The Carbonda CFR-696 is a versatile carbon gravel frame, praised for its value, tire clearance, and compatibility, but criticized for paint quality, toe overlap in some sizes, and a problematic seatpost clamp. It is an open-mold frame used by several brands, with direct purchase from Carbonda offering significant savings.
Pros
- Excellent value compared to branded equivalents, with direct-from-Carbonda pricing significantly lower.12
- Versatile frame suitable for gravel, commuting, light MTB, and bikepacking, with full fender mounts.32
- Wide tire clearance up to 50mm, accommodating large gravel tires.3
- Lightweight carbon frame and fork, enabling sub-8kg builds.3
- Custom paint options available with good durability (though some report issues).13
- Proven long-term durability with reports of 3,500-10,000+ miles without major issues.2
- Compatible with various components and standards (disc brakes, thru-axles, 650b wheels).3
- Good customer service and smooth ordering process with Carbonda.12
Cons
- Seatpost clamp known to fail, requiring aftermarket replacement; potential for carbon seatpost damage.3
- Paint quality criticized as thin and prone to chipping (especially glossy); matte finish hard to clean.2
- Severe toe overlap in some sizes (e.g., 54 with 46mm tires), affecting slow-speed maneuvers.1
- Low stack height leads to aggressive, uncomfortable riding position for some.1
- BB drop of 67mm considered too shallow for gravel, reducing off-road stability.1
- Front derailleur mount requires a sticky plate that is difficult to set up.1
- Fork mounting points have low weight capacity (<4 lbs per side).2
- Cable routing through frame and bars can be difficult and time-consuming.3
Key Facts
- Frame weight 1222g (size S), fork 496g; built weights range from 7.68kg (size S) to 9.5kg (XL with pedals/cages).3
- Tire clearance up to 50mm with at least 6mm gap (measured with Schwalbe G-One 50mm).3
- Chainstay length 43.5cm, BB drop 67mm.41
- Price approximately $891 from Carbonda, $1949 from Obed (rebranded).1
- Compatible with 1x drivetrains and chainrings up to 46T; works with SRAM Force XPLR and standard road cranksets.4
- Open-mold design used by multiple brands (e.g., Ridley Kanzo Adventure, Vitus Substance, Obed).32
- Fork mounting points have low weight capacity (<4 lbs per side).2
Reviews & Ratings
The Carbonda CFR-696 is an open-mold Chinese carbon gravel frame that has gained significant popularity among DIY builders. User feedback from a Reddit discussion reveals predominantly positive long-term experiences, with many riders reporting thousands of miles of reliable use across various terrains. The frame is noted for its value, versatility, and as a 'safe' choice within the open-mold market, though some concerns exist regarding paint quality and minor hardware issues.
AI Summary
Pros
- Excellent value for money compared to branded frames
- Proven long-term durability with reports of 3,500-10,000+ miles without major issues
- Versatile design suitable for gravel, road, light singletrack, and bikepacking
more pros in the review
Cons
- Paint quality is frequently criticized as thin, prone to chipping (especially glossy), and difficult to clean (matte finish)
- Fork mounting points have low weight capacity (reported as <4 lbs per side)
- Potential for minor manufacturing issues like loose fork eyelets or needing brake/disc mount facing
more cons in the review
Key Points
- Frame is an open-mold design used by at least 4-10 other brands (sometimes with significant markup)
- Often described as the 'safest' and most established choice among open-mold carbon frames
- Suitable for riders of various sizes, including heavier riders
more key points in the review
The Carbonda CFR-696 is a carbon fiber gravel bike frame sold by Carbonda and also rebranded by various companies like Obed, Bombtrack, Ridley, and others. Users report it's available directly from Carbonda for around $891 with custom paint, while branded versions cost significantly more (e.g., $1949 from Obed). The frame is noted for its low stack height, which some find aggressive, and a BB drop of 67mm that some criticize as too road-like for gravel. Builds can achieve weights around 8.4kg. Key concerns include significant toe overlap issues in certain sizes and a front derailleur mount that requires a sticky plate, which is tricky to set up. Despite these, users praise Carbonda's customer service, paint quality, and overall frame quality.
AI Summary
Pros
- Good value when purchased directly from Carbonda compared to branded versions
- High-quality custom paint options available with skilled painters
- Reliable customer service and smooth ordering process with Carbonda
more pros in the review
Cons
- Severe toe overlap issue in some sizes, making slow-speed maneuvers difficult
- Very low stack height leads to an aggressive, uncomfortable riding position for some
- BB drop of 67mm is considered too shallow for gravel, reducing off-road stability
more cons in the review
Key Points
- Carbon fiber frame
- Sold as Flybike FM696 and rebranded by multiple companies
- Price: ~$891 from Carbonda, ~$1949 from Obed
more key points in the review
The Carbonda CFR-696 is a versatile carbon fiber gravel/cyclocross frameset praised for its lightweight construction, excellent tire clearance, and compatibility with various components. Users highlight its ability to serve as a multi-purpose bike for commuting, gravel riding, and even light MTB racing. It supports disc brakes, full fender mounts, and custom paint options, with builds ranging from 7.68kg to 9.5kg depending on size and components. The frame is noted for its durability and performance in technical conditions, though some minor issues like seatpost clamp failures are mentioned.
AI Summary
Pros
- Lightweight carbon frame and fork, with builds as low as 7.68kg for size S
- Excellent tire clearance up to 50mm, with at least 6mm gap, suitable for gravel and off-road use
- Versatile for multiple uses including commuting, gravel riding, and light MTB racing, with full fender mounts
more pros in the review
Cons
- Seatpost clamp known to fail, requiring aftermarket replacements like Wolftooth
- Potential issues with seatpost fit and damage, especially with carbon posts, due to sharp edges or clamp problems
- Cable routing through frame and bars can be difficult and time-consuming
Key Points
- Carbon fiber frame and fork
- Frame weight: 1222g for size S, fork: 496g
- Tire clearance: up to 50mm
more key points in the review
The Carbonda CFR-696 is a carbon fiber road bike frame designed for training and road use, with UHD construction. It supports tire widths up to 30mm and is compatible with 1x drivetrain setups, accommodating chainrings up to 46 teeth. The frame features a chainstay length of 43.5cm, which users note provides clearance for larger chainrings and tires. It is commonly built with SRAM Force XPLR groupsets and standard road cranksets, with discussions focusing on drivetrain compatibility.
AI Summary
Pros
- Compatible with 1x drivetrain setups and chainrings up to 46 teeth
- Long chainstay length (43.5cm) provides good clearance for chainrings and tires
- Works well with SRAM Force XPLR groupsets and standard road cranksets
Key Points
- Carbon fiber frame with UHD construction
- Tire clearance up to 30mm
- Chainstay length: 43.5cm
more key points in the review
Where to Buy
CFR-696
Specifications
Attributes
Included Components
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Questions about Carbonda CFR-696
Ordering & delivery
1Sizing & fit
2Compatibility
3Build & setup
1Ride & performance
1Durability & quality
2Finish & options
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