Hey guys,

Got a peculiar issue with my freehub, thought you might have an insight on this.

So the thing is, a weird subtle grinding-like sound is occasionally coming out of the freehub. First I thought it’s bearings, but I replaced them, and the unwanted sound is still there. I have no idea what this might be, as it is not a constant thing, but it just ocassionally comes up. I think it is more prevalent when pedalling a bit lighter, it really appears at random as it seems. It’s driving me crazy. One day it just startet and does not want to fuck off.

Could it be the ratchet being too sticky? I’ve added quite a lot of greese inside the hub. Nothing is loose, bearings are still smooth at the back, I am a bit desperate at this point. I am 100% sure it’s the freehub, but just cannot locate the source.

Any ideas are welcomed! Thanks!

Did you check the free hub bearings or the wheel bearings? Both?

I have a set of Cyclones on the way.  The new bike hasn't been ridden yet. I'm thinking of selling the stock wheels, chainrings, and even chain. I don't want to mar anything by riding it.

I just bought the BXT frame/fork. I'd been discussing it in an existing BXT thread.

I wasn't interested in the headset routing either. That's the drawback. The supplied top cap/bearing spacer is kind of worthless. I've purchased a stem with the stem spacer enclosures and having someone print me more spacers and top cap. The thread OP has a nice set up of his.

 The geometry and look of the BXT is what was appealing. I'm also transferring parts. Pretty damn light for an XL too.

I recently built this frameset for beach racing, pairing it with a drop handlebar and a rigid Ryet fork. I upgraded from an Airwolf YFM026 (size XL) to this frame in size L to achieve a shorter reach (the Airwolf reach was extreme with a rigid fork) and benefit from more progressive geometry, T47 bottom bracket, and full internal cable routing.

I’m very happy with the quality of the frame and how the build turned out. It’s a true do-it-all gravel/beach bike with massive tire clearance.

The main downside for me, common to many MTB frames, is the limited chainring size. With Boost spacing, the largest chainring I can run is a 40T (the aliexpress seller told me 42T which is simply not true). The Airwolf was exceptional in this regard thanks to its dropped chainstay, allowing up to a 46T.

Another thing to note, like jefflinde said, is that this frame only accepts a 27.2 mm seatpost rather than the more common 31.6 mm MTB standard. That wasn’t an issue for me, but it’s worth considering if you plan to run a dropper post.

This is the BXT, correct? What stem/spacer setup are you using?
Mine was supposed to arrive today. I guess tomorrow now?

I agree about the Airwolf reach & TT length. That was another concern of mine. That 73° seatube angle makes for a lot of room. I'd go with a post with no set back. I'm still tempted to try one for the 69.5° head tube and 438 chain stay.

That's some serious xc weight.

What frame and size?

I like the price and the low weight, and BXT has been around for a while. I have never used their stuff but lots of people have.  So I would not expect you to have any greater chance of issues with this frame.  If you like the specs and features I would say go for it. 

Personally I would not go with this frame for 2 reasons and if you don't care about my reasons then feel free to ignore me.   First, the 27.2 seat post is very restrictive if you want to run a dropper.  I have the Light Carbon 914 frame and the 27.2 seat post and my long legs( lots of exposed seat post) means I can not run a dropper of any kind do to the short length of the available 27.2 dropper posts.  Even if I could run one, I would be limited to 125mm or less.  My main concern is just the fact that I can't fit any dropper but if you are a long dropper kind of person this is extra bad.  Second, if he cables through the headset are also a show stopper for me.  The 914 has this as well and while I just switched to a new headset that gets the cables out from inside the bearing, they still go through that area and I am not a fan.  I am actively looking at the carbonda hard rail as it still has the down tube cable ports.

Hello.
 
First post here I think. Joined earlier as I had been lurking with all the same questions in this thread. I can start another if need be.

The BXT MTB066(?) is the only thing I see that checks all my boxes except that cable routing through the headset. I have a better idea that I want to experiment with as far as that spacer access. If the frame lasts for 2 yrs and the warranty expires I'll take it to my carbon guy and have him route ports elsewhere.

Threaded BB is important.

Some of the things mentioned in your post are positives for me. IF I mount a dropper it's gonna be short due to ACL knee damage. Maybe one of those short under the saddle trigger ones? I don't like all that bar clutter anyway and hardtails are supposed to be simple. I might even get a rigid fork to swap in/out.

 Another positive is I can swap all my current parts over minus the post.

I mostly climb and do mileage (XC). Modern geometry feels like a sluggish pig to me. The BXT has the same geo as my Niner with a couple more cm's of reach. I'm used to that 68/74 degree geo even though the 68 degree HT angle feels like a chopper. It's nice to have on descents tho. 69/70 is the magic number.

Anyhoo, i'm all ears if anyone has more options, opinions, etc.