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The Airwolf YFR068 is a carbon gravel frame, often described as a clone of the Cervelo Aspero 5, sold primarily via Aliexpress. It features a D-shaped steerer tube for fully internal cable routing, a BBright bottom bracket, and a flip-chip fork. Typical attributes include a frame weight around 1149g (painted 54cm), fork weight around 446g, and a carbon construction. It comes as a frameset including handlebar, stem, seatpost, headset, thru-axles, and a bottom bracket. The geometry matches the Aspero across sizes (48, 51, 54, 56, 58cm). Tyre clearance is officially stated as 700x40c but users report it can accommodate up to 45-48mm tyres, similar to the Aspero. The frame lacks fender mounts and extensive bikepacking mounts, positioning it as a race-focused gravel bike. Custom paint options are available, though quality control and communication with the seller (Airwolf) are frequently cited as inconsistent.
AI-Generated Forum Summary
Pros
- Good value for money, offering Aspero-like geometry and performance at a lower cost.
- Respectable weight for a complete frameset, with a lightweight carbon frame and fork.
- Excellent tyre clearance, capable of fitting up to 45-48mm tyres despite the official 40mm rating.
- Rides well, described as stable, comfortable, responsive, and fast, suitable for road and gravel.
- Includes many necessary parts (handlebar, stem, seatpost, headset, BB, thru-axles) in the frameset.
Cons
- Frequent and significant headset issues, including bearing fit problems, fork rubbing on the frame, and persistent play that is difficult to eliminate.
- Poor quality control and inconsistent tolerances, affecting parts like brake mounts, seatpost fit, bottle boss rivnuts, and frame/fork paint.
- Unreliable and slow customer service from Airwolf, with difficulties in communication, obtaining replacements, and resolving disputes.
- The supplied compression plug/expander often does not fit correctly, requiring modification (sanding/filing) and can slip, contributing to headset play.
- The D-shaped steerer tube limits stem compatibility, generally requiring use of the supplied stem or a specific Cervelo-compatible stem.
Key Points
- Geometry identical to Cervelo Aspero 5
- D-shaped steerer tube for internal routing
- BBright bottom bracket standard
- Flip-chip fork for geometry adjustment
- Officially 700x40c tyre clearance, but users fit up to 45-48mm
- Includes handlebar, stem, seatpost, headset, BB, thru-axles
- Common issues: headset fit, compression plug, customer service
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum tyre clearance?
While officially rated for 700x40c, multiple users report successfully fitting 45-48mm tyres, with measurements showing approximately 56mm of space in the fork and chainstays.
What are the common headset issues and solutions?
Common problems include the bottom headset bearing being too thin (causing fork rub), persistent headset play, and a poorly fitting compression plug. Many users resolve these by replacing the bearings with Specialized Tarmac SL7 bearings (49.5x40.5x6.5mm) and using the SL7 compression ring, along with modifying/sanding the supplied compression plug.
How long does shipping take?
Delivery times vary, typically reported as 4-8 weeks from order to receipt, depending on custom paint and location. Some users report faster times (e.g., 3 weeks), while others experience longer delays.
Can I use my own stem and handlebar?
The D-shaped steerer tube is proprietary. The supplied stem is designed for it. Some users report success with standard round stems, but this is not guaranteed and may cause slipping. Cervelo Aspero stems are compatible. For handlebars, options with a hole for cable routing through the stem clamp area (like some 3T or Syncros models) are needed for internal routing.
What bottom bracket and crankset standards does it use?
The frame uses a BBright (79mm wide) press-fit bottom bracket. It comes with a basic press-fit BB, but many users replace it with a thread-together BB (e.g., from WheelsMFG or ZTTO) to prevent creaking. It accommodates standard 24mm spindle cranksets (Shimano, SRAM DUB). For 2x setups, a standard road crankset works; for 1x, a 44t chainring is about the maximum size that fits without rubbing.
Is the frame safe and reliable given the reported issues?
Most users who successfully build the frame report it rides well and holds up under normal use, including long gravel events. However, it requires careful assembly, potential part replacements (headset bearings), and tolerance fixes. The main risks are related to assembly headaches, poor QC on individual frames, and difficult warranty support, not necessarily structural failure under normal riding conditions.
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