Carbonda FM909

[acedeuce802]

A 115-120mm FM909 would be perfect.  I don't think a 120/120mm FM1001 is a good combo, the geometry chart is with a 140mm fork and already has a 78deg seat tube angle.  With a 120mm fork, it'd be close to 79deg, which doesn't match the geo for a 120mm bike well.

[wfl3]

The term downcountry started with 120mm forks added to 100mm frames. 

Of course some of us were doing that long before there was a Yeti SB100 or Specialized slapped a 120mm fork on the Epic and deemed it an Evo.

David Turner was selling the Czar in that config long before it was an official "thing".   

[RDY]

A 115-120mm FM909 would be perfect.  I don't think a 120/120mm FM1001 is a good combo, the geometry chart is with a 140mm fork and already has a 78deg seat tube angle.  With a 120mm fork, it'd be close to 79deg, which doesn't match the geo for a 120mm bike well.

Neither is ideal for my requirements, both would be a compromise.    The 1001 is going to be better for the long steep seated climbs here of 800-1400m that go on for ages.  It's also going to offer more comfort on the equally long descents.  But it'll lose out on the rolling sections, road connections and short, sharp out of the saddle climbs.  The 909 higher slung shock also allows for 2 bottles and will avoid some of the huge amount of dust that will be thrown at the 1001 shock.

I'd prefer the 909, but with a little a bit of added travel at the rear for those 30-40 minute descents and rockier sections.  It'd be a better tool for the job, hence wishing Carbonda / FlyBike would offer the 909 with a 'downcountry' rear triangle option.  I think it'd be in their interests to offer it, since downcountry is the biggest growth segment in MTB and new N+1 besides eMTBs (like gravel is on the road side).

[Swolie74]

I'd prefer the 909, but with a little a bit of added travel at the rear for those 30-40 minute descents and rockier sections.  It'd be a better tool for the job, hence wishing Carbonda / FlyBike would offer the 909 with a 'downcountry' rear triangle option.  I think it'd be in their interests to offer it, since downcountry is the biggest growth segment in MTB and new N+1 besides eMTBs (like gravel is on the road side).

I wonder if it could be attained via a custom linkage... that would also bring the bb up a smidge

I REALLY wanted one of these frames.. but I need to see how they fair under heavier riders first.

[RDY]

I wonder if it could be attained via a custom linkage... that would also bring the bb up a smidge

I REALLY wanted one of these frames.. but I need to see how they fair under heavier riders first.

Different linkage might be possible.  But I mentioned different rear triangle as it's what several of their current / past frames have had for brand customers wanting slightly different travel / kinematics.

At the weight you specified, I'd definitely take the 936 or 1001 over a 909.  At its weight, there's no way it's as strong.

[endo.alley]

Maybe a slightly longer eye to eye rear shock. And even a Slack-R for the front if you want to make the short travel bike more aggressive. Although eventually you are defeating the purpose of the bike.

[rollo]

I wonder if it could be attained via a custom linkage... that would also bring the bb up a smidge

I REALLY wanted one of these frames.. but I need to see how they fair under heavier riders first.

Ride 909 in XL since 1000km with 105kg naked.
No problem!

[JvanJ]

XL size 10.56kg with dropper and pedal )

This frame i like better than previously, FM 936.

[zilcho]

This frame i like better than previously, FM 936.

Can you give more details as to why? I'm considering making the same swap.

[ilyamaksimov]

XL size 10.56kg with dropper and pedal )

This frame i like better than previously, FM 936.

great color!

[RDY]

About to place order for a 909.

What have people done with the formal declaration (to PRC) for export?  Carbonda are the exporter, but say I can declare below $750 and not pay $80 for formal declaration, or declare above and pay it.  It makes no difference to me as customs value on my end will be based on the (obviously higher) invoice value.  I said I'd pay it if they want it declared, but they say it's up to me.  It seems pointless anyway as there's no export duty on carbon bike frames from PRC.

Never had this come up with wheels / frames with other retailers.

[wfl3]

Can you give more details as to why? I'm considering making the same swap.

For me it would be because of the 2 bottle capability, the shock mounting location (ez access to the controls w/o the need for remote h/w) and the mounting tabs for a chain retention device.

[carbonazza]

Can you give more details as to why? I'm considering making the same swap.

I'm about to need a second bike and was going for another 936.
I look forward for his reply, or maybe I  should go with a 909.

[endo.alley]

I just received an FM909 frame. I was deciding between the FM936 and FM909. For a similar performing frame, the FM909 was lighter. Identical geometry between the two frames. And I think the horizontal shock linkage in a Horst Link is often a more progressive leverage ratio than the vertical shock linkage. It probably depends on whether you prefer a slightly progressive, or a slightly linear/ regressive leverage ratio at the bottom of the stroke. Then there is the look of the bike to factor in. To me they were about the same as far as eye appeal.

[JvanJ]

I also noticed. You need to ask carbonda to send you a new compression ring. But I haven't had any problems with the headset yet.

I cut the top cone ring and it now clamps the fork steerer normally, everything works )