Skunkworks: An Open Mold Invades Italy (update 12/20)

[ihs0yz]

Gee, I wonder if other FM066 owners are having similar problems. Would you say your issues were exclusive?

[seanblurr]

Maybe, maybe not. I raced this bike a lot this season, which means I was always working on it. If I built the bike and never touched it, or never rode in the rain I doubt I would realize it had these problems.

[Evo400]

I enjoyed reading your thread. Thanks

I also purchased a HongFu Fm069 and I must say I'm absolutely delighted with this frame. It really is a high end Chinese frame in comparison to what's out there and the Chinese frames I have seen.

The quality is good and no issues were found with my frame. ( I don't have many miles done yet to comment on issues you had, but so far so good) ( I have full Ultegra 6800 group set on mine)

In comparison to my Pinarello F4, the Fm069 is much stiffer, lighter and somehow a much nicer frame to ride. I didnt think I would say that initially.

For the price you pay, I don't think it can get better.

Happy New Year.

[glepore]

FWIW, the hanger area on the 066 is somewhat flexy, not a lot of meat where the hanger interfaces with the frame, but in use I've not had any issues. However, I look a lot different than Sean and likely don't tighten my rear qr as much (and with the vert dropouts don't see a need). As to water intrusion, not sure, as I don't ride a hell of a lot in the rain, but I could see how the cable exit at the bb area could be a water magnet, but drilling a drainhole would certainly help if it became an issue.

[seanblurr]

Glad you enjoyed the thread.

Something new is in the works!

[WheresWaldo]

Sean, your from my neck of the woods, I am sure I have seen you ride here locally, but you are in a different league than I am. I ride with the old and fat guys.

[seanblurr]

Ah right on. I was only in NC for a few months, I'm back in California now.

[5DII]

Did the bike come with the derailleur hanger?
Did people at races, rides, etc get curious and ask you about the frame?

[seanblurr]

yes and yes

[goleafsgo5]

so how are the planet x brakes treating you now?

[Krull]

its a pity, that your fm-069 has those technical problem, it has been such a nice build! (and amazing picture-quality!)
looking forward to your new project!
regards

[seanblurr]

Brakes have held up fine. I have thought about switching to something else, manly for better modulation and power. But the weight loss from these and savings, I haven't had a reason to.

[roadbikenewbie]

nice bike..of course nice photos too

[obiwanshinobi]

While the original meaning of the term Skunkworks used by Lockheed Martin during WW2 to develop fighter aircraft is still around, the term has become more generic, like ‘Tissue’ (despite being a registered trade mark), and in todays world it can mean anything from a group creating a project together, or an unknown entity producing a product. I first heard the term used back when I was involved in racing cars referring to a certain 'skunkworks' engine builder. This mentality fits with this bike build. While I am no engineer, and everything was bought (I even had a LBS put it together!), I decided to drop the glamour of a name brand frame, and set out to build a top-level bicycle with a budget. I introduce you, to Skunkworks. (There may be a ghost sticker on the bike at some point…).

I pieced together the bike over a few months because of my budget minded shopping. Only a hand full of parts were bought at full price, while most were discounted via sites like Chain Love, Ebay or here. Because of that I easily saved a few grand in the overall cost. While this is WW, there were only two weights that I was really concerned about; the frame, and the completed bike. Therefore I do not have a weight list, however all the parts are name brand and weights are posted around the net…

Let’s get to the bike.

The frame is a FM-069 from Hong-Fu. Overall, the look and feel of the frame is quite good. At a size 50 it scaled in at 880 grams, a tad heavier then I thought, but still decent. It took about a month to get to me, but that was due to the fact that it was sent to the US, and then forwarded to me in Italy. So far, great experience with Hong-Fu. Below is the complete build list:

Complete bike weight as pictured (6.68kg/14.7lbs)

Frame – Hong Fu FM-069 (880g)
Wheels – Mavic Cosmic 40c (I meant to scale these, but installed the cassette before I could)
Stem – 3T ARXII 90mm
Bars - 3T Ergonova Team
Shifters – Campy Record 11
Cranks – Campy Record 11 Compact 172.5
Pedals – Look Keo
Front D – Campy Super Record (Found cheapest on Ebay)
Rear D – Campy Super Record (Again was the cheaper option)
Cassette – Campy Super Record 12-27
Brakes – Planet X CNC (More on these later)
Pads - SwissStop Black Prince (Not pictured)
Bottle cages – Hong-Fu carbon (I did scale these, they were 25g each)
Seatpost – Fizik Cyrano Carbon
Saddle – Fizik Arione CX Carbon
Tires – Vittoria Open Corsa CX

First impressions are superb! Compared to my older Wilier (last picture) the difference is that of a new age Ferrari and an early 90's Ferrari. First off there is almost a 4lbs weight difference, which is huge. Second the frame is much stiffer, this makes it noticeably more vibrant and 'twitchy' (In a good way). . Along with the switch to 172.5 crank arms from 170, it really comes alive out of the saddle and you can really tell which bike you are on. I don't think I really need to comment on the group set, Campy is well… Campy. Biggest thing is the brakes. I went with the Planet X calipers mainly based off the cost, and second because of the weight. I had heard mixed reviews, but decided to give them a shot anyways. First off, they look fantastic which is a plus. However their performance hasn't won me over yet. After the first ride (an 11km climb up Monte Serre and back down) I was ready to swap them out right when I got home. I had absolutely no confidence in them. Braking modulation was non existent and stopping power wasn't satisfying. The more I thought about it though, I realized that I was coming from Campy calipers and aluminum braking tracks to a full carbon wheel and WW calipers. I gave it another chance on a second ride and am starting to learn the brakes and realize their potential. While modulation still isn't very good, Im finding out that they actually do provide quite a bit of stopping power (I'm 158lbs). The cable stop mechanism is also iffy. I am having trouble clamping down on the cable enough and I feel under a really hard stop, the cable will pull right through. With that said, they will likely stay on my bike for the immediate future until I attempt to rig up some DuraAce calipers (yup…).

Unfortunately the weather here in Italy isn't being nice, so I was unable to get some nice scenic shots. Those will come in the future, but for now, here are some garage shots. Enjoy! *Full size photos available upon request.








The older Wilier (Has different wheels now…)

Such a beautiful bike!