Assisting Force AF01

[LittleBobcat]

I ordered a XL frame in July also, but did not yet got picture of a finished frame yet. Unfortunately, two weeks ago, they mentioned a paint issue and needed to rebuild the complete frame because of sand particles on the surface. Despite of this issue and because of the fact that they are in the series production ramp-up phase (issues like that are daily business in the composite production environment - until a certain series prod quality is reached), I still think they do a great job and look foreward to get the new frame.

I designed a custom livery for my xl and one very special color in it(actually a high-vis reflecting layer like the ones on traffic signs for some small areas of the frame) became a super big issue so the proccess has been stuck on getting a right paint for that part for a very long time. I've seen the other colors ready on the frame without trouble already and the livery comes in a good shape mostly.If it goes well the frame would be ready about next week,but still donno.
I was alongside in the developement of this frame and contribute a little to the whole project so actually my frame went into order pretty earlier than most, but it's just that paint i choosed hampered it.

[maettu99]

I designed a custom livery for my xl and one very special color in it(actually a high-vis reflecting layer like the ones on traffic signs for some small areas of the frame) became a super big issue so the proccess has been stuck on getting a right paint for that part for a very long time. I've seen the other colors ready on the frame without trouble already and the livery comes in a good shape mostly.If it goes well the frame would be ready about next week,but still donno.
I was alongside in the developement of this frame and contribute a little to the whole project so actually my frame went into order pretty earlier than most, but it's just that paint i choosed hampered it.

Do you know why they changed the seat tube lenght later? In the first geometry charts the seat tube was already short but now it‘s even shorter which makes no sense because it limits the space in the frame triangle which is not ideal for bikepacking. Ultra short seat tubes are more a thing if using long travel dropper posts. But on a gravel bike? Do I miss somerhing?
Hope you will get your frame soon!

[Dreadz]

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

You are right but the name makes logical sense and is growing on me.
It isn't any more dumb that the popular big brand names. It actually makes more sense than a few of them.

Specialized ( Drab boring name )
Cervelo means brainy bikes
I can go on and on.

Western brand names aren't all that brilliant or outstanding, its just that people are used to them.
 

[Tijoe]

For some unknown reason, my mind interprets their name as "Ass-Sting Farce"

[LittleBobcat]

Do you know why they changed the seat tube lenght later? In the first geometry charts the seat tube was already short but now it‘s even shorter which makes no sense because it limits the space in the frame triangle which is not ideal for bikepacking. Ultra short seat tubes are more a thing if using long travel dropper posts. But on a gravel bike? Do I miss somerhing?
Hope you will get your frame soon!

the actual seattube length has never changed during the entire design phase. For some reason they mistaked few of the geo data with those of other things when releasing the geo publicly for the first time.
the main target is to get maximized comfort and full compatibility with drop posts through all size range. yes in some way you are right. it does have affects on frame bags though, i'm working on a full customized fidlock frame bag on that.

[frnchy]

...full compatibility with drop posts through all size range.

Funny, I had to buy a PNW dropper because my OneUp was too short  :'(

No doubt the longer length of exposed seatpost will be more comfortable, but dropper compatibility with 27.2 posts, which have a maximum drop of 125 mm, isn't a great reason for such a short seattube. I would've liked to see 2-3 more cm to maximize bottle capacity and potential for framebags. Having both a very compact front triangle AND a bunch of bolts for framebags is a very puzzling combo.

In other news, my frame (and others, it sounds like) have been delayed in painting due to a lack of logo decals. Hopefully they restock soon, though I'm not anticipating getting the frame this year.

[motaro1989]

My frame has arrived and so far I’m really happy with it. Both the frame and fork look premium in person.
The packaging was basic, but that’s not a big deal.

The frame has internal cable guides near the frame-storage area. Entry and exit points of those guides aren’t accessible so I’m not sure how to route the cables through them when i won't have the guide tubes.

The bolts aren’t attracted by a magnet, so they’re probably aluminum or titanium. I’m not sure how to tell.

For some reason the photos don’t show the UD carbon finish properly - it definitely isn’t just plain black gloss like it appears. On the website they managed to capture it better. Through the clear coat you can see the carbon joins, and in my opinion it looks cool. I’m sure it will look even better outdoors.

[LittleBobcat]

My frame has arrived and so far I’m really happy with it. Both the frame and fork look premium in person.
The packaging was basic, but that’s not a big deal.

The frame has internal cable guides near the frame-storage area. Entry and exit points of those guides aren’t accessible so I’m not sure how to route the cables through them when i won't have the guide tubes.

The bolts aren’t attracted by a magnet, so they’re probably aluminum or titanium. I’m not sure how to tell.

For some reason the photos don’t show the UD carbon finish properly - it definitely isn’t just plain black gloss like it appears. On the website they managed to capture it better. Through the clear coat you can see the carbon joins, and in my opinion it looks cool. I’m sure it will look even better outdoors.

A much brighter light source directly to the surface would show the ud finish more clearly, you need a lot of light to let the carbon fibers reflect themselves.

[Dreadz]

My frame has arrived and so far I’m really happy with it. Both the frame and fork look premium in person.
The packaging was basic, but that’s not a big deal.

The frame has internal cable guides near the frame-storage area. Entry and exit points of those guides aren’t accessible so I’m not sure how to route the cables through them when i won't have the guide tubes.

The bolts aren’t attracted by a magnet, so they’re probably aluminum or titanium. I’m not sure how to tell.

For some reason the photos don’t show the UD carbon finish properly - it definitely isn’t just plain black gloss like it appears. On the website they managed to capture it better. Through the clear coat you can see the carbon joins, and in my opinion it looks cool. I’m sure it will look even better outdoors.

Beautiful frame.

[pinkyyto]

My frame has arrived and so far I’m really happy with it. Both the frame and fork look premium in person.
The packaging was basic, but that’s not a big deal.

The frame has internal cable guides near the frame-storage area. Entry and exit points of those guides aren’t accessible so I’m not sure how to route the cables through them when i won't have the guide tubes.

The bolts aren’t attracted by a magnet, so they’re probably aluminum or titanium. I’m not sure how to tell.

For some reason the photos don’t show the UD carbon finish properly - it definitely isn’t just plain black gloss like it appears. On the website they managed to capture it better. Through the clear coat you can see the carbon joins, and in my opinion it looks cool. I’m sure it will look even better outdoors.

You say you can see the "carbon joints"; isnt the frame marketed as a "single true moncoque"? It should not have any joints. The joint yyou sspeak of, is it on the seatstays and chainstays? Please clarify because the monocoque construction is one of their USPs.

[motaro1989]

There are lines visible where the carbon sheets connect, for example on the middle of the top tube and down tube. Some are not straight lines. Not on the seatstays and chainstays. Here are some quick photos taken under a strong flashlight. I believe it is monocoque.

[pinkyyto]

Thanks for the clarification! This and the lightcarbon is on my shortlist. If you have completed the build please share the feedback about ride quality. Also, how easy was the build? The original spec sheet said that it only supported a one-by groupset. This one shows a FD mount? So can we install a FD on there?

[LittleBobcat]

Thanks for the clarification! This and the lightcarbon is on my shortlist. If you have completed the build please share the feedback about ride quality. Also, how easy was the build? The original spec sheet said that it only supported a one-by groupset. This one shows a FD mount? So can we install a FD on there?

FD mount have been added back on production versions. sram wide FD/shimano grx FD only though, you may have test if a normal road Cl FD would work(esp. check if the road chainring fits in without interference against chainstay)

[akito]

Mine arrived yesterday! It took a month between the day it was shipped (China) and the day I received it (France). The box arrived in poor condition due to the carrier in my country...

The frame is really beautiful in daylight. It won't be assembled until after the holidays, but the first test for large wheels seems to fit (about 0.6 mm on the sides).

Planned assembly:
AF-01 Standard Frame size M
Seatpot Assisting force
Canwin Aelous 400*700
SRAM XPLR 1X13 Groupset
Elitewheels gravel aero+ 45mm wheels
Schwalbe G-One RX Pro 50 mm tyres

[Tijoe]

Beautiful frame-set.  Have you weighed your frame and fork?   Can you post these weights?   thanks