Spcycle New Mold SP-R088 Carbon Road Frame

[ausmtb8989]

GCN did a follow-up video to their R088 framset build. What do you guys think? Even with a new expander plug and alloy stem/handle bar, it's still flexing quite a bit. Anyone with the same size frame in the video with similar stem length having these type of flex issues?

https://youtu.be/3OIbW7lHM5M?si=uwxFNjYpjy4XZ_3m

Very interesting.  Some observations but At 4:30, the steerer seems to be cut way too short.  Also at 15:32, whilst sprinting you can see a clear gap between the spacers and the stem too.  It seems either headset isn't compressed properly, plus stem doesn't have enough steerer to grab onto OR steerer tube itself is flexing which is worst case scenario and would be a new fork imho

[Rajmundx]

This guy, when unpacking the frame, didn’t realize he was holding the DI2 battery mount that comes with it. So if he assembled the bike himself, I’m not surprised it turned out like that. Plus that hideous paint job — it looks like someone just smeared snot all over the bike.

And on top of that, how did he mount that plug onto the fork? Did he hammer it in? WTF.

I checked my own frame and, just like in Jonathan’s video from a few pages back, the only thing that flexes is the tire.

[ausmtb8989]

This guy, when unpacking the frame, didn’t realize he was holding the DI2 battery mount that comes with it. So if he assembled the bike himself, I’m not surprised it turned out like that. Plus that hideous paint job — it looks like someone just smeared snot all over the bike.

And on top of that, how did he mount that plug onto the fork? Did he hammer it in? WTF.

I checked my own frame and, just like in Jonathan’s video from a few pages back, the only thing that flexes is the tire.

Hammering it in, whist having the stem on the steerer, even if the bolts are loosened you still cant be 100% sure the stem isn't putting pressure there.  Best to take the stem off AND whole fork off to put the plug in.

[jonathanf2]

I think GCN lost credibility with this bike build. Besides the LTwoo/Di2 battery fitment, the frame is fairly easy to build especially with electronic groupsets. I bet if they bought a western brand frame, they’d probably mess it up just the same. Also that splatter paint job looks like crap. It’s like they purposely made it crappy. 

[Costypezz8]

Hi everyone, I'm going to order this frame in March to complete a build during spring. i want to ask for a frame size recommendation, I'm 181 tall, 83 inseam and I'm planning to order a 56 frame with a 90/100mm stem. Can any of you confirm I'm doing a good choice. I'm just scared the bike could feel too long, but when I check measurements everything sounds pretty ok. I'm considering a bike fit, but no very good fitters in my area, so your advice could really be helpful.

[benquick]

Hi everyone, I'm going to order this frame in March to complete a build during spring. i want to ask for a frame size recommendation, I'm 181 tall, 83 inseam and I'm planning to order a 56 frame with a 90/100mm stem. Can any of you confirm I'm doing a good choice. I'm just scared the bike could feel too long, but when I check measurements everything sounds pretty ok. I'm considering a bike fit, but no very good fitters in my area, so your advice could really be helpful.

I am 185cm with 86cm inseam, and I went with size 56 as well. I am using 100mm LightCarbon HBR17 handlebar and the WheelTop electronic groupset, which is known to have relatively short shifter hoods. I was coming from a larger (longer) frame, and this feels refreshingly short. My setback is slightly larger on R088, which was desired as I wanted to put less strain on my hands. I was debating sizing up to size 58, but I am happy I haven't.

I would guess size 56 is the right one, although if you have any special preferences regarding you fit, you might want to take that into consideration. For a baseline fit you can also put your measurements into the Specialized's online fitting tool for SL8 -- it has the same dimensions as R088. Then, depending on how forward/backward you would like to sit, you can choose the right stem length.

[Costypezz8]

I am 185cm with 86cm inseam, and I went with size 56 as well. I am using 100mm LightCarbon HBR17 handlebar and the WheelTop electronic groupset, which is known to have relatively short shifter hoods. I was coming from a larger (longer) frame, and this feels refreshingly short. My setback is slightly larger on R088, which was desired as I wanted to put less strain on my hands. I was debating sizing up to size 58, but I am happy I haven't.

I would guess size 56 is the right one, although if you have any special preferences regarding you fit, you might want to take that into consideration. For a baseline fit you can also put your measurements into the Specialized's online fitting tool for SL8 -- it has the same dimensions as R088. Then, depending on how forward/backward you would like to sit, you can choose the right stem length.

Thank you. According Specialized website I should shop for a 56, just wondering if people with same measurments as me made the same choice.

[Bonus79]

I am 185cm with 86cm inseam, and I went with size 56 as well. I am using 100mm LightCarbon HBR17 handlebar and the WheelTop electronic groupset, which is known to have relatively short shifter hoods. I was coming from a larger (longer) frame, and this feels refreshingly short. My setback is slightly larger on R088, which was desired as I wanted to put less strain on my hands. I was debating sizing up to size 58, but I am happy I haven't.

I would guess size 56 is the right one, although if you have any special preferences regarding you fit, you might want to take that into consideration. For a baseline fit you can also put your measurements into the Specialized's online fitting tool for SL8 -- it has the same dimensions as R088. Then, depending on how forward/backward you would like to sit, you can choose the right stem length.

I'd like to ask you a question: what's the outside diameter of the headset top cover (see attached image)?
It looks very similar to other models with an outside diameter of 56mm...can you confirm?
Thanks

[Bonus79]

I think GCN lost credibility with this bike build. Besides the LTwoo/Di2 battery fitment, the frame is fairly easy to build especially with electronic groupsets. I bet if they bought a western brand frame, they’d probably mess it up just the same. Also that splatter paint job looks like crap. It’s like they purposely made it crappy.

Maybe, in their own way, they thought they were creating art or something like that...

[benquick]

I'd like to ask you a question: what's the outside diameter of the headset top cover (see attached image)?
It looks very similar to other models with an outside diameter of 56mm...can you confirm?
Thanks

Yes, it is 56mm.

Since I am at it, let me explain two other caveats regarding fitting the handlebars onto the frame:

• I used the C-ring that came with the handlebars, and it is about 1mm higher than the one that came with the frame. I had to sand it down to reduce the gap between the frame and the headset top cover.
• The top of the headtube on the R088 is slightly larger than the headset cover. It probably measures 57-58mm. This by itself is not a problem, but the Spcycle's paintjob stops just short of the cover's edge (see the attached image). It is not particularly beautiful, although the image with flash exaggerates the issue -- in reality I only noticed it when I was assembling the headset. If I knew this in advance I would have asked Spcycle to paint the frame right to the headset bearing hole.

Other than that I am really happy with how these feel. The fact that I am kind of between sizes and don't have to use more spacers than I already do is also a benefit.

[Bonus79]

Yes, it is 56mm.

Since I am at it, let me explain two other caveats regarding fitting the handlebars onto the frame:

• I used the C-ring that came with the handlebars, and it is about 1mm higher than the one that came with the frame. I had to sand it down to reduce the gap between the frame and the headset top cover.
• The top of the headtube on the R088 is slightly larger than the headset cover. It probably measures 57-58mm. This by itself is not a problem, but the Spcycle's paintjob stops just short of the cover's edge (see the attached image). It is not particularly beautiful, although the image with flash exaggerates the issue -- in reality I only noticed it when I was assembling the headset. If I knew this in advance I would have asked Spcycle to paint the frame right to the headset bearing hole.

Other than that I am really happy with how these feel. The fact that I am kind of between sizes and don't have to use more spacers than I already do is also a benefit.

Thanks for the info!

One more question: what type of C-ring comes with the handlebars?
"Crown" or "C-TYPE" (see attached image)?

I have to say I like the handlebar shape (very particular) and the geometry...how do you like it?
Could you post a "wider" photo of your frame to see the effect of the handlebars?

Thanks again.


EDIT: I saw on the website that the C-ring is a "crown" type.

[Costypezz8]

I am 185cm with 86cm inseam, and I went with size 56 as well. I am using 100mm LightCarbon HBR17 handlebar and the WheelTop electronic groupset, which is known to have relatively short shifter hoods. I was coming from a larger (longer) frame, and this feels refreshingly short. My setback is slightly larger on R088, which was desired as I wanted to put less strain on my hands. I was debating sizing up to size 58, but I am happy I haven't.

I would guess size 56 is the right one, although if you have any special preferences regarding you fit, you might want to take that into consideration. For a baseline fit you can also put your measurements into the Specialized's online fitting tool for SL8 -- it has the same dimensions as R088. Then, depending on how forward/backward you would like to sit, you can choose the right stem length.

Just to play a little I tried to make a fit on Fizmoo imputing my measurments and R088 56 size ones. Any comment in welcome

http://fizmoo.com/share/o3GscPq6XbgAgERIRlKP9YCpt213-default

[benquick]

I have to say I like the handlebar shape (very particular) and the geometry...how do you like it?
Could you post a "wider" photo of your frame to see the effect of the handlebars?

I am attaching a few images of the complete bike. The handlebars seem really well-made, they are lightweight, and much stiffer compared to the handlebars I got with the Velobuild VB-R-177 (previous bike). Ergonomically, I went with 38cm width, which is narrower than what I had before and I like it so far, but there is no difference in feel compared to normal flat handlebars with an extra headset spacer. Aesthetically, I find them interesting as well and fast-looking, but I wouldn't buy them just for the looks... The minimalism of the regular non-raised design still has a place in my heart.

Just to play a little I tried to make a fit on Fizmoo imputing my measurments and R088 56 size ones. Any comment in welcome

http://fizmoo.com/share/o3GscPq6XbgAgERIRlKP9YCpt213-default

It looks like a relatively relaxed fit, but at the same time I am not an expert so I don't have much to say. I got to my current fit with similar tools that you used, but also through trial and error on the trainer and experience from my previous frame. My very general recommendation would be to i) copy and tweak the existing fit from your current road bike, if you have any, and ii) whenever you are unsure, try going with a conservative and average setup first (which I think you are already doing).

[BoahMan]

Update - Frame arrived after ordering in December 13. Took long because of paint job and payment etc. Here is the initial frame (Seller - Syrak) Stay posted for a full length build video!!

My frame did not come with the rubber grommet that sits over the seat post clamp, as well as the di2 battery mount. The chain stay seems to be relatively straight in comparison to other posts, but has a slight deviation as pictured below.
Also the 52cm frame weighs in at a hefty frickin 1044gs or something, which is unfortunate :/ But at least I got the paint job!! (I reckon for the best weight just order matte on spcycle)

[carbonMad]

Update - Frame arrived after ordering in December 13. Took long because of paint job and payment etc. Here is the initial frame (Seller - Syrak) Stay posted for a full length build video!!

My frame did not come with the rubber grommet that sits over the seat post clamp, as well as the di2 battery mount. The chain stay seems to be relatively straight in comparison to other posts, but has a slight deviation as pictured below.
Also the 52cm frame weighs in at a hefty frickin 1044gs or something, which is unfortunate :/ But at least I got the paint job!! (I reckon for the best weight just order matte on spcycle)

The holo paintjob on the seatpost and handebar is a genius idea