I came over from MTBR. I think I saw the link in Epic_dude's sig. I peruse the Chinese carbon thread there because I have built two chiner hardtails, one for me and one for my wife, and now as a result of that rock garden on the BB 104, I'm considering a carbon Epic-like FS XC bike. That led me to the IP-036 builds and over here.
The titanium bike was the result of a similar process. I was wanting a lighter frame for my Redline Monobelt singlespeed. I designed one using BikeCAD, and read the threads on MTBR about the Chinese titanium frames. I sent the drawing to XACD, a Chinese frame builder, and they built the frame for me. Once I got it, I decided it was more fun as a 1x10 and built it as a standalone bike. It is pure joy to ride. XACD did a really good job on it.
Build is X0 carbon crank with XT derailleur and XTR trail brakes. Reba dual air forks 100mm. I built up the wheels myself using Novatec 711/712 hubs, DT Comp spokes and Light Bicycle 35mm DH carbon rims. I'm running a MRP spiderless front cog at 30T with a 11-36 cassette. Raceface seatpost and Kash Money bars 780mm. XT shifter and Ergon grips, Fastrak Grid tires at 24 PSI tubeless. Bike weighs 24 pounds without pedals. I'm a heavy rider at 230 pounds so the frame is a little heavier to compensate.
Geo is 69.5 head angle, 73 seat angle, 65mm BB drop, 420 mm chainstays (I can adjust from 420 to 440, currently set at 430). The bike steers quick and playfully, but is stable and the rear follows the front through turns very well. Very happy with it.
Attached some pics of the Ti bike clean, and the carbon HTs I built for wife and me.
/hijack off
So now on to the FS bike... I think..
George