Another Hongfu FM358 build

[maxpet]

Moving along.    I managed to find feint and rear brake adapters that work.   The front is a +20 standard piston mount for the 160mm rotors.  I did have to trim down the front mounting bokts because they bottomed out on my fork.       The rear is FM to PM +20 adapter.   

This means I do not have to change the rear caliper nor pull another brake hose through the frame.   

Bottom bracket and crank install will be next.   

Hopefully will get Maiden voyage this weekend.

You installed the front adapter wrong no? Usually the arrow points up

[jpnovak]

You installed the front adapter wrong no? Usually the arrow points up

Good catch.   Yes.    Pic was initial mock up.   Was inverted and fit.mich better. 

[Specialf.]

wow very nice!

[jpnovak]

New bike psyche.  It's finally on 2 wheels.. ride around the block went well.   Fit is good.   Bars too low.   Its Liigghhhtt.    Need to weigh.   Guessing 22lb range.   Will weigh at some point.   

Will get some ride and feedback this week.   

[frewster]

It looks fantastic. Great job. 

[jpnovak]

Well, 3 weeks of work travel and I have no ride report yet.   

The only update is related to rear brakes.   They squealed horribly and had no grip at all.   Possible that I may have gotten a little mineral oil in them when bleeding.   No amount of cleaning wpuld work.  So last night I baked out rotor and pads with a propane torch.   And then filed a chamfer in the leading edge of the pads.   Finally seem to be quiet.    Hopefully this weekend will be real Maiden voyage. 

[jpnovak]

Had first ride on new bike this morning.   Nothing broke or came loose.

Almost no suspension bob when pedaling hard.  Can feel bike absorb bumps without pedal kickback or other weird artifacts.  Climbing traction is amazing. 

I don't like the front end.  I am just not used to modern slack head angles.   Front wheel Feels so far in front.    Hoping I get used to the lead then follow feeling of the front wheel.  To me it is less direct, almost Slow and floppy in really slow (almost track stand) rock gardens and tech stuff

 Fox shocks are way more supple than Rockshox.

On flowy trails it feels stiff and fast.    So.far I am really pleased with performance.     .

[jpnovak]

I changed the stem angle to raise the bars and moved the seat slightly forward to put more weight on front end.   That made a huge difference in weight balance and handling.

I really like this bike.   It's fast.   Climbs very well - much better than I expected. 

Certainly I would recommend to anyone looking for light weight XCO frame this should be on the list.