Carbonda fm936 Thoughts

[Tijoe]

Its just a flesh wound...

[Bucketheadmn]

Just ordered the 936 through Wing this week! Added a spare kit on the order as well. Have a Fox Float DPS Performance on the way that I am going to pair with a SID Select+. Have 4 - 5 months of winter here yet for me to spend building it up. First time I will of built a frame up on my own - looking forward to it!

[Markross]

I have a Vitus Rapide FS CRX. I'm trying to find out if the 120mm linkage will work with my bike. I've emailed Carbonda and they were completely unhelpful (just gave me the price of the linkage but said they could not confirm it would work with my bike). I've trawled a lot of this huge thread but can't find any 100% confirmation that the 120mm frame is exactly the same and can be upgraded just by replacing the linkage. Has anyone actually upgraded their Vitus successfully?

[Mat_160]

Hello
Would you happen to know which screw is needed for the new rocker arm?

[Mr.pickles.by]

Hi everyone,

I've been wanting to try a Chinese carbon frame for a while, but I'm not the type to just jump on the first one I come across. I've been doing some research, looking at it from the perspective of someone who runs a bike workshop.

Has anyone bought the latest version of the Carbonda FM936? The Chinese manufacturers seem to keep refining their frames, so I'm guessing there may have been some design issues or little quirks that have already been addressed in newer revisions.

I'm not too concerned about the quality of the bolts — I'll probably make my own replacements on my lathe anyway. I'm more interested in the design details and any potential issues with the frame itself.

First of all, does anyone happen to have an boom-draw of the frame? The one I found on the Vitus website doesn't seem to match the current version exactly.

Thanks in advance!

[federic000]

First of all, does anyone happen to have an boom-draw of the frame? The one I found on the Vitus website doesn't seem to match the current version exactly.

for boom draw there's nothing else than Vitus afaik, for what is worth i have the 120-M since end of 2023, mine has dropout not yet UDH that is I believe the only change compared to current available version, and of course the new one is slightly heavier than mine (2150 vs 2050). nowadays i would go for other options, despite the chinese XC frame market being still stuck at 2023/2024 geo's...

[Mr.pickles.by]

Thanks! I'll ask a few technical questions here, then. I'm interested in the following:

Bottom bracket shell: In the photos, there's a threaded insert bonded into the frame. Is it a single piece running through the entire BB shell, or are there separate rings on each side? If it's the latter, have you had any issues with the inserts separating from the carbon?

Bushings marked as No. 7: What's their purpose, and what material are they made of? If there's friction between the bushings and the bolts that contact them, what material are the bolts made of? How often do you replace the bushings?
https://imgur.com/wXDwKaP

[federic000]

Thanks! I'll ask a few technical questions here, then. I'm interested in the following:

Bottom bracket shell: In the photos, there's a threaded insert bonded into the frame. Is it a single piece running through the entire BB shell, or are there separate rings on each side? If it's the latter, have you had any issues with the inserts separating from the carbon?

Bushings marked as No. 7: What's their purpose, and what material are they made of? If there's friction between the bushings and the bolts that contact them, what material are the bolts made of? How often do you replace the bushings?

for the BB i can't tell, it's sealed since 3+ years now with a BB from SRAM, which still works fine. i believe it's a single piece, no issues at all for installation, in general the carbonda frames are very well refined and tolerances are minimal to ensure a smooth build.

the part number 7, yes i saw it when cleaning and greasing up the rocker i've not yet replaced the bushings, it's metal yes, and it works as part of rocker cinematics.

 

[Mr.pickles.by]

Carbonda FM909 / FM936 — My experience communicating with the manufacturer before purchasing

I have been considering purchasing two Carbonda frames (FM909 and/or FM936). Before placing an order, I contacted the manufacturer to clarify some questions about frame construction, suspension bearings, quality control, spare parts and warranty coverage.

I thought it would be useful to share the questions I asked and the answers I received, so other potential buyers can make a more informed decision.

1. Bottom bracket insert

Initially, the manufacturer stated that the threaded BB shell uses a single continuous metal insert bonded into the carbon frame. They also said they had not experienced any cases of this insert becoming loose or separating.

2. Suspension bearing seats

I specifically asked whether the suspension bearings are installed in bonded metal inserts or directly in the carbon frame.

The answer was:
"The bearing should be pressed directly into the frame. I don't know anything else; you can investigate it yourself after you receive the goods."
They also confirmed that they do not use bushings.

This leaves important questions unanswered, particularly regarding the design, tolerances and long-term durability of the carbon bearing seats, as well as how repeated bearing replacement is supposed to be handled.

3. Photos and technical documentation
I requested actual close-up photos of the bottom bracket area, suspension pivots, bearing seats and disassembled linkage.
I also requested English assembly drawings and a complete parts list, including standard bearing designations and dimensions.
The manufacturer refused to provide additional photos or translated documentation, stating that this information was confidential.
The drawings they provided contain Chinese descriptions and internal part numbers. Some dimensions and component specifications are missing, making it difficult to identify all the parts and determine exactly which components are bearings, spacers or other hardware.
They offered to sell a spare parts kit for $80, excluding the linkage.

4. Internal delamination and warranty
This was the most concerning part of the conversation.
When discussing warranty coverage, the manufacturer wrote:
"It is normal to find internal delamination in the frame upon receipt, and this is not covered under warranty."
They also stated that if parts become loose or separate, the issue can be resolved at a local auto repair shop, with support from Carbonda.
Their stated warranty period is 24 months for "non-artificial quality problems".
I find the statement about internal delamination particularly concerning. The manufacturer did not clarify whether they mean harmless internal surface imperfections or actual separation of carbon laminate layers.
These are very different things, and I don't believe structural delamination should be considered normal on a new carbon frame.

5. Cable routing
One positive clarification: for the FM909, cable routing holes in the head tube are available as a standard factory option. The FM936 uses dedicated side openings.
My conclusions
I am not claiming that Carbonda frames are inherently unsafe or that these problems are common. I have not personally tested or owned either frame.
However, after this correspondence, I have several concerns:
The manufacturer provides very limited technical information about critical structural areas.
Suspension bearings are reportedly pressed directly into carbon, but no details about the bearing seats or replacement procedures are available.
Actual production photos and English technical documentation were refused.
The warranty wording regarding internal delamination is unacceptable without a clear definition of what is considered normal.
The suggested solution for loose or separated structural components is local repair rather than a clearly defined warranty replacement.
I was considering purchasing two frames, but for now I have decided not to proceed until these issues are properly clarified.

I would be interested to hear from actual FM909 and FM936 owners:
Have you experienced any problems with suspension bearing seats wearing out or becoming loose?
Have you experienced any separation of metal inserts from the carbon frame, particularly around the bottom bracket?
Have you noticed any internal delamination?
How has Carbonda handled warranty claims in practice?

I'm sharing this information to help other buyers ask the right questions before spending their money. If you own one of these frames, please share your real-world experience.