Epic Evo Clone

[jarek]

I just picked up a new frame from Airwolf.

Visually, there are differences compared to the model from 2 years ago.

    The interior definitely looks better, smooth carbon, no visible glue.
It seems that the holes for the cables behind the bottom bracket are now cut parallel to those in the triangle. And there is some additional rubber cover, but unfortunately not like the original, protecting the whole thing.
The Bsa insert threads are now reinforced, covered with an additional layer of carbon, it does not look aesthetically pleasing and smooth, but you can see that this is a response to the threads falling out in the previous version. On the minus side, the lower bearing does not want to enter the head tube smoothly, I will have to use sandpaper and remove some carbon.

When I start assembling the frame, I will see how it is with everything else.
I'll try to add some photos when I have time.

[Dictatorsaurus]

Which of the Airwolf frames are the Epic Evo replica?

Is it 100mm rear travel or can they be set up as 120mm rear travel?

[indyphil]

Which of the Airwolf frames are the Epic Evo replica?

Is it 100mm rear travel or can they be set up as 120mm rear travel?

Airwolf calls it the YFM059

When it comes to travel there is a problem.  This frame and the other open mold frames that use the same design are copies of the older EPIC frame - not the EPIC EVO.  The Epic they copied had 100mm of travel but only when paired with the special brain shock that is 265x52.5mm - thats 52.2mm of stroke.

The aliexpress sellers are recommending a 190x40 shock or 190x45.  This results in a lot less than 100mm of travel.  45 stroke gets you to around 85-90mm of travel NOT the 100mm they advertise

Since the specialized EPIC EVO comes with 110mm and can be upstroked up to 120mm (using 190x40 and 190x45 respectively) with the same front triangle some people have wondered if using the EVO linkages would get to that travel.  Unfortunately the EVO rear triangle mounts to the EVO linkage very differently so you would need an EVO rear triangle as well as the linkage to make that work - or a custom CNC machined linkage that offers the leverage ratio of the EVO but fits the rear triangle of the EPIC.  its not clear how much travel the EPIC rear triangle would allow in that situation.

There is a version of this frame for sale on DIY carbon bikes that advertises 120mm of travel with a 190x40 stroke shock. It however uses the EPIC linkage just like Airwolf, Until someone proves me wrong I can only assume this is wildly false advertising and comes from the chinese suppliers who have confused the EPIC with the EPIC EVO.

I have added some images to show what an EPIC linkage looks like (from specialized website) - and its the same as the open mold copies
and an image to show what an EVO linkage looks like - allowing for much more travel using 40 and 45mm stroke shocks.

I think the Chinese companies simply got confused between the names and specs of the specialized bikes as they look very similar (and indeed the front triangle is the same), so they call it an EVO clone when it is an EPIC clone and then spec EVO shocks and advertise the 100m travel of the EPIC bike.

Hopefully this clears it up.

[jarek]

A few pictures.
ps. the problem with the bearing is solved, it's not the headtube  fault but the bearing. The others fit without a problem.

[Dictatorsaurus]

Airwolf calls it the YFM059

When it comes to travel there is a problem.  This frame and the other open mold frames that use the same design are copies of the older EPIC frame - not the EPIC EVO.  The Epic they copied had 100mm of travel but only when paired with the special brain shock that is 265x52.5mm - thats 52.2mm of stroke.

The aliexpress sellers are recommending a 190x40 shock or 190x45.  This results in a lot less than 100mm of travel.  45 stroke gets you to around 85-90mm of travel NOT the 100mm they advertise

Since the specialized EPIC EVO comes with 110mm and can be upstroked up to 120mm (using 190x40 and 190x45 respectively) with the same front triangle some people have wondered if using the EVO linkages would get to that travel.  Unfortunately the EVO rear triangle mounts to the EVO linkage very differently so you would need an EVO rear triangle as well as the linkage to make that work - or a custom CNC machined linkage that offers the leverage ratio of the EVO but fits the rear triangle of the EPIC.  its not clear how much travel the EPIC rear triangle would allow in that situation.

There is a version of this frame for sale on DIY carbon bikes that advertises 120mm of travel with a 190x40 stroke shock. It however uses the EPIC linkage just like Airwolf, Until someone proves me wrong I can only assume this is wildly false advertising and comes from the chinese suppliers who have confused the EPIC with the EPIC EVO.

I have added some images to show what an EPIC linkage looks like (from specialized website) - and its the same as the open mold copies
and an image to show what an EVO linkage looks like - allowing for much more travel using 40 and 45mm stroke shocks.

I think the Chinese companies simply got confused between the names and specs of the specialized bikes as they look very similar (and indeed the front triangle is the same), so they call it an EVO clone when it is an EPIC clone and then spec EVO shocks and advertise the 100m travel of the EPIC bike.

Hopefully this clears it up.

Thank you for the thorough response.

With all that information, and so much confusion regarding rear travel and linkage, I'm not sure it is worth exploring these frames. Especially since after adding shipping, hardware and shock, the prices of these frame is the same as, or close to used brand names.

[Imminent Injuries]

Thank you for the thorough response.

With all that information, and so much confusion regarding rear travel and linkage, I'm not sure it is worth exploring these frames. Especially since after adding shipping, hardware and shock, the prices of these frame is the same as, or close to used brand names.

650 shipped for frame, 200 shipped for a float dps performance, and like 30 for shock hardware.

Not sure what other 100mm travel frames come close.

[jarek]

Slowly moving forward:)

[Dictatorsaurus]

Slowly moving forward:)

Can you share the following:

- The sellerr
- Link to hardware used
- Shock size
- Shock tune

[jarek]

Can you share the following:

- The sellerr
- Link to hardware used
- Shock size
- Shock tune

Purchased from airwolf.
shock size 190 x 40mm (sag 30%), for me enough for singletrack riding and marathon racing.
front fork sid ultimate 110mm

[uberamd]

650 shipped for frame, 200 shipped for a float dps performance, and like 30 for shock hardware.

Not sure what other 100mm travel frames come close.

Well, it's supposed to be a 110mm travel frame

But in all seriousness, I got a used, excellent condition Transition Spur (120mm travel) frame with a Fox Factory DPS shock for less.

[Specialf.]

if we talk about used the discussion obviously changes. on the new ones the main brands now sell the top of the range version. s-works or orbea to name a 2 at random and here in Italy you are at 4000-4500€ list price. how are the prices in your area?

[Dictatorsaurus]

if we talk about used the discussion obviously changes. on the new ones the main brands now sell the top of the range version. s-works or orbea to name a 2 at random and here in Italy you are at 4000-4500€ list price. how are the prices in your area?

Not much better. Many frames are still priced upper $3k and above $4k.

[jarek]

Well, it's supposed to be a 110mm travel frame

But in all seriousness, I got a used, excellent condition Transition Spur (120mm travel) frame with a Fox Factory DPS shock for less.

Well, you were very lucky.
In my area (Central Europe) there is no chance of buying a used frame at the price of a frame from China, unless the frame is stolen.
The only frames you can buy at such prices are frames with old geometry.

[TidyDinosaur]

Well, you were very lucky.
In my area (Central Europe) there is no chance of buying a used frame at the price of a frame from China, unless the frame is stolen.
The only frames you can buy at such prices are frames with old geometry.

Yeah, same here. Seems the second hand market in EU is still very strong compared to USA etc. A lot of the prices are not much lower compared to buying a new frame... For the price of a second hand frame, you can build a complete bike with chiner frame.

[bennyjamboy]

I've just ordered a YFM-059.  My first XC race build from China