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Messages - Boybiskit

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61
29er / Re: Trusted 150mm 29er suggestions
« on: May 11, 2022, 03:48:26 PM »
Quote from: FullCarbonAlchemist on May 11, 2022, 02:15:18 PM
I’ll answer your PM later today (and post similar answers here) when I can but wanted to address one question right away:

I tried different stroke lengths on my 1002 and although 62.5 might technically have worked it brought the seat stay bridge too close to the seat tube. 65mm definitely hits.

(You wrote 55mm in your post but 205x60 is the intended size and 205 shocks can go up to 65.)

As for trunnion mounting I’d say it’s really the *much* smarter way to go with this fairly thin full carbon rocker arm. Adapters will flex more and could be a problem over time.

Personally I recommend a DVO Topaz — it’s one of the best shocks out there IMO and you can get it for about $425 direct from DVO with 15% off code REMY15. I’ve been very happy with the one I have on my 1002 and I also run one on my GT Force.


Ah, you see this is what happens when I have looked at too many frames: I start seeing things! Thanks for the clarification on shock stroke.

62
29er / Re: Trusted 150mm 29er suggestions
« on: May 11, 2022, 11:10:42 AM »
FM1002 ordered!

Wing has been really helpful (as were Ican), and this forum proving to be a great resource again. Thanks all!

Now, as I gather parts for the build I have 2 suspension questions on the 1002:

- Fork offset. What are people running? What would you all recommend?
- shock hardware. The frame ships with hardware for trunnion but Wing also recommended eyelet bearings, as used by Rocky Mountain. In an ideal world I would run a regular eyelet shock with adapters. What are others running? Recommendations?
- bonus question on rear shock! Is the recommended 55mm stroke the max? Has anyone tried 60mm stroke?

63
29er / Re: Trusted 150mm 29er suggestions
« on: May 08, 2022, 03:20:13 PM »
Well all my questions are in with Wing  at Carbonda and with Ican. When I get responses I'll make a call although current preference is for Carbonda.

It's funny you talk about progressivity, because this relates to my next question - shock tune recommendations for both the P9 and the FM1002. Any real-world experiences? Shock will likely be an OEM take-off Fox DPS because there are plenty for sale, they're good value and they work!

64
29er / Re: Trusted 150mm 29er suggestions
« on: May 04, 2022, 09:59:17 AM »
Quote from: veeTee1Pah on May 03, 2022, 08:21:38 PM
The most modern candidates seem to have some concessions compared to mainstream-branded frames. Do these issues give anyone else reservations?

FM1002 Quirks.
  • The bottom bracket drop is 20m if I'm reading the geo chart correctlty. This is pretty high for a 29er. Maybe appropriate for a mullet?
  • FM1002 kinematics are not progressive. Leverage curve is pretty flat (<10% progression) with a regressive section at bottom out. It seems like most mainstream brands have moved to a smoother, more progressive leverage curve.

AM831 Quirks.
Another recent frame that seemed promising, but has been plagued by design problems.
  • The fork hit the frame in some sizes, so a spacer was needed under the fork.
  • The first generation rear triangle was badly designed. If flexed badly, and bearing retention was an issue.
  • A new rear triangle was released for the AM831 that may have solved problems with the v1 design, but more feedback from actual owners is needed to verify

I, too, would consider an aluminum frame, but it seems modern geometry aluminum frames just aren't lucrative enough to offer to the public. Carbon frames are the default mountain bike frames available. I've also seen a video about a bad injury sustained when a Chinese frame snapped under a rider. I guess the reputation of a frame matters.


With some careful research, you can figure out who the reputable manufacturers are that are often also making frames for others. In the case of Carbonda and the 1001/1002 this includes KHS, Sherpa and NS Bikes. My son and I have a spreadsheet running. So far, without diving into the geo detail, we are down to Dengfu, Ican, Carbonda / Flybike and TanTan / Seraph. More research is required so any knowledge of trusted manufacturers over resellers from here is greatly appreciated.




65
29er / Re: Trusted 150mm 29er suggestions
« on: May 03, 2022, 05:50:02 PM »
Excellent start - thanks both!

I have enquired but don't have pricing back on the 1001 and 1002. Is there a price difference? I think we'll end up with a 160 fork just because they are more common than 170 (and my son seems happy to go 160 front / 150 tear like I have on my Genius).

@FullCarbonAlchemist: Did you buy yours direct through the Carbonda website? and... are those Wolfpack tires!? It's the first time i've seen any on a bike! Disappointing to hear about the headset. The one I got with my Airwolf was really cheap and has been excellent.

66
29er / Trusted 150mm 29er suggestions
« on: May 03, 2022, 02:25:38 PM »
My son is growing fast, so time to expand my positive Airwolf YFM-026 Chiner hardtail experience and build him a new bike!

He is nearly 15, 168cm tall and riding mostly on the North Shore in Vancouver, CA. For reference, he currently rides a 2007 Heckler with 150mm rear travel, 150mm fork and slacked geo (offset shock bushings).

I am finding I care more about his safety than my own: I was quite happy to go with anything for my own bike, but for my son I would hate him to hurt himself on a problem frame. He's also not as fastidious with maintenance as me! My research led me to Carlton Reid's interesting book (if you haven't read it: https://bikebiz.com/cream-competent-or-cowboy-which-factories-are-faking-it/) and putting suppliers into 'Cream, Component, Cowboy' categories.

I don't want a 'Cowboy' frame for my son. Component or Cream would be fine. I suspect this will mean dealing with a manufacturer directly rather than through AliExpress. Anyone's thoughts on who the Component manufacturers are - and how to contact them - appreciated.

The frame: we are looking for a ~150mm travel 29er. I do not want flex stays. Would prefer a simple 4 bar / Horst design to anything funky. I have a pathological hatred for anything with bearings in the line of fire from the back wheel. Modern-ish geo, so <67 head angle and >73 seat angle. Although I am posting this in the carbon forum, we would be happy with alloy if you know of options.

Your suggestions and personal experiences (always love pics!) appreciated.



67
29er / Re: Looking for the perfect XC Carbon frame
« on: May 02, 2022, 05:23:53 PM »
I have an Airwolf YFM026 hardtail. I have had it since last summer and have had no significant issues with it. Customer service has been excellent (better than my past experience with euro and north american brands). If you search my past posts you'll see my '1 month in' thread. From my experience riding the bike quite hard, I would recommend it.

Some people have had issues with the fork hitting the downtube. This was not an issues for me on a large frame with a 51mm offset fork.

Some people seem to have had issues with the rear axle alignment. I think as long you're careful when you build the bike it's OK. I can see how you might get it wrong, but mine was fine.

I started with a 100mm travel fork (RS SID) and it was good but... I then fitted a 120mm Fox 34, which has transformed the bike! 

The axle, BB and headset that came with mine were fine. The driveside BB bearing died last week. I'm OK with that - it survived a nasty winter!

I also ordered a carbon seatpost and bar/stem combo with mine. I didn't use the seatpost for long (added a dropper) but the bar/stem is still there and performing well!

68
Metal Frames / Re: Himalo Frames?
« on: March 23, 2022, 11:28:26 AM »
Very interested to see how this works out as a potential alternative to a used frame for my son... if it can handle the abuse!

I couldn't see what the travel is. Any ideas? The geometry looks OK, and seems to assume a 130mm-150mm ish fork.

69
29er / Re: Airwolf YFM053 build
« on: March 20, 2022, 09:36:01 PM »
Ooh - I really like that. Geometry looks spot on - 68.5 head and 74 seat. Be interested to hear how it rides.

70
29er / Re: Airwolf / YFM026 boost / santa cruz highball
« on: March 09, 2022, 02:08:19 PM »
Quote from: Bass on March 07, 2022, 06:24:26 AM
Thanks! I just paid It!

You can see my experience here: http://chinertown.com/index.php/topic,3409.msg33499.html#msg33499
I'm very happy with mine. I have been wondering if the fork / downtube issue may be down to forks with different rake to mine? I have not had any problems with the RS Sid or Fox 34.

71
29er / Re: Airwolf YFM-026 - 1 month in
« on: January 27, 2022, 10:49:02 PM »
Quote from: Boybiskit on December 21, 2021, 12:55:48 PM
Quick update on this. I have been really enjoying this frame through the fall and early winter. Currently considering 2 changes.

First - a longer dropper. The 100mm Giant Contact I currently have just doesn't go low enough and I have room in the frame to go to 150 or even 170mm.

Secondly, I am going to try a better and longer fork. The 2018 RockShox Sid RL (100mm travel, 51mm offset, Solo Air, spring Charger 2 damper) is way out of its depth on a lot of trails. I made the change from a similar fork to a 120mm 44mm offset Fox 34 on my last XC bike and it transformed it. Interested to hear if anyone is running a 120mm fork on their YFM026. I can borrow a fork from a friend to try it out, so will report back here.



A small update on this post...
I can confirm that my X-Fusion Manic 150mm dropper does fit in the frame. I have about 50mm of post not inserted and it won't go much lower.

I am currently running a borrowed Fox 34 Performance Elite set to 120mm. This has slackened everything and reduced reach a little.

These 2 changes have transformed the bike. My nether regions like the dropper. The fork is more capable and stiffer. The slacker bike feels much more stable without affecting climbing too much (I was 30 seconds of my PR on a 30 minute climb). The only downside appears to me I am now thinking about 4 piston brakes and bigger tires, which defeat the point of a bike that started as a lightweight XC bike!

I had my first proper crash on the bike last night - enough of an impact to knock the stem around 90 degrees on fork and to send my lights flying into the bushes. The frame has not snapped or cracked. The "cheap and nasty" Airwolf carbon bar/stem combo seem fine.

72
29er / Re: Carbon HT owners, have you tried beating on it decently? & how has it held up?
« on: January 21, 2022, 06:03:53 PM »
Been riding mine on the North Shore in Vancouver for about 6 months and no problems yet. Airwolf YFM026*. When you're shopping around think about what fork length the geometry is calculated with. My bike currently has a 120mm loaner fork on that takes the head angle to 67 degrees. The slacker seat angle is made up for by seat being moved forward a little.

* It's possible I'm lucky or have an impending failure. Some others have been having trouble with the frame / the manufacturer. For me, both have been excellent.

73
29er / Re: Airwolf YFM-026 - 1 month in
« on: December 21, 2021, 12:55:48 PM »
Quick update on this. I have been really enjoying this frame through the fall and early winter. Currently considering 2 changes.

First - a longer dropper. The 100mm Giant Contact I currently have just doesn't go low enough and I have room in the frame to go to 150 or even 170mm.

Secondly, I am going to try a better and longer fork. The 2018 RockShox Sid RL (100mm travel, 51mm offset, Solo Air, spring Charger 2 damper) is way out of its depth on a lot of trails. I made the change from a similar fork to a 120mm 44mm offset Fox 34 on my last XC bike and it transformed it. Interested to hear if anyone is running a 120mm fork on their YFM026. I can borrow a fork from a friend to try it out, so will report back here.

74
29er / Re: Airwolf YFM-026 - 1 month in
« on: November 05, 2021, 06:12:35 PM »
Quote from: jungian on October 27, 2021, 02:55:12 PM
Currently building one of these up and have run into a strange issue where the rear axle wont align and fit through the frame into the hub. I've  started lightly using a Dremel to remove some of the excess paint from the rear dropouts and wondering if I should keep going? Anyone else had/heard of this issue?

Update: after using a bit more of the Dremel it fit. Guessing the excess paint was the issue.

Side note: The rear axle cap was either stripped or doesn't fit a normal metric or imperial hex wrench. Was able to get the axle out using pliers to hold the cap.

Just noticed your edit about the axle cap. I thought the same about mine. It's a 2.5mm hex / Allen but I agree the sizing may be a bit sketchy. Of my two 2.5mm wrenches, 1 fits and 1 is loose. I have exactly the same issue with the 2mm grub screws on Fox products, so maybe it's my wrenches that are the issue!

75
29er / Re: Airwolf YFM-026 - 1 month in
« on: November 01, 2021, 12:04:16 PM »
Quote from: nicklej on October 30, 2021, 06:12:26 AM
Unfortunately, i am still waiting to hear back from Airwolf. They have been fairly responsive on Aliexpress and they basically asked me to send my email to another addressee. But i have note heard back from them yet.

I have taken the bike apart since the RHS chainstay snapped randomly right where the internal cable guide for the reach mech cable runs.
No my wheels have been damaged and probably the derailleur. Haven't bothered inspecting stuff yet!

 :o a crack at the top / seat tube junction and now a snapped chainstay! I really hope your issues are an anomaly and are addressed quickly. I washed and checked mine over the weekend and so far its fine, but interested to hear how your chainstay snapped and how your warranty claim goes with Airwolf.

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