Chinertown
Chinese Carbon MTB => 29er => Topic started by: niklass on June 23, 2025, 04:02:29 PM
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Since my last post disappered in the move to new servers I thought that I would start a new one about this build.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/405955915080?itmmeta=01JYF89ZF8F3SS1KBA3V4WGD8T&hash=item5e84dbad48:g:8h0AAOSwrBloSpQX
I have ordered the frame from Meinier Bikes now. In size XL (I am 190cm) even though the big frames never look as nice:)
It was really cheap i must say, shipped with DPD for under 300USD. Geo is pretty similar to the SPM06 frame and somewhat modern.
I am a little bit to eager so i had no patience to wait for a custom paint, so this one will be the classic china frame matte black with no logos.
I have ordered all parts and this will be a full on China build apart from the fork (SID SL Ultimate)
- Elite ENT wheels is inbound, not until late august unfortunately. I will use a set of alu wheels until they arrive.
- Wheeltop EDS OX 2.0
- XT brakes and discs
- Elita one Seatpost
- Kocevlo 3D printed saddle
- Syncros handlebar/stem combo
- Maxxis Rekon Race 2.4 tires
- Riro Carbon cranks 34T 170mm
- Ztto T47 DUB BB
- Spedao Ultralight 10-50t Cassette
- Flattop chain
- Odi Foamgrips
- Zrace carbon pedals
Should land about 9,5kg if all checks out. But happy with sub 10kg
I have a business contact in China and pretty much all the stuff I bought is thru him. Price is way lower than if I buy it here in Sweden.
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What a coincidence!
I ordered the same thing a few days ago - except the Size, I'm 1,87m and had an XL in the basket but changed last minute to an L after doing some geo comparison - hope this was a good decision :o
Also I've gone with matte black, but with logos and fork.
Also I'm going to build it up using some mixed Parts I have laying around. Really looking forward to do some comparison between our experience with this.
That said, how's your first impression of the Frame? What's the weight of your size XL?
Also for the guys thinking of getting this frame, i've added the Geo data of all sizes to https://bike-stats.de/en/ (https://bike-stats.de/en/) so you can compare it!
Cheers from Germany!
Joseph
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Good to hear I am not alone :)
Yeah, i was also on the edge of buying large frame first. I looked at the Scott Scale Size chart(seems to have similar Geo) and i am clearly a XL on that chart at least :).
We'll see how it works.
Well, i just ordered the frame last week so it hasn't arrived yet. But will update and upload some photos as soon it does.
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Looks like a nice built. My son’s 24” from them was a really clean frame, impatient to your hear you guys feedback on adult frame, it could be a great budget option if it checks out.
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I'm interested in this frame. Is there internal routing for a dropper post?
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I'm interested in this frame. Is there internal routing for a dropper post?
Yes, or atleast the spec says so :) I haven't recieved the frame yet. I plan to run it with a fixed post. From start atleast.
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Yes, or atleast the spec says so
Yeah, but I'm suspicious. I asked on the eBay listing and they replied saying that it did have routing for a dropper, and they included a sketched diagram of it running along the top tube and into the seat tube. I don't see how that would work, given that the post itself would be in the way at the top tube/seat tube junction.
It would be really great if you could confirm when you've received the frame.
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It looks like a carbonda 1306 ?
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Yeah, but I'm suspicious. I asked on the eBay listing and they replied saying that it did have routing for a dropper, and they included a sketched diagram of it running along the top tube and into the seat tube. I don't see how that would work, given that the post itself would be in the way at the top tube/seat tube junction.
It would be really great if you could confirm when you've received the frame.
If it’s an IC routing frame, why wouldn’t you be able to run the dropper?
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Looking forward to hearing how the builds go... The link to the bike stats looks like a great resource, I will have to check it out.
What a coincidence!
I ordered the same thing a few days ago - except the Size, I'm 1,87m and had an XL in the basket but changed last minute to an L after doing some geo comparison - hope this was a good decision :o
Also I've gone with matte black, but with logos and fork.
Also I'm going to build it up using some mixed Parts I have laying around. Really looking forward to do some comparison between our experience with this.
That said, how's your first impression of the Frame? What's the weight of your size XL?
Also for the guys thinking of getting this frame, i've added the Geo data of all sizes to https://bike-stats.de/en/ (https://bike-stats.de/en/) so you can compare it!
Cheers from Germany!
Joseph
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If it’s an IC routing frame, why wouldn’t you be able to run the dropper?
It's just not clear whether there is routing for a dropper cable. The 'official' specs show that there's routing for the rear brake and rear mech, which I presume means there's ports to get the cable/hose in somewhere around the top of the downtube, and out again on the chainstays.
I asked about dropper routing and they said that it could be done along the top tube, and provided a very rough sketch. I don't see how that could work, as the dropper cable needs to get to the bottom of the seat post so needs to go down the downtube and back up the seat tube.
I guess my question is "is there a way of getting the dropper cable into the downtube, along with the rear brake hose and rear mech cable?"
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Looking at the picture of the frame, there is no cut out in frame, it’s all internal routing through headset.
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Ah, okay. I've asked him if he has any pics of the headset cable routing, will see what he comes back with
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I own one of these frames. I can confirm that the frame is full internal routing through the headset and you can run a dropper post with the cable going around the bottom bracket area (I have a 150mm oneup dropper v2 in mine)
The only issue with the frame is that it doesn’t actually come with a 52/52 headset. So I had to source my own with a shortened bearing to make sure there wasn’t any gaps below the top cap.
Other than that I am fairly satisfied with the frame, the build was pretty easy and came in right around 9.8 kg.
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That's really useful to know, thank you.
Which headset did you use?
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That's really useful to know, thank you.
Which headset did you use?
Also interested in this, what height of upper compression ring did you use to make it flush? Looking forward to getting my frameset
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I own one of these frames. I can confirm that the frame is full internal routing through the headset and you can run a dropper post with the cable going around the bottom bracket area (I have a 150mm oneup dropper v2 in mine)
The only issue with the frame is that it doesn’t actually come with a 52/52 headset. So I had to source my own with a shortened bearing to make sure there wasn’t any gaps below the top cap.
Other than that I am fairly satisfied with the frame, the build was pretty easy and came in right around 9.8 kg.
I found out that myself when I asked the seller why it both says that headsets are included, and in the next sentence that it's not :)
I just purchased bearings but went with 52X40X8mm. Do you need to buy the 52x40X7mm version to get it flush?
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I used one of these headsets from ritchey since I only needed two holes (I ran eagle axs). The compression ring is built into the lower top cap and has a built in rubber ring to help maintain a seal.
https://ritcheylogic.com/bike/headsets/wcs-logic-e-1-5-integrated-is-upper-headset
If you need more ports, I remember that AliExpress also had a headset by Neco with more that may also work.
I don’t quite remember the exact dimensions of the bearings, but I do remember the one I ended up using was at least 1 mm shorter than the one that originally came with the ritchey headset.
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I was wondering about the Meinier "Snake" 29" hardtail frames also. Just started noticing these since about 1 year ago maybe, but haven't been able to find any reviews on them yet.
I really wish some folks start uploading youtube videos about them, since their product listing looked pretty legit on aliexpress.
So, aside from having to source 7mm tall headset bearings specifically, folks didn't have any issues installing parts? No notable quirks of having to internally route up to 3 cables (rear derailleur, rear brakes, dropper) through the headset? Was there any need to deburr threads, face spray off the bottom bracket shells, or sand anything down? Is there any vent holes of sorts around the bottom to let some water drain when the bike is washed?
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I was wondering about the Meinier "Snake" 29" hardtail frames also. Just started noticing these since about 1 year ago maybe, but haven't been able to find any reviews on them yet.
I really wish some folks start uploading youtube videos about them, since their product listing looked pretty legit on aliexpress.
So, aside from having to source 7mm tall headset bearings specifically, folks didn't have any issues installing parts? No notable quirks of having to internally route up to 3 cables (rear derailleur, rear brakes, dropper) through the headset? Was there any need to deburr threads, face spray off the bottom bracket shells, or sand anything down? Is there any vent holes of sorts around the bottom to let some water drain when the bike is washed?
Looks like my frame is in Germany and on its way to Sweden. So for now, I don't have any updates on the build quality or if there are any odd stuff.
Regarding headset bearings. I have 8mm ones at home, so i will see if that works or if i need the 7mm ones to get the stem flush.
And I will only route the rear brake. Electronic shifting and no dropper to start off with.
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I was wondering about the Meinier "Snake" 29" hardtail frames also. Just started noticing these since about 1 year ago maybe, but haven't been able to find any reviews on them yet.
I really wish some folks start uploading youtube videos about them, since their product listing looked pretty legit on aliexpress.
So, aside from having to source 7mm tall headset bearings specifically, folks didn't have any issues installing parts? No notable quirks of having to internally route up to 3 cables (rear derailleur, rear brakes, dropper) through the headset? Was there any need to deburr threads, face spray off the bottom bracket shells, or sand anything down? Is there any vent holes of sorts around the bottom to let some water drain when the bike is washed?
I'm going mechanical shifting and maybe dropper - Will also take a look into the frame with a cheap periscope lens after I got it - maybe in 10-14 days. As I don't want to spam in here I'll post in my "own" thread in the 27,5er section about this when time is come 😉
@niklass: I'm looking forward to your experience with the Headset - as I don't have anything laying around I'll oder some parts as soon as I get a look at the frame
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Has anyone weighed the frame?
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Has anyone weighed the frame?
I have recieved my frame today. The frame weighs in at 1230g in size XL, painted (matte black) and with rear axle, UDH hanger and seatclamp.
Build quality as far as i can see looks good.
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I have started building the bike up.
So far pretty easy with zero issues. Still waiting for the wheels to show up, should be a week or so. I guess i will know then if the calipers will be aligned and such. Brakes will of course need bleeding before firts ride :) And some calibration of the derailleur will probalbly be needed.
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Looks very promising so far - still some time left until I get mine
How about chain ring fitment - what size did you get and what chain line are you running?
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Looks very promising so far - still some time left until I get mine
How about chain ring fitment - what size did you get and what chain line are you running?
Feels promising. Only concern is what you ask about😂
I have no idea about that, and apparently I might have overlooked this when ordering the cranks/chainring. I have ordered a Riro carboncranks with a 34t chainring. But the chainline and how to know what you have is a mystery to me.
Right now it feels like it is not optimal. The chain is not in a great line when on the biggest cog. But not sure how to solve it. And I don’t know what offset this chainring is☺️
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Looks very promising so far - still some time left until I get mine
How about chain ring fitment - what size did you get and what chain line are you running?
When measured it looks like a 55 chain line. But maybe it should be 52? But not sure how to solve that :)
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In my experience everything from 52 to 55 works for a boost rear axle - 55 could lead to the chain dropping on lower sprockets when backpedaling
Regarding to the aliexpress listing the stock chain ring should be 6mm offset, so quite interesting how you get a 55mm chainline
How's the clearance of the chain ring? Do you have some room or is it already close to the frame? Carbomania told me max chain ring size for 52mm chainline would be 32t but I doubt that tbh
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looking forward to seeing your build, the frame looks awesome ;D
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In my experience everything from 52 to 55 works for a boost rear axle - 55 could leeds to the chain dropping on lower sprockets when backpedaling
Regarding to the aliexpress listing the stock chain ring should be 6mm offset, so quite interesting how you get a 55mm chainline
How's the clearance of the chain ring? Do you have some room or is it already close to the frame? Carbomania told me max chain ring size for 52mm chainline would be 32t but I doubt that tbh
I guess I am trying out different ways of using the spacers, I have one spacer now on the Drive side (it says MTB on it :)). I might have measured it wrong last night (was in a hurry) but will check more thouroughly tonight.
But the more I think about it, the more it makes sense that 32t is max for the frame, atleast with a 52mm Chain line.
I barely have any space between frame and chainring now. Max 1-2mm
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The bike is built and had it's maiden voyage.
No issues building it. Threads in BB where smooth, no issue aligning brakes. Cable routing was smooth (only one hose thou)
Fun first 1,5h ride with both rough and smooth trails and some gravel roads. Bike feels great. The only issue so far is some seatpost slippage but I didn't have any carbon paste at hand. And some fine tuning needs to be done on the derailleur. I tuned it on a different cassete from another wheel, but that didn't work great.
So far so good
The bike weighs 9,5kg (XL frame) with pretty heavy tires (850g) so could easily shave a few grams. But will ride like this first.
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Nice build. Same fork, crankset and bars as mine
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This frame is also very nice, I had my eye on it before.
I'm curious to see how the complete assembly turns out.
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I was wondering about the Meinier "Snake" 29" hardtail frames also. Just started noticing these since about 1 year ago maybe, but haven't been able to find any reviews on them yet.
I really wish some folks start uploading youtube videos about them, since their product listing looked pretty legit on aliexpress.
So, aside from having to source 7mm tall headset bearings specifically, folks didn't have any issues installing parts? No notable quirks of having to internally route up to 3 cables (rear derailleur, rear brakes, dropper) through the headset? Was there any need to deburr threads, face spray off the bottom bracket shells, or sand anything down? Is there any vent holes of sorts around the bottom to let some water drain when the bike is washed?
As i just went through the cable routing i thought i should leave my experience here...
I got the "full blown" experience yesterday because in my application there were 4 Lines to fit:
1. Brake Line Front to feed into the Meininer fully internal fork
2. Brake Line Rear
3. Shifting cable for rear derailleur
4. remote cable for the dropper.
To make things more "interesting" i opted for the RYET VISR Integrated Handlebar, which guides the Cables internally another few centimeters before they come outside pretty close to the mounting position of the Levers.
So what can i say about this. It is doable, but not nice. As you may need to put everything together and disasemble it several times to make measurements for where to cut the steerer, decide on number of spacer etc. the setup can be a real PITA. I used the Headset top cover and Spacers from the RYET Handlebar and all 4 lines fit actually in there. Surprisingly there´s also some wiggle-room for all the lines when fully installed. But as soon as everything is tightened you can´t pull nor push cables forward or backward as there are some pretty tight curves around the Steering shaft as you can imagine. To make steering smoother i also put a little bit of grease on the blob of cables for final assembly.
NOTE: If you (or i) ever have to get the Dropper Line out, there is a big chance that you have to open up the Headset area as you cant move anything around there. You might not be able to get a new cable inside the Housing, depending on how deep its end sits in the Seat tube - so a strong recommondation to go either rigid post or wireless here!
The RYET C-Ring sits a little bit tall on the upper bearing. I tried every possible combination i had on hand and used the "stock" set that came with the Handlebar in the end. Doing so there´s a 1mm gap when combined with a 7mm thick upper bearing which doesnt look super nice. I might go ahead and put something else in there at some point but i wanted to get things done...
One addition regarding the Headset that Meinier delivered with my frameset (and i didnt end up using): the C-Ring and upper Headset Cover are razor-sharp! This definitely should be sorted out before installation!
Otherwise everything is straight-forward. Nothing to clean up on the Frame, threads and Mounting Faces are machined nicely and flush. There is no drain hole on the bb area nor anywhere else. Im also positive that the tight fit is a general problem with this kind of routing and pretty much the same for other manufacturers aswell
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The bike is built and had it's maiden voyage.
No issues building it. Threads in BB where smooth, no issue aligning brakes. Cable routing was smooth (only one hose thou)
Fun first 1,5h ride with both rough and smooth trails and some gravel roads. Bike feels great. The only issue so far is some seatpost slippage but I didn't have any carbon paste at hand. And some fine tuning needs to be done on the derailleur. I tuned it on a different cassete from another wheel, but that didn't work great.
So far so good
The bike weighs 9,5kg (XL frame) with pretty heavy tires (850g) so could easily shave a few grams. But will ride like this first.
Nice bike. Could you pls post a built list? How much did you spend in total?
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Nice bike. Could you pls post a built list? How much did you spend in total?
Hi!
You have a build list in the first post i made. Only changes I have done is switching the chainring for a new one with 3mm offset rather than 6mm, which is original on the RIRO cranks. That allowed me to setup the BB properly with the right spacers and correct preload.
I also mistakenly ordered tires that are not tubeless ready, so I decided to test a TPU tube from CYDY. That has been a pleasant surprise actually :)
If i convert my local currency to USD i land slightly under 2000 usd.
The bike rides great. Fast and responsive.
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Hey,
Does anyone know what the chain line is on this frame?
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Hi!
You have a build list in the first post i made. Only changes I have done is switching the chainring for a new one with 3mm offset rather than 6mm, which is original on the RIRO cranks. That allowed me to setup the BB properly with the right spacers and correct preload.
I also mistakenly ordered tires that are not tubeless ready, so I decided to test a TPU tube from CYDY. That has been a pleasant surprise actually :)
If i convert my local currency to USD i land slightly under 2000 usd.
The bike rides great. Fast and responsive.
how is the position on the bike, is it more upright or aggressive? It could be good build for bikepacking (that's what I consider doing with it)?
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how is the position on the bike, is it more upright or aggressive? It could be good build for bikepacking (that's what I consider doing with it)?
I guess it depends on how its built. The stack heigt is average on a modern geo hardtail I would say.
I have built it quite agressive with a 100mm fork (Geocharts list 120mm) and a 70mm/-10 degrees stem with no spacers. Not crazy agressive but definitely not upright.
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Hello, Where do you see it listing the 120mm fork? I can't seem to find that info.
Brad
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Hey,
Does anyone know what the chain line is on this frame?
I've done some excessive testing on chainline / chainring fitmentfor this frame - you can find it in my thread:https://chinertown.com/index.php/topic,6139.0.html (https://chinertown.com/index.php/topic,6139.0.html)
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>>final forum
The first posting in this topic (and Meinier bikes web site) has a geometry chart where the FL (fork length) is 530 mm.
For instance a Sid 120 mm has a 531 mm fork length.
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Just finished building my bike :)
Just waiting for the integrated RYET XC Ergo Bar 17 to finish it
Carbomania Snake XL frame in Glossy black;
Brazilian Proshock Viber SVI 120mm fork (it's a "Brain" style auto lockout fork)
XT brakes, shifter, derrailleur, cassette, Race Face Turbine Cranks, ZTTO 47x22mm BB[/img]
RYET/Lexon seatpost
Speedneedle marathon saddle
Pro stem and Syntace carbon handlebar
Brazilian MTB90 ESI-like Grips
Brazilian FLAY 120 click Hubset, 30mm internal Alloy Hubs, Chayoang Phanton Wet tires
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The fork is very interesting; the automatic hydraulic system on a front fork is definitely a good fit. I've had both the Sid Brain and the Fox Terralogic and have always been happy with them.
It's worth checking if this fork works properly. The weight isn't exactly top-notch, but if it works well, it's excellent.
Have you tested it yet?
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Yes! I tested the fork on a few rides and it works nicely!
I must say I'm positively surprised by the overal locking capability.
I really like clean bars so it's perfect for me
I'm currently playing with pressure/rebound/lockout sensivity to extract maximum performance.
Proshox makes forks in Brazil since the early 90's so they have a nice background.
They have a few interesting design ideas. Its a very strong/durable fork with excellent stifness.
I'll take more pics at home and post here!
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I believe it's the only fork with externally bulged stanchions tubes - 32 mm and 34mm at the crown for improved stifness. Mud clearance is also pretty good 👍 (http://)
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After a few months of riding, did a few upgrades on the bike. For anyone with doubts about chain line, 55mm is needed with 34T chainrings - pretty close as pictured.
Bike was born to be a 'beater' but proved to be a very nice riding HT.
Wheels are the KORE Carbon 30mm internal from ali. Not super light but looks very strong, ride nicely and the freehub is VERY loud.
Really liked the IIIPro brakes too - gone are the XT heavyweights, and I don't miss them :D
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I guess it depends on how its built. The stack heigt is average on a modern geo hardtail I would say.
I have built it quite agressive with a 100mm fork (Geocharts list 120mm) and a 70mm/-10 degrees stem with no spacers. Not crazy agressive but definitely not upright.
Hi @niklass
I also bought this XL frame and I'm going to use a 100mm SID SL Ultimate fork. How has your experience been with a 100mm fork on this frame?
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Is your bike ready? show some pics 8)
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Hi guys,
Anyone found a frame bag that can fit? Or has someone got a custom frame bag made to fit in the upper space around the bottles or the entire triangle?
Building the frame up for some bike packing.
Cheers.
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Hi guys,
Anyone found a frame bag that can fit? Or has someone got a custom frame bag made to fit in the upper space around the bottles or the entire triangle?
I gave up on trying to find a frame bag that fit my Spcycle M05 frame and didn't want to pay $$$ for a custom bag.
I looked at a few MYOG sites and watched a few videos on sewing up my own frame bag. If you have average sewing skills, sewing one up on your own is a piece of cake. (4 hour job + study time) I have successfully sewn up 3 different frame bags for my Bikepacking rigs over the past few years.
You will end up with a very small frame bag if you leave space for water bottles. Instead, migrate to soft insulated stem side water bottle bags to hold your main water bottles. For bike camping, you will find that having a top tube bag, (Bento-box) will become your primary storage to access items that you want quick access to, then your frame bag will become your second level quick access.
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Hi everyone,
Will running a 100 mm RockShox SID SL Ultimate on the Meinier Snake frame cause any major geometry issues?
I'm worried the BB might drop too low running 175 mm cranks.
I'm currently riding an aluminum hardtail with a ~68.5° HA / 74° STA geometry and I absolutely love how it feels. I want to upgrade to a carbon frame while keeping my 100 mm fork setup.
The Meinier Snake looks like the best HT option quality-wise at the moment, but I'm still a bit hesitant because of the fork travel difference. Has anyone run a similar setup?
Thanks!