So I’m looking to do a new tt build this winter, and among the frame options I’m looking into this is one of them. I’ve been curious about this bike since I saw it mentioned in a separate thread a couple weeks ago. I contacted HongFu just to get a quote, and they replied with $1284 for the frame, fork, seatpost, stem, aero bars and headset. Seems like a high price for a Chinese frame, but it actually looks like a half decent bike. Looking at some new photos they posted on their website, however, I’m interested to hear what the ST opinion is of this frame, specifically the shape/design of the head tube/fork (see photo below).
Are there any mainstream bikes out there that have a similar pointed head tube like that? And is it just me or does the fork look pretty thick (wide) from that front view? Not sure if I’ve ever seen that head tube design, and it looks a little odd how it transitions into the fork. The pointed shape of the head tube almost reminds me of a nose cone. Just curious what other STers think about the design, and whether or not the shapes on this bike would test well aerodynamically.
Looks decent. Love their description of the frame:
“AVENGER TM6 use less wind resistance design, through aerodynamic simulation testing model frame.Make optimal aerodynamic transverse section design.Fit UCI standard at the same time.The cable wire of the frame and TT bar all are use complete hidden design. You almost cant see any line ,make the frame more clean and beautiful,the air dynamics to the limit.”
Haha yeah I saw that… Hopefully their quality of English isn’t an indication of the quality of their frames. It seems the general consensus on other threads I’ve read is that Hong Fu makes reliable stuff, and their communication via email has actually been pretty good so far
Has anyone purchased this frameset yet? I went to their booth at Interbike and took a closer look at the TM6. Really like the design. My only concern is the bar end shifters. I run Di2 and it looks like they run the shifter wire out of the bottom end of the bar end into the junction box and then into the stem. The junction box is mounted on the side of one of the bar ends. I was hoping it could be run through the riser kit like I do on my Pro Missile Evos so that no wire is exposed.
I emailed Lily but did not get the answer I was looking for. I don’t think my questions translated very well.
If anyone has this frame and can provide some assistance, I would greatly appreciate it.
I found the pic below on their hongfu-bikes.com website, not sure if you’ve seen it too. It looks like they have the Di2 junction box mounted on the back end of the extension just like you said. I don’t think it would have any measurable effect whatsoever on aerodynamics, although I agree that it would look really clean w/o any cables at all.
Did the finish quality on the bike look good when you saw it at Interbike? I’m definitely considering pulling the trigger on this frame here in the next couple months.
It looks like they have the Di2 junction box mounted on the back end of the extension just like you said. I don’t think it would have any measurable effect whatsoever on aerodynamics, although I agree that it would look really clean w/o any cables at all.
What makes you think that? To my eye it looks like it adds about a square inch of frontal area + cable.
I’m sure it adds a little bit of drag to the bike, you’re right. If you were to theoretically line up two riders, same gear, same bike, same everything, the only difference being that added junction box, and send them out on a 100-mile ride at the same watts, I would have a really hard time believing that added junction box would amount to more than a couple seconds difference in time. If I’m totally wrong on this one, call me out on it—maybe I’m mistaken.
That was my biggest concern too when I first saw that. The transition from head tube to fork looks a little awkward IMO. The top of the fork (right before it transitions to the head tube) almost looks like wind would hit it like it would hit a brick wall.
Looks decent. Love their description of the frame:
“AVENGER TM6 use less wind resistance design, through aerodynamic simulation testing model frame.Make optimal aerodynamic transverse section design.Fit UCI standard at the same time.The cable wire of the frame and TT bar all are use complete hidden design. You almost cant see any line ,make the frame more clean and beautiful,the air dynamics to the limit.”
I found that same picture on their FB page and that’s why I emailed them. Not too sure I like the junction box mounted there. Would prefer under or in the stem. I’m sure I could wire the bar end shifters through the spacers without much modification. Question is, where to put the junction box???
They had both the Matte Black and Matte Black/Red framesets at Interbike. I looked over both framesets in detail and both looked very nice. Nice finish on both frames. No blemish areas that I could see. Both framesets were sold when I inquired on Thursday. I asked the sales rep about whether or not they put the Avenger graphics on or if the frame comes without. Never got a clear answer. Both frames at Interbike had BB86 bottom brackets, I’m set on a BSA if I order one. Also, there were no pads on either aerobar so be sure to inquire about that when you order. I also asked for some detailed pics of the Di2 battery compartment. Didn’t get those either. Frame comes without brakes so you need to order the TRPs and they are a bit pricey. Going to try and get a few more details on the Di2 build before I order.
I found the pic below on their hongfu-bikes.com website, not sure if you’ve seen it too. It looks like they have the Di2 junction box mounted on the back end of the extension just like you said. I don’t think it would have any measurable effect whatsoever on aerodynamics, although I agree that it would look really clean w/o any cables at all.
Did the finish quality on the bike look good when you saw it at Interbike? I’m definitely considering pulling the trigger on this frame here in the next couple months.
That’s pretty much the same cost they quoted me. The $1284 number I originally put doesn’t include the brakes, shipping, or paypal charge that your total. I tried talking them down in price but they were pretty firm. I think they offered like a $25 discount on the brakes, which I kind of laughed at. They said it’s their 2015 model so they can’t come down much in price–not sure if a group buy would change things though.
I will say it sounds ludicrous to pay almost $1600 for a Chinese frame… but unless I come across a steal of a deal on a really nice used frame, I just may end up placing an order for one of these in a couple months to build over winter.
Well, the frame is basically a 2015 BMC Timemachine TM01 clone which retails for $4,000, so what could you do with the extra $2400? I’ve got some ideas ($1400 Ui2 group from ebay, $1000 Flo 90/Disc).
Well, the frame is basically a 2015 BMC Timemachine TM01 clone which retails for $4,000, so what could you do with the extra $2400? I’ve got some ideas ($1400 Ui2 group from ebay, $1000 Flo 90/Disc).
If you wanted some even cheaper and faster alternatives than this untested chinese knockoff. Why not a used P2/P3/P3alu? Those bikes are surely faster and aerodynamically proven.
I agree with the older P2, P3 suggestions. I was in the same boat as many and not wanting to spend a tone of money on a new frame so the open mold frames seemed like the best option. In the end I was able to pick up a good used Cervelo P2 and once I am finished building it up, I am sure it will be as aero as most bikes much more expensive.
I agree with the older P2, P3 suggestions. I was in the same boat as many and not wanting to spend a tone of money on a new frame so the open mold frames seemed like the best option. In the end I was able to pick up a good used Cervelo P2 and once I am finished building it up, I am sure it will be as aero as most bikes much more expensive.
I really want fully integrated Di2 on my next bike but cannot spend 6K + on a bicycle. This looks like a good compromise.
