Short-travel XC frame

[Joselu]

Hey everyone!

I’m looking for a short-travel XC frame, similar to the Epic WC, Supercaliber, or BH Lynx SLS.

So far, I’ve come across the AIRWOLF YFM015, but I’m a bit concerned about the rear shock and the fact that it doesn’t support a standard shock. I’ve also checked out the LightCarbon LCFS980, which I like, but I’m hoping for something a bit lighter with a more rigid-like design.

Does anyone know of other frames with these characteristics or have any experience with the AIRWOLF?

Thank you!

[Ludo]

What do you call short travel? The Spp cycle Oiz is pretty light weight and the Oiz is recognized a as being a good plateform I think

[Joselu]

Yep, by short-travel I mean around 70-80mm of rear shock travel. The Oiz has 120mm, which is a solid platform, but I don’t need that much.

[Ludo]

What is the penalty of having more travel what you « need » because I don’t think it really affect the weight a whole lot, does it? I am asking for my own education as I am considering building a full suspension bike in the coming months

[Joselu]

I’d say the main pros are the weight and agility. For example, the top-tier Epic Evo is 10.2 kg, while the Epic WC comes in at 9.4 kg. The 120mm shocks make bikes more stable, safer, and probably faster on downhills, but they do compromise on tight cornering and bike sensitivity.

And personally, I love the aesthetics. They look like rigid MTBs, which I’m more used to riding.

[jefflinde]

The only one I have come across under 100mm of frame travel is the new light carbon 980. 

[Square_Cookies]

There was also that whole thread about the AWST/Airwolf knockoff of the Specialized Epic Wold Cup.

But I am not sure if anyone on the forums has actually bought one of the frames or if it is even possible to source one of sidlux wc shocks aftermarket. So you may be stuck with what ever the thing is that they give you in the box which kind of defeats the purpose of the bike.

[ftajiri]

https://www.instagram.com/tantanfactory_bike_frame/p/C4SdfjGOill/?img_index=1

delivery 90mm travel

[repoman]

https://www.instagram.com/tantanfactory_bike_frame/p/C4SdfjGOill/?img_index=1

delivery 90mm travel

That is the Lightcarbon 980 in the first 2 pictures.

[Joselu]

https://www.instagram.com/tantanfactory_bike_frame/p/C4SdfjGOill/?img_index=1

delivery 90mm travel

Yep, it’s the Lightcarbon 980. I kind of like it, but the cable integration is awful, and I haven’t read great feedback about it in its own thread. Same as Seraph FM080

[jefflinde]

Yep, it’s the Lightcarbon 980. I kind of like it, but the cable integration is awful, and I haven’t read great feedback about it in its own thread. Same as Seraph FM080

I was told they would cut holes in the down tube to avoid the headset cable routing.  I would for sure be taking them up on that if I were to order one.  That is the main complaint I have about my 918.

[repoman]

Yep, it’s the Lightcarbon 980. I kind of like it, but the cable integration is awful, and I haven’t read great feedback about it in its own thread. Same as Seraph FM080

 

The main issue was the threading in the BB was poor, representative from the company was made aware so hopefully they do further checks on that. 
It's also being sold by a Brand called Trinx, their rider in the UCI WC U23 women is currently in 2nd place which I find interesting.

[Imminent Injuries]

Airwolf YFM059. Similar to the lightcarbon but without the stupid cable routing.  It's available on aliexpress for $650-750.  There are other names the frame is sold under too, such as AWST.

Here's the big thread on it:
https://chinertown.com/index.php/topic,3843.0.html

There were some issues early on but seems like all the ones within the past 6 months have resolved them.

I think the biggest standing complaint now is the cable routing near the bottom bracket.

I cannot speak personally to it however.  I am in the same boat as you wanting a short travel XC frame.  So far this is the one that has my eye.

Edit:  Some are reporting that recently received frames have addressed the issue of cable routing near the bottom bracket.