Chinese Carbon Gravel Build - Carbonda

owly wrote:

Terrene Elwood 650x47

Are these tubeless?  It doesn't appear so.

[QUOTE=DrSpoke]

Thanks platypus.  I've got the mounts for the 3rd bottle cage on my Niner.  I don't use them now but think it would be useful for bikepacking.

47mm is likely wide enough but more is always good.  I was just comparing it to the 2.1" on the U.P.  We do have areas of soft, deep sand around here where wider could be useful.  I like riding singletrack too.  And, as noted, there aren't many knobby tires currently available in that width.

Wheels Manufacturing has a very nice consumer level tool for installing a BB86.
http://wheelsmfg.com/presses-tools/universal-bottom-bracket-press.html[/QUOT \n \nThanks for that BB install tool....and on that note.....on the first page of this thread one of the Carbonda buyers noted the HEADSET that came with it fell apart.......can someone offer a good high quality replacement (to avoid the potential) and to the point .....an economical tool to install one on the Carbonda (in case it's not obvious - I have never installed one myself)

Most headsets these days are drop in - no tools required.  Tools are required for the old style press fit cups though you can make your own or adapt the bottom bracket tool, above.  But there are many variations such as ZS - zero stack, IS - integrated system, etc.  So you need to match that which includes inner and outer diameters, bearing angles, etc.  I'd recommend that you contact Carbonda or the frame manufacturer and get the spec they use.

Cane Creek makes nice headsets - the 110 series is top and the 40 series is very good.

http://www.parktool.com/blog/repair-help/

DrSpoke wrote:

Are these tubeless?  It doesn't appear so.

Yes, they are tubeless.

Check out their website.

A belated thank you to Dr. Spokes for the link to the pressfit tool. Looks like the way to go. Next post with the pics of my frame hopefully.

Just an update. my bike is still being built. I am waiting on a disc brake adapter as the brakes i got aren't compatible with the frame unforunately. Do anyof you know what adapter I need?

 

You need something like this or maybe its the opposite of this:
https://www.competitivecyclist.com/sram-flat-mount-caliper-bracket?skidn=SRM008Y-FRO-S020MM&rec=sameCat

That's a flat mount on the frame.  

thebionicman wrote:You need something like this or maybe its the opposite of this:
https://www.competitivecyclist.com/sram-flat-mount-caliper-bracket?skidn=SRM008Y-FRO-S020MM&rec=sameCat

That's a flat mount on the frame.  

looks like i chose the wrong brake caliper type for the frame. although I can make it work with the adapter, are there any negatives with using an adapter verses going with the proper brake for the frame? besides the weight? 

No real negatives w/using a post mount caliper.  It's mostly an appearance thing w/flat mounts integrating slightly better w/the frame and fork.  But even flat mounts require an adapter plate on the fork.  Just get the right adapter for the diameter of rotor you plan to use.

https://www.competitivecyclist.com/shimano-flat-mount-disc-brake-adapter

Good morning or good evening Ladies & Gents - Adam just sent me some pics of my finished frames before it is sent on the way. i left the pictures rather large so you can inspect the details (and either warn me or go and take the plunge yourself). You can see the third bottle mount. Now let me hope it will make it through all right. As for the flat mount caliper discussion - question: what rear mounting bolt length do I need? I am asking because I am looking for this break: https://www.trpbrakes.com/category.php?productid=1273&catid=206 ... and if anyone knows where that thing is still available, that would be awesome!   .... next time I can hopefully let you know the exact weight of the frame.

     

It looks like that Carbonda have done a great job painting the frameset! \n \nIt's a very simple and commonly requested colour scheme, but the lines in the frame seem really well set! \n \nI'm curious to see how that frame turned out!!

Hello all

First time poster.

I've been following this thread with interest as I've been searching for a gravel bike. Actually an all-road bike. Cost effective options are scarce in this part of the world (New Zealand) so I came to the conclusion the best option was to build up a bike. After months of research I came up with a shortlist of the Ridley X-Trail, Blue Prosecco and the Carbonda CFR505. 

I have just pulled the trigger on the Carbonda CFR505 as it seemed to be the best fit geometry-wise, the price was right and I like the modern specification: Internal cable routing, 12mm thru axles front and rear and flat mount disc mounts. A risk maybe going direct with a Chinese supplier, but the positive feedback on this thread has given me some confidence that this is a good quality frame.

While I wait for delivery, I thought I'd share what I have learnt in the numerous emails back and forth with Adam (who, I should add, has been very helpful and professional throughout). 

Firstly, the axles. Adam quoted me US$ 25 for the axles. I would have preferred to use DT Swiss DWS plug-in axles but wasn't sure about compatibility. Adam sent me the following in an effort to explain the requirements:
   
DT don't currently seem to sell an RWS for a front 12mm axle (although the Canyon Endurace have them) They do make a 12mm rear E-thru, although not in the new plug-in style.

I asked Adam whether the following would be compatible:
https://www.dtswiss.com/Components/RWS/RWS-E-Thru-rear
Adam's response: "Yes,the link showed should be fit for frame."
In the end I settled for the Carbonda supplied "Assisting Force" axles as I couldn't find a better alternative. 

Additionally:
The fork weighs 420g and has a steerer length of 300mm.
The headset size is: 1-1/8" to 1-1/2"
The seat post can be ordered in one of two lengths: 350mm (180g) or 400mm (200g), both having 25mm seatback.
The XL (60cm) frame weighs 1150g.

I asked Adam whether he could ship a touch-up pot of paint along with the frame in the box but apparently this is not permitted by their freight agents. Since this discussion I decided to go with a plain matt UD finish.

Adam agreed to building a frame without the upper seat-stay bolts (at no extra charge). To me they detract from the otherwise clean lines of the frame and I don't think I'd ever fit mudguards or racks (and even if the need arose, I'm sure I could buy or make a clamp arrangement to serve the purpose.

I think that's it for now. I'll post again with an update when the frame arrives.

So they charge extra for the axles?  Generally they are included w/a frame or fork but I suppose not at that price.

There is also this:  http://www.carbon-ti.com/

this is what they wrote to me on october 2016 \n \nThis cyclocross gravel carbon bike frame model CFR505 now is hot selling \nThe price is 558 USD per set, shipping cost to Italy is  85 USD。 \n 1 set include frame/fork/seatpost/clamp/headset and thru axles. \n could you tell me which size do you need?

this is what Adam wrote few weeks ago \n \nHello Massi, \nNice day! \nWe have talked about the gravel bike frameset last. \nAnd I have checked the message that you chated with Libby,I found that she quoted you the price at 558USD in 2016 year. \nAnd right now,we have already updated the price at 490USD for frame,fork and seatpost,12USD for headset and 26USD for axles. \nJust let you know this. \nAnd please let me know your decision when you decided. \nTHanks and best regards! \nAdam \n \ni think that Adam just want to inform us about single item price

Hi guys. The big day :-) ... unboxing - if not yet new bike - day. Here is how the parcel arrived today:  
I am off for the afternoon but will unpack this evening. First thing, I will way the frame and the fork and see whether it matches what was advertised. Let me know if you want close-up shots of particular parts (e.g. bottom bracket or flat mounts ...) and I will fotograph them. Write to you later, best claud

So, the frame is unboxed and unwrapped. It was well packed and - it appears - delivered with the necessary care. I have weighed the frame and the fork ...
 
Frame: 1201 gramms

 
Fork: 474 gramms

Nice!  Christmas in April.  Congratulations.  I looks not to be the lightest frameset out there but that's not to be expected and very reasonable.  That's going to be a sweet ride.