My previous posts on this project got a lot of interest around here. I just clocked 4,000km/ 2,500 miles on this thing so I thought the community would appreciate an update. For details on this bike,
BackgroundThis was a Covid project, a Carbonda CFR707 frame which I built with a Sram AXS 1 X12 groupset – eagle in the back, Force/ Rival in the front. The wheelset is also Carbondabuilt around a cheapish Novatec hub.I ride in hilly-to-mountainous terrain, in solid 4-seasons climate. I ride all year around, in all conditions.Big PictureAfter 2.5 years of abusing this thing I have nothing but good things to say about the frame. In fact, this bike gave me the confidence to sell my old Road bike [and I also built Carbonda a road bike](https://www.reddit.com/r/bicycling/comments/16kfdk4/my_latest_build_the_goldie_looking_ting_carbonda/), for which I also have no regrets.The bike gets abused almost daily and it puts up with mud, dust, rocks, snow and everything in between. I often transport it in my van, I’ve had it countless times on the roof of my car and I flew with it many times. I squirt lube on the chain, wash it occasionally with a hose and that’s about it.The only “major” jobs I had to do during this time:
1. I changed the tires a few times (still haven’t found a tire I love and would love any suggestions – currently running Gravelkings in 47mm)
2. I changed the chain twice
3. I changed the cassette once
4. I changed the headset bearings – this was a hassle with the integrated cables
5. I changed brake fluid & bled brakes
This thing keeps running and I ride it almost every day. The frame doesn’t even show a single scratch which speaks volumes on the quality of Carbonda’s paint jobs. And what a paint job this is – absolute stunner.
Happy to answer any questions in comments
jinx_lbc on
Gorgeous bike!
fitevepe on
Nice !
What is the Garmin fenix mount you have there ? Do you take the wrist straps off to mount it ?
Boxofbikeparts on
Do you have any issues with creaks or weird noises?
What is the bottom bracket type?
Paint looks great! 👍
Californiavagsailor on
Yea I got 10k+ miles on my 2019 696, many races and bikepacking trips, I think their build quality is great.
again-and-a-gain on
Vienna is just a gravel paradise. Great pics.
Also, gorgeous bike of course.
Antpitta on
On tires it really depends on what you prefer / need. People ride gravel on 35mm GP5k and on 2.25” XC tires 😉
I almost never puncture and like fast rolling with some comfort along with moderate traction, not too aggressive, 40-45mm. I’m a fan of Cinturato H lately and will probably try Speedero or Thundero next for giggles.
I have basically punted on gravel riding in heavy mud / downhill / chunk / tech terrain. Sure I am mid 40’s and my body appreciates some suspension. But also I mean fuck it biking is supposed to be fun and for the same reason I’d rather ride my modern mtb’s than my 90’s / 00’s mtbs on steep / tech terrain, I am also just not into a gravel bike on single track.
7 Comments
My previous posts on this project got a lot of interest around here. I just clocked 4,000km/ 2,500 miles on this thing so I thought the community would appreciate an update. For details on this bike,
* [Here is the Original post, Nov 2021](https://www.reddit.com/r/gravelcycling/comments/qwolo2/my_gravel_bike_build_carbonda_frame_sram_axs/) pretty much after I finished building it
* [Here is the 2,000km/ 1,200miles update post, July 2022](https://www.reddit.com/r/gravelcycling/comments/vxbd4m/update_my_carbonda_gravel_sram_axs_build_8_months/)
BackgroundThis was a Covid project, a Carbonda CFR707 frame which I built with a Sram AXS 1 X12 groupset – eagle in the back, Force/ Rival in the front. The wheelset is also Carbondabuilt around a cheapish Novatec hub.I ride in hilly-to-mountainous terrain, in solid 4-seasons climate. I ride all year around, in all conditions.Big PictureAfter 2.5 years of abusing this thing I have nothing but good things to say about the frame. In fact, this bike gave me the confidence to sell my old Road bike [and I also built Carbonda a road bike](https://www.reddit.com/r/bicycling/comments/16kfdk4/my_latest_build_the_goldie_looking_ting_carbonda/), for which I also have no regrets.The bike gets abused almost daily and it puts up with mud, dust, rocks, snow and everything in between. I often transport it in my van, I’ve had it countless times on the roof of my car and I flew with it many times. I squirt lube on the chain, wash it occasionally with a hose and that’s about it.The only “major” jobs I had to do during this time:
1. I changed the tires a few times (still haven’t found a tire I love and would love any suggestions – currently running Gravelkings in 47mm)
2. I changed the chain twice
3. I changed the cassette once
4. I changed the headset bearings – this was a hassle with the integrated cables
5. I changed brake fluid & bled brakes
This thing keeps running and I ride it almost every day. The frame doesn’t even show a single scratch which speaks volumes on the quality of Carbonda’s paint jobs. And what a paint job this is – absolute stunner.
Happy to answer any questions in comments
Gorgeous bike!
Nice !
What is the Garmin fenix mount you have there ? Do you take the wrist straps off to mount it ?
Do you have any issues with creaks or weird noises?
What is the bottom bracket type?
Paint looks great! 👍
Yea I got 10k+ miles on my 2019 696, many races and bikepacking trips, I think their build quality is great.
Vienna is just a gravel paradise. Great pics.
Also, gorgeous bike of course.
On tires it really depends on what you prefer / need. People ride gravel on 35mm GP5k and on 2.25” XC tires 😉
I almost never puncture and like fast rolling with some comfort along with moderate traction, not too aggressive, 40-45mm. I’m a fan of Cinturato H lately and will probably try Speedero or Thundero next for giggles.
I have basically punted on gravel riding in heavy mud / downhill / chunk / tech terrain. Sure I am mid 40’s and my body appreciates some suspension. But also I mean fuck it biking is supposed to be fun and for the same reason I’d rather ride my modern mtb’s than my 90’s / 00’s mtbs on steep / tech terrain, I am also just not into a gravel bike on single track.