Carbonda Gravel Carbon frame CFR707

[2old2mould]

I wouldn't say it would be more nervous, maybe more direct. Have you compared geometry between similar bikes on Geometry Geeks? Maybe see how the 707 compares to bikes like the Revolt, Silex, Checkpoint and Diverge.

[numberzero]

Thanks again.
Just to have an idea and compare different frames, around which value of reach/top tube I should stay in order to obtain neutral/comfortable position (not race or aggressive)?

I'm 174, my gravel is a gra02 size 54(medium), saddle height 72.5, 100mm stem and 2,5 cm of headset cover +spacer.
I think 390 reach on the medium 707 is too much for you, you will feel overstreched with more than 70-80 mm stem. With short stem on a dropbar i feel the steering becomes very direct and a bit twitchy.
For fast gravel roads, S sounds better for lower stack (more aero position) longer stem (more planted)  and more seatpost equal more flex and more confort.
But M can do the job too, it will behave more like MTB.

[pushpush]

Two questions:

1) The usual fit question. I ride a 56cm Tarmac w/ 90mm stem. I'm 182cm w/ 81cm inseam. Go ahead, laugh at my stretched-out torso and short little legs doing all the work! I think a 707 in Medium (56) is a good fit. Any thoughts based on experience with the 707?

2) Price: What have you all wound up paying for your 707s? With paint and shipping it suddenly doesn't seem so cheap.

[2old2mould]

If you look at the Giant Revolt as a comparison to the 707 in a medium, the Reach is almost the same (3mm longer on the 707) but the Stack is lower on the 707 by about 11mm. I am 175 with roughly the same inseam and I think the 707 is a perfect fit in a Medium for me with a 90mm stem. I would even go for an 80mm, but not for the length, just to try the ride dynamics. I think if you ride a 56 Tarmac with a 90mm stem, then a 707 with a 90mm would be fine.

As far as cost is concerned. I think I paid about $1700 for both a 707 and 1056 painted and shipped to the UK during 2021 (so around C19 times when things were pricey). For me that was worth it for two decent bikes but you might disagree. I really like them both. The paint work is a bit 'meh' on the 1056 but I'm going to have that repainted anyway.

[pushpush]

If you look at the Giant Revolt as a comparison to the 707 in a medium, the Reach is almost the same (3mm longer on the 707) but the Stack is lower on the 707 by about 11mm. I am 175 with roughly the same inseam and I think the 707 is a perfect fit in a Medium for me with a 90mm stem. I would even go for an 80mm, but not for the length, just to try the ride dynamics. I think if you ride a 56 Tarmac with a 90mm stem, then a 707 with a 90mm would be fine.

As far as cost is concerned. I think I paid about $1700 for both a 707 and 1056 painted and shipped to the UK during 2021 (so around C19 times when things were pricey). For me that was worth it for two decent bikes but you might disagree. I really like them both. The paint work is a bit 'meh' on the 1056 but I'm going to have that repainted anyway.

Thank you! Did you negotiate with them to get those prices or were they just the prices you were quoted? I assume ordering direct via email is the best option vs some secret AliX store?

[jannmayer]

I paid about $740 for mine in fall of 2022, including headset, 2 spare derailleur hangars, and shipping to the US. I went with the standard matte finish, no painting. Certainly not the cheapest frame out there, but still only a fraction of the cost of the name brands.

[2old2mould]

Thank you! Did you negotiate with them to get those prices or were they just the prices you were quoted? I assume ordering direct via email is the best option vs some secret AliX store?

I went direct and spoke to Wing at Carbonda. I don't think I did negotiate, but maybe I did. I recall the shipping was an issue as all freight at that time was really expensive. Nothing to say you couldn't try to negotiate though, as things are different now.

My one piece of advice would be to be VERY specific with any paint or logo requests. Pull together a document with colours, logo placement areas, any fonts etc. Things can easily get lost in translation.

[pushpush]

In case anyone is wondering about current prices...

CFR707 w/ Bar - $650
headset - $15
axles - $26
spacers $5
hangar - $8
shipping to US $190
paint $95

+ transaction fees on payment are approx 5%

All-in will be over $1k. Not bad but definitely more than I was expecting for an off-brand china frameset.

[kbernstein]

In case anyone is wondering about current prices...

CFR707 w/ Bar - $650
headset - $15
axles - $26
spacers $5
hangar - $8
shipping to US $190
paint $95

+ transaction fees on payment are approx 5%

All-in will be over $1k. Not bad but definitely more than I was expecting for an off-brand china frameset.

For reference, my 696 was $480 and extra hangers were $5 and I'm pretty sure they use the same hanger. Headset was $12, I think it's also the same. Axles were $26 but I decided not to get them after reading they were flexy
Paint obviously varies, mine was almost $200 and shipping was 195 to europe
I don't know if it's inflation or a 707 upcharge but $650 with bars isn't shocking to me. I'd happily order a 707 maybe minus the bars if they are overpriced

[2old2mould]

Agree that $650 (£515) with bars is a bargain for a well reviewed frameset. Shipping is the killer but even so, ~£700 for a frame, bars, paint, extras and shipping is not bad at all.

[coffeebreak]

In case anyone is wondering about current prices...

CFR707 w/ Bar - $650
headset - $15
axles - $26
spacers $5
hangar - $8
shipping to US $190
paint $95

+ transaction fees on payment are approx 5%

All-in will be over $1k. Not bad but definitely more than I was expecting for an off-brand china frameset.

1k gets you a nice, little used Trek frame that you would be able to sell off easily later. Compared to late 2022 these prices are up by a $100 I think. Back then it was expensive than VB GF002 by a good US$200 all in. Arguably Carbonda paint jobs are better than most other open mold companies but I doubt it is 2x better than what VB did on my frame.
Carbonda has always been expensive, not just with their paint costs but also shipping. e.g VB charged me $136 (to Seattle), Carbonda wanted $187.

[FullCarbonAlchemist]

If this has been covered in the thread, I can’t seem to find it (except for one guy who tightened it to 5nm)…what torque are people setting the integrated seatpost clamp bolt to? I don’t want to over torque but I know some people have had trouble with slippage.

I’m using an alloy zero-offset post (Raceface Turbine) in my build so I guess carbon paste isn’t as necessary but my plan is to use some on the back of the post and leave the contact area with the internal clamp dry.

[FullCarbonAlchemist]

Build pics coming soon…I think you guys will find it interesting since this will be one of the most heavy duty, upright 707 builds out there:

60mm suspension fork, 50mm tires, 30mm of headset spacers, a 17 degree rise stem, Ritchey Corralitos bars (12mm rise, super shallow drop), 180mm rotors with Juin F1 brakes, MicroShift Sword, and MTB hubs — i9 Torch front, Hope Pro 4 rear.

It’ll drop some weight when I upgrade the suspension fork from the current Suntour GVX and get a carbon post, but is currently about 25lbs.

[jannmayer]

If this has been covered in the thread, I can’t seem to find it (except for one guy who tightened it to 5nm)…what torque are people setting the integrated seatpost clamp bolt to? I don’t want to over torque but I know some people have had trouble with slippage.

I’m using an alloy zero-offset post (Raceface Turbine) in my build so I guess carbon paste isn’t as necessary but my plan is to use some on the back of the post and leave the contact area with the internal clamp dry.

I'm using about 5nm on my seatpost clamp. I also used carbon paste liberally l.

[2old2mould]

5nm for me also. Don't carbon paste the interface between the clamp and post, just between clamp and frame.