Hello everyone,
I was looking at buying a Luna X1 bike and that got me down the rabbit hole of chinese carbon frames. I'm now looking at just building a carbon frame as a replacement for my existing bike with the potential to convert it to an ebike later using one of these motors if they are well received after they actually launch -
https://www.lightest.bikeCurrently on more of an all-mountain/Enduro bike and thinking I want to go a bit more Trail as I've been out of riding for a while and finding I'm really not as brave or hardcore as I once was. Current setup:
Riding a Nicolai frame I picked up used in like 2014.
Lyric coil U-turn Fork 160mm
Monarch RC3 Plus rear shock
Hammershmidt crank
Sram X-0 and X-9 shifters/cassette
Avid Brakes
Reverb Dropper
Trying to plan out a build and I've never built a bike before, but I'm very mechanical so I don't think it should be an issue. My main challenge is I haven't ridden much in a while, and I'm trying to now dive into geometry and figure out which parts are best for the build and there is a lot going on there.
First off, I am trying to select a frame. I wasn't sure if there was a database of providers who people like. I see ICAN, LightCarbon, and Carbonda listed quite frequently. I made up a quick spreadsheet to log some details. If anyone would like to add to it, please feel free. I think it could be a good resource for some new members in the future. I focused on Large and XL frames as thats what I'll be on (6'4") but it could be much more complete.
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1hANaOQ4ZB-wuRrB-lUa0GLTgUnDYevgNjW-xd-HWg48/edit?usp=sharingI am currently leaning towards the Carbonda FM1001, Light Carbon LCFS958, Or DIYCarbonBikes DCB100,120,130. Not sure how big I want to go, trying to figure out what would work well now and as a possible ebike in the future. I welcome thoughts on DIY as I haven't seen them mentioned here much. Although their pricing seems pretty good considering they include shipping and I like that there is some US based component although who knows how much that is actually worth.
Working on my component list but hard if I don't know the frame yet. Looking at picking up as much stuff as I can from PinkBike as looks like you can get some good deals on takeoff stuff.
Groupset - SLX 12spd
Fork - Fox 34 Rythem or Lyric with Charger Damper
Shock - Cane Creak DBA if I can, rode a bike with one of these on it in a parking lot a long time ago and it was great. Might go with a monarch, or fox float as well. Probably looking for a takeoff in the right size so we'll see whats available.
Handlebars, stem - Maybe DIY Carbon Bikes
Wheels, hubs - Maybe DIY Carbon, or some takeoffs with microspline for the Shimano set
Tires - Maxxis Ardent or DHR
brakes - Shimano Deore or Sram Code R.
Building out the price list which may drive some of the decisions above, but want to keep it to ~$3k and I think I can do that by picking up some gently used or takeoff stuff.
I welcome any opinions or thoughts on frame selection, on components, or anything else really. Glad to be here and will certainly start my own build thread when the time comes. Not sure if I'll pull the trigger on this now, or build it over the winter for next season. Not sure when parts will be most available for sale on pinkbike. If you know of any other websites or forums that are great for finding parts, definitely send me a link.
Thanks all,
Matt
