Airwolf / YFM026 boost / santa cruz highball

ganski · December 10, 2020, 04:45:50 PM

Hey, long time lurker, first time poster. I decided to buy a Airwolf SC highball of off aliexpress ($350). I had a lot of parts laying around, like wheels and a drive train, some odds and ends. Wanted to share some photos of the frame as I build it up. Frame weighs 1080 naked, 1144 with axle and seatpost clamp. Finish was overall good except the chip in the head tube, rear axle is funky. The routing was backwards but easy to remedy. I'm shooting for an 8.7kg build with components I have laying around. Ill post more photos and riding experience once its built.

https://imgur.com/gallery/SzLf1uu

ganski · December 18, 2020, 01:34:20 PM

Finished building it up, came out to 19lbs 13oz with pedals and bottle cage. Now it's time to ride it.

carbonazza · December 18, 2020, 05:49:27 PM

Did you have good contact with the seller? Or no need to?
I love the design of that frame.

ganski · December 19, 2020, 01:00:39 AM

Yea I had great contact with the seller from AliExpress, really easy to text exchange. Got a ride in today and it was great. My only other previous hardtail is a niner one 9 rdo. I love having a slacker head tube angle and the frame isn't as stiff.

dopestar · December 19, 2020, 07:33:05 AM

Nice buid. What's the name of the shop you ordered it from?

Do you have no concerns at all about the damage on the frame?
Did they compensate you about it?

ganski · December 19, 2020, 08:59:57 AM

It's the airwolf store in AliExpress, I think they also have a store on eBay, I would check prices on both.

US $313.65 15％ Off | 2020 New Hardtail Carbon MTB Frame 29 With Thru Axle 12*148mm B00ST Full T1000 Carbon 29er Mountin Bike Bicycle Frames
https://a.aliexpress.com/_msGdHBn

I don't have any concerned about the damage on the inside of the head tube. The top bearing still seats fine and has a slot contact with the frame. I sent them the photos of the damage hoping they would just send me another frame so I could have one on deck incase this one fails. They were reassuring that if anything happens to contact them.

seat_boy · December 22, 2020, 05:12:59 AM

I'm seriously thinking about this frame, but is there routing for an internal dropper? I see an inlet near the head tube, but nothing around the bottom bracket.

ganski · December 23, 2020, 04:54:30 PM

Yes there is an inlet on the head tube, there are 2 on each side. I actually ran a full piece of cable housing to the rear derailleur and snuck it over the bb.

ganski · December 23, 2020, 04:57:22 PM

Just throwing up another photo. Put about 40 miles so far in it. I like it, rides like a bike.

noodle soup · December 27, 2020, 11:50:11 AM

Is there room for a 180mm disc with this frame?

noodle soup · January 17, 2021, 10:31:38 AM

I ordered this frameset 12/28(painted gloss white), and the frameset was delivered 1/16. Sadly, it was shipped to an address over 1000 miles from my home. I'll let you know how this turns out.

noodle soup · January 21, 2021, 11:39:52 AM

Quote from: noodle soup on January 17, 2021, 10:31:38 AM
I ordered this frameset 12/28(painted gloss white), and the frameset was delivered 1/16. Sadly, it was shipped to an address over 1000 miles from my home. I'll let you know how this turns out.

Monday I received a new tracking number, and USPS shows that it is scheduled for delivery tomorrow 1/22.

carbonazza · January 21, 2021, 03:06:13 PM

Quote from: noodle soup on January 21, 2021, 11:39:52 AM
Monday I received a new tracking number, and USPS shows that it is scheduled for delivery tomorrow 1/22.

Pictures please !

Great to know that it finally arrives.

RobinRLS · January 21, 2021, 05:02:23 PM

I also build a bike with this frame, I just finished it today :

noodle soup · January 21, 2021, 07:50:38 PM

Quote from: RobinRLS on January 21, 2021, 05:02:23 PM
I also build a bike with this frame, I just finished it today :

160mm or 180mm rear disc? complete bike weight?

My frame has been delayed until 1/23, but I'll post photos when it arrives.