Author Topic: Boost Road/Gravel Bikepacking Frames.  (Read 1057 times)

Tijoe

Boost Road/Gravel Bikepacking Frames.
« on: June 25, 2024, 09:30:55 AM »
Has anyone ran across a Bikepacking frame that falls into the latest frame configuration of what is being called a "Boost Gravel" frame?    Closest frame geometry would be similar to a Cutthroat.     I had a Custom Waltly TI 1 X 12 frame fabricated over a year ago, and it is perfect for my bike camping trips, but now I want to build up a higher speed, lighter weight, rig that is a true "bikepacker"   Lower BB height, shorter wheelbase, less slack HT angle.  A full size frame triangle that lets one put in a larger frame bag, boost rear width, fits 29 X 2.3 tires, frame geometry matched to fit a 100mm travel suspension fork.   Plus has provisions for a rear rack, and numerous mounts for cages on the frame.
If I go for another custom TI frame, I will have sliders put in the back.  If I can find a Chiner Frame with these features, (in carbon) then I would prefer to purchase a production frame.

Thanks.



repoman

Re: Boost Road/Gravel Bikepacking Frames.
« Reply #1 on: June 26, 2024, 07:55:11 AM »
I think you are getting geos mixed up a bit?
Bikepacking bikes (like the Cutthroat) typically have fairly long wheelbases, slack front end geo, and higher BBs than a typical gravel bike.

Tijoe

Re: Boost Road/Gravel Bikepacking Frames.
« Reply #2 on: June 26, 2024, 08:58:22 AM »
I think you are getting geos mixed up a bit?
Bikepacking bikes (like the Cutthroat) typically have fairly long wheelbases, slack front end geo, and higher BBs than a typical gravel bike.
Not if you are approaching the problem from a hardtail boost mtb frame perspective. Many bikepacking rigs are being built these days using boost hardtail frames with small triangles that wont fit a decent size frame bag.  The Cutthroat is one of the few that bridges the gap between gravel bikes and mtb hardtail frame geometries.   
Many 29er hardtails have a BB-drop of 45 to about 60mm.  Most gravel bikes have a BB drop of 60 to 75mm.     Thus, from my perspective, a frame with  lower BB height

jonathanf2

Re: Boost Road/Gravel Bikepacking Frames.
« Reply #3 on: June 26, 2024, 10:42:26 AM »
Why not just get a Cutthroat? REI has full bike builds on sale right now.

Tijoe

Re: Boost Road/Gravel Bikepacking Frames.
« Reply #4 on: June 26, 2024, 02:16:51 PM »
Why not just get a Cutthroat? REI has full bike builds on sale right now.
I build all of my own bikes.  I haven't purchased an assembled bike in over 30 years.

The 56cm Cutthroat frame weights over 1.5kgs, with a retail frame price over $2500, ($2K street price.) 
The whole point of the exercise is to find an aliexpress/Chinese manufacturer that sells the equivalent frame for an equitable price.

In comparison my Seraph Gravel frame weighs in just around 1000 grams, with a fork that weights under 400 grams, and cost $500.  I have ridden this bike hard and it has performed excellent over the past 5 years.   Therefore in a carbon frame, equivalent to the Cutthroat's frame geometry, I would expect a frame that weighs at most 1200 grams, with around a 500 gram fork, and cost no more than around $1200 USD.   

I can layout my own frame geometry give the specs to Waltly, and pay less than 1/2 the Cutthroat frame price.  (Lilely there will be a weight penalty for the add-ons I want to add to the frame versus an engineered boost gravel frame.)

Cutthroats are the most popular on the TD race, followed by custom frames. 

Machine

Re: Boost Road/Gravel Bikepacking Frames.
« Reply #5 on: June 28, 2024, 05:55:20 PM »
I too have been looking for this. Haven’t found anything yet. I’m surprised no one has copied the cutthroat yet. I guess too niche.