Ok, it has been a while but my A9 is doing well. I worked out a few issues with other components (Ultegra 8020 not shifting that well with the 11-speed Durace chain until I replaced the chain for a 12 speed Durace/9100 model), handlebar tape and a wider/shorter saddle.

It's a lovely bike now. The XL model works for me (1.96cm) running 175cm cranks. Seatpost has plenty of room left still. Pretty stiff where I want it to be, but - helped by the 32c tires - plenty compliant, am using the standard headset, and there is no play. Having this bike now makes me a little more observant when I see other brand-name bikes and I started to notice a few look alikes. i.e. Polygon Helios looks almost identical, to some of the Scott models - it might just be a popular shape?

Added a few pics for the interested ones just after build, before any fine-tuning.

It’s the closest near the BB area of the rear wheel - clearance is fine for a 32c tire for sure. The large frame size might help as I guess everything is slightly supersized other than the fork.

I attached the requested head tube bearing seats. I don’t see any real concerns but I have to build the frame up to confirm the tolerances etc.

Ok, an update.

I received the frame, but a little rocky road dealing with ICAN after the purchase.

First up, weights:

Frame, 58cm, 1241
Thru axles, 79
Fork (uncut), 413
Seat tube,   280
Headset bearings, 65
Handlebar-tube plug, 40
Handlebar-tube spacers, 90

Not ultralight but for an aero frame not bad either. Still a sub-8KG build with the other components (Ultegra 8020).

To get there though, don't use the separate stem and handlebar option. The stem itself comes at a whopping 322 grams. Bit of a waste when trying to shave off weight everywhere else. I contacted them telling it's a bit odd they take that much care to get the frame weight down but then give you a solid piece of ALU to weigh it down.

I asked them to switch for an integrated handlebar instead but that negotiation was rocky...

In any case, once the handlebar arrives I can build up the bike beyond just the rim here.

On the upside, the frame accepts the Gravelkings 32C, run tubeless on a 21mm internal width rim (28 outer). Feeling good about the build and will post another update once I get the handlebar in.


 

As mentioned before I ordered a set of DC2844 - 28mm wide, 44 deep wheels. Shimano hub - Centerlock.

Wheels arrived - well packaged and spotless really. Am building up the bike now (ICAN A9) but due to some issues dealing with ICAN I wasn't able to finish the build yet. So a report on the performance is outstanding still. Looks fantastic though if that counts, love the plain UD Matt look.

Weight with hub and Pillar 1423 spokes:
Front: 701
Rear: 818

To be continued.

I soon hope to be adding to this thread as I pulled the trigger on a 58cm A9 frame. I have a particular high inseam (93cm) and needed a frame with a longish seat tube, ruling out the Velobuild options - but also wanted something a bit higher quality.

I was after a white frame with black components built and coincidentally they had one in my size finished and ready to go - below is an image from Ican which used their specific graphics, kinda like it.

Regarding tire size, they do indeed claim 28c as the max, even when prompted. However, they mentioned as well the clearance is bigger than the A22 frame and a fellow Chinertown member mentioned 32mm is not an issue on the A22 frame. I'll find out soon enough.

I also scored a set of wheels from Peter, advertised here in the forum, 44mm deep, 28mm outer width. Now onto groupsets, for which I think I will go the mechanical route, possibly R8000, anything hydraulic or electronic seems out of proportion in price/value.

Edit: Ultegra 8020 it is  couldn't help myself (Merlin Cycles)

Hi Everyone - tall rider question here.

I have spoken to Chris/Chris's regarding frame sizing (VB 168/199) - as i'm quite tall (1,96) with most of the height in my legs. My current bike has a seat rail-to-crank distance of 84 CM. With the VB 168 (56cm) frame the 40cm seatpost will have to come out to the max (10cm left in the seat-tube). It also means it will stick out by a good 30CM + saddle.

That might look quite odd but not technically an issue.

Any other tall riders on a 168? I might have to look at other frames that come in larger sizing/longer seat tubes.