FM1001 / FM1156 - 135mm frame

[Freda]

That’s good to know, I’ve enjoyed my FM1002 so much that I’m thinking about selling my branded bike this fall and doing another winter build of a 1001 for next spring as my “backup” bike for local riding (1002 is optimized for the big mountain trips) or when the 1002 is in for service. I had originally planned on running it with a 160 fork, whereas I have a 170 on the 1002.

I might have to plan for a 150 fork if the consensus among 1001 owners is that 160 is too much. I do like to overfork my other bikes by at least 10mm though and prefer a high front end roughly level with the saddle (and I run a fairly high seatpost).

The fm1001 and fm1002 would make a good pair, fm1001 with lighter components and rolling tyres. The fm1002 more beefy equipped with 170mm fork. Then you have a bike for all kinds of terrain.

For trail riding the steep seattube is so nice and I would not want to loose that by overforking, 65-66 degrees headtube angle also seems to be a sweet spot for easier trails.

[G161]

Does anyone have experience with Carbonda wheels? Or can anyone recommend some good carbon wheels that'll be ok for the odd rough day out?

[Neb]

Does anyone have experience with Carbonda wheels? Or can anyone recommend some good carbon wheels that'll be ok for the odd rough day out?

I've been using btlos rims on ztto hubs (dt swiss style) and they've been great.

[Freda]

So I have been doing much more downhill then I intended lately on this bike because my enduro/bikepark bike project is seriously late.
With the 160 fork it is so capable, however on normal trails, climbing and easy riding I would strongly recommend the 140 fork. Still as a light all round bike this is great, especially since you have the fm1002 as option for more travel/slacker but more or less same kinematics.

[mdc302]

Since receiving the wrong frame (FM1002 instead of the FM1001), Wing @ Carbonda made things right. I can now report that after some back & forth communication I’m the owner of both frames. I did pay my part though, but at a discount. So, thanks to Wing! Thoroughly enjoying the FM1001 here in the rough and burly Appalachian Mountains of SE Tennessee, north Ga and NC. Running the 150mm fork as well on the FM1001 XL frame as I’m 6’3”. Loving the fact that both frames easily swallow the One Up 210mm dropper! Currently building the FM1002 back up with a 160mm fork. Great setups!

[edo_mtb]

Hi everyone, in an other discussion one of you suggest me to buy the fm1001 for a light downcountry/trail bike.

So I wrote to Carbonda and they sent me an estimate that is not cheap at all, such as 750$ and 195$ shipping tax included, plus paypal fees so around 1000$ so right now 1000€!! (I’m from Italy).
For a similar frame, Lightcarbon charges 780 bucks, shipping and taxes included, but I managed to understand that their frame had some frequent issues, am I right?

So i wanted to ask to all of you that have far much more experience that I have these questions:
-does it worth that money? (I read all of your comments, and I think you’re all quite happy with carbonda)
- they charge 15$ for the headset and 15 for the rear axle, are they any good or is it better to buy better quality components from other brands?
- Is it the same to buy from flybike? ( are they 100% the same company?)

They also suggest me workswell, are they good or are they similar to Lightcarbon? ( in terms of frequency of issues)
Thank you so much, I’m learning so many new things in this forum!

[FullCarbonAlchemist]

Flybike doesn’t sell directly to consumers, as far as I’m aware.

Generally speaking that ~$1000 is getting you a tougher bike with more up to date geometry than the equivalent LightCarbon at $780. Some might also argue the 1001/1002 is better looking than most of its competitors in the “catalog frame” market. It’s up to you to decide if that makes the higher price worth it.

I think I’m happier with my 1002 than I would have been with a LCFS947 for example.

[FullCarbonAlchemist]

As for the optional parts, I would skip the basic 1.5” headset Carbonda offers and get one from FSA or similar. I had some issues with my Carbonda headset which others have also described: lets water in, and develops creaky play in a short amount of time.

The rear axle they offer works fine, and isn’t terribly heavy or anything so I don’t see the point in getting one from a different company.

[edo_mtb]

Thank you!! You made everything clear!!

[Swolie74]

As for the optional parts, I would skip the basic 1.5” headset Carbonda offers and get one from FSA or similar. I had some issues with my Carbonda headset which others have also described: lets water in, and develops creaky play in a short amount of time.

The rear axle they offer works fine, and isn’t terribly heavy or anything so I don’t see the point in getting one from a different company.

I would at the very least get the Carbonda stuff so you aren't potentially out of luck finding other brands. There is someone on this board that decided not to get the headset and was stuck with a frame they couldn't build because they couldn't source another headset.... for the relatively little money, it's worth it for the peace of mind at the very least.

[zilcho]

I'm in the process of building up two frames and seem to be having issues with the derailleur hanger. I think I have the hanger installed in the correct orientation but on both frames when the rear wheel is installed and the axle is just hand tight (not even close to the torque spec) the wheel is very snug and will only spin a few times due to drag (one set with I9 Hydras actually free wheels b/c it is so tight). Did anyone else have any issues like this?

Can someone post a picture from inside the chainstay showing the hanger installed?

Thanks

[mdc302]

Yes, FullCarbonAlchemist- well explained

[mdc302]

Derailleur hanger mounting

[edo_mtb]

I would at the very least get the Carbonda stuff so you aren't potentially out of luck finding other brands. There is someone on this board that decided not to get the headset and was stuck with a frame they couldn't build because they couldn't source another headset.... for the relatively little money, it's worth it for the peace of mind at the very least.

It makes sense, but maybe FullCarbonAlchemist can also publish the link for a right headset that he used? I found this one, but I don't know if it works: https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/fsa-orbit-1-5-zs-headset-no-57e-/rp-prod80065

[casual_build]

It makes sense, but maybe FullCarbonAlchemist can also publish the link for a right headset that he used? I found this one, but I don't know if it works: https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/fsa-orbit-1-5-zs-headset-no-57e-/rp-prod80065

Someone else recommended this one.
https://www.bike-discount.de/en/ritchey-comp-cartridge-drop-in-1.5-upper-headset

I am using that top with carbonda stock bearings on the bottom.

This also works https://www.fsaproshop.com/products/no-55r-1-5-558