Hello
First of all, I want to thank you all for this wonderful place where I could find a lot of information that helped me a lot.
I'm looking for an affordable carbon frame, endurance geometry, not quite gravel, on which to move a GRX 800 1x11 transmission that I have from my son's CX bike (Canyon) which had its frame cracked after three seasons of intense usage. Now, he's quitting CX, and I have this transmission that I really don't want to sell - so what about building a road bike for me? (I also have the wheels - carbon, 35mm depth, 21mm internal, HG drive).
I was a bit reluctant to go the Chinese frame route, but I'm quite on a tight budget. Ideally, I'd buy a Merida Scultura Endurance frame (aprox 1350 Euro) and install my things on it, but it has clearance for only 35mm tires, I'd love 3-4mm more. Yet, the main deterrent is the budget.
The bike is going to be employed by me (47, not-very-fit, slightly overweight, who loved MTB - XC when I was younger and fitter).
So, I've narrowed down my research to Rinasclta Granite and, from this forum I've found out that Airwolf YFR066 is basically the same mold.
Then the big question (no 1) is: any reason to chose one over the other?
Budget-wise, the Airwolf might come cheaper for me (due to a mix of factors, including shipment to Romania, EU).
The main difference that I can notice is the carbon fiber employed: Airwolf employs Toray 1100, while Rinasclta employs a mix of Toray 800+1000.
What difference does this produce in ride quality? But in weight? On paper, the difference in weight seems almost negligible (for me) - approx. 100 grams more for Rinasclta.
Another aspect that I might consider? Rinasclta have been quite responsive to my questions, and I didn't find many bad reports about their frame (some misalignments in headset spacers). Airwolf had some issues - from what I've read on this forum - both on delivery terms and specific problems).
Question no 2.
The bike that I intend to build will be 1x, with an Ultegra 8000 crankset and a 40T oval chainring. I don't need the front derailleur - but for the Rinasclta the front derailleur hanger is riveted - so, quite problematic to remove. I've talked to them, they could build the bike without it, but it would take a bit more, time-wise (not a problem for me). What about the Airwolf? Is it also riveted, or maybe it's attached via some screws that can be removed? (couldn't figure out from Aliexpress pics, they didn't answer me on Aliexpress (yet)). Also: any risk that I could not employ a 40T oval (not enough space for it)? I'm going to install it on the outside position of the crank.
Question no 3.
Any third candidate that I should consider, besides Rinasclta and Airwolf? Of course, in the same league, price-wise and provenience.
I'd like the bike to look more like a road bike than a gravel bike. I really don't like the look of those oversized forks with bosses for luggage. I don't need more than 40mm clearance for tires. And I want to employ different tires on the wheels, swapping them easily because I'd use TPU tubes (I already have a set of 30 & 32 for road, some 35 for light gravel - I might even acquire some 38s for special adventures).
Thank you all again!
P.S. Later edit - what I like about these frames is the geometry - I've ridden the Scott Addict that they copy (another piece of info found on this forum), and I really liked it.
