Looking for an affordable frame kit to build up your next bikepacking or monster gravel rig? Farr just introduced two very interesting new frame kits to fulfill your needs. Looking to be quite versatile in their use, two different platforms have been added – one in aluminum, the other in steel.
The aluminum option comes in the form of the new GMX. That’s short for Gravel Monster Cross. Partially inspired by vintage mountain bikes, the GMX combines a custom 6061 aluminum frame and rigid chromoly frame that both accept mountain bike-sized tires and offer modern standards.
With room for 29 x 2.25″ tires on 23mm internal width rims, the GMX is a proper monster crosser with Boost spacing front and rear (148 x 12 and 110 x 15mm thru axles). The fork itself uses a 483mm axle to crown measurement so the frame is also compatible with a 100mm travel 29er suspension fork if desired. While the fork uses post mount brakes, the frame is fitted with a flat mount for the rear.
While the tire size may scream mountain bike, Farr has given the GMX a more gravel oriented geometry with 69° head tube angle, 74.5° seat tube angle, and 75mm BB drop on most sizes.
The frame featues a wide, hydroformed downtube, a 73mm threaded BB, 1x specific design, and mounts for two bottles in the front triangle, one on the downtube, and top tube mounts for a bag. Frame weight is claimed at 1809g for a small, with the fork checking in at 1405g with a 195mm steerer.
Sold as a frame kit for $695, that price includes the GMX frame, fork, integrated headset with sealed bearings, front and rear thru axles, an alloy seat post clamp, and all frame hardware for the various mounts. It does not include the bar or stem shown above. But if you want their Aero Gravel One Piece dropbar, you could certainly add it to your order.
ATB
Switching gears to a “modern off-road bike”, the ATB offers an inexpensive frame to build into your next geared or single speed mountain bike.
The chromoly steel frame includes sliding rear dropouts with Boost 148 x 12mm spacing to accommodate your preferred setup.
Since this is more likely to be used with a suspension fork, the Farr Frame Kit does not include a fork. Running a 69° head tube angle, the frame is meant to be paired with a 120 or 130mm travel suspension fork. Tire clearance is said to be up to 74mm (2.9″), but Farr calls out 29 x 2.35″ tires fitting “comfortably.”
Going with the bikepacking angle, the frame has a number of mounts with a three pack mount on the top of the downtube, standard bottle mounts on the seat tube, and bottom of downtube, and bag mounts on the top tube. Cable routing is all external, and the frame includes a 73mm threaded bottom bracket. There is also the option for dropper post routing.
Frame kits are priced at $495 and include the frame, a sealed headset, rear axle, alloy seat post clamp, and frame hardware. Both frame kits are available for pre-order, with all orders shipping from their new headquarters in Perth, Australia once available. We’re told the ATB will be available in October, with the GMX in November. Shipping is available world wide, with actual shipping prices quoted at checkout.
