Do you want OPEN gravel bike build quality in an affordable carbon frameset package? Why pay so much for a carbon gravel bike if you can get it for a fraction of the cost? Does it sacrifice quality or is it pretty much the same thing you can get from a big brand?
If you want to build your own custom gravel bike, there are resources abundant that recommend the cfr696 frameset as the perfect starting point. Giving the best of both worlds when it comes to building quality and price. But is it really worth it?
Described as a carbon fiber gravel plus bike / adventure bike / traveling bike. This could be the best option for those looking to build their own carbon gravel bike. There are many big bike brands that have very similar frame builds to this bike.
There is not much information online about this brand but they are known to be the manufacturer of some of the bigger bike brands on the market. They are essentially a reseller and offer a variety of versions of bikes like the; Ridley Kanzo Adventure, Vitus Substance, KHS Grit 440, Pearl Gravel SL, and the One Free Ranger.
Carbonda cfr696 Geometry
Comparing geometry to other bikes like it
On closer inspection, both the Ridley Kanzo Adventure and One Free Ranger carbon options have a very similar geometry mix-up to the Carbonda cfr696 frameset. Comparing most measurements they are pretty much identical, which raises the question, at the core are they the same bikes?
They are pretty close. They have slight variations when it comes to a fork, and other basic designs, with slight difference lines.
Carbonda 696 Cost
When it comes to pricing this is one of the most enticing things about this frameset. From closer inspection it seems the frame is very similar to other bikes that retail for over $3,000 and up to $5,000. Having in mind this is a complete build with rather high-end components. A Carbonda 696 frameset costs around US$480.00 for frame and fork. This is a base expense then consider shipping, painting which you are looking at around $849, and then other parts, adding gearing, handlebars etc. You could pull off a remarkably good value for performance and money gravel bike build.
Carbonda 696 Sizing
The Carbonda 696 frame runs fairly large in comparison to other gravel bikes. Available in sizes; 49, 52, 54, 56, 58, 61.
Carbonda 696 Tire Clearance
The max tire clearance recommended by the manufacturer is 700C x 50mm or 650B x 2.1“.
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