FR-202 in the House

[Willis24]

After a few years of dreaming about Ti frames, I finally decided that carbon would be more budget friendly. By going this route, I could also have money to replace some aging cockpit items as well. Now that the frame has arrived without damage and appears to be what I had wanted, I have place an order for the new cockpit and other assorted items

My budget is still limited, so I will have to re-use a large portion of components to include my wheelset, fork and drivetrain. The big goal with this build is to have a frame that dissipates a bit of trail chatter over aluminum and slacks out the head angle about three degrees over my previous frame. So far, the build is right on track.

[Carbon_Dude]

Welcome to Chinertown!  Please post pictures of your frame and your build.

Yes, the second biggest benefit after weight savings is the much smoother ride a carbon frame offers.

[Willis24]

Certainly looking forward to the change in feel.

[Carbon_Dude]

Did yo order your frame from Flyxii?

[Willis24]

Yes, I purchased it from Flyxii through their eBay store, which gave buyer protection that we all want. The shipment took 25 days, which seems long, but I was not in a hurry so no big deal. The packaging was minimal but sufficient with no damage to be found.

[Sitar_Ned]

I've always wanted a Ti frame as well. You do know that you can get them direct from manufacturer just like the carbon bits, right? Still, I think you made the better choice going with carbon.

I was actually going to buy this bike: http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/fly_TeamTI_29_sramxx.htm  right when I discovered the chiner option. So glad I didn't drop almost 3k on that bike. Could save over 1k doing a similar quality chiner build.

[Willis24]

I had been saving for a Titus Fireline Evo that was selling for $825, but I would have only been able to afford the frame only. This way I can get new bars, stem, and grips,then also replace my worn out tires and sealant. My wife and I have agreed that this is my 2 year plan. At age 55 I will then have permission to spend up to 5k on whatever catches my eye... Probably a Trek EX variant.

[carbonazza]

You do know that you can get them direct from manufacturer

When my second carbon frame cracked, in despair I considered Ti too, and contacted titanproduct.com
But the cost was/is 3 times as much as the workswell 62 for instance.
So I gave carbon a last chance( that I do not regret at all).

[Willis24]

Syncros cockpit items arrived. Just waiting on tires and bottom bracket, then everything else will be taken from the previous bike build.

[Willis24]

I built the frame up over the weekend and pedaled down the street, but of course the jury is still out until it actually see's dirt. The build came out to 23.5 pounds ready to ride, which I am well pleased with. Now If we can just get some wind to kick up and dry the trails out...

[Carbon_Dude]

Looking forward to seeing some pictures of the finished product out on the trials.

[Willis24]

Ready to hit the trails this weekend.

[Carbon_Dude]

Looks good!  You will need to post up some ride impressions and let us know what you think about your new bike.

[Willis24]

I now have three good weekends of riding on the new build and am very satisfied with the frame. You really can't knock the quality and numbers of Flyxii for the price at $280. As someone mentioned to me at the trail head, "At those prices, you can buy several others if you break it." I am not a fan of the thought of breaking a frame, but suppose it is true. In any case this will fit the bill until I can update to rear suspension and a though axle versus quick release in a few years.

The overall ride of the frame on the trail is very good in comparison to my last two aluminum hardtails. It is very compliant and has a velvet smooth ride with a dead quiet presence. So far, I am amazed at how fast it rolls on the flats compared to my last frame with the exact same tires and wheelset... almost night and day difference!

There is one sensation that I am not a fan of though and that is what seems to be an ever so slight bit of noodle effect in the top tube or later stiffness. It is really only noticeable when seated and leveraging on the bars side to side on a grippy surface. My initial thought is that it may possibly be the result of more leverage from a 60mm wider bar over my last build. In any case, you have to be intentional to notice it, so I will just try to avoid doing that.

So far, I am a carbon convert and don't see myself purchasing a big name brand anytime soon. For the curious, the top tube reads "wandering."

[Carbon_Dude]

Nice feedback Willis, you are the first person I have read about who has commented on a top tube not being as stiff as expected, usually these carbon hard tail frames are plenty stiff yet a bit of compliance in the seat stays.

Only my -036 lacks a bit of lateral stiffness in the rear triangle, however it's not bad for a FS frame.  Just not as stiff as my hard tail.

For only $280 I think you did really well on your purchase.