I finally got my FM326 built. I would consider this my dream build. I have always wanted to build a bike up with components I selected. Total weight 18.8 lbs (8.5kg) with tubeless but without pedals. Here is a list of the components:
Frame: Mondince FM326, XL(58), Chameleon green.
Groupset: Sram Force AXS XPLR 13sp
Wheelset: Elitewheels Aero+ Gravel
Tires: Maxxis Rambler 45mm (47.5mm on wheels and inflated)
Saddle: Ryet Aircode
Integrated Handlebar and Stem: Lexon Unox 80mm x 440mm
Bar tape: Fizik Terra Soulcrush tacky. black.
The ordering process through Mondince was painless and Jack patiently answered all my questions and even suggested a few paint colors. The frame was well build. There was a bit of carbon epoxy in the bottom bracket shell threads. I took a brass brush and small o-ring pick to it and it came right off and bottom bracket threaded in smoothly. The bb shell faces were flat and free of paint. The disk brake caliper mounts on the frame and fork where clean as well. For some reason I could not get the brake rotors centered in between the brake pads. I tried the usual methods, squeeze the brake levers while I tightened the caliper bolts and I even placed a shim in between the pad and rotors while squeezing and tightening the bolts. Both front and back rotors are still rubbing a brake pad on one side. I hope this does not mean I need to reface the caliper mounts. The paint came out great, better than I expected. The chameleon green turned out awesome. I received the frame in twelve days. They already had the frame built. I believe I may have a first batch frame since it has the mounts on the seat stays. I didn’t realize they were in there. In hindsight I would have asked them for a frame without them. All in all I not hesitate to buy from them again or suggest them to someone else.
Since this has the same geometry of the Mondraker Arid, and look similar, I kept with the same crank length, bar width and stem length as that bike in my size. I’m glad I did since the bike rides and fits me well.
I was able to do a short ride through my neighborhood, which included some gravel, before a rain storm hit. Here are some quick impressions.
The bike handled well. It was stable and I could tell the geometry leaned a little towards MTB geometry but not some much it was slow. I was able flick it around on tight sidewalks and bike paths, exciting I know.
The SRAM Force group-set is my first step into SRAM territory and wireless shifting. I have ridden mechanical shifting for the past 36 years, don’t bother with the math Im just old, and I have had zero problems with that type of shifting. I won’t lie it will take a bit to get use to the wireless shifting. SRAM Force shifted quickly and accurately. The brake levers had the right amount of force and I was able to lock up the back wheel with two fingers from the hood while bedding in the brake pads
As many have said, the Elitewheel Aero+ freehub is loud, but i like the way it sounds. While I was riding and the storm was rolling in, there was a slight cross wind and I could feel it catch the 45mm deep rims. It will be interesting when I encounter a direct cross wind from the side. It is windy throughout the year where I live in Utah. These are the first carbon wheel I have had and I am interested to how they track and feel in the gravel.
The Lexon Unox bar/stem are very light and comfortable. The flare seems to be the right amount but agin this is my first gravel bike so I still need more ride time to tell. I do like the short reach and drops of these bars and this is after riding a road bike for the past 13 years. I had to 3D print a c-ring to get the bearing top cover to the right height to eliminate the 2mm+ gap but in the end it worked out well. Shout out to a forum member for sharing the file, you know who you are! I still need to dial in the lever height before I wrap the bars. Since the Lexon Unox has a -6 degree rise the hoods sat lower than I liked, so I will be raising them slightly.
I have far too little time on the Ryet Aircode saddle to give a far review but it didn’t seem uncomfortable. Having said this I did notice a bit of stiffness around the edges of the cutout. Take that with a grain of salt since I didn’t have padded bibs on this test ride.
I’m excited to get this bike on a long ride this weekend. I will give a more in depth report once I have more ride time. Have a good night and keep the rubber side down
