and I'm looking for a gravel frame to take all of the components from my road bike and place on the gravel. I've had my eye on this relatively cheap Chinese titanium frame on ebay (can't afford the expensive stuff)
Having little technical experience with bikes, other than changing flat tires (I'm pro at it 🙂, can anyone comment first on the frame (also Tiorays gravel fork) and 2nd how much from my Cube bike will I be able to use on the gravel frame? I'd like to retain the ability to swap back and forth between my 700x25c wheel set and a new gravel wheel set (looking at 700x50c). Can I simply buy the frame, fork, a new gravel wheel set and shimano 11-32 cogs for the rear wheel and I'm all set?
If someone feels this frame should be avoided, can you recommend a different frame in the same price range (including shipping) or cheaper that would do the job (even if it's aluminum or steel)? Thanks in advance for any feedback.
It looks like your overall plan would work fine, you’d have to likely invest in new shift cables and maybe hydraulic hoses.
Doesn’t say much about tire clearance so I’d ask.
also not so sure how easy it is to come by 650b wheels that use a quick release skewer.
I know nothing about the tiorays brand, but I’m in the process of picking up a waltly titanium custom frame for closer to $1000 if that’s inside of your budget.
It looks like your overall plan would work fine, you’d have to likely invest in new shift cables and maybe hydraulic hoses.
Doesn’t say much about tire clearance so I’d ask.
also not so sure how easy it is to come by 650b wheels that use a quick release skewer.
I know nothing about the tiorays brand, but I’m in the process of picking up a waltly titanium custom frame for closer to $1000 if that’s inside of your budget.
I'll look into the Waltly frame, thanks for the feedback!
I'll look into the Waltly frame, thanks for the feedback!
I'd strongly recommend Waltly. It's more work; you have to design the frame, but the quality is excellent. I'm having a Waltly frame built now. I think this is the 6th frame I've built through them (several as projects for other people) and have had zero issues.
I don't know what the upcharge would be, but there are several companies that look to be using Waltly to build frames but they handle the design process. May be a little more than you want to pay, but should still be a lot less than a US-based builder. E.g. https://www.calculus-bikes.com/ or http://www.singularcycles.com/ .
@Volsung It is a little thinner but I'm just looking at my other bikes and all of the forks are thinner than the frame tubing whether it's carbon, steel or aluminum. I guess it's not necessary to be thicker. The ride is fantastic! From the combo of the TI frame, fork and chunky gravel tires it's a very smooth ride over the bumps.
@Robi, would you mind sharing a link to the frameset, or frame and fork individually? I have been hunting for a Ti fork. The American and Euro made options I've found are crazy expensive IMHO, and even my discussions with the few Chinese Ti manufacturers that I've found making them have left me with sticker shock. I'm VERY curious what the cost for the fork was and how it performs.
They have different options. I ordered the tapered head tube with thru axles and extra eyelets on the bottom which increased the cost. I've only had it put together for a week and waiting for some vacation time next week to really give it a go but so far I'm very pleased with the ride quality and appearance. https://www.aliexpress.com/item/10000421199494.html?spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.27424c4dYsbA7E They sell all of their products on ebay also but the shipping came out cheaper through aliexpress. I guess it depends on which country you live in.
So as I wait for grass to dry this morn (mow).. went A Express looking per specs.
Are the sloppy vague specs... intentional? IMO.. lots of factors.
1. they do not care 2. goal in the end if off loading all the chit they can to the hungry price conscious US/world market. Yes critical and blunt.. but all that word platter it just that. Yes.. some are conscientious.. some see the consumer as just marks. 3.*bay essentially has become just another A Ex/AlleyBabba..profits motive meant consumer always gets the short end. Azon now the player.. for good reason. 4. Nonsensical... any seller over the vast pond can market technically well. Desk clerks... answering tec q's. LMAO. 5. Tiris bike looks a value.. until the issue/s pop.. of course. U own the mess. I am happy for those w success.. the diligence to pull it off. If that too rich guy via Azon offered them... might consider given the cost to convert my frame. The rich guy appears to value the US consumer.
I well understand this 21st century. This 'new' capitalism/authoritarianism/communism will only advance on Democracy.. like the suffocating grip of the bulldog.
