LightCarbon 918?

[ChILd_ReBoRn]

Of course the thread is damaged inside the frame. The other bolt doesn't even want to thread in. Its a 6mm non standard pitch, so I don't have the tap with weird pitches, so I can't clean it out

On top of all that, the shock goes in askew. One side has much more space than the other. The pics are bad, since I was doing it one handed in the low light basement, but the problem is there. if I tighten it like this.. it will ruin the shock or the bearings for sure.

[ChILd_ReBoRn]

Mr. Jim is a real professional.

Regarding the stiff link:

Small-travel MTB frames usually adopt the virtual pivot point design. This stiff point is exactly the virtual pivot.Before the rear shock reaches this point, the rocking link absorbs initial vibrations. Only after passing this pivot does the rear shock take over, which effectively protects the shock.This structure is also used by brands like Specialized and Trek.The only drawback is that it cannot be used for long-travel suspension systems—it is not suitable for travel over 140mm or 150mm.

[gribs]

Last but not the least....the rear suspension has a spring effect. It's like it is under tension. It doesn't move freely, but rather in jerky moves. Can't see a reason why that that would be normal behaviour other than some misalignment issues (video link attached).

Everything else sounds bad but this is normal for a linkage driven single pivot as the seat stays have to flex as the rear end rotates around the main pivot. Horst link pivots fix this "problem".
 

[ChILd_ReBoRn]

I have worked out everything with sales dept. They are sending replacement parts. If nothing else.. they really do help out...
Now I just have to wait... again.. lol...

[ChILd_ReBoRn]

Still waiting for my spares. In the meantime... I found some possible issues with the headset. So.. I ordered the frame WITHOUT the headset routing option, but they have sent me the one that was meant to be internally routed. While I hope I will receive the one without internal routing (side cable exit @Mr JIM), I must be ready for anything.

So.. my main issue it the headset topcap. None of the 3 different versions I got fit properly on my standard 2 piece handlebar/stem. one topcap is to small, so I think that's for the road bike frame
Other one is for full internal routing with their one piece handlebars which I didn't order, and the third one kind of fits, but the gaping holes for internal routing look stupid, and they will allow all kind of water and debris to enter my headset ruining the bearings. Not to mention that the only barely usable topcap is to high for my steerer to reach through, and it raises my driving position which I don't like.

Also, I can't fit the conical split ring anywhere. That's a standard part for centring the steerer on 99% of normal headsets.

Am I doing something wrong, or am I forced to buy their one piece handlebars?

[ChILd_ReBoRn]

ok.. so I need to order  a new cover from somewhere. Ritchey has it, and Acros has it...Light carbon doesn't have it....

[carbonMad]

Also, I can't fit the conical split ring anywhere. That's a standard part for centring the steerer on 99% of normal headsets.

It looks like you're trying to fit a split ring (small, silver) inside another split ring (black one resting on the bearing in pic #5).

[ChILd_ReBoRn]

I know I am.
Just trying to figure out why include something that doesn't fit anywhere with everything else..

[jefflinde]

I have ordered the Wolftooth Components semi-integrated headset to replace the one from LC. I had to take a dermis tool to my LC headset because the inside of the split ring was so sharp it shredded my shift cables after a few rides.  I am hoping the WTC headset plays more nicely with my cables and brake hose. I will post some pictures once I get it installed

[ChILd_ReBoRn]

I have ordered this
https://r2-bike.com/ACROS-Headset-Cover-ICR-IS52-Integrated-Cable-Routing

Sure as hell hope it will fit. I have a short steerer, and I haven't got a lot of room to play with. Hopefully, this isn't that high stack, and It'll play nice with the original aluminium insert.

If all else fails.. Gbodorr was kind enough to give me his old LC one piece bars.. and I'll try running those..

[ChILd_ReBoRn]

also.. I have ordered a Neco H382s 52mm HS. It's a smidge lower stack than the acros cap.. but I get both bearings and an original compression ring.. Still a possibility that the acros one won't fit on the original compression rings from LC.

[ChILd_ReBoRn]

All that it remains i to test it out in the wild. And take a nicer photo

[ChILd_ReBoRn]

Quick update. Neco headset fits but only if you use  the bearing that comes with it (8mm). Also.. it needs a small shim.. not sure how thick.. didn't measure it.. took it off my Epic frame headset.. around 0,2mm, and then it works perfectly. Low stack..
The original 7mm bearing, and included split rings work with acros cap. Only reason I took the neco version is because its aluminum (opposed to plastic acros), the stack is lower and the sealing looks better.

Jim told me that the replacement frame would be sent this week. After that.. I can test the bike as I should.

[jefflinde]

Quick update. Neco headset fits but only if you use  the bearing that comes with it (8mm). Also.. it needs a small shim.. not sure how thick.. didn't measure it.. took it off my Epic frame headset.. around 0,2mm, and then it works perfectly. Low stack..
The original 7mm bearing, and included split rings work with acros cap. Only reason I took the neco version is because its aluminum (opposed to plastic acros), the stack is lower and the sealing looks better.

Jim told me that the replacement frame would be sent this week. After that.. I can test the bike as I should.

I am surprised that you have cables entering through frame ports.  the headset routing is really the only reason I hate this frame.  can you share a picture of the other side of the bike as well?  where does your dropper cable enter the frame?  I have been hesitant to cut ports in my frame ut seeing yours has me re-thinking that. 

[ChILd_ReBoRn]

It's not that big of a deal. Just use a dremmel and a diamond drill bit.  Granted. the aliexpress grommet isn't the greatest. It has a small indent that the frame wall should fit in, but the carbon on this frame is to thick for it.. and I need to cut out the piece with a scalpel.. and I glued it on. I'm getting a replacement front triangle, and the grommet looks a bit different.

I have a wireless dropper, so I only needed one hole.
The spare triangle has holes drilled on both sides.