Assisting Force AF01

[s3si1u]

Looks like Carbonda is getting ready to launch a new house brand and gravel frame.
Anyone with some more info? Geo chart maybe?
Opinions on the brand name and logo?

[kubackje]

Lmao those Chinese guys really need to hire some western dude to come up with brand names for them 😂

[Pedaldancer]

Lmao those Chinese guys really need to hire some western dude to come up with brand names for them 😂

you're so right...
I get the idea behind... the bike should support the rider. But the brand name is awful..

[pavlo.k]

Silly name and the ugliest font I've seen in a while. The frame looks like any other generic oem stuff but i do like the seatpost. Should be comfy

[jannmayer]

Looks like it will clear some pretty wide tires with both stays dropped like that. It seems to be aimed more for the race crowd than the adventure crowd though - no mounting points other than the bottle cages. That's also a pretty massive chainring.

[Requiem84]

Inspired by the Argon Dark Matter...

[Pedaldancer]

I will have a look on it next week.

Here's some information about the frame:

AF 01 Gravel Frameset – Assisting Force
The AF 01 is the first gravel frameset launched under the Assisting Force brand. Drawing on years of expertise in gravel frame manufacturing and insights from professional gravel riders, we've designed this high-performance, top-tier yet affordable gravel frameset.

Key Features:
✅ Advanced Construction – Utilizing our factory's proudly mastered monocoque molding and lightweight optimization, the AF 01 delivers exceptional strength while minimizing weight. The SSL version achieves an impressive ~800g frame weight, ensuring agile and responsive gravel riding.

✅ Optimized Geometry – With six size options (XS to XXL), the AF 01 accommodates a wide range of riders. The 425mm chainstay length enhances power transfer, while the 55mm fork offset prevents toe overlap for smoother handling.

✅ Modern Design – Features full internal cable routing and a 1x-specific design (no front derailleur mount) for a clean, maintenance-friendly setup that meets the demands of most gravel riding scenarios.

✅ Tire Clearance & Storage – Accommodates 700x50c tires with a dropped chainstay design. Additionally, the downtube storage compartment (includes two waterproof bags) offers convenient tool storage.

Technical Specifications:
Frame Weight (SSL): ~800g

Sizes Available: XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL

Chainstay Length: 425mm

Fork Offset: 55mm

Max Tire Clearance: 700x50c

Drivetrain Compatibility: 1x only (no front derailleur mount)

Cable Routing: Fully internal

[jfcb]

That's a great brand name.... for an e-bike company.
The features of the frame are all par on with what a modern gravel bike should have. The looks of it are on the safe side, nothing exciting about it. 
I do hope they offer the frame without their name/logo on it because that will be a deal breaker for many people.
Also, I'm curious if they will increase the sales price for their branded frames to the level of Winspace, Yoeleo ... just for the sake of being a 'brand'.

[LittleBobcat]

 

[jonathanf2]

Looks like Carbonda is getting ready to launch a new house brand and gravel frame.
Anyone with some more info? Geo chart maybe?
Opinions on the brand name and logo?

This could be the greatest gravel frame ever built, but it's the same reason I won't ride a Big Rock frame. The name is just terrible! 

[carbonazza]

I was lucky to get one at Eurobike
The frame (a super light one), seatpost, and bars are from them.

SRAM XPLR Red for the transmission.
The wheels are from my CFR505, which is very sad being dropped after so many years together, and I will move to LightBicycle WG55 with carbon spokes.
I'll end up with 45mm tires, the frame allows 50

I just did a quick 50km ride in the woods nearby yesterday.
It is stiff, in a good way. It doesn't flex at all when pedaling hard, sprinting, or fast cornering.
And if feels more precise to handle. Even making a U-turn is easier.
As pictured, it is 7.8kg

If you are in Europe, one finding from this build is https://www.wielerkoopjes.nl/ and their sister site https://www.wheel-parts.shop/nl/.
They sell good OEM components, no fancy boxes, but great prices and excellent service.

For the name, yeah... there's a cultural thing here.
Darevie is another example of these out-of-nowhere words.
Initially, it did hurt my feelings, but now I'm starting to get used to it.
In any case, it's vinyl stickers.

I'm not a good photographer, so I took many pictures to be sure I got at least a few good ones  : https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1b45PRepiLBsEmhYl47EmzG9tmCGcI2TG

[kubackje]

I know looks are subjective but for me this bike is ugly af and the branding is even worse. What where they thinking with this goofy name?

[kbernstein]

what a shame to not include a FD mount... geo looks decent but 1x is a boner killer

[LittleBobcat]

what a shame to not include a FD mount... geo looks decent but 1x is a boner killer

FD mount will come back on production version

[bremerradkurier]

The ten year old in me wants to cover the first I to make it say Ass Sting.