Anyone running these with Shimano derailleurs? Is that thumb shifter comfortable? How do they hold up over time? And how much do the shifters weigh? I feel like these shifters + Shimano derailleurs are a cheap weight-weenieish setup.

There are a lot of open mold frames that... let's say "draw inspiration".... from big brand frames. The most obvious one is the SL7 and it's probably worth keeping a list of those with all their subtle differences, but I wanted to reference some others I've found and keep a thread going.

Inspiration: Canyon Endurace


Open mold versions: Velobuild VB-R-066/OG EVKIN CF-025



Notes: Velobuild available in rim or disc brake config. I think the Velobuild version is a good bit lighter than OG EVKIN's.

Inspiration: Cervelo R5


Open mold version: Tantan FM6x9 (609, 619, 629, 639)


Notes: the geometry is EXACTLY the same lmao. Also available in rim & disc versions as well as half vs fully internal cabling (I wanna say 639 = fully integrated).

I know the TT-X38 is "inspired by" the newest Scott Foil but I'm too lazy to dig all those photos up. But you get the gist. If I had the time I'd start a website to capture all this open mold data. Finding info is a real pain in the ass

I don't like proprietary seatposts or racy geometry but there don't seem to be too many options like that in the road space. Only ones I can think of off hand are the Velobuild 066 and Elves Eglath

I also don't need 50mm+ tire clearance as I don't plan on riding gravel/off road. Just want a comfy road bike. I saw the Airwolf YFR068, the artist formerly known as the CFR505 etc. Basically looking for a frame with ~40mm clearance and more stack than effective top tube (somewhere around 550 x 535, no longer than 540 ETT)

What is out there?

I know there are boatloads of e-delivery style bikes but I was wondering if there are Chinese equivalents to something like a Specialized Creo etc. I know they aren't the sexiest things but there are so many damn hills around here.

Looking around it seems like some mainstream brands have got pretty aggressive with pricing, almost to the point that they're comparable with open mold builds. I feel like a mid grade open mold build (i.e. not the dirt cheapest parts, but not top tier brands either) is about $2000-2500. Seems like there are a few carbon 105 disc bikes from brands like Giant for that much

Obviously the mainstream stuff isn't as custom.... for example I would pay a little bit extra for 38cm bars and lighter wheels..... but then you do get a higher level of customer service and warranty over the whole bike

Has the shift in prices swayed anyone at all?

Would love a thread where people just have 1-2 pictures of their bikes with the following specs:

Make
Model
Size (people always seem to forget this)
Wheels + tires (with wheel width + tire size to judge clearance)
Weight
Link to full build/details

No comments! Would be nice to just see what is out there

Would also be cool to have 1 thread with all the current brands and models available with links and a brief description (i.e. Elves Falath Pro- rim/disc brake aero frame, $1000USD)

Info is just a little too decentralized IMO

I am looking at the AR56s (56x30, ~$650) or the WR50s (50x32, ~$850) for a road disc build with 30mm tires. Trying to stay within the 105% rule to max out the aero benefit and find something 32mm wide and ~55-60mm deep closer to $600. I have seen a bunch of 32mm wide gravel wheelsets but they only go to ~45mm deep. Just trying to see if anyone knows of something 55-60mm deep and 32mm wide for $600-700 or so.