Airwolf YFR068 - 2023 Gravel Frame

[l45er]

Hi All,

I’ve just come across what looks to be a new Airwolf gravel frame on Aliexpress.

https://a.aliexpress.com/_mq8tUOE

Geometry (checked 54cm) appears identical to Aspero.
Tyre clearance noted as 700x40c
Cannot see this frame on the Airwolf website yet.

I’ve been looking for an Aspero type frame for a few months to do road + light gravel build with Ultegra 12s.

Just wondering if anyone has either ordered one or come across this frame elsewhere?

[KvotheTheRaven]

I've come across this too, also on Ali. Seems pretty new though, so I don't know if any one has it. I'm debating on taking the plunge, but I'm not keen on paying for bar and stem--i'd like to use my own.

It matches the Aspero in size 51 as well.

The Airwolf YFR066 also looks interesting. Not sure which is prefer.

[KvotheTheRaven]

Some back and forth with the manufacturer has told me a few things. The cable routing is fully internal, in the same way that the Aspero-5 is. That means that the steerer tube is D shaped, and for that reason, you can't order it without their stem, since it is made to fit the steerer. I'm sure you could use your own stem, however.

The fork also has flip-chips. It might be the case that they only have a single fork across all sizes, unlike the Aspero itself. I'm thinking this might be the case, because I asked for the fork offset, and was only given a single set of measurements (46mm and 51mm). Haven't confirmed it explicitly, though. You'd be good to go if you ride a size 54 and up.

[l45er]

I ended up ordering one of these frames from Airwolf on Aliexpress and it arrived yesterday. Custom paint colour.

Includes handlebar, stem, headset, seatpost, thru axles and a bottom bracket.

Does have flip chip in front fork, also di2 bar end junction insert piece for downtube (for 11 speed di2) and fork is D type for internal routing.

One minor issue I have noticed is the front derailleur cable routing is set up for a traditional cable set up and I will need to drill out the cable hole to be larger to allow a Shimano Di2 cable to fit through.

Weights:
Frame weight (painted frame with seatpost clamp) 1149g
Uncut fork weight 446g
Seatpost incl saddle clamp 217g
Stem (carbon with aluminium faceplate) 145g
Handlebars 42cm 237g
Rear thru axle 41g
Front thru axle 33g
Headset bearings 39g
Fork compression plug 38g
C ring 10g
Cap on C ring/top fork bearing for routing 8g
Spacers 6g each (3x)
Fork top cap 13g
Rear derailleur hanger 15g
Bottom bracket 115g

Some photos attached. Looks pretty good to me.
Will be building up with Shimano Di2 12 speed. Have ultegra levers, brakes and 50/34 crankset, thinking of using 105 FD and RD along with 11-36 cassette.

[Zdrenka89]

This looks bloody lovely.

Repectable weights, ROUND seatpost, External cables on the handlebars, so they are easy to change. No focus on bikepacking with way to many mounts and fairly road focused geometry.

Is the c-ring plastic or aluminium? Hard to spot on the pictures.

Also interested to see how the BBRight bottom bracket will pan out.

Great frame. Let us know how the build goes!

[l45er]

C ring is aluminium.
Spacers plastic.
Top cap aluminium.

I don’t think I’ll install the BB that came with it. It’s two pressed cups. I didn’t realise it came with a BB and have already bought a thread together BBRight bottom bracket as I was concerned about creaking.

[Zdrenka89]

Nice. Thanks for info.

Which BB did you buy?

[l45er]

This one from Aliexpress

threaded first BB7946 BBright Bottom Bracket Bike Bicycle Bottom Bracket 24mm*24mm for Cervelo
https://a.aliexpress.com/_mMq8HVe

[wandulus]

Please keep updated!
Quite interested in this frame. Will be this or VB CX-002, for a 80% CX / 20% Gravel bike.

[wolffcon]

Would you be able to measure the tire clearance for me? I know airwolf says 40mm, but I’m hoping it’s more like an aspero at 45mm… Thanks!

[l45er]

Would you be able to measure the tire clearance for me? I know airwolf says 40mm, but I’m hoping it’s more like an aspero at 45mm… Thanks!

Please see attached photos - measured roughly with tape measure. Looks to be around 45-48mm clearance between both the chainstays (IMG_7148) and seatstays (IMG_7146).

I am planning on mounting 38mm tyres so I will measure the inflated tyre width with calipers and remaining clearance to chainstays. I'm currently waiting on the wheelset to turn up - I have ordered a set of Ryet 38mm deep x 30mm wide gravel wheels with 36t rachet hub.

EDIT - see page 2. Clearance for 45mm tyres would be OK. Approx. 56mm total with 700c tyre and wheel mounted

[lukwy]

I am planning on mounting 38mm tyres so I will measure the inflated tyre width with calipers and remaining clearance to chainstays.

I'm looking forward

[wolffcon]

Thanks so much! Looking forward to seeing it!!

[timjen]

So, I am also in this project right now. Wondering if they can match the original purple chameleon color (what color-code would it be?).

I also like the workswell aero gravel frame, but it will come 200€ more, so I think this one will be the one. Is Airwolf a well known seller? Any issues with them? Low end or mid-range?

Greetings from Germany

[l45er]

I was trying to get them to colour match the new Aspero Putty colour. They ended up trying but it was really pale and pink-ish in the photos they sent me. So I then asked for light grey and via WhatsApp they sent me photos of numerous frames they’ve done (MTBs, road etc) in grey colours until I picked one I was happy with.

Some of the chameleon colours look to be close to the Aspero colours. Just ask them for more photos, they seem quite responsive on Aliexpress.

In terms of quality, can’t definitively comment yet as haven’t started building it up. It looks to be well finished. Airwolf have been selling on Aliexpress for a number of years and ratings seem reasonable so that gave me confidence to purchase.