The Dengfu FM098 DISC is a budget-friendly, fully carbon Chinese frame praised for its low cost, light weight, and performance in racing and endurance rides. However, users report a harsh ride, proprietary seat post issues, and a stress crack in the bottom bracket area, with a warranty process that is costly and slow.
Pros
- Very light, lighter than a TCR.1
- Significantly cheaper than branded alternatives.12
- Performed well in road racing and bike packing trips.2
- Frame survived a roof rack accident while a Giant TCR broke.2
- Large bottom bracket for power transfer.1
- Allows customization of groupset during build.1
- Owner did 1,000 miles with no issues.1
Cons
- Ride quality is harsh and stiff, not comfortable.2
- Stress crack developed in bottom bracket area after 1.5 years.2
- Proprietary seat post slides down, requiring sand and epoxy fix.2
- Warranty process is costly and slow, not worth using.2
- Purchase process was dodgy, involving third-party payment.2
- Catches wind in crosswinds, especially with deep wheels.2
- Initial nervousness about Chinese carbon quality.2
Key Facts
- Claimed frame weight matched actual weight within a few grams for one reviewer.2
- Total build cost was just over £2,000, with frame and wheels around £1,000.1
- Frame is fully carbon including frame, wheels, and seat post.1
- Frame is Di2 compatible.1
- Comes with Shimano 105 groupset (11-speed) in one build.1
- Geometry is very similar to an older Specialized Venge.2
- Two-year warranty, but replacement fee is around $300 and process takes over a month.2
- Proprietary seat post had sizing issue requiring modification.2
Reviews & Ratings
16:41The reviewer provides a two-year review of the Dengfu FM098 frame, which they purchased directly from Dengfu via a third-party website. They used it as a complete bike for racing and bike packing until it was damaged in a roof rack incident. They discuss the purchase process, initial build, riding experience, and specific issues encountered. The frame is described as a Chinese-made model with geometry similar to an older Venge. The reviewer notes it was used with a Campagnolo Chorus groupset and Dengfu/NovaTec 60mm wheels. The frame ultimately survived the accident better than a companion Giant TCR, but was retired afterward.
02:56The reviewer presents a bicycle built with a frame and wheels from Dengfu, specifically the FM098 model. They state the entire bike, including the carbon frame, wheels, and seat post, was sourced from Dengfu. The bike is described as nice, light, and featuring a large bottom bracket for power transfer. It is equipped with a Shimano 105 groupset (referred to as 'altegra' in the transcript) and is 11-speed. The reviewer notes the frame is ready for Di2 electronic shifting. The owner has done about 1,000 miles with no issues and is very happy with it. The total build cost was just over £2,000.
Where to Buy
Dengfu FM098 DISC
Dengfu FM098 DISC FRAME
Specifications
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