Update - LC will be providing a new front triangle to make this all good.

Lots of parts arriving today so I’ll build it as a mock up for now.

Just barely had light enough at the end of the day to get it out and try our local trails last night. I can only compare it with my 2017 Diamondback Release aluminum framed bike (similar to a Santa Cruz 5010 in geometry). The FM 1003 definitely did what I needed it to. It climbs at least as well as my diamondback and just smashes through EVERYTHING on the descent. I took a couple of bad lines that put me into rocks that I normally try to avoid and found that I could just ride over them with impunity. I've had more pedal strikes on this bike than with my Diamondback, but I think it's mostly been my line choices. If I can get out of work early enough this afternoon, I'll give it some more seat time. I'm pretty pleased with it and the paint looks great so far.

I don't intend to do that. I just won't buy paint from them on future builds. The build price on this bike was... hefty. Getting $50 for a paint job that, while chippy, still looks pretty good isn't something I want to bother with.

Spot on. Lol.

Getting closer. Ordered a dropper remote incompatible with my post and I need longer shift cable. But it’s 90% there. I will say the clearances on this frame are TIGHT. Putting it back together was hell and I definitely scratched the paint. Luckily in places you can’t see when it’s together. Cable routing isn’t bad, the dropper being the worst to maneuver.

Also waiting on longer riser bars but apparently the train they’re on has mechanical issues. So maybe I’ll button this up in about a week.

I used SprayMaxx 2k clear. I shot one coat then wet sanded 800 grit. Then did a heavy coat and let it cure for 24 hours. I could have gone heavier in some spots but from 5ft away the bike looks great and that’s all I was really going for.

I'm not sure about this, but I think the linkage design could be following the Canfield Balance Formula. If so, then aside from being heavier, this would be the best climbing bike from Carbonda. Revel has a few CBF bikes. I've always wanted to try it.