Posted by: Couch_Surfer
Posted by: RAHrider
Personally, I don't think gravel bikes belong in the lycra forum as they are at the heart of it, a 90's MTB (complete with a mix of drop and flat bars).
I just picked this frame/fork/seatpost/handlebar/stem for $500USD. I also threw in two $100 carbon rims but can only build up one of them as the front hub is on back order. Aside from new carbon rims and front hub, all the other parts are moved over from old bikes. I have only taken it out for a 20min test spin so far but it is really comfortable. I also got blue titanium bolts for all the mounting holes (this bike has 24 of them!) for $10 from aliexpress. It was my first time with fully integrated cable routing - that was fun. The result is pretty slick looking IMO.
LOL - it's totally 1990s MTB (with some better shifting and brake tech). That's why I've been loving it for the last few years.
What is that frame and where did you source all that for 500$? Direct to consumer chinese brand or is it used? that's not a knock by the way - that seems like really good value and I'm curious as I'm thinking of getting a new gravel ride.
I'm currently on a CX bike and would like just a bit more room for rear tire width (mine is pretty tight at 38c, space for 45 would be sweet).
It is a "lightcarbon" frame - model LCG071-D. I'll give it about 6-12 months of abuse before I recommend it to anyone. It is almost unrealistically light. They use a mandrel technique so the carbon looks really good inside and out. The bottom bracket is actually really stiff but the bars and front end are pretty flexy. Like "is it supposed to flex this much?" Flexy. When riding it, I don't notice the flex and when out on trails this afternoon, found the bike better handing than my old converted karate monkey. The bike built up really well and I cannot find any issues with it, so my only real concern is longevity. As for utility, the frame fits up to 52c tires and has lots of room in the main triangle for bottles and bags as well as rack and fender mounts.
As for converting 26" 1990's mtb, I have put 700c wheels on them before but I doubt you could fit much more than 30c tires. 27.5 wheels would work really well on 26" mtb frame imo.