Chinertown

Chinese Carbon MTB => 29er => Topic started by: doaskid on June 03, 2014, 08:21:13 AM

Title: New Build - Crowdsource Forum Project
Post by: doaskid on June 03, 2014, 08:21:13 AM
Hi there.

First time caller long term lurker.

I am in the market for a new 29er and I thought it would be a good idea (maybe) that I open this journey to the forum.

My idea is that this forum helps me select, purchase, build a new Chiner with me providing photographs and a diary of my process and build.  The idea being that together as a forum we can provide some further knowledge about these products and hopefully help others who land here.

I have between $4000 and $5000 to spend all in.
I am experienced in procuring frames and parts from abroad.
I have built several road bikes from the ground up but no MTB's
I am UK based.
Love quality at bargain prices.


All I am asking for is some time and patients to possibly dumb questions and in return I will provide as much detail as you ask/ I have the time to give.

Is this of interest to anyone?



Is this
Title: Re: New Build - Crowdsource Forum Project
Post by: Carbon_Dude on June 03, 2014, 08:54:19 AM
So, essentially, you want to do what everyone else on this forum, MTBR, and many blogs have already done.

Please feel free to ask as many questions as you like about your build, however, what you are proposing is nothing new.  This forum exists for individuals who have a budget, want help with component selection, need advice, or have problems they need answers to.  Look forward to seeing your build, just post any questions and I'm sure you will get them answered quickly.

Your first decision will be hardtail or full suspension.  Looking at your budget, you can build either.
Title: Re: New Build - Crowdsource Forum Project
Post by: doaskid on June 03, 2014, 09:38:43 AM
Ok no problem.

I thought it might be of interest to this forum that was all.

If I get stuck I will post a question or two.


Title: Re: New Build - Crowdsource Forum Project
Post by: Patrick C. on June 03, 2014, 11:22:30 AM
$4000 to $5000 makes it pretty easy, even for a full suspension.  XTR or XX1, a top of the line fork, and carbon wheels (though maybe not the most expensive ones) should get you in under $5000, even with a few replacement parts. 

Please do post your components list along with where you got them and price if you're comfortable sharing, but if you really want to challenge the group ask for help keeping it under $2000:)
Title: Re: New Build - Crowdsource Forum Project
Post by: brmeyer135 on June 03, 2014, 12:01:24 PM
What are you building this for?
   Going to race?
Title: Re: New Build - Crowdsource Forum Project
Post by: brmeyer135 on June 03, 2014, 12:04:29 PM
posting troubles...continuing ---
    XC marathon or short?
    or cyclocross
  AM type setup
  or highend commuter

With that kind of budget, I would build a low weight racer.
Title: Re: New Build - Crowdsource Forum Project
Post by: doaskid on June 03, 2014, 12:39:19 PM
@Patrick C  - Yep I will post everything I can if it is relevant and helps others.
@brmeyer135 - I am going to race in events like http://www.cape-epic.com/

Currently chewing over this frame http://goo.gl/ov7iZC which looks like an ALMOST straight lift from the Specailized Enduro.

Title: Re: New Build - Crowdsource Forum Project
Post by: brmeyer135 on June 03, 2014, 06:11:02 PM
Looks good and one that I haven't heard any speak of before.
Title: Re: New Build - Crowdsource Forum Project
Post by: Carbon_Dude on June 03, 2014, 06:39:00 PM
@Patrick C  - Yep I will post everything I can if it is relevant and helps others.
@brmeyer135 - I am going to race in events like http://www.cape-epic.com/

Currently chewing over this frame http://goo.gl/ov7iZC which looks like an ALMOST straight lift from the Specailized Enduro.

The race looks like it would be a tough race on any bike.  I checked out the video, which was awesome by the way, and riders had a mix of XC hard tail and XC full suspension bikes.  The FS bikes appeared to have around 100mm of travel.  No sense in getting a bike that has more travel than you need.  You say the frame is a copy of a Specialized Enduro, that bike has 155mm of rear travel.  Do you plan on doing a lot of knarly downhill?  That's a lot of travel for a bike that you would use for an 8 day, 450 mile, endurance race.

I don't know anything about the frame you posted, but an IP-036 along with a 100mm travel fork would be a good starting point.
Title: Re: New Build - Crowdsource Forum Project
Post by: Sitar_Ned on June 03, 2014, 06:53:34 PM
@Patrick C  - Yep I will post everything I can if it is relevant and helps others.
@brmeyer135 - I am going to race in events like http://www.cape-epic.com/

Currently chewing over this frame http://goo.gl/ov7iZC which looks like an ALMOST straight lift from the Specailized Enduro.

Hmm.. First time seeing this frame - Looks sweet. There's a whole market of people waiting for a more all mountain chiner to be released.

I agree with the sentiment that maybe this is more frame than you need? Then again.. you will be doing more than just this single race with it, and we don't know your experience and skill level. It may be that it's not too much frame for you.. I actually really want to see you build this out with that frame simply bc it's new to me, but would hate to steer you wrong. I'll echo what brmeyer asked when he inquired as to how you would describe your riding style? Basically, cross country or all mountain? An 036 as suggested above may be your best bet. Know of any better pics of that frame?

And ask all the questions you like.. We love to build bike vicariously through other people! I understand what you meant with your original post.. in that it would be the forum that builds the bike... Not you building the bike and then verifying and asking questions. A lil twist on crowd sourcing. Not sure if it would turn out like you want it to.. but would be interesting. I think it's a really cool idea.

Here's a ridiculous deal on a stem that I keep posting lol: http://www.pricepoint.com/Brand/Easton/Easton-Haven-Stem-2012.axd

Probably not the best one if your answer to the riding style question is "all mountain" as they tend to be a bit on the shorter side.

Title: Re: New Build - Crowdsource Forum Project
Post by: Sitar_Ned on June 03, 2014, 07:05:12 PM
You're right about it being ALMOST like a Specialized Epic:

I have to wonder why they don't just straight up replicate it.

(http://i.imgur.com/WfNlUJt.png)

(http://i.imgur.com/m0rjMK3.png)

(http://i.imgur.com/p18GZUS.png)

Title: Re: New Build - Crowdsource Forum Project
Post by: Carbon_Dude on June 03, 2014, 07:09:12 PM
You're right about it being ALMOST like a Specialized Epic:

You mean Specialized Enduro :).  If it were a copy of an Epic, I'd be ordering the frame myself and finding a Brain Shock on eBay to go with it.
Title: Re: New Build - Crowdsource Forum Project
Post by: Sitar_Ned on June 03, 2014, 07:23:44 PM
You're right about it being ALMOST like a Specialized Epic:

You mean Specialized Enduro :).  If it were a copy of an Epic, I'd be ordering the frame myself and finding a Brain Shock on eBay to go with it.

Oops.. yes, Enduro.

I want to go ahead and call dibs on your 036 frame when you order that Epic chiner within 6-12 months ;)
Title: Re: New Build - Crowdsource Forum Project
Post by: Carbon_Dude on June 03, 2014, 07:30:30 PM
If I needed a bike with 150+mm of travel, that frame looks sweet though.  However, if you check the rear pivots, they are not in the same place as the Specialized Enduro, might be insignificant but then again, it could have a slightly different travel sweep path.
Title: Re: New Build - Crowdsource Forum Project
Post by: doaskid on June 04, 2014, 01:18:28 AM
Geo for Enduro and Chiner
Title: Re: New Build - Crowdsource Forum Project
Post by: Rigid_Bloke on June 04, 2014, 09:31:12 AM
^^ Looks like it really only takes a front triangle design cue from the Enduro. Slightly longer chainstays and slightly steeper headtube angle can change the ride quite a bit, I assume? Not necessarily a bad thing, may actually make it a better, more all rounded selection for this build.

So.. if this really is going to be a true crowd sourced project, which I think would be an interesting but difficult thing to pull off, I put my vote in for this frame!
Title: Re: New Build - Crowdsource Forum Project
Post by: doaskid on June 04, 2014, 10:32:00 AM
Agreed on the front triangle.

As soon as you put the two Geo's up against each other you can start to see the difference.

We have got to be realistic, this is not an Enduro OEM this looks like a design copy with an attempt at a mass appeal Geo (albeit subjective on the appeal).

We should christen it CHINDURO  ::)

I think for the crowdsourcing idea, its more about finding general consensus for parts, build and price of.

I believe people genuinely want to hear sound reasoning behind component selection without having to go through hundreds of threads and thousands of words.

As CD said - it's nothing new, but as least everyone here will get an equal shout and a chance to "find" components worthy of discussion at the very least - only if they choose, nothing is mandatory.


Title: Re: New Build - Crowdsource Forum Project
Post by: Carbon_Dude on June 04, 2014, 02:34:16 PM
In my opinion, and this is just from what I know of current component offerings and those I've used, this would be my component selection if I were to build another FS bike from the ground up:

1)  Brakes - Shimano XT or XTR
2)  Shifter, Cranks, Bottom Bracket, Chain, Rear Derailleur, Cassette - SRAM XX1
3)  Fork - Rockshock SID World Cup w/remote
4)  Rear Shock - Monarch XX w/ XLoc Full Sprint remote (locks both front and rear)
5)  Wheels - Chinese Carbon Hookless 30mm
6)  Seat - WTB Laser
7)  Bars & Seatpost - Chinese Carbon
8)  Frame - Chinese Carbon of your choice
9)  Grips - Thinking I might try some Richey WCS Foam (or similar)
10) Tires - GEAX Saguaro or Maxxis Ardent
11)  Pedals - Eggbeater 3 or Ti
12) Stem - Easton EA90 or EC90 or Thomson Elite
13) Headset - Order with the frame or Cane Creek brand
14) Seatpost clamp - Thomson Elite 
15) Cables come with the shifter
16) Grease - Park Tools Polylube or similar
Title: Re: New Build - Crowdsource Forum Project
Post by: doaskid on June 05, 2014, 02:44:38 PM
A few Bundle ideas snagged from a "build your own 29er" site here in the UK

Prices are in UK pounds

Title: Re: New Build - Crowdsource Forum Project
Post by: Sitar_Ned on June 05, 2014, 08:04:11 PM
5k chiner hardtail build? It's XX1 all the way. I think that would definitely be the consensus. The XX1 package looks like it contains all the right high end components. Only problem I potentially see is that I can't imagine having a 5k XX1 hardtail chiner and not have carbon rims. That's $3780 for the XX1 package for those too lazy to do the conversion. I'd say a fair price considering all you're getting.. but then add in the carbon hoops and the cost to have them laced to your Hope hubs and that's another $500.
Title: Re: New Build - Crowdsource Forum Project
Post by: Oolak on July 06, 2014, 10:53:52 AM
Cool thread.

Really interested in this frame - never seen it before. Anybody know of any builds using it, or have any other type of info on it?
Title: Re: New Build - Crowdsource Forum Project
Post by: Andy on July 06, 2014, 02:51:45 PM
That is an incredibly helpful opinion on how the bike should be built.  Thanks Carbon Dude!
Andy. :)


In my opinion, and this is just from what I know of current component offerings and those I've used, this would be my component selection if I were to build another FS bike from the ground up:

1)  Brakes - Shimano XT or XTR
2)  Shifter, Cranks, Bottom Bracket, Chain, Rear Derailleur, Cassette - SRAM XX1
3)  Fork - Rockshock SID World Cup w/remote
4)  Rear Shock - Monarch XX w/ XLoc Full Sprint remote (locks both front and rear)
5)  Wheels - Chinese Carbon Hookless 30mm
6)  Seat - WTB Laser
7)  Bars & Seatpost - Chinese Carbon
8)  Frame - Chinese Carbon of your choice
9)  Grips - Thinking I might try some Richey WCS Foam (or similar)
10) Tires - GEAX Saguaro or Maxxis Ardent
11)  Pedals - Eggbeater 3 or Ti
12) Stem - Easton EA90 or EC90 or Thomson Elite
13) Headset - Order with the frame or Cane Creek brand
14) Seatpost clamp - Thomson Elite 
15) Cables come with the shifter
16) Grease - Park Tools Polylube or similar
Title: Re: New Build - Crowdsource Forum Project
Post by: jonxmack on July 10, 2014, 04:23:54 PM
My take on the list

1)  Brakes - SRAM X0 Trail
2)  Shifter, Cranks, Bottom Bracket, Chain, Rear Derailleur, Cassette - SRAM XX1
3)  Fork - Rockshock SID World Cup w/remote
4)  Rear Shock - Monarch XX w/ XLoc Full Sprint remote (locks both front and rear)
5)  Wheels - Chinese Carbon Hookless 30mm
6)  Seat - Your choice
7)  Bars & Seatpost - Thomson
8)  Frame - Chinese Carbon of your choice
9)  Grips - ESI Foams
10) Tires - I like Schwalbe but it's up to you, Maxxis great, Kenda great, loads of good tyres
11)  Pedals - Time Atac
12) Stem - Thomson Elite
13) Headset - Order with the frame or Cane Creek brand
14) Seatpost clamp - Thomson Elite 
15) Cables come with the shifter
16) Grease - Park Tools Polylube or similar
Title: Re: New Build - Crowdsource Forum Project
Post by: ponderosa on October 16, 2014, 01:34:01 PM
Great thread,   I'm going build a FS Chiner very soon.  The parts lists from you who have built them already are super helpful!

1.  Any observations on differences between the 036 and 098?  (seem to be the 2 to pick from)

2.  What do you all think of the Cane Creek DBInline on one of these?  http://www.canecreek.com/products/suspension/dbinline
Title: Re: New Build - Crowdsource Forum Project
Post by: Carbon_Dude on October 16, 2014, 05:27:22 PM
I may modify my list a bit more after riding my FS Chiner for about 5 months now.  I'm pretty happy with the Fox CTD w/remote Fork and Fox CTD BV w/remote rear shock once I got my Scott Twin-Loc lever installed.  The main difference between the Fox setup and the Rockshox setup is the partial lock, or trail setting offered by the CTD system.  It's nice to have a suspension mode that's not totally locked out or totally open.  So if I had it to do again, I would not change much else.

As for the IP-036 vs the IP-098:

IP-036 --> XC/Trail (110mm travel)
IP-098 --> Enduro/Downhill (140mm travel)

At least that's near as I can tell as there are not many trading companies selling the IP-098.  Also, the IP-098 seems like it has a shorter wheelbase in the pictures, but I haven't seen the geometry specs for it.
Title: Re: New Build - Crowdsource Forum Project
Post by: ponderosa on October 17, 2014, 03:50:20 PM
Your right:

098  has 1255
036 has  1132

(19" model)
Title: Re: New Build - Crowdsource Forum Project
Post by: cmh on October 21, 2014, 05:37:41 PM
While the frame is visually copied from the Enduro, no doubt, don't forget that the Chiner frame is not a Horst link, with pivots above the rear axle on the "seat stays" and the rear axle on the chainstays, whereas the Enduro with the Horst link has the pivot on the "chain stay" and the axle on the seat stays. From what I remember of suspension technology, that makes the Chiner frame a 4-bar/swingarm design while the Specialized is the aforementioned Horst link.