Sunday 28 April 2013

New Race Bike- Hongfu FM056

I have been impressed by my first chinese carbon 29er, it has been light and dependable, not the stiffest but it has survived several xc races and around 1000 training miles. So when I was looking for a race bike for this year I knew I could trust another chinese frame.

Frame: After further research I settled on the Hongfu FM056, it looked good and the geometry mirrored the  Scott Scale 29er so it should make a good race bike. Its light, but not the lightest at 1355grams, build quality is good, internal brake and gear cables are neat and tidy, and the headtube is a better length than my first frame.

Fork: I've always liked the design of Cannondale Lefty forks, stiffness is superior to standard forks and its a similar weight, but all packed into one prong. I opted for the XLR carbon version with remote lockout with a Project 321 tapered steerer adapter. Initial opinions are good, it tracks well, the lock out is great and it looks Badass!

Wheels: These have been a while in the making, Strada pulled through and built me some awesome 29er wheels, DT Swiss 240 rear and Cannondale Lefty front hubs  built on Strada carbon 29er rims with CX ray spokes, they are light, around 1450grams, which helps them spin with minimal effort. The best thing about them is the lateral stiffness compared to my regular aluminium rims, which is a disadvantage of the big wheels, but with these, there is no lateral flex, awesome! A great addition to any xc bike.
Drivetrain: I had originally wanted to go Sram xx-1 but parts were impossible to source and the huge cost of consumables (£300 for a rear cassette!) put me off. Since i've started using gears again Sram seem to have been reliable and easy to set up, X.0 throughtout, with 20 speeds, including a new Type 2 clutch rear mech, this gives me the option in the future to run a spiderless xx-1 style chainring for shorter races where 20 speed range isn't required.

Hope Race X2 brakes, well priced, light and relatively reliable, plus I have so many break pads from the other bikes it made sense.

Finishing Kit: Trusty Selle Italia SLR saddle. MT Zoom 700mm carbon bars, good quality, 0deg rise. Ergon GS-1 grips, round grips don't make sense to me, these are much comfier. Specialized S-works -12deg stem, in an effort to get the front end lower, looks great and lighter than Thomson. Trailbright Seatpost, Glynn contacted me asking whether i'd like to trial one after I broke my KCNC post, first impressions are good, its very light, the mechanism works well and the build quality is good. Matching Trailbright headset with ceramic bearings, nice quality and works well with the Lefty.

Thanks: Have to say thanks again to Strada for the wheels and fork and Finely Tuned Ride for putting the pro touches to the build, I know my limitation as a mechanic and my bikes always ride better after Rob's fettling.


20 comments:

  1. Hello Chris, can you tell me real weight of trailbright seatpost, in size that you are using, and how are you satisfied with seatpost?
    Thanks in advance
    Milan Cancarevic

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  2. Hi Milan, i didn't weigh it before putting the bike together i'm afraid, it felt lighter than a Thomson, I've got a 31.6 x 400mm, I like it, very similar to a KCNC post but much cheaper, good adjustability and the build quality is good.
    thanks for reading my blog

    chris

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  3. Hello Chris,
    Which of the 2 chinese frames do you prefer?
    I very into XCM.
    Thank you!

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  4. Hi there,
    i prefer the fm056 frame, its got better geometry & looks better. but they are both good, just one is built up with all new bits and the other is older parts which has an affect. It would suit xcm well
    chris

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  5. Hi there.
    What size frame is it?

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    Replies
    1. 19inch, i'm 6ft, long legs and arms short torso

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  6. Hello Chris!
    Nice build! It's because of your blog that I just purchased an FM056. The internal cabling looks sick.
    I currently have a lefty XLR...did you have to do any special spacing with the headset to make the front work height-wise?
    Also...what BB did you use? BB30?
    Again...excellent build! Love the "stealth" look.

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    Replies
    1. Hi Josh, thanks for your comment. good, great choice, I'm considering getting a 2nd for next season. I used a project 321 adapter which came with the 1.5"crown to 1 1/8 steerer spacer which takes up the slack at the top of the head tube, but thats the only spacer i needed. It fits almost perfect. I have the BSA version, i don't like BB30. I might do a follow up post as i've raced it all season with no issue, still looks mint!

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  7. It was surprised very much that a wonderful racer like you is also on Chinese carbon.
    Me baike is fm216

    http://blog.livedoor.jp/ymmr32/archives/52026279.html

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  8. Hey Chris. Have you had any trouble with the frame geometry changing too much after setting the correct sag in the fork?

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    Replies
    1. ummm not after changing the sag as such, the front end can wash out on roots and loose terrain

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  9. Hi Chriss

    I am looking into the 056 and 057 frame too. Realy like your comments on the frame and build here.
    I have written to hongfu bikes several times to know which headset standard that fits into the frame, but they are answering that you get a headset for free (or 15 USD), and maybe if it's 1.125 or 1.5 inch. Do you know the inner diameters of the frame, the angles 45/45 36/45 45/36 or something different of the headset you've got. Even maybe even the S.H.I.S.

    thank you very much
    Anders

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    Replies
    1. Hi Anders, the headsets which come with them are fine, they last a winter without too much trouble, I've been using a ceramic trailbright version which has not been touched in the life of the bike. My new race bike has a ritchey wcs headset which seems the same as the $15 version, just better bearings. go with the one it comes with, replace if it dies. there is a 1.5" to 1 1/8" adapter which I've used on my other bike, no problems there either

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  10. Hi!

    I just wonder if you still are impressed with this frame? Would you recommend it to others? Would you choose this or the 057?

    Regards from Norway

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    Replies
    1. hi Jarie, sorry for the slow reply, if i were to buy a frame now id go for the 057 or this http://www.xmiplay.com/ProductDetails1671 uses better carbon and its much lighter, they seem to be around 1100grams

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  11. Hi....what is che angle of stem?

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    ReplyDelete