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Re: First Gravlebike Carbonda CFR707 vs Lightcarbon LCG071 My current gravel bike is a LCG071, and previously rode a CFR505, as well as owning multiple other frames from both Carbonda (FM909, FM1001, FM936, CFR505) and LightCarbon (LCG071, LCR017). Both brands produce high quality frames and are easy to deal with (you can ignore the nutjobs in a particular road thread, even that frame has resounding positives with a few outliers). Carbonda finally updated their website and maybe that helps streamline some of the process.

The CFR707 is a longer frame but assuming you can fit either I would decide based on aesthetics, in which case the LCG071 wins for me. I doubt you will notice a meaningful difference due to their tire clearance (you really don't need to jump on the MTB tire trend unless you're racing for the win in Lifetime Grand Prix events, in which case why would you be here?). Running 1x on gravel can have limitations but when out exploring or riding solo it doesn't bother me, I mostly notice it when riding on pavement with someone on 2x and have slightly unsatisfying cadence matching. For your own ease of upgrading maybe look at a GRX build that lets you just swap crank and FD instead of a full 105 swap, plus 105 will come with a different set of limitations in easy gears if this is really meant for big gravel.

I really like my LCG071, and want to love it, but it does have some caveats. I'm 6'2" and have the size 550 with a 100mmx400mm integrated handlebar and the fit is great but there is considerable toe overlap with 42mm tires. I really only notice it when doing a U-turn on pavement and haven't noticed it when riding, even on mild single-track. Most concerning though is death wobble. On two occasions when riding downhill at speed on pavement I had removed both hands and the front end instantly began violently wobbling back and forth. It happened so quickly that I immediately grabbed the bars again, but in hindsight it seemed stable just very concerning. As a gravel bike it has been great.

With those considerations I think you would be happy with either bike for gravel, go with what fits you or looks exciting to ride.
December 12, 2024, 10:26:08 AM 		1