Pre-order starts next month - Next Crestline Avinox frame set

Curious with all the adjustability for geo on these frames, is anyone modifying the Chain stay length or grabbing a Works headset right out the gate, or is the plan to test the bike as is and tune accordingly?

Mine is an RH2 with the 440 cs which puts the front to rear center balance right at the 1.8 to 1 zone for a balanced ride.

I'm 5'10" and the size chart recommends the +5 headset reach, but I think I may be right at home with the slightly shorter reach based on my current bike.

I find I like a bit more stack and less reach than the "usual" geo specs just to fit myself better and keep me a bit more upright and less weight on my hands for seated positions.

Anyone going for longer or shorter, and why?
On a RH2, I'm installing a +5 headset and 450 dropouts to start with. I like the longer dropouts on other bikes. I typically prefer a reach about 455, but the real reason was I'm only running a 170 podium, so I was looking to keep the geo similar to 180.
 
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Bosch versions were always available for a time after release. The frenzy only started when they hit the market with Avinox before most... that advantage is gone and much less expensive options are not far away.
Makes good sense, the Forged frame's sold out quickly yet I noticed they only made 50 vs 300 Plaid edition frames. Also sounded like only 150 complete bikes if I read the site correctly.

I think you are right on about all the upcoming competition will sway some in other directions, and maybe Crestline is accounting for this too perhaps with the smaller batch release.

Super glad I got the Plaid coming, I noticed I am already "riding shaper on the old tools than ever" just envisioning this thing underneath me lately!
 
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Curious with all the adjustability for geo on these frames, is anyone modifying the Chain stay length or grabbing a Works headset right out the gate, or is the plan to test the bike as is and tune accordingly?

Mine is an RH2 with the 440 cs which puts the front to rear center balance right at the 1.8 to 1 zone for a balanced ride.

I'm 5'10" and the size chart recommends the +5 headset reach, but I think I may be right at home with the slightly shorter reach based on my current bike.

I find I like a bit more stack and less reach than the "usual" geo specs just to fit myself better and keep me a bit more upright and less weight on my hands for seated positions.

Anyone going for longer or shorter, and why?
I’m 5’7, RH2 and I’ll be running 450 MX dropouts on mine with a short 15mm stem and a high stack and bar. It’s a similar setup to what I currently have, (455 chainstays and 450 reach with high stack and short stem). I considered 455 dropouts, but I thought I’d try 450 and see if I can maintain the stability but maybe gain a little more maneuverability. 🤷🏻‍♂️ We’ll see.
 
I’m 6’2”/188cm. Ordered an RH3 29er, will go +5mm, longer mullet dropouts.
 
I’m 5’7, RH2 and I’ll be running 450 MX dropouts on mine with a short 15mm stem and a high stack and bar. It’s a similar setup to what I currently have, (455 chainstays and 450 reach with high stack and short stem). I considered 455 dropouts, but I thought I’d try 450 and see if I can maintain the stability but maybe gain a little more maneuverability. 🤷🏻‍♂️ We’ll see.
The raised reverse stem?? I thought 30mm was the shortest as far as ‘conventional’ stems go?
 
The raised reverse stem?? I thought 30mm was the shortest as far as ‘conventional’ stems go?
No, I have a 15mm rulezman stem for my 38 and 10mm on/off stem for my 40.

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Anyone running a Crestline RS 181 with DJI Avinox; given it has SRAM AXS power cord and GX Eagle AXS T-Type derailleur, does SmoothShift actually work, or does it need extra setup?

axs.webp


Also, for AXS T-Type users, how’s shifting quality? I briefly rode three bikes with XO and XX derailleurs and two had inconsistent shifting (either in the higher or lower gear range). I’ve also read that AXS setup can be finicky and that even a small knock to the cage can throw it out of alignment. Has anyone experienced this?

I’m seriously considering “downgrading” to a non-T-Type, non-electronic Eagle setup. My SRAM X01 Eagle has given me nothing but crisp shifting over the last 4 years, despite plenty of abuse and rock strikes, proven by multiple scuffs and scratches. :)

Appreciate any honest input.
 
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I was able to snag one of the forged frames, but I'm curious about the EXT Arma tuning. Anyone have any idea what coil will come with it or how it is tuned by EXT for a stock bike? I have an EXT E-Storia on my Transition Repeater PT and I am happy with the tune and the coil size.
 
Anyone running a Crestline RS 181 with DJI Avinox; given it has SRAM AXS power cord and GX Eagle AXS T-Type derailleur, does SmoothShift actually work, or does it need extra setup?

View attachment 179745

Also, for AXS T-Type users, how’s shifting quality? I briefly rode three bikes with XO and XX derailleurs and two had inconsistent shifting (either in the higher or lower gear range). I’ve also read that AXS setup can be finicky and that even a small knock to the cage can throw it out of alignment. Has anyone experienced this?

I’m seriously considering “downgrading” to a non-T-Type, non-electronic Eagle setup. My SRAM X01 Eagle has given me nothing but crisp shifting over the last 4 years, despite plenty of abuse and rock strikes, proven by multiple scuffs and scratches. :)

Appreciate any honest input.
Ive been running the original axs derailleurs since their birth and have nothing but praise for them. Ive had gx x0 and xx1 and honestly wouldnt be able to tell you the difference between them on a blind ride test. My riding style is everything but smooth and my bikes spend plenty of time skipping across the dirt, upside down and sideways 😂.

Ive been reluctant to try the transmission axs stuff, mainly because of the price. Idk, I have always been able to find great deals on the og axs stuff. Anyway, I recently rode a friends bike that has the transmission and it is fantastic.

As far as setup, if you can manage setting up a mechanical derailleur, the axs stuff is a breeze. Apparently the transmission stuff is even easier than the og version. No bgap.
 
Ive been running the original axs derailleurs since their birth and have nothing but praise for them. Ive had gx x0 and xx1 and honestly wouldnt be able to tell you the difference between them on a blind ride test. My riding style is everything but smooth and my bikes spend plenty of time skipping across the dirt, upside down and sideways 😂.

Ive been reluctant to try the transmission axs stuff, mainly because of the price. Idk, I have always been able to find great deals on the og axs stuff. Anyway, I recently rode a friends bike that has the transmission and it is fantastic.

As far as setup, if you can manage setting up a mechanical derailleur, the axs stuff is a breeze. Apparently the transmission stuff is even easier than the og version. No bgap.
Thanks for the insight, appreciated. My concern is mainly about the SRAM Transmission (T-Type) derailleurs. Unlike the older Eagle (non T-Type), I keep seeing feedback that they can be a bit finicky or sensitive in terms of setup and alignment.

I’m currently on a non-AXS Eagle setup and it’s been consistently snappy and precise, even with plenty of abuse, so I’m trying to understand if Transmission really matches that crispy shifting quality.
 
Thanks for the insight, appreciated. My concern is mainly about the SRAM Transmission (T-Type) derailleurs. Unlike the older Eagle (non T-Type), I keep seeing feedback that they can be a bit finicky or sensitive in terms of setup and alignment.

I’m currently on a non-AXS Eagle setup and it’s been consistently snappy and precise, even with plenty of abuse, so I’m trying to understand if Transmission really matches that crispy shifting quality.
I find it’s not as fast or crisp as non T type but the setup and ability to micro adjust the shifting has resulted in a system that requires far less adjustment and is easier to setup then non T type.

If you’re considering switching, I’d wait until after the first week of April, as there’s word of an update to the SRAM offerings releasing alongside the new enduro suspension updates.
 
I was able to snag one of the forged frames, but I'm curious about the EXT Arma tuning. Anyone have any idea what coil will come with it or how it is tuned by EXT for a stock bike? I have an EXT E-Storia on my Transition Repeater PT and I am happy with the tune and the coil size.
I’m sure it will be tuned by EXT for the frame. Mine came tuned for the frame on my Nicolai bikes and when ordering a cascade link on another bike. They have US headquarters in Utah. I’d figure out what could weight you need and email Troyden.
 
Thanks for the insight, appreciated. My concern is mainly about the SRAM Transmission (T-Type) derailleurs. Unlike the older Eagle (non T-Type), I keep seeing feedback that they can be a bit finicky or sensitive in terms of setup and alignment.

I’m currently on a non-AXS Eagle setup and it’s been consistently snappy and precise, even with plenty of abuse, so I’m trying to understand if Transmission really matches that crispy shifting quality.
I think the mixed experiences with T type comes down to home mechanics not setting it up properly. Which is also surprising because I find the whole system amazingly easy to set up; it's one of the top benefits. I've also found them to be more consistent bc they're less prone to being knocked out of alignment. I will say I don't find the overall shifting crisper than cable, it's jsut a different feeling. The shifting speed is as fast as you'd want with the torque of an emtb.

Smoothshift is a game changer for me that I've imagined having since I started mtbing in the 90s. I would deal with any real or perceived negative of T type to be able to shift whenever I want. To set it up once the cord is plugged in you only need to go into the touch screen and select the option.
 
Anyone running a Crestline RS 181 with DJI Avinox; given it has SRAM AXS power cord and GX Eagle AXS T-Type derailleur, does SmoothShift actually work, or does it need extra setup?

View attachment 179745

Also, for AXS T-Type users, how’s shifting quality? I briefly rode three bikes with XO and XX derailleurs and two had inconsistent shifting (either in the higher or lower gear range). I’ve also read that AXS setup can be finicky and that even a small knock to the cage can throw it out of alignment. Has anyone experienced this?

I’m seriously considering “downgrading” to a non-T-Type, non-electronic Eagle setup. My SRAM X01 Eagle has given me nothing but crisp shifting over the last 4 years, despite plenty of abuse and rock strikes, proven by multiple scuffs and scratches. :)

Appreciate any honest input.
I have an x0 t type on my Druid core with the power cord and it’s amazing. Shifts super fast and it’s always crisp. Shifting while coasting is a game changer. Basically get the benefits of a gearbox on your ebike! Not to mention all the oohs and ahhs when you can pick up your rear wheel and show your friends the auto shifting in the parking lot 😂
 
"I’m seriously considering “downgrading” to a non-T-Type, non-electronic Eagle setup. My SRAM X01 Eagle has given me nothing but crisp shifting over the last 4 years, despite plenty of abuse and rock strikes, proven by multiple scuffs and scratches." :)

Currently running an XO1 mechanical on my old Levo 3 and it has held up great. It has "smooth shifting" too kind of, well my legs do after all these years riding with these things anyhow!

You hit anything hard enough, something is going to give. Actually I replaced a UDH hanger one time, and NOT the derailleur which was almost free (under $15). Seems SRAM found a much more expensive breaking point or two with their "upgraded models"... good for them?!

Didnt think I needed an electronic shifter really, but then I tried out the Amflow demo. It was the stinkin great coast shift feature that sold me as I was able to change gears without the needs for turning the cranks in the rough stuff or on quick gradient changes.

Without coast shift I dont think I would have been able to justify the cost... heck maybe it still doesn't justify the cost!?
 
I find it’s not as fast or crisp as non T type but the setup and ability to micro adjust the shifting has resulted in a system that requires far less adjustment and is easier to setup then non T type.

If you’re considering switching, I’d wait until after the first week of April, as there’s word of an update to the SRAM offerings releasing alongside the new enduro suspension updates.

Had a feeling something better may be coming soon.. but I stumbled on a 20% site wide deal and picked up my Hayes brake, XO transmission, OneUp dropper and some other goodies to be ready to finish the build when this thing shows up!

On this note, you guys see Industry 9 has a 35% off site wide sale going on now too?! Tempted to try out the stem in a shorter 32mm reach.

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Their stuff is pricey, so 35% off everything is calling out to my "sense of value" today!!
 
IMO the only stem worthy of the forged carbon frameset is the Cascade Cockpit raw dog stem.
 
If you want a deal on a 32mm stem, check Jenson for a Raceface Turbine R stem 57% off in any color but black. $50.


Thanks for this. I noticed you can also get the Industry 9 stem from Jenson for the 35% off AND free shipping (which you need to spend over $150 on i9 site to get shipping).

IMO the only stem worthy of the forged carbon frameset is the Cascade Cockpit raw dog stem.

I like you're thinking!

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Always love to match components when they work. And why not run a beefy Cascade Components Cockpit stem to compliment their suspension design and sexy frame linkage!

Of course they have black to go with the Plaid too, I am thinking about this one now too for sure!! (y)
 
Ive been running the original axs derailleurs since their birth and have nothing but praise for them. Ive had gx x0 and xx1 and honestly wouldnt be able to tell you the difference between them on a blind ride test. My riding style is everything but smooth and my bikes spend plenty of time skipping across the dirt, upside down and sideways 😂.

Ive been reluctant to try the transmission axs stuff, mainly because of the price. Idk, I have always been able to find great deals on the og axs stuff. Anyway, I recently rode a friends bike that has the transmission and it is fantastic.

As far as setup, if you can manage setting up a mechanical derailleur, the axs stuff is a breeze. Apparently the transmission stuff is even easier than the og version. No bgap.
Had a transmission deraileur brick up with a blinking yellow light last week. No solution, out of warranty, toss in the bin.

All the modularity is a joke. When the sparky parts expire it's a $600 paperweight. Done with electric shifting.

A motor/battery on a bike adds complexity & cost but doubles your laps. A motor/battery on a derailleur adds complexity & cost, full stop.

Is the added cost for AXS worth avoiding the headache of routing the cable and doing periodic adjustments (while also taking on the risk of it randomly turning into a paperweight)?

That's a personal decision.
 
Is the added cost for AXS worth avoiding the headache of routing the cable and doing periodic adjustments (while also taking on the risk of it randomly turning into a paperweight)?
Angry rant mode: ON

I just don't get why anyone would pay a ton of money for wireless shifting that's slower and not as crisp as a regular ~200g lighter cable derailleur. It seems like the nearly half-kilo T-type derailleur was made for rich newbies entering the e-bike world who want the latest bling but don't even know how to shift properly because they never rode an "ancient" derailleur system. So now they're able to just mash their gears under power. Then this great "invention" was shoved down our throats with OEM-specced bikes. And then there's the annoying setup, where you need precise torque for the axle or the shifting will be crap. Seriously, Shimano and SRAM, use those MGU patents of yours and get them out there already! We're sick of these simple derailleur systems getting more complicated and expensive!

And exhale...
 
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^^ I am considering the Megamo specs as confirming the 130nm and 1300watts rumored! I dont think anyone was ever going to pass this thing already though.

Agree also the rear derailleur and shifting has to be the most annoying part of cycling since the wheel was invented. Maybe this will change before we die but I am losing hope.

Scooped up an XO transmission for myself this round to give it a go, but would not recommend it to anyone just yet!

Damn, this bike is gonna be so stinkin FUN!
 
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