[BUILD] CEF50 Custom (former budget) Build

[un..inc]

Hi there...
As I'm getting older and have less time for mountain biking due to family, voluntary work and my job, some time ago I felt the need for electric assistance so that I wouldn't be knocked out three days later after an afternoon on the bike with my mates...
However, I don't want to roll through the forest on a 26-kilo armoured bike, I want to do something for the descents.
So it should be a light eBike.
When I started looking into the subject just under a year ago, light eBikes with attractive specs were still in price ranges that seemed absolutely out of the question for me personally.
After importing and building a Carbonda frame directly from China for my better one a few years ago, it was obvious to look over the big wall.
I then came across the CEF50 frame via this forum, which ultimately won the race against the Lightcarbon LCE930.

To cut a long story short: the customised frame will be shipped this week and 95% of the components are already in my basement.
I would like to document the assembly process here over the coming weeks and share it with you.
Photos of the components will be added bit by bit.

 

[Ksem07]

Hi there...
As I'm getting older and have less time for mountain biking due to family, voluntary work and my job, some time ago I felt the need for electric assistance so that I wouldn't be knocked out three days later after an afternoon on the bike with my mates...
However, I don't want to roll through the forest on a 26-kilo armoured bike, I want to do something for the descents.
So it should be a light eBike.
When I started looking into the subject just under a year ago, light eBikes with attractive specs were still in price ranges that seemed absolutely out of the question for me personally.
After importing and building a Carbonda frame directly from China for my better one a few years ago, it was obvious to look over the big wall.
I then came across the CEF50 frame via this forum, which ultimately won the race against the Lightcarbon LCE930.

To cut a long story short: the customised frame will be shipped this week and 95% of the components are already in my basement.
I would like to document the assembly process here over the coming weeks and share it with you.
Photos of the components will be added bit by bit.

This is incredibly cool! I wish you the best of luck with your build and am eager to follow your progress. As a newcomer dipping my toes into bike building, I’m starting with a heavier build myself, which I’m also documenting.

For my next project, I’m considering a lightweight model too. Your journey is truly fascinating!

 

[un..inc]

Starting with propably the last nukeproof pedals I'll ever own...

 

[spokémon]

I then came across the CEF50 frame via this forum, which ultimately won the race against the Lightcarbon LCE930.

Congrats. enjoy your build.
Just wondering. What made you choose CEF50 over LCE930?

 

[Freda]

View attachment 136256
Starting with propably the last nukeproof pedals I'll ever own...

Good luck with your build! One tip with those pedals, put some locktite and thighten the pins. I lost two pins when I didn't. Otherwise fantastic pedals.

 

[un..inc]

Good luck with your build! One tip with those pedals, put some locktite and thighten the pins. I lost two pins when I didn't. Otherwise fantastic pedals.

thanks for the tip, i will check EVERY screw connection on ALL components anyway and treat them with LocTite.

Congrats. enjoy your build.
Just wondering. What made you choose CEF50 over LCE930?

I had already written a post on this some time ago... I'll just quote myself here

I was faced with the same decision and am about to order a CEF50.
The following factors convinced me:

Price (also price of the paintwork)
Weight
Magnet position
Complete package (frame, motor, battery)
contact
"Standard" cable routing possible on request

Yes, the LCE930 looks better, but the overall package makes me lean towards the CEF50.
All the components are already at home, only the frame, motor and battery are still missing

 

[un..inc]

Next up:
Canyon G5 Carbon Handlebar...
Got this for very cheap one or two years ago...

 

[Binhill1]

Hi there...
As I'm getting older and have less time for mountain biking due to family, voluntary work and my job, some time ago I felt the need for electric assistance so that I wouldn't be knocked out three days later after an afternoon on the bike with my mates...
However, I don't want to roll through the forest on a 26-kilo armoured bike, I want to do something for the descents.
So it should be a light eBike.
When I started looking into the subject just under a year ago, light eBikes with attractive specs were still in price ranges that seemed absolutely out of the question for me personally.
After importing and building a Carbonda frame directly from China for my better one a few years ago, it was obvious to look over the big wall.
I then came across the CEF50 frame via this forum, which ultimately won the race against the Lightcarbon LCE930.

To cut a long story short: the customised frame will be shipped this week and 95% of the components are already in my basement.
I would like to document the assembly process here over the coming weeks and share it with you.
Photos of the components will be added bit by bit.

My Levo was the first off the peg bike i had bought for many years. Four bikes before that were all frame only then custom built with good spec . I had a pal a dealer so I got some good deals and he knew all the good stuff.

 

[un..inc]

Although I'm actually an ERGON guy, I opted for DMR Deathgrip grips for this setup. Again, the price was very good, so the decision was easy.

 

[Binhill1]

Although I'm actually an ERGON guy, I opted for DMR Deathgrip grips for this setup. Again, the price was very good, so the decision was easy.
View attachment 136575

Don't last long I turned mine a quarter turn today. OK though

 

[un..inc]

Well, I just got word, that the frame is ready to be shipped...
Let's see how long it takes by ship at the moment...

 

[un..inc]

GX AXS will be gearing of choice...

 

[69tr6r]

How long from when you placed the order did the frame ship?

 

[un..inc]

How long from when you placed the order did the frame ship?

Unfortunately it was Chinese New Year between the order and shipping, so that's probably not a benchmark.

Now it is on the ship, which is NOT going through the red sea due to the Yemen conflict, so it will take even longer...

 

[un..inc]

Wheels will be DTSWISS EX1700 in full 29"...

 

[un..inc]

oh man, my frame still hasn't arrived yet.
I was so frustrated that I neglected this thread. sorry.
I really hope that the frame will arrive in the course of a week, after it has travelled from Shenzen once around Africa to Greece. It's been there for a week now and I'm waiting for it to set off for Germany.
In the meantime, there are still a few components.
The AXS drivetrain is paired with an AXS dropper. Although this was a relatively good offer, it does push the price up considerably.
But one less cable that has to be fed through the headset.

 

[Binhill1]

oh man, my frame still hasn't arrived yet.
I was so frustrated that I neglected this thread. sorry.
I really hope that the frame will arrive in the course of a week, after it has travelled from Shenzen once around Africa to Greece. It's been there for a week now and I'm waiting for it to set off for Germany.
In the meantime, there are still a few components.
The AXS drivetrain is paired with an AXS dropper. Although this was a relatively good offer, it does push the price up considerably.
But one less cable that has to be fed through the headset.
View attachment 139835

If you had the name of the ship you could follow its progress . You just put ships name in on Google and Marine Traffic site comes up.

 

[un..inc]

If you had the name of the ship you could follow its progress . You just put ships name in on Google and Marine Traffic site comes up.

Yes, I know. That's why i know that the frame has landed in Greece.
The ship has landed there a week ago. I don't know how long it takes to clear the load of the ship and to go through customs.
In addition I also don't know how long it takes by truck / car from Greece to Germany...

 

[Binhill1]

Yes, I know. That's why i know that the frame has landed in Greece.
The ship has landed there a week ago. I don't know how long it takes to clear the load of the ship and to go through customs.
In addition I also don't know how long it takes by truck / car from Greece to Germany...

Yes hard to tell with customs its routine stuff though so should run smooth you would think. I just got a gravel bike it was a month late arriving got it last week . Ten miles and it's not working properly and charger not working at all. Waiting for update but May holiday weekend so who knows. Good luck anyway.

 

[un..inc]

The shock is going to be a Super Deluxe ultimate...
Subject to change, I do have something else in my pocket...

 

[Sayonara]

View attachment 139882
The shock is going to be a Super Deluxe ultimate...
Subject to change, I do have something else in my pocket...

Nice. I'm thinking of getting the same shock and lyrik 150mm charger 3 but sadly no luck finding them used. As a new fork is 800€+ and shock 500€.. :/

 

[un..inc]

Nice. I'm thinking of getting the same shock and lyrik 150mm charger 3 but sadly no luck finding them used. As a new fork is 800€+ and shock 500€.. :/

if you have enough time and are willing to suffer, apply for the newsletter from rcz bike shop. they are based in luxembourg and have cheeky cheap prices. however, the shop is ugly and it can take 2-3-4 months until you receive the goods. they are always first class, though. i have bought many of my components there --> forks, brakes, wheelset, gears etc.
But as I said - the process is unusual and you shouldn't need things straight away...

 

[Sayonara]

if you have enough time and are willing to suffer, apply for the newsletter from rcz bike shop. they are based in luxembourg and have cheeky cheap prices. however, the shop is ugly and it can take 2-3-4 months until you receive the goods. they are always first class, though. i have bought many of my components there --> forks, brakes, wheelset, gears etc.
But as I said - the process is unusual and you shouldn't need things straight away...

I don't think I will risk my money with them. There are so many bad stories everywhere about that place. Yes you might get your parts but seems like that alot of the time that does not happen. People get sent used parts or different items than they ordered and getting refund is hazardous at best.

Even the people that has had a good experience with them seem to have few bad ones as well or know someone who got f'd over.

 

[un..inc]

I don't think I will risk my money with them. There are so many bad stories everywhere about that place. Yes you might get your parts but seems like that alot of the time that does not happen. People get sent used parts or different items than they ordered and getting refund is hazardous at best.

Even the people that has had a good experience with them seem to have few bad ones as well or know someone who got f'd over.

I can totally understand you there.
Nevertheless, I haven't lost a cent with them yet. Sure, I've already received a cancellation after two months and then had to wait another two months for a refund. I've also waited 4 months for a delivery. However, in the end everything went well and I never had any used goods. Everything was perfect.
You shouldn't order anything you absolutely need. It's possible that it will be cancelled after a long time
And ONLY if you can live with that should you order there.
There's a thread at www.mtb-news.de that's thousands of pages long, where it's always clear: everyone gets their goods or their money back. How long that takes is another question

 

[un..inc]

New day, new component...
The fork will be a FORMULA SELVA S with 160mm...

 

[Sayonara]

I can totally understand you there.
Nevertheless, I haven't lost a cent with them yet. Sure, I've already received a cancellation after two months and then had to wait another two months for a refund. I've also waited 4 months for a delivery. However, in the end everything went well and I never had any used goods. Everything was perfect.
You shouldn't order anything you absolutely need. It's possible that it will be cancelled after a long time
And ONLY if you can live with that should you order there.
There's a thread at www.mtb-news.de that's thousands of pages long, where it's always clear: everyone gets their goods or their money back. How long that takes is another question

Well said. It just doesn't make sense to me that everything would work well for me when so many people are complaining and warning against it. If it would work I think the site would be the holy grail for all people who ride bikes and everyone would be extremely happy with them. Even if they had to wait longer time.

That being said.. I wish I had quarantee of everything going well then I would instantly order fork and shock from them.

Excited to hear your experience with Formula! I've been thinking of maybe getting Dvo suspension but something always pulls me back to Rockshox.