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AF01 (former 'Assisting Force') Gravel
Frame

AF01 (former 'Assisting Force') Gravel

AF (former Assisting Force)AF (former Assisting Force)
Weight1200g
Year2025
CategoryFrame

The AF01 gravel frameset is praised for its comfortable, stable geometry, modern standards (T47, UDH), and generous tire clearance, making it a strong choice for endurance and gravel riding. However, it faces criticism over its brand name/logo, limited frame storage, short seat tube, and inconsistent customer service and delivery times.

Pros

  • Comfortable and stable geometry with a slightly upright position, suitable for long-distance riding.12
  • Generous tire clearance (700x50c official, up to ~53mm actual) allows for wide, comfortable tires.12
  • Modern standards: T47 bottom bracket and UDH derailleur hanger.12
  • Lightweight options: SSL version ~800g frame, Standard ~1200g.2
  • High-quality construction and paint finishes with good attention to detail.2
  • Numerous accessory mounts (~30) for customization.1
  • Integrated down tube storage for tools and small items.12
  • Short seat tube allows for more exposed seatpost, providing flex and vibration damping.1

Cons

  • Brand name and logo design criticized as awkward or ugly.2
  • Limited frame storage capacity due to design constraints.2
  • Short seat tube limits frame bag space and dropper post compatibility.2
  • Inconsistent communication and customer service response times.2
  • Long delivery times and production delays, especially for custom paint.2
  • Minor build issues: tight cable channels, missing plugs, brake mount spec confusion.2
  • Standard seatpost clamp could potentially damage a carbon frame; uses a spacer clamp with set screw instead.1
  • Wide tires did not help much on big bumps compared to suspension stems or seatposts.1

Key Facts

  • Claimed frame weight: SSL ~800g, Standard ~1200g; fork ~500g.2
  • Official tire clearance is 700x50c, with users fitting up to ~53mm.2
  • Chainstay length is 425mm, fork offset is 55mm.2
  • Available in six sizes (XS-XXL).2
  • Uses T47 bottom bracket and UDH derailleur hanger.12
  • Seatpost diameter is 27.2mm.12
  • Down tube has an integrated storage compartment.12
  • Internal cable routing is used.12

Sources

  1. 1
    Overbiked RandonneuringCRAZY NEW BIKE BUILD: AF Bicycles AF01 SSL + Imtos Touris Pro Handlebar + 44mm Road Tires
  2. 2ChinertownAssisting Force AF01

Reviews & Ratings

Overbiked Randonneuring
20:18
CRAZY NEW BIKE BUILD: AF Bicycles AF01 SSL + Imtos Touris Pro Handlebar + 44mm Road Tires

The reviewer discusses the AF01 (formerly 'Assisting Force') Gravel frame from AF Bicycles, highlighting its suitability for long-distance randonneuring and ultra-endurance events. They praise its geometry, features, and design, and describe building it up with an Intrinsic Tourist Pro handlebar for an aerodynamic position. The reviewer notes the frame's versatility, comfort, and potential as a top choice for endurance cycling.

September 04, 2026Watch on YouTube
Cyclocross Frames, Wheels & Components on Chinertown5 months ago
Assisting Force AF01

The Assisting Force AF01 is a modern gravel frameset from Carbonda's new house brand, featuring monocoque carbon construction with SSL (~800g) and Standard (~1200g) versions. Key attributes include: price positioning as affordable high-performance, frame weights of ~800g (SSL) and ~1200g (Standard), fork weight ~500g, carbon fiber material with UD finish options, 1x-specific design (with FD mount added later), 700x50c tire clearance, 425mm chainstay length, 55mm fork offset, internal cable routing, downtube storage compartment, and six sizes (XS-XXL). Users describe it as stiff, reactive, precise-handling, and comfortable, with geometry suitable for racing-oriented gravel riding.

AI Summary

Pros

  • Excellent ride quality: stiff, reactive, precise handling, and comfortable
  • High-quality construction and paint finishes with good attention to detail
  • Lightweight frameset options (SSL ~800g, Standard ~1200g)

more pros in the review

Cons

  • Unpopular brand name and logo design criticized as awkward or ugly
  • Limited frame storage capacity due to design constraints
  • Short seat tube limits frame bag space and dropper post compatibility

more cons in the review

Key Points

  • Frame weight: SSL ~800g, Standard ~1200g
  • Fork weight: ~500g
  • Material: Carbon fiber monocoque

more key points in the review

View Thread
Purchase

Where to Buy

$1,099.00· 2 stores
View Deals

Specifications

Attributes

Frame TypeGravel
Frame MaterialCarbon
Brake MountFlat Mount Disc
Bottom BracketT47
Seatpost27.2mm
Front Axle12x100mm Thru-Axle
Rear Axle12x142mm Thru-Axle
Max Tire Width (mm)50
Headset Type—
Di2 Compatible—
Max Chainring Size46
UDH Compatible—
Includes Cockpit—
UCI Legal—
Geometry on BikeInsights
Stack : Reach1.52
2025 Base
XSSMLXLXXL

Included Components

AF01 (former 'Assisting Force') Gravel
Frame
1,200g
Fork
Fork
520g
AF-SP01 Seatpost
Seatpost
—
Headset
Headset
—
AF 01 Gravel Frameset seatpost
Seatpost
189g
AF01 seatpost
Seatpost
189g
Total Weight2,098g

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