Carbon Bike Frame Project: Part 2 | Change of mind, Material of Frame

For those who came to this page first. It will be good to read up on Part 1 before carrying on.
Part 1 had left me hanging for another couple of weeks before i stubble randomly into some Chinese Carbon Frame Manufacturing Site. Saw this frame, which made me pause for a moment. Rethink the material, possibility of using carbon as my choice of material.


Noticed the nice Matt carbon finish? Unlike the usual 3k and 12k finishing. They are able to product Matt finishing, which they claimed as UD (unidirectional). Similar finishing as BMC SLC (one of my dream frame). But of course, not the same technology used, nano-carbon. But seriously who cares, if its cheap! haha~

Received some critics on the weaving of frame which claimed to have effect on structural strength. From my knowledge (back then), I understand that the weaving only affect the external look. However, few says the weaving pattern, 3k and 12k, 3k produce stronger and stiffer frames. However after seeing the above picture, i sets me wondering whether weaving really does play a role in frame strength?

Hence i decided to make use of my off day to do a research on carbon frame structure and weaving pattern. All you need to do is just open a new tab and type in the URL, www.google.com

I have arranged the sites and forums in order to have a better flow of idea on carbon weaving properties. Basically, the sites are branched out from the forum.

1. Bike Forum
2. Stork Bicycle
3. Weightweenie Forum
4. Calfee Design
5. Toray Carbon Fiber
6. Properties of Carbon Fiber

*Easier to start off reading Stork Bicycle and Calfee Design as they are meant for consumers.

My conclusion is, Strength of frame cant be judged by the weaving pattern, they only provide cosmetic look and riding feel. Instead we should be looking at the grade of the carbon fiber used e.g. T700, (read Toray Carbon Fiber) and the Tensile Modulus (measured in MSI, read Calfee Design and Properties of Carbon Fiber)

12k is not as weak as we think. They are cheap and slightly heavier. Console myself for having it. haha!

Carbon Bike Frame Project: Part 1 | In search of the right design

For those who knows that now I'm keen in getting a ISP (integrated seat post) frame either carbon or titanium. Initially only did research (here & here) on the clamp-on seat post system adopted by different renowned bicycle frame makers such as Look, Scott, Giant.

Set my eyes on the Ritchey Stubby Clamp-on Seat post, as it CLAMPS ON the 31.6mm dia seat tube instead of Look which is INSERTED INTO. Didn't bother with Giant as its clamp is unique for their frame alone.


However, read much reviews stating that this piece of clamp is 100+g which does not provide much weight saving (from weight weenie). Considering that the frame already has a extra long seat tube (acting as seat post). Its weight does not justify the use of this ISP system. Well then some German guy managed to forge a clamp which offer much weight saving.

After seeing this design, i crack my head for few weeks on how to get it fabricated in Singapore (rebound centre) or Ordering it in. Both options are pretty expensive!!

Some pictures of ISP built bike to continue inspire me to seek out for the prefect ISP frame.

Titanium ISP frames just looks so gorgeous!! Imagine it being built up with white, silver and titanium colour.

Pondering about the ISP system again for a few weeks, came across this clamp while surfing pedal force website and saw this seat post clamp


Made of carbon/aluminium. Seems like a cheaper alternative compare to the 2, i considered before. BUT, pedal force is not selling this piece separately.. Disappointed, my lead somehow hit another wall.

Bike Fitting using Motion Analysis

Just did some DIY bike fitting at home over the weekend, after viewing almost all the bike fitting clips in YouTube. Saw one of the clips in YouTube, stating how they used motion analysis to do bike fitting/analysis. Just nice, Grace who has trainer, is going to Port Dickson over the weekend for race. So borrowed the trainer, hook up my camera and ACTION!

Riding on a new bike again, confused with the bike fitting theories recommended by different people. So decided to film myself to see how i look like while riding instead of hearing people's comments. Perspective can be different from view's of different people, which leads to the wrong buy of my titanium frame.

Currently judging by personal comfort, going for longer rides to see which area needs to improve. But worried that my current 'comfort' position might be straining my knees, or not optimizing my effort when riding.

Google online, looking for 'ideal' leg bend angles, poseur etc... Trying to find the commonly used figures.

Upper body Poseur

Looks pretty decent to me, not to upright nor to forward.. Looks like I'm tipping toes when pedal is at 6 o'clock (had lowered seat by 5mm)

Leg Bend Angle

As said earlier, googled on leg angle. Mostly recommend 30-35 deg. I don't know how they get that figure. What i assumed is the difference in angle when knee is bent from a straight poseur.
The above picture is not very accurate, forget to paste a sticker over my pelvis bone. So have to estimate the point.

Knee Over Pedal

This is to check the fore/aft of the saddle. Looks fine to me. Except on a few occasions, my knees will move forwards by 1-2cm. On a clip showing bike fit for tri bikes, they figured this guy with 3-4cm knee in front of the pedal spindle. So i think its fine, anyway i don't always move forward.

Overall was glad that i can see how i ride and some figures regarding my current position. Problem with using motion analysis is the camera angle and position of it from the user. The areas away from the camera focus point tend to convex out. Still cant beat bike fitting with the help of a friend doing the measuring while you cycle.

Sorry, didnt wanna go throught the features of the software im using. Pretty tired of drafting this post already. The only main features is, it can slowdown and pause split-seconds of your action and take measurements.


Bike Fit Anatomy
C Cube

Carbon OEM Bike

Frame	OEM Carbon
Fork	OEM Onda Carbon
Rear Shock	N/A
Rims	Mavic Ksyrium SL 08
Hubs	Mavic Ksyrium SL 08
Spokes	Mavic Ksyrium SL 08
Tires	Vredestein Fortezza
Pedals	Shimano Ultegra SL
Crank	Shimano Ultegra SL 10spd
Chain	Shimano Ultegra SL 10spd
Rear Cogs	Shimano Ultegra SL 10spd
Bottom Bracket	Shimano Ultegra SL 10spd
Front Derailleur	Shimano Ultegra SL 10spd
Rear Derailleur	Shimano Ultegra SL 10spd
Shifters	Shimano Ultegra SL 10spd
Handlebars	Ritchey WCS Carbon
Stem	Ritchey WCS Carbon
Headset	OEM
Brakeset	Shimano Ultegra SL 10spd
Brakelevers	Shimano Ultegra SL 10spd
Saddle	San Marco Aspide
Seat Post	Ritchey WCS Carbon
Sizes	50cm
Extras	Salsa Seat Clamp, Red

My first 'Brand New' carbon bike! Most of the parts are brought over from the Polygon Helios 600 and Custom Ti Bike.

The following is its geometry:

Carbon Frame Size: 50cm

Material: carbon (12K)

Top tube: 525mm

Head tube: 125mm

Head tube angle: 69.5 °

Seat tube angle: 73.7 °

Standover: 728mm

ChainStay: 406mm

BB Width: 68mm

BB type: English Thread

Seatpost size: 31.6mm

Seat Post Clamp: 34.9mm

Derailleur Mount: Band Mount

Headset size: 1 1/8" Internal

Weight : 1050g + Fork 350g.

Was lucky that the glossy-ness of the frame goes well with the Bar, Stem and Post. Red anodized Seat Clamp and Wheel's hub doesn't spoil the overall appearance of the bike. Despite of the 74.5 deg Seat Tube Angle, the 2.5cm setback, pushed the angle back to a 72 deg. Same as my custom Ti Bike.

Carbon OEM Bike | New Step to Bike Building

8 June: Auction for frame, fork and seat clamp ended
10 June: Payment made, via paypal. Alot cheaper than whats stated in eBay
15 June: Frame, fork and seat clamp arrived!!! - Seat Clamp does not goes well with the frame...
15 June: Most of the groupset installed on the bike except front de, front brake caliper
15 June: Bought a Ritchey WCS headset from eBay
16 June: Ritchey WCS headset shipped, need to wait 3-5 days
16 June: Changed and fixed the Mavic Ksyrium SL wheels on bike
17 June: Still waiting for headset
-Need-To-Do list

1. Buy shim,
2. Spray front de clamp black,
3. Cut fork steerer and cable housing

22 June: Headset finally arrived!
24 June: Decided to send the bike to be setup.
Damn, the whole setup cost me $66!! F$%^ expensive... Will ask them for the breakdown.

-Total tasks done:

1. Cut Steerer Tube
2. Install Fork Race
3. Install Chain
4. Install Cables and Housing
5. Tuning
6. Wrap Bar Tape

I don't think it worth $50!!!

Polygon Helios 600 | Super Offer!

Too anxious to take picture of the real bike

Too anxious to take picture of the real bike

Frame	Polygon Helios 600
Fork	Polygon Helios 600
Rear Shock	N/A
Rims	Mavic Aksium
Hubs	Mavic Aksium
Spokes	Mavic Aksium
Tires	Michelin
Pedals	Shimano 105
Crank	Shimano Ultegra SL 10spd
Chain	Shimano Ultegra SL 10spd
Rear Cogs	Shimano Ultegra SL 10spd
Bottom Bracket	Shimano Ultegra SL 10spd
Front Derailleur	Shimano Ultegra SL 10spd
Rear Derailleur	Shimano Ultegra SL 10spd
Shifters	Shimano Ultegra SL 10spd
Handlebars	Ritchey WCS Carbon
Stem	Ritchey WCS Carbon
Headset	FSA
Brakeset	Shimano Ultegra SL 10spd
Brakelevers	Shimano Ultegra SL 10spd
Saddle	Fizik Aliante Sports
Seat Post	Ritchey WCS Carbon
Sizes	48cm
Extras	N/A

Got this from Rodalink Sale at a good price of $1999. In fact this is the last piece, initially was looking at this 50cm bike but it was already reserve. will have this bike dismantle and continue with another bike project which i just started.

CUBE: Single Speed Version

Finally got my commute bike up! First ever Single Speed bike i own, also built it using most of the reusable parts i have. Instead of the usual bike layout to show off the spec of my bikes. I like to thanks the people whom contribute to me with their parts.

Frame & Tires: Got from the previous CUBE project, which turns out that i don't really enjoy the geometry as its too upright.
Fork: Got 2nd hand from Togoparts, $80. Aluminum steerer, which is not what i really wanted. But the decals seems to really suits the bike color theme.
Wheels: Thanks to Wilson giving to me his condemn wheelset, which has a dent on the front wheels. Take it as the trade for a newer wheels and pedal.
Crank, Pedals and Seatpost: Thanks to Coach for giving me her sentimental bike parts. Really old school, like them. Especially the crank!
Headset and Seat Clamp: Got them from Identiti bike after i stripped them off.
Bottom Bracket and Brake Levers: Thanks Mr Teo for giving them to me. Have some problem with the BB, as the thread on the left cap is wore off. Found a replacement from Seng Chu Hin bikeshop
Brakes: Thanks to Caine. Its comes with the Trek bike which i built for him few years back. Now back to my bike!
Saddle and Stem: Got them off from previous bike deals, namely the Polygon and Kestrel

With just a few contributions from everybody, things can be done!
So whats next? Was toying with this idea of refurbishing a old rusty road bike into SS. Check this out!

My first test ride on this SS
Had 2 chain skip in a single ride, in different scenarios. Chain is loose as we can see from the picture. Currently using 14T cog, plan to change it to a 15T. Hopefully will make the chain more torque.

Actually chances of the chain skipping out is pretty slim. Found that for the chain to skip out, first, there must be no pedaling, hence chain is not torque. Secondly, riding pass a bumpy section of the road. This is what happen in the first scenario, was cruising down a slope along kaki bukit(no pedaling) and went pass this lousy road work (bumpy). Next thing i know, im spinning like mad!

Second scenario is i think something along the drivetrain got loose, causing lateral vibration/movement. Resulting in the chain self derailing from the drivetrain. Stupid SS converter does not have 'teeth' for the lock ring to catch on, hence might loosen after a few bumpy ride.

Other than these 2 incidents. I find that riding on SS in relaxing, momentum from the constant spinning actually allows us to ride/feel faster. 'Thanks' to the number of traffic lights and 'safe' motorist and other road users, i cant really enjoy the ride... Also one reason why I'm not planning for a Fixie yet..


Bike Doctor
C Cube