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Messages - motaro1989

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Cyclocross Frames, Wheels & Components / Re: Assisting Force AF01
« on: February 10, 2026, 12:31:04 PM »
The combined frame + fork weight difference should be 200g.

I chose the SSL for the same reason people buy S-Works frames - I wanted the best option, and in this case the price difference isn’t that big. The SSL version is one of the lightest gravel frames on the market, and knowing myself, I would have regretted it if I had bought the heavier version.

I don’t believe the difference in harshness is noticeable, nor that one frame would fail in a crash while the other wouldn’t.

Here are some impressions after my first longer ride:
For front end comfort I’m using 70mm Redshift stem, and I’m very happy with how comfortable the bike is.
Seatpost comfort is great.
I’ve adjusted the handlebar position and replaced the big, ugly top tube bag with a smaller one because the rattling was terrible. Unfortunately, the smaller bag doesn’t fit my phone.
160mm cranks are a perfect fit for me.

I once saw an MTB marketed as fast, agile, sharp - and that’s exactly how I would describe this bike.
Also, no toe overlap issues.  ;D

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Cyclocross Frames, Wheels & Components / Re: Assisting Force AF01
« on: January 27, 2026, 04:47:56 AM »
Quote from: xzoahx on January 20, 2026, 02:14:23 AM
Hi! I was trying to get photos of complete bike for size "S." Could you please add more photos? What does it full look ?
I've been thinking about ordering one for a while, but I'm still unsure about the large sloping/short seat tube.

Of course, here are the photos!
With the adapter on the seat tube, a 950 ml bottle fits.

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Cyclocross Frames, Wheels & Components / Re: Assisting Force AF01
« on: December 09, 2025, 06:08:02 PM »
There are lines visible where the carbon sheets connect, for example on the middle of the top tube and down tube. Some are not straight lines. Not on the seatstays and chainstays. Here are some quick photos taken under a strong flashlight. I believe it is monocoque.

4
Cyclocross Frames, Wheels & Components / Re: Assisting Force AF01
« on: December 07, 2025, 05:32:31 PM »
My frame has arrived and so far I’m really happy with it. Both the frame and fork look premium in person.
The packaging was basic, but that’s not a big deal.

The frame has internal cable guides near the frame-storage area. Entry and exit points of those guides aren’t accessible so I’m not sure how to route the cables through them when i won't have the guide tubes.

The bolts aren’t attracted by a magnet, so they’re probably aluminum or titanium. I’m not sure how to tell.

For some reason the photos don’t show the UD carbon finish properly - it definitely isn’t just plain black gloss like it appears. On the website they managed to capture it better. Through the clear coat you can see the carbon joins, and in my opinion it looks cool. I’m sure it will look even better outdoors.

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Cyclocross Frames, Wheels & Components / Re: Assisting Force AF01
« on: December 04, 2025, 01:13:48 PM »
That's weird. Have you tried tracking it with Parcelsapp or 17Track?

Mine "couldn't be delivered today due to force majeure"  >:( ::)

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Cyclocross Frames, Wheels & Components / Re: Assisting Force AF01
« on: December 03, 2025, 04:54:19 PM »
Good to know they are taking quality control seriously. Which color did you choose for your frame?

Mine should arrive tomorrow.

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Cyclocross Frames, Wheels & Components / Re: Assisting Force AF01
« on: November 17, 2025, 08:57:27 AM »
I’m not really an expert on paint, but when I compare the photos with Parlee Taos videos on YouTube, it definitely looks like there’s paint under the clear coat.

Has anyone received a tracking number? My frame was supposedly ready for immediate shipping exactly 10 days ago, but I still haven’t received a tracking number. Things are moving very slowly.

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Cyclocross Frames, Wheels & Components / Re: Assisting Force AF01
« on: November 13, 2025, 08:53:37 AM »
Mine is finished. I love the UD carbon paint, but on some images it looks like plain gloss black paint. I guess it depends on the lighting.

Anyone knows what exactly is this seatstay brace for? I'm hoping it's not structural and it can be removed?

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Cyclocross Frames, Wheels & Components / Re: Assisting Force AF01
« on: November 12, 2025, 07:35:38 AM »
The frame design has been updated with two additional bolts for the frame bag.
I’m wondering if there are any other changes.

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Cyclocross Frames, Wheels & Components / Re: Assisting Force AF01
« on: October 13, 2025, 11:16:59 AM »
I'm 173 cm tall with a 79 cm inseam. I’ve found that sizing recommendations for road and gravel bikes run too large. Based on the geometry, this one should fit me well with a 70 mm stem and a few spacers. For reference, I usually ride a size M in mountain bikes.

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Cyclocross Frames, Wheels & Components / Re: Assisting Force AF01
« on: October 11, 2025, 05:25:51 AM »
I finally made up my mind - ordered the AF01SSL in UD carbon finish, size S.
Paid an extra $50 to have the decals removed from the downtube.
I’ve been communicating with Raffael.
It should ship by the end of the month - I’ll share my impressions once it arrives.

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Cyclocross Frames, Wheels & Components / Re: Assisting Force AF01
« on: July 28, 2025, 04:18:18 PM »
Quote from: Rico666 on July 18, 2025, 01:04:26 PM
I emailed the manufacturer and it is possible to order a frame without any decals except the AF01 on the top tube that you have to keep.


I also asked the same question using the contact form on their website, and Tina replied that they cannot provide the frame without decals. That's too bad because the large one is ugly. Who did you communicate with?

I was actually very close to purchasing the frame, but then the $100 discount code suddenly turned into a "free shipping" offer—while shipping was already free before. That felt a bit misleading.

Also, I did some searching and found that the journalists' quotes and names on their site appear to be completely fabricated. That comes across as sketchy.

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Cyclocross Frames, Wheels & Components / Re: Assisting Force AF01
« on: July 24, 2025, 09:20:33 AM »
"Preorder: Ships from 90 days after checkout".
This means 3 months wait to ship at minimum???

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