    The ERD was 593mm instead of the 590 announced, that would have made a difference too.
    So I had to return and reorder a set of spokes.
    They were the easiest wheels I ever built.
    And the lightest at 1218g(Ultralight 29er rims from Peter, CX-Ray spokes, SAPIM alloy nipples, and Novatec hubs D411CB/D412CB.
    The rear hub freewheel is dead silent ! And without a front derailleur, this is a very silent bike. Will need a bell !
     
  • Tires:
    One of the most complex choice to me was about the tires for a gravel.
    There doesn't seem to be a best solution.
    Either you want to ride more on hard or soft terrain, and need appropriate tires.
    So in the end I took them light and mixed. The Maxxis Rambler 40mm.
    They were surprisingly easy to setup tubeless on the internal 19.6mm rims.
    Mount. Inflate with the compressor. Pop/Pop. Done.
     
  • The axles:
    I ordered a pair of Hardlite axles on ebay.As another Carbonda owner did( although poorly detailed ).
    They looked good but in fact were not compatible.
    The front 15x100 was an MTB one. Road ones are shorter, 125mm long axle.
    So I took a ROCK SHOX Maxle Stealth 15x100 with 1.5mm pitch.
    The rear drive dropout is not threaded, but need a nut, like the DT Swiss E-thru axle.
    I have a temp solution for now, but will find a M12x1.5mm nut somewhere to put on the Hardlite rear.
     
  • SRAM Red Etap:
    Using etap without front derailleur, is not a problem.
    11x36 cassette(CX1 Cassette PG-1170) with the wifli version of the rear derailleur is not an issue either. The capacity of the derailleur is 28T.
    The conversion of my two ring crank(with hidden bolt) to a single CX1 chainring went without issue.
    The Titanium bolts are from Ali. And used the hidden screw that came with the ring. The 2mm washers were useless.
    I rotate with 3 chains,  the SRAM PC-1170
     
  • Brakes:
    I didn't have the bleeding edge tool to bleed the brakes(damn SRAM to add yet another nozzle).
    So, I was extra careful when cutting the brake hose and route them through the frame.
    And not add air to the system.
    Setting the lever to have the nut vertical and adding some DOT liquid in it before remounting everything.
    It worked.
    The internal routing was very easy. A white tube was there in the frame to guide the rear hose. And there are holes in the fork for the front.
    Unfortunately I cut the front hose a tad to short( my first road bike bar... ), it is quite ok but sad.
    I was scared by taping the bar too, but it went well. I hesitated a long time between black and the yellow, but returned the black.
    And I didn't receive the brake disc from Ali yet, so I've temporarily put some used ones I had.
     
  • Design blues:
    Just for the aesthetics. When I see now all these useless black holes and screw, I could have ordered the frame without them. I saw later it was possible.
    Carbonda provide a set a various plugs/end caps but they didn't think as minimalistic as this build. No plug at the rear derailleur exit cable. No second rubber plug for the right shifter hose entry.
    Not sure I will ever use mudguards. And I replaced all screws with vinyl ones for now.

For the ones who care about this: it weights just over 7.4kg as it is on the pictures, and feels very light when holding it and riding it  :D

I've been considering this frame for quite a while, but let me ask you, this is a BB386, does that mean I could run a dub XX1 crankset for mountain bikes?
Title: Re: Carbonda Gravel CFR505 build
Post by: carbonazza on January 24, 2023, 03:27:03 AM
I've been considering this frame for quite a while, but let me ask you, this is a BB386, does that mean I could run a dub XX1 crankset for mountain bikes?

Yes with the appropriate BB, but you will need to find a spider to be able to go over 38T for your chainring. At certain times it wasn't easy to find 3 or 8 bolts spiders.
https://www.sram.com/en/sram/models/bb-dub-pf30-a1

Does Carbonda provide T47 versions now ?