Chinertown
Chinese Carbon MTB => 26er & 27.5 (650b) => Topic started by: Molothi on April 28, 2015, 04:56:19 PM
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Hi all
and thank you for all the information you are sharing on this forum
this is my turn to share my build - based on a Chiner FM 196 frame (17.5")
I wanted to have a bike with a good balance between weight, cost and reliability
I guess I'm very closed to my expectations :)
I'm using a full SRAM 1x11 transmission, Mavic Xmax SLR wheels, Hope brakes (I reused from my previous bike) ans some other components such as Thomson seat post, Ritchey handlebar ...
the picture shows my Winter built with some Continental XKing tires - already replaced by some Rubena ones (lighter and stronger)
since that picture I also added some stickers ( because I found the bike a little too ....black) - I also adjusted the cables and finetuned the position
I'll try to give another picture
the total weight is 9.4 9.3kgs (including pedals, Tires sealant, frame protection (top tube) and speed counter)
I've some options to reduce it to 9.1kgs for a reasonable price... but I'll see that later
I've already ridden it for almost 900km since I've built it - and I've to say that I really like it ;D
My practice is XC/XC Marathon
I'll test it on some long distance races soon - I'll give you my feedback
8)
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Hi all
and thank you for all the information you are sharing on this forum
this is my turn to share my build - based on a Chiner FM 196 frame (17.5")
I wanted to have a bike with a good balance between weight, cost and reliability
I guess I'm very closed to my expectations :)
I'm using a full SRAM 1x11 transmission, Mavic Xmax SLR wheels, Hope brakes (I reused from my previous bike) ans some other components such as Thomson seat post, Ritchey handlebar ...
the picture shows my Winter built with some Continental XKing tires - already replaced by some Rubena ones (lighter and stronger)
since that picture I also added some stickers ( because I found the bike a little too ....black) - I also adjusted the cables and finetuned the position
I'll try to give another picture
the total weight including pedals ans Tires sealant is 9.4 kgs
I've some option to reduce it to 9.1kgs for a reasonable price... but I'll see that later
I've already ridden it for almost 900km since I've built it - and I've to say that I really like it ;D
My practice is XC/XC Marathon
I'll test it on some long distance races soon - I'll give you my feedback
8)
Looks awesome! I was realizing that my wife doesn't have a backup to her 29er, and I've always thought she should give a 650b a try, so I'm considering getting the 196. It's either that or a full suspension 650b.
Did you happen to weigh the frame before building?
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Hi Cmh
yes I did, in fact I weighted all parts one by one
the frame weights 1056 gr .... and was given for 950+/- 80 gr, so it's almost that ;D
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Cool build! 8)
Whats with the tape over the cable opening? Keep moisture out?
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exactly RS ;)
I think using a soft plastic to block the cable openning.... I use the tape just as a temporary solution
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yes I did, in fact I weighted all parts one by one
the frame weights 1056 gr .... and was given for 950+/- 80 gr, so it's almost that ;D
That's awesome, that's right on track with her Scott Scale frames! Thanks!
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This is what I am building currently. Right now all that's left is a chain and stem spacers. How did your test rides go?
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What's the sizing like on these? I'm looking for one for my daughter to build with spare parts. By the numbers, they seem pretty small when comparing the 15" to the small Santa Cruz chameleon and 27.5 highball.
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Mine is from hong fu bikes. They have small medium large and extra large. This is a medium 17.5. It goes 15.5,17.5,19,20.5. Here is mine at the bike shop getting brakes bled. I let them do that!!!
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Here she is all 19.5 lbs. mavic wheels, xtr brakes, ks lev dropper, cabon bars, 1x10 sram xx1 and xo.
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it looks good Reppik ;-)
I also wanted to get the new Mavic wheels, but that will be for a second step :)
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Yours is awesome and inspiring. Loved the process! I looked at the same wheels you have and if that is what was at the bike shop at the time I would of had them too. First ride this last week and was super stoked. Its a great bike. ;)
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Building another one for my buddy.
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That's an interesting work stand.
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That's an interesting work stand.
Read this comment and had to do a double-take on the photo. Indeed - that's a damn creative stand. Well, done, sir. :D
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Thanks guys......for small fee i could build you one too! ;)
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Fork arrived today and now have most of the parts to build it.
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bad news on my side :'(
the head tube low bearing support cracked recently and that made me fall heavily - that damage even more the frame, but I can say I'm lucky becaue except some painful bruises - I had nothing serious
this happened end of may and I was expecting a more or less quick change, but as there was no stock.... I've to wait till september :-\
the good nes is that the warranty is taken into account andI'll get a spare frame, but it takes so long....
that's because for my first "no name"purchase I wanted to go through a reseller to avoid customs issues (it's frequent here) and having an easiest exchange/reaction in case of problem...
with this experience... I've learnt something: next time I'll buy directly from chiner resellers such as Peter
so now... I have to wait, even more than when I purchase the frame
fortunately here we have some new builds to follow ...
I'll give some nes when I'll get it back
that will like my second build ;- )
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Molothi, glad your not hurt. That's probably the first catastrophic failure I've read about on a Chinese frame. Usually there is a small crack or something else noticeable that requires the frame to be replaced or repaired.
Sorry to hear the seller you purchased from will not be able to send a replacement quickly. So far it's hard to beat Peter (now at Carbonspeed.com) for good service and pricing.
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Glad your not hurt too! Sorry to hear, that totally sucks. Lets see some images if you can for informational porpuses. I will keep checking mine for stresses. I have been riding for about a month now with no issues and crushing my strava times.
This is not something i like hearing about, failures that is. The fear that is always in the back of my mind. Let us know how the return goes and in the mean time here is the latest image of my buddies build.
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thank you guys
hopefully I'm fine - that's the most important thing
if I new that it would have lasted so long.... I'd have called Peter to get another frame quicker
but my reseller was less and less sharp about the new frame delivery... and finaly said that it's going to be delivered for September
3 long months to wait....
worst than for my first purchase :-[
concerning the failure I want to stay positive if it's the real first one failure like this (and even I was not lucky... because unfortunatly it happened to me... that's life )
one out of several samples... that remains maybe a law %
...
last night I met a guy who's best friend is doing some repair on carbon stuff including some frames - pure hazard but a very good and interesting meet ;-)
I learnt from him that he already repaired several Specialized Stumpjumper HT frames - issues with the BB - aloy part does not remain fixed with the carbon around it....
never heard about it before... and never seen such issue with Chiner frames either.....
so even if I met another kind of failure on mine... on statistics point of vue... we can say that they are as good as other well known brands... or could even be better on some poitn of views
(I hope I'll keep this way of thinking after too :-) )
now, I'm just looking forward receiving mine.... but I need to stay patient... very patient
as soon as I get news, I'll update you on that
cu
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Here they both are. The one with the red ie pink seat post was finished today. it was built for a buddy. It had a few small issues. 1. Frame dropouts were a little off center when the back wheel was put on. 2. The rear tire was to big and rubbed on the frame. It was a 2.5. I switched it with my 2.25 front and problem solved. The latest build has a 1x11 gear set and oh is it nice. It has XTR down hill as apposed to my XTR. The 11 speed and derailer are Shimano 9000 with a 32 tooth sram front gear on Fsa carbon cranks. Mine has the 1x10
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Nice pair of bikes!
What do you mean by XTR down hill vs. XTR ?
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I guess there is an m9000 race vs m9000 trail. I have the race on mine and the trail on the pink seat post bike. The trail brakes have more adjustment at the lever and finned heat dissipaters. Over all the pink seat post bike has a few things I wish I had put on mine. Not that I am not 100% stoked on my bike I just learned some stuff as I built. The pink seat post bike comes in at 20 lbs with tubes. Mine is close to 18. I think if my buddy gets rid of the tubes and maybe a composite seat post he will have me beat.
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hello guys
after 4 long.... very long month the new frame arrived today
I should be very happy but it's the opposite - the frame size is not the correct one >:(
I 'm really disapointed :(
using a local reseller was a bad idea .... a lot of wasted time :(
I've to see how this reseller can refund me and I'll find another solution
I hope to give some other better news soon
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hi
here is the next step
I dealt to get a refund from the local reseller for that wrong size frame, and then stop the story with them
now, it's a new story.... and I can change the title of this thread because it's gonna be a CS-196 frame ;-)
just placed an order to Peter this morning
I'll have some more news very soon... looking forward receiving the frame :-)
I'll keep you posted
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Hi, some updates about the frame
it 's been blocked at custom for 2 days, but it should be released for tomorrow
I expected to receive it for this week and then be able to build it... but I think it 's to tight, I'll need to wait begining of next week :-(
I remain positive... I should be able to ride it next week-end :-)
I post some pics about the build
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Fortunately the frame has arrived middle of last week after a week.. .blocked in Customs for document process/treatment, and I could build it to ride it this week-end
a crazy sunny with 20 degres ... incredible for 1rst of November
I really like that bike... I forgot how light a bike could be ;D
I'll post some pics later
a big "thank you" to Peter for his help and very good communication (even better than local dealers - they really have something to learn from him)
;)
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Hi All
I' m finally back
time goes fast and does not let me enough opportunities to ride, at least as much as I would like, but that' s life :-X
I could have titled this post "My Christmas ride ;D " as the following pics were taken that 25th of December
still the same pleasure to ride this bike in my region despite a frequent creaking noise around the rear derailleur - I had a look on everything, followed advise given in a separate post talking about a similar problem, but no way to fix it :(
only 1 last thing I need to do is to change the space between the front ring and the BB so as to change a little bit the chain line (as the noise comes up only for the 5 last gears).... but I' m not sure about that as I took everything from my last build and the new build is identical to the previous one ... we' ll see...)
anyway, that was a good ride of a december day which does not really look like a december day (Almost 10 degres above what it should be :o)
(http://s13.postimg.org/id4wfjbkn/IMG_20151226_163011_OK.jpg)
(http://s27.postimg.org/5w2vnoj77/IMG_20151226_164327_OK.jpg)
(http://s10.postimg.org/vv1tq9vcp/IMG_20151226_170004_OK.jpg)
After I returned at home, I cleaned the bike and .... maybe found the origine of the creacking noise, at leat maybe a part of it
I lost 1 screw of the right dropout, and the 2 others from the left side were not totally screwed :o :o
I need to find the same kind of screw before being able to ride again - I don' t want to have a bad surprise by losing the second screw - the result could be dramatic
is anybody has this type of screw reference?
;)
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Bike is looking good. Sorry about the creeking. I know youll get it sorted out. Cheers and happy riding. P.S. Both bikes I have have been holding strong...
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After I returned at home, I cleaned the bike and .... maybe found the origine of the creacking noise, at leat maybe a part of it
I lost 1 screw of the right dropout, and the 2 others from the left side were not totally screwed :o :o
I need to find the same kind of screw before being able to ride again - I don' t want to have a bad surprise by losing the second screw - the result could be dramatic
is anybody has this type of screw reference?
;)
I don't know the size off the top of my head, possibly email Peter and ask if he knows the size. If you are in the US, you can order a replacement screw from McMaster.com.
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yes I will reach Peter
I'm not in US, bit I'm sure I can find some local reseller for that ;-)
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Hi there guys and girls! I'm 186cm tall, and I've just got myself the 19" version of the frame because Peter recommended this size for me. When asking around though, many people seem to think the frame seems too small for my height, but when comparing to the recommendations on Merida's website the frame seems to be fine, so I'm hoping that it'll be ok for me. What do you guys think?
Also; do any of you know how long the reach of the frame is? I can't find it.
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Hi HaakonJohansen (I did a copy-paste, too difficult to type right :) )
This is the right size for you, no doubt. I'd say you are the average size for that frame. I'm 181 and I'd hesitate between 17.5 and 19". I think that most people pick a bike too big for them, and that becomes their reference :))
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Thanks for the answer man. Glad to hear that;)
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Hi HaakonJohansen
I confirm that it' s the good size
(I'm 1.78 told and I took a 17.5" frame size, because I like compact frames, but this size would defently be too small for you)
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Again, I'm glad to hear that;) Also, I'm wondering which seat clamp to get? I'm looking at the Mt Zoom, but I'm a bit concerned that the 10mm height is a little bit short, and that it might cause damage to the frame. Any thoughts about this? Also, it's torque limit is at 4Nm, is this enough to hold the seat post in place?
And any suggestions to cheap carbon bars? I'm upgrading to Schmolke TLO or Extralite bars later this year, but I'm a little short on money right now (complete build from scratch, and I'm a student), so I just want some cheap ones for some months. It's also my first XC-build so I want some cheap bars, that can be shortened, to find the bar length I like the most. Are there any reliable carbon bars under 40 USD? Or should I rather spend 60-70 USD on a new 3T bar (good deal with private seller)?
PS: my weight is around 75-80 kg.
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Any clamp should work fine. There's a plethora of choices on eBay in every size and color. As for the bars, how wide do you want them to be? There are plenty of chiner bars on eBay for under $40. It's not justified by anything but I don't go for the chiner bars. Name brand carbon bars can be had for under $100 and at that price, I just feel better about it.
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I think inseam is a more important size than height.
Measure your inseam, multiply it by 0.877(not sure where this theory comes from) and you get an idea of the distance between the bb axle and the top of the saddle for an efficient pedalling.
Draw the geometry of the frame(+saddle,stem & bar) you want, eg. in sketchup, and measure:
1) the vertical drop between the saddle and the bar
2) the horizontal distance between the back of the saddle and the bar
Look at the bike you ride today, and compare these two values.
If the drop or the saddle/bar distance are longer you will have a more racy position, but less comfortable.
I'm 178cm with an inseam of 89cm, and a 19" is right for me.
On a 17" I would need a very long seat post, and the big drop would make me too cramped.
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Bike is looking good. Sorry about the creeking. I know youll get it sorted out. Cheers and happy riding. P.S. Both bikes I have have been holding strong...
If you are in the US, you could try Mcmaster.com for the replacement screw. Although I do not know what the dimensions are. If you have a set of calipers you could measure the length and diameter and match it up to one on Mcmaster's website.
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I think inseam is a more important size than height.
Measure your inseam, multiply it by 0.877(not sure where this theory comes from) and you get an idea of the distance between the bb axle and the top of the saddle for an efficient pedalling.
Draw the geometry of the frame(+saddle,stem & bar) you want, eg. in sketchup, and measure:
1) the vertical drop between the saddle and the bar
2) the horizontal distance between the back of the saddle and the bar
Look at the bike you ride today, and compare these two values.
If the drop or the saddle/bar distance are longer you will have a more racy position, but less comfortable.
I'm 178cm with an inseam of 89cm, and a 19" is right for me.
On a 17" I would need a very long seat post, and the big drop would make me too cramped.
Thanks for the reply. Sounds like white a lot of work doing the measuring in sketchup (maybe not if I'm using simle tubes, just for the sake of measuring though), but I see your point. The problem is I have no point of reference, as this is my first XC bike. I've only been riding freeride oriented bikes before (street, downhill etc.). But I think my inseam is around 86/87 cm. Am I right that you have a little long legs relative to your height, or maybe my legs are quite short? Just curious;P
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Any clamp should work fine. There's a plethora of choices on eBay in every size and color. As for the bars, how wide do you want them to be? There are plenty of chiner bars on eBay for under $40. It's not justified by anything but I don't go for the chiner bars. Name brand carbon bars can be had for under $100 and at that price, I just feel better about it.
I guess I'm better off with the 3T bar then (this one: https://www.3tcycling.com/mountain/en/bike-components/mtb-bars/flat-720-team-stealth/). I'm also considering alu bars, as I might want to cut them to find my preferred length. Are cheap Alu bars usually safe?
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Hi, I am thinking to build one; however i am confused about the dropout. Can this frame take both 135mm QR and 142*12mm axle? or do i have to specify which one i want when order this frame? Thank for your help.
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The rear axle spacing can be either 135x9 QR or 142x12 thru depending on which dropouts you order. If you are not sure which you want, you can order both dropout standards.
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Got it! That is good to know because i am not sure which wheels set i am going to buy yet. Again, thank you very much
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Am I right that you have a little long legs relative to your height, or maybe my legs are quite short? Just curious;P
You are probably normal size :)
I'm not. Which makes finding me a road bike geometry a real pain.
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HJ (that's shorter :) ),
You're inseam is just normal. 19" is definitely what you need.
For the bars, I'd buy a cheap but reliable Aluminum bar. Not a Chiner bar. They might be cheap but they weight a tone, most of the time heavier then a Ritchey Alu bar.
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Edited: found the answer to my last question, but I've got a new one.
The CS-196 will work with any e-thru axle, right?
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Edited: found the answer to my last question, but I've got a new one.
The CS-196 will work with any e-thru axle, right?
Nobody knows?
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it works as long as you have a nut on the right side (you can' t screw the axle directly in the dropout)
for example I bought this one: http://shop.frmbike.it/task-e-thru.html (http://shop.frmbike.it/task-e-thru.html)
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it works as long as you have a nut on the right side (you can' t screw the axle directly in the dropout)
for example I bought this one: http://shop.frmbike.it/task-e-thru.html (http://shop.frmbike.it/task-e-thru.html)
Nice;) I'm thinking about getting the Extralite version as I don't want quick release, and it's only 29 grams (without the nut though).
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You have a little axle guide on extralite page, with thread stepping and all, then you will know which axle you need:http://www.extralite.com/Products/Black%20Lock.htm
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Here is my build. I've done a few changes since the pictures were taken. I.e. I've changed the flat Syntace pedals with Bebops, and I've cut the front brake hose. It's around 6.6-6.7kg right now, but I'm going to get it down to 6.2-6.3kg (with pedals!) when all the upgrades are done;)
(http://i.imgur.com/GekvIbwh.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/Kr5fWPCh.jpg)
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That top photo is fudging gorgeous... and 6.6kg - wow. Very nicely done.
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wow
that's light
beautiful ;)
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Damn... I just cut the hose yesterday for the front brake of my kid's bike( I'll share the build soon ).
I didn't think the hose could go behind the fork.
Congrats on the weight.
It must feel feathery to ride.
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Nice weight!!
Damn... I just cut the hose yesterday for the front brake of my kid's bike( I'll share the build soon ).
I didn't think the hose could go behind the fork.
You could release the front brake and change the hose position.
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You could release the front brake and change the hose position.
At first sight, I may have cut the hose too short to go around the headtube, but I will try.
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Thanks for the feedback guys;) Really appreciate it. It might be between 6.6 and 6.7kg though. Not 6.6 flat. But like I said; it's going to get even lighter;) Not because it'll actually make me a better rider though, just... you know; because;P
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Does anyone know what rear axle the frame uses? Is it Shimano E-Thru? Wanna shave some weight by ditching the cheap quick release axles. I might have some trouble finding one to suit the fork, but Romain Bureaux at Shift-Up is looking into making something that might fit;)
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Yes, Shimano E-thru is the axle type, at least that's all I've ever seen in the Chinese Carbon frames.
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Thanks;)
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Hi all
some words about my CS196 bought from Peter...
I'm still very happy about that frame, i don't really count hours and total distance made with it since I got it but..... it becomes something between 2500 and 3000km
I like long distance rides/races, not for being the winner but more for the long distance itself and wild areas
already done this season several 80-85km rides, one 120km, and next week-end another 100km race
average positive elevation is between +1500 to +2500 for each ride/race according to the location
some other long rides will come end of summer ;D
I find this CS196 comfortable - I had a FS bike previously and got some pains on my back and wanted to try again a hardtail one... and I'm really happy of that change
for the summer build I use a 2.25" rear tire (which is more a 2.2 in real, but some brands like saying that they made the lightest tire for this size :-) ) , this tire section certainly helps to give some comfort
I often experience people asking "what brand is your bike? " and they are surprized about the answer but still look interested ;)
I recently put some stickers on it showing the frame reference and Peter's company name.... but I'll change (it's not as good as I expected but I have other ideas). I'll share when I'm happy with the result
anyway, if I have to resume: I'm fully happy with that frame ;D ;D ;D
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Really happy with mine too:) I've not been competing in any races though, as this is my first ever season with an XC bike, but I'll probably do some races next year;) I have done quite a lot of riding (and bike washing;P) though.
Here are some photos after my latest drivetrain upgrades. 34T oval ring from Garbaruk, lots of bolt tuning for the rear derailleur (not really new though) and Alligator I-links Mini. Hope you guys like it:)
(http://i.imgur.com/EQ0w7aAh.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/xI0BiBwh.jpg)
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If your tires didn't show some dirt signs, I would not believe you actually ride the bike ;D
It is as clean and scratch-less as the first pictures.
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Haha:D I know. I'm a bit obsessive when it comes to keeping it clean/scratch free. But I assure you, I do use it;)
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Here is my build. I've done a few changes since the pictures were taken. I.e. I've changed the flat Syntace pedals with Bebops, and I've cut the front brake hose. It's around 6.6-6.7kg right now, but I'm going to get it down to 6.2-6.3kg (with pedals!) when all the upgrades are done;)
(http://i.imgur.com/GekvIbwh.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/Kr5fWPCh.jpg)
Fet sykkel!
8)
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My FM196 /CS-196-SL build (bought frame from Peter / XMCarbonSpeed)
Another Norwegian build 8)
(http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a345/Alcaid/IMG_3758_zpsfgue0k0u.jpg)
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Nice build;) Are those 2.2 tires?
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Nice build;) Are those 2.2 tires?
2.25"