Looks like you had a lot of fun.  Do you mind if I ask what is the estimated weight of total load (rider + baggage + water) you had on the bike for your bikepacking trip?  Need some info as me and some friends are considering doing some bikepacking.  Thanks.

Rider=158lbs, baggage=front 13lbs (sleeping bag, bivy, pillow), rear 10lbs (clothes, stove, sleeping pad), water=double 24oz camelback bottles and 3 litres in Osprey pack, with food and a beer. Don't forget you will need a tube, tools, food, phone and battery. You won't break any records, especially if you climb over 5,000 feet like we did. Super fun and this is a great bike for it.

Just came off of a week-long back country bikepacking trip and the FR-202 was a remarkable companion. The bike was a rocket up the climbs when I had the juice and was very stable on the descents. The matching carbon fork smoothed out all of the chatter and just asked for a light grip through a  the rough sections. I guess it is true... the best bike is the one you are riding.

Okay, I'm over it! I gave this frame a good 5 months to get along with it, but just can't stand it anymore. The wet noodle sensation just had to go. I swapped all the parts back over to my On-One Scandal and immediately fell back in love with aluminum. I like the flex and dampening of carbon in a bar and seat post, but not the frame. Hopefully someone locally will want it cheap...

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."

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...

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.

Certainly looking forward to the change in feel.