@PeteMorris (I hope that’s the right Pete) Didn’t you get a Fray? thoughts?
Local shop test ride them a few weeks ago……one of the guys says it is the best riding bike he had ever been on. Everyone else said it was a great bike.
What do you guys think about sizing down a Fray? You get the benefit of wide tires and downtube storage but a racier geometry. Sizing one size down would get me the same wheelbase I have now, same stack, and about 1cm shorter reach, which I could just get a longer stem. Getting the same size as I normally do would put me higher than currently by around 10-15mm even with a fully slammed stem.
- … as compared to what?
I ask because even with the changes you mention, you still get a somewhat “slack” Head Tube Angle & longer Front Center (depending on what you compare to).
54 Fray vs my 56 Emonda (race bike that may not be a proper comparison)
54 Fray vs my 56 Domane (endurance bike that makes sense from one angle at least)
Sorry should have clarified. Racier compared to itself. Like I’m normally a 58, but I would size down to the 56. A 58 Fray would be longer and higher than my current setup. A 56 would be way closer both in wheelbase and stack. It’s shorter in reach, so I would put a longer stem on. My worry is shifting my weight forward (longer chainstay, longer stem).
Current bike is an open mold SL7 copy.
2 Likes
@Power13 would be great to hear from as well. I think the delta above (if it matches your comparison) would be fine with the same rider placement (via longer stem on the smaller Fray).
- Effective weight distribution on the tires will be essentially identical.
- Your steering input will be different and essentially “slowed” by a combo of the slacker head tube angle and longer stem.
- I see it as sort of a “sporty endurance” setup to a degree and think it could be good if that is what you want.
2 Likes
That’s kind of exactly what I’m looking for. “Traditional endurance” bikes if you can say that have always felt slow and sluggish to me. I’ve been looking for basically a race bike with big tire clearance. Not a gravel race bike. A road race bike I can put big tires on. Which I know sounds like the Melee but this has downtube storage and comes in a color I like better.
3 Likes
Yup, I think Chad hit the nail on the head. My first reaction when I read your posts was “But why?”….but after reading on, I see what you are after.
It does kinda seem to defeat the “purpose” (or the design intention) of the Fray, but if it meets your needs in that configuration (and the resulting changes Chad mentioned), it seems like a viable option.
I noted in the Fray thread that our LBS test rode some a number of weeks ago and they loved it. One of the guys said it was the best bike he had ever ridden and is all fired up to get one.
2 Likes
Never heard or seen that site before. Very helpful! Thanks!
1 Like
It’s my go to source for comparing bike geo. There is a full table in addition to the graphic that dives into the minute details of each difference.
Another one I saw others using recently is this one. Has similar info and options but also allows bars and saddle location to really show a fuller picture.
1 Like
Thanks for the insight. I’m still undecided. My local shop offered 10% off a SuperSix Evo 2 (latest gen) that I’ve been eyeing for a while. $4950 for a full build with 12sp Ultegra Di2 vs $4450 for the Fray frame without anything else. It’s a tough sell but sounds like a fun bike. I haven’t heard of any deals on the Fray yet with it just being released.
2 Likes
Do not pay retail on enve frame! Shop around you should be able to get a good discount, might be harder for the Fray but you need to reach out to a few shops and see what they can do
1 Like
Wow, That’s a great deal-especially with the Ultegra 12 spd. What wheels does it come with?
1 Like
Hollowgram R-45.
It’s this spec: SuperSix EVO 2 | Race Bikes | Cannondale
Even at full price it’s a decent price for the build. But with 10% off, it’s a great deal. Carbon wheels and 12sp Ultegra Di2 for under $5,000? Hard to beat.
1 Like
Ok, I’m back to considering the Fray, but in my normal 58 size. Can it race CX? Using that BikeInsights comparison, it’s BB is only 2mm lower than a Specialized Crux. It’s got a shorter chainstay, shorter wheelbase, and steeper head angle, which all would hand better on the cross field I would think. It’s got clearance for 40s (my Boone barely cleared 37s) so enough room for mud. Is there something I’m missing?
@Junk_Miles - Not sure if you’ve considered it, but the Factor Ostro Gravel might be worth a look. It doesn’t have the cargo storage but my understanding is it’s basically the Ostro VAM with more tire clearance, and some of the Israel Premier Tech riders ran it at Roubaix this year. They’ve got great bars (Black Inc.) with a slick aero bar setup too. (Although, BikeInsights does show some difference…)
With that said, despite having an Ostro VAM (Which I love, and have knocked out many 6 hour plus rides on without issue) I too am a fan of Enve, I’m not looking at the Fray but calling around about the MOG as I’m in the market for a dedicated gravel bike.
1 Like
Anybody have some decent miles on the Fray yet? I’m curious to hear some real feedback other than the typical cycling “reviews” that get put out there which are just ads. Got offered a 20% discount on a frame and might pull the trigger for a new summer build.
Looks like I’m on a similar hunt to many here. Looking for a road bike with:
-Clearance for 35mm tires at least, 40mm preferred.
-At least some consideration of aerodynamics in tube shaping
-Frame storage, ideally
-Available as a frameset
Strong preference for not-through-stem hose routing (under stem/through headset is fine and basically compulsory at this point.) Threaded BB would also be nice but not a dealbreaker.
With that list of wants, the Fray has it all except the annoying hose routing. The new BMC Roadmachine is also a candidate, though not yet sure about frameset availability.
3T Strada is aero and takes fat-ish tires, but lacks frame storage.
What else should be on my list?
I’m on a similar mission, but I’d rather see clearance up to 42ish. Smaller than 40 can be a real battering on chunkier gravel. The Aspero seems like the best bet at the moment, but I’d like to see a model with Force or better on it to keep weight down.
The Canyon Grail checks most of the boxes. I already have a gravel bike with pretty huge clearance, so I’m looking for a more dedicated road bike. And TBH Canyon, Trek, Spesh and Cervelo just don’t really “spark joy” for me. Very subjective I realize.
1 Like