llavalle's A4X Build

[llavalle]

Posting here (the Adventure series forum) since this is likely where the A4X will end up

I'll document my build and try to get it updated.

The plan :

• Get a A4X Frameset in order to avoid paying 13% tariffs into Canada (bike parts are 5% instead)
  • this gives me roughly $2700 CAD to pay for the rest of the components to break even. I would be happy to let Cruz take a cut of the profit on the components but the tariffs are.. yeah, not the same.
  • I can configure with the exact components Cruz ships the bike with or get something more to my liking (which I'll do)
• Get a cheap set of 650b gravel bike wheel - probably second hand to see if I like the height and ride, measure clearance and such. If I don't like it, might go with 700C or 24in depending on the height when riding. Undecided for now.
• Get a cheap groupo from AliExpress to get started. I don't like how the new Shimano HG+ 12 speed feels and don't like the NX 12 either. The cues, I hate lol.. Might go with a 2x GRX system too. Undecided here longer term. I want multi gear shifts down (and maybe up!)
• Get a ok crank (155 or 160mm) with 2-3 chainrings (6mm offset) (38-40-42)
• Get cheap Shimano / Tektro hydraulic brakes to get started
• Maybe add electricity in there at one point!

I don't really travel with my bike so I don't need a lot of storage. Think fitness runs and day trips to grab lunch somewhere <30 miles away. Mix of pavement / bikepaths / gravel bikepaths / very light dirt roads

Steps taken :

• 2026-03-17 - Ordered A4X frameset with a few accessories from Cruzbike. Box is already on it's way (we're the 18th!) and expected to arrive by end of week! Nice!
  • A4X Frameset in bronze color
  • A4X Framebag - might be temporary or permanent but I'd rather have that than a rear rack with weight sitting up high. The official rack isn't MIK compatible either so I didn't find it compelling to me. (I know I can add a plate). To carry tools + spare tube / tubeless repair kit.
  • Ventisit cushion
  • 2 bottle cages
  • light mount stub
  • extra derailleur hanger (always carry one, this will save your butt!)
  • Front derailer mount in case I go the 2x route
  • And the sunlite rollpack just to carry light stuff like jacket or rain coat
• 2026-03-18 - Found a cheap set (~$140 USD) of 650B wheels. Takeoff set from a low-mid range gravel bike.
  • Novatec 981/982 hubs (12x100 and 12x142)
  • WTB ST i19 TCS 2.0 rims (on the narrow end but at that price I'll get them)
  • 14ga black spokes
  • comes with 1x 160mm disk and 1x 140mm disk (I have extra 160mm disks at home to use)
  • brand new Vittoria Terreno Zero in 650b x 47b
  • less than 100km on them
  • Guy doesn't know if it has a normal HG or HG road cassette. I'm trying to find time this week to go measure and pick them up. Fingers crossed it has the endcaps and all.
• 2026-03-18 - decided to order a few things from AliExpress
  • Since I don't know if the freehub is HG or HG Road, I went with a MTB groupset. If it's HG-Road, I'll add the shim behind the cassette
  • Went with a Deore 1x11 derailler, chain & shifter with the 11-51 cassette
  • I can upgrade to the XT 1x11 shifter that allows dual upshift if I see the need but usually I want the multi downshift when I slow down abruptly.
  • Also picked up a cheap set of MT200 hydraulic brakes. They are super basic but I've had them on a few bikes and they work great. Wanted them because of the long handles on the levers - unsure if that's a good idea or not but we'll see. Might go with the bigger MT420 for later on for other reasons (see below)
• 2026-03-18 - the crank was more problematic
  • Wanted 155 or 160mm + chainrings available in the 38-40-42 range + spacing for non-boost (so "minus 6mm")
  • I now get why Cruz is going with the Croder crank! Didn't get it at first but yeah...
  • Wanted a shimano crank but the MTB stuff has small chainrings.. and the road stuff has the wrong spacing
  • Went with a Evocid crank (160mm) + 2 chainrings, one 38 and a 40, both in 6mm offset (3 screw Sram standard)
• 2026-03-18 - final order from Fortnine.ca
  • TRP Flatmount 140mm to 160mm Post mount adapters (2x) for my MTB hydraulic brakes
  • SM-BH59-JK-SS Brake Hose kit from shimano (2 meters aka 6'6" long hose kit) for the rear caliper

I have the rest I need at home already : screw on grips with end caps and cable / sheath for the derailleur
As of right now, my $2700 CAD budget for parts has almost 2K left - the take off wheel set is an insane price.

Electrification ideas. I prefer having pedal assist with torque sensor. I don't like the cadence feeling. I heard throttles are cool to get started on a recumbent on an incline and they are actually legal here (up to 32kph/20mph). Never had a throttle on an ebike before. Only middrives (currently Bosch Active Line + on a Trek Verve 3+)

• Grin All Axle front kit installed in the back with a small-ish battery. I only need assist like on a bosch mid drive, 500wh battery is overkill right now on a upright bike...so a small 36V bottle battery would be perfect here! Supports throttle + torque sensing if I can find a compatible bottom bracket. I have 3d scanner and printer capabilities + access to a machine shop to fab some brackets for the torque arm / battery mount.
• BiMotal : reached out to them, they say using a TRP adapter is ok and I would just need to swap to using a quad pot caliper to fit the larger 180mm disk. Throttle only but this is legal here.
• Skarper : not available in Canada right now. No throttle since the euro market doesn't allow it.
• CYC Photon installed up front. Might not ride nice, who knows, I might do some test with weights. Overpowered for my need but a rare torque sensing mid drive with a throttle in a nice package. A friend has one on his MTB and it feels nice (like my Bosch but more powerful)
• Grin All Axle REAR kit installed in the front. Works with built-in torque sensing through the freehub / cassette. Unsure of the ride quality here. Would give me torque sensing + throttle but wiring won't be as clean as in the back.

The missing pieces :

• Lights - unsure what I'll do here. I'll pickup some basic Cateye stuff first.
• Flag - needed or not? This isn't as low as a Catrike so maybe not?
• Power meter : I like having that to track my fitness and just because I'm a stats nerd. I could pickup a chainring one but I'll deal with that later. Dual pedals are king here but expensive and I'm not an athlete!

As soon as the stuff starts to get here, I'll post pictures!

 

[Greg S]

Since you’re going the AliExpress route with some of the components, another option for group/drivetrain would have been Wheeltop.

 

[llavalle]

Since you’re going the AliExpress route with some of the components, another option for group/drivetrain would have been Wheeltop.

My brother actually has one lying around. He had that on his build before switching to a full XT 12 speed. Seems like a super nice piece of kit. Gear spacing is adjustable, number of gears, etc.

I might try it out (it's the original EDS OX I believe). He asked me if I wanted it.

The Deore 1x11 is what I'll start with. Never had a 1x system (except on an ebike) so I might just switch everything to GRX with a 2x if I don't like it. The groupset was $100 USD - Shimano has stopped selling those a while ago at retail and pretty sure the cassette and chains are going to be non genuine. Bought from a reputable seller I've done business with before but even they get some fake stuff, especially chains.

I might just keep the Deore 1x11 until Shimano comes out with a DI2 system that doesn't require a mid drive and battery. They just released the new Cues Q Auto with the dynamo but I'm not convinced

I might just end up with a wireless GX system from SRAM.

 

[llavalle]

Just received the CruzBike package. Box was a bit damaged but everything seems fine - I'm working right now so I'll do the inventory later.

Odd thing that never happened to me before : package was shipped in 2 boxes. CruzBike uses Shopify and it took care of Canadian duties and taxes and the proper paperwork (commercial invoice, etc). However, since the value of one of the package was more than $3,300 CAD, it didn't fall into the "Low Value Shipment" category that most packages do. For Canadians, look up "CLVS". All I needed to do is use the link in the UPS tracking and just sign a power of attorney to allow them to go through customs with the package. Took less than 5min.

First impression : nice, love the color!



I had to check the rear dropout spec to see if a 15x100 TA hub with an adapter sleeve would fit in. I'm not sure it would. The outside diameter of the endcaps of a 12x100 is usually around 19mm. A 15x100 is usually around 20-21mm. A fork for a 15x100 usually has a pocket of 22mm leaving 0.5mm around the endcap.

I measured the axle at 11.92mm and the gap around it at 4.29mm




The 4.29 is probably a tad bigger, I wasn't able to use proper technique to measure.

11.92 + 4.29 + 4.29 = 20.5mm - probably not a good idea unless you want to rub the paint off. It's probably easier to just chuck the endcaps in a lathe and reduce the diameter slighly - just at the end. Anyhow, I've got a set of gravel wheel with 12x100 endcaps in sight, I should be fine.

I should be able to pickup the wheels this weekend and most of my other stuff is on the way. Fortnine shipped my order overnight (FM to PM brake caliper adapter) and everything on AliExpress has shipped too.

Why is it snowing in here again?

 

[llavalle]

Updates

Picked up the set of used wheels. Uses a HG Road freehub so I'll need the shim on the back . Bearings run great, wheels a bit dirty but tires almost new.

Assembled what I could of the bike :
-Headset, fork & front triangle, wheels and seat
-Routed the 2M long hydraulic line for the rear brake (used a piece of romex wire - worked great)
-Installed the TRP brake adapters




My garage is a mess



Couple of issues so far :
-the skewers for the seat back adjustment are too long, had to add washers. Looked at the assembly video more carefully and they were supposed to come with shims / thick washers. Mine didn't.
-the screws that came with the bottle cage with the spacers aren't long enough for some reason, that's odd. It's as if the seat back is too thick?
-there's a very annoying scratch on the seat's slider. This part was covered during shipping by cardboard so it happened at the factory. weak QA perhaps? Reached out to CruzBike to see what we can do about that
-the rear suspension is VERY squeaky. I'll try to remove the shock to see if something is missing lube. Hopefully it's not the shock.


Couple of pics :

The scratch on the seat base - won't be really visible but at this price point I was expecting better QA




The PM to FM adapter


The fishing technique for the hose :


2Meter long hose barely enough




Package I used :


I also found that the whole frame was covered in little spots of oil. At first it looked like contamination on the anodizing of some parts but after using 100% IPA , I managed to clean it up. A rag with a gentle soap wasn't working at all.

All of the AliExpress stuff is on the way (shipped and all) so hopefully I'll have everything within the next 2 weeks or so. It's still snowing anyway

 

[bhave]

What I like about the A4X frame is it closely resembles the V2K frame. I bought the conversion kit back in 2008 and built a few versions of my Cruzbike using Y-frame donors before buying the V2K frame. It was the most comfortable cruzbike for distance riding and touring on mixed terrain. I put almost 10,000 miles on that bike. Since selling it, I have owned a QX100, T50, and a Q45, but they don't quite ride the same. I have an emeljay mod on the Q45. It rides beautifully, but I wish I could sit lower on the top bar and the A4X seems to have achieved this. I'm really curious to see your end product. Thanks for posting pictures of your build!

 

[llavalle]

What I like about the A4X frame is it closely resembles the V2K frame. I bought the conversion kit back in 2008 and built a few versions of my Cruzbike using Y-frame donors before buying the V2K frame. It was the most comfortable cruzbike for distance riding and touring on mixed terrain. I put almost 10,000 miles on that bike. Since selling it, I have owned a QX100, T50, and a Q45, but they don't quite ride the same. I have an emeljay mod on the Q45. It rides beautifully, but I wish I could sit lower on the top bar and the A4X seems to have achieved this. I'm really curious to see your end product. Thanks for posting pictures of your build!

It's very close to the V2k! In fact, when I pulled it out of the box, it reminded me of a super short dual suspension frame that was just missing the bottom bracket!

Couple of issues so far :
-the skewers for the seat back adjustment are too long, had to add washers. Looked at the assembly video more carefully and they were supposed to come with shims / thick washers. Mine didn't.
-the screws that came with the bottle cage with the spacers aren't long enough for some reason, that's odd. It's as if the seat back is too thick?
-there's a very annoying scratch on the seat's slider. This part was covered during shipping by cardboard so it happened at the factory. weak QA perhaps? Reached out to CruzBike to see what we can do about that
-the rear suspension is VERY squeaky. I'll try to remove the shock to see if something is missing lube. Hopefully it's not the shock.

CruzBike support got back to me on these issues (over the weekend, wasn't expecting that!)
-They had me measure the skewers - they are at 130mm. I was told these are the good ones and that shims / spacers aren't needed. It's very odd since it clearly does not and that their own assembly video shows shims / spacers. Maybe they have a different supplier and that the skewer rod is not threaded as "deep".

Fully tightened, closed skewer - there's still a gap visible



Screenshot of their assembly video showing the shims / washers



-Same for the bottle cage screws - they are the proper ones. They sent me a picture of their demo bike and the top screw doesn't even engage the nylon in the nyloc, let alone having the regular 2-3 threads showing. So I guess what I got isn't defective, it's using off the shelf hardware that isn't the proper size. I'll fix that myself

-Scratch on the frame : they offered compensation

-Squeaky suspension : they recommended lubricating the 2 shocks pivots which didn't help but while the shock was off, I also tested the swing arm which was fine too...that meant the issue was the shock itself. After a few tests, turns out it was the dust seal squeaking against chrome of the rod. Added a bit of lubrication and it went away.

 

[ak-tux]

View attachment 20016

It looks like the handlebar is facing the opposite direction? It's swooping towards the rider instead of away?

It should be like this right? :

 

[llavalle]

It looks like the handlebar is facing the opposite direction? It's swooping towards the rider instead of away?

It should be like this right? :

Indeed - I just put it that way to measure a worst case scenario cable length for the back

Good catch though!

 

[llavalle]

Electrification ideas. I prefer having pedal assist with torque sensor. I don't like the cadence feeling. I heard throttles are cool to get started on a recumbent on an incline and they are actually legal here (up to 32kph/20mph). Never had a throttle on an ebike before. Only middrives (currently Bosch Active Line + on a Trek Verve 3+)

• BiMotal : reached out to them, they say using a TRP adapter is ok and I would just need to swap to using a quad pot caliper to fit the larger 180mm disk. Throttle only but this is legal here.

So after some back and forth with BiMotal, where they sent me some pictures of their system with the 180mm rotor installed on some CruzBike (super close up, unsure which model) we identified a spot where it might be too tight.



You can find their full CAD drawing on their integration guide. It links to a .step file that has the 203mm model but you can ask for the CAD model of the 180mm gear and rotor.

Anyhow, to clear the issue, I decided to 3d print the rotor assembly... and while it was printing I realized I had installed 180mm disks up front on my Trek Verve so I temporarily stole the Shimano RT-56 180mm rotor from my front wheel on the Trek and installed it on my 650b wheelset.

It does NOT fit. Well, it did fit if I aligned the notch in the disk to match the corner of the frame and weld but the it would only rotate a few degrees. So I guess the BiMotal is a no-go for the A4X because the rear end is different from the other CruzBikes.





Also :

CruzBike support got back to me on these issues (over the weekend, wasn't expecting that!)
-They had me measure the skewers - they are at 130mm. I was told these are the good ones and that shims / spacers aren't needed. It's very odd since it clearly does not and that their own assembly video shows shims / spacers. Maybe they have a different supplier and that the skewer rod is not threaded as "deep".

Fully tightened, closed skewer - there's still a gap visible

Turns out this is the early adopter tax The complete bikes kit came with the washers / spacers but the frameset did not. They are shipping over the missing parts and adding them in for future orders.

 

[peterwinston]

My full bike came with 2 washers each...

It's very close to the V2k! In fact, when I pulled it out of the box, it reminded me of a super short dual suspension frame that was just missing the bottom bracket!




CruzBike support got back to me on these issues (over the weekend, wasn't expecting that!)
-They had me measure the skewers - they are at 130mm. I was told these are the good ones and that shims / spacers aren't needed. It's very odd since it clearly does not and that their own assembly video shows shims / spacers. Maybe they have a different supplier and that the skewer rod is not threaded as "deep".

Fully tightened, closed skewer - there's still a gap visible

View attachment 20032

Screenshot of their assembly video showing the shims / washers

View attachment 20033

-Same for the bottle cage screws - they are the proper ones. They sent me a picture of their demo bike and the top screw doesn't even engage the nylon in the nyloc, let alone having the regular 2-3 threads showing. So I guess what I got isn't defective, it's using off the shelf hardware that isn't the proper size. I'll fix that myself

-Scratch on the frame : they offered compensation

-Squeaky suspension : they recommended lubricating the 2 shocks pivots which didn't help but while the shock was off, I also tested the swing arm which was fine too...that meant the issue was the shock itself. After a few tests, turns out it was the dust seal squeaking against chrome of the rod. Added a bit of lubrication and it went away.

 

[llavalle]

My full bike came with 2 washers each...

Yup - see my previous message - CruzBike is fixing this on frameset.

Big update today. Received my groupset, crankset and chainrings from AliExpress. It's starting to look more and more like a read bike.

Started by installing the cassette with the 1.85mm shim behind (since it's a HG Road hub and a 11-51 MTB cassette)






Installed my rotors and torqued everything up



Installed the bottom bracket (DUB) with the default (3mm offset) chainring to see what the chainline would look like using a 3d printed gauge. 52mm (not good). I could flip the shims on the crankset axle but I just installed my 6mm chainring (same as the factory bike). Shown here is the 3mm one :



Measured the chain using Shimano's guide, removed a few links and added a chain link - starting to look like a bike now (with the proper chainring). Using a 40T for now. Might go up to a 42 at one point, we'll see.


Note that the derailleur isn't adjusted so the chain isn't sitting on the smallest cog right now so chain looks a bit short (it's not)

I've also installed one of the Shimano MT-200 caliper to measure the inboard distance to see if a hubmotor from Grin would fit (it doesn't not). I also realized that the Shimano levers will be problematic with orientation - if there's a small bubble of air in the reservoir (which is likely, it's not like a Magura, it needs to stay "up", can't flip the levers for left VS right)... on a Q45/A4X handlebar, it'll go right in the hose





As a plan B, I just ordered a set of TRP Spyre - picked up the flatmount ones with flat mount 140 to 160mm plates. Wasn't sure if the post mount were bigger but didn't want to take a chance. I also picked up nice Shimano Tiagra levers for the short pull flat mount calipers.

 

[llavalle]

I also played with my 3d printer.

Started by 3d printing the BiMotal gear drive and disk to see if something could be done to make it fit. Even with a 5mm shim on the thruaxle, it still bends the disk (in plastic)





=> That means that unlike other CruzBike models, the BiMotal (the current version with the 180mm rotor) isn't compatible with the A4X

I then pivoted to Grin. Started by looking at their batteries -> They make this super nice LiGo 10x battery system that comes in "modules" of <100wh (to be able to fly with). Then hook together using XT-60 plugs.

Printed 3 of them and taped them together (in a row). They *might* fit inside the frame if the shock is put on the rear position. It will fit in the custom A4X bag if you do 2 on top and 1 on bottom (and then use a small XT-60 jumping wire)



They also sell a rail system which can have only the batteries OR one that include a spot for the controller (which would make a SUPER clean install).

Here's the basic version :

The rail is made to hook up to bottle holder holes so they also fit perfectly on the each side of the swingarm


Here's the other side that uses the "bigger" dock (18.9mm - roughly just under 3/4in) - so it sticks further down and out.



And while I was at it, I decided to just 3d print the whole motor to check clearance on the calipers lol... (printing right now). Decided not to split the model so I'll waste a bit of filament but wanted to go to bed lol

 

[Boreen bimbler]

Fair play thats some effort. I usually just get the spanners out and put a bike together. I do understand the checking for motor compatability though.

 

[llavalle]

So 3d printing the Grin All Axle Front was a good idea.




As I thought, caliper clearance with the Shimano MT-200 is problematic



Spoke spacing on the right is a bit tight but will be ok since the spokes are installed inside on a Grin AA motor



The torque arm is a problem though - looks like its diameter is a bit too large (or it's too thick) and touches the frame a bit. I know it doesn't rotate but I don't like that. I'll take more detailed measurements since this was the underside of the print (with supports) so thickness isn't perfect on my 3d print on this side.



Torque arm at the "proper" orientation (the torque arm has countersunk screw holes so it goes that way. Screws don't take the load so I could flip it.



Bret did flip his on his Q45 : https://forum.cruzbike.com/threads/electric-2021-q45.14218/page-2#post-173204



I also like the placement of threaded insert in the swing arm - I could fab something that is held around the swing arm and fixed in place on that hole.

Well worth the ~$15 in printer filament and 1 day of printing

 

[danhunt56]

Did Grin give you the cad file to print these parts. It is sad that Cruzbike is not offering a drop axel swing arm option for easy motorizing. I love my Bafang 500 watt hub motor on my Quest 2.0.

 

[llavalle]

Did Grin give you the cad file to print these parts

They are all directly accessible on their website : https://ebikes.ca/product-info/grin-products/all-axle-hub-motor.html

 

[llavalle]

Ok... I feel stupid now. The BiMotal setup clearly fits perfectly fine on the front wheel







I installed the shifter and started to adjust the derailer but I think something might be up. Chain line looks really extreme to me and can't get the 11 speed to work reliably... I think my cable housing might be wrong (even though it's branded Shimano SIS). I'm getting Jagwire housing delivered tomorrow to see if that fixes the issue!

Might be the derailleur hanger too - looks good to the eye but perhaps it's just slightly bent (in transit). I have a tool to check this somewhere but can't find it right now.

Stay tuned!

 

[Robert Holler]

Thanks for posting your build and also the patience as we work through the packing issues on some small items like the washers for the skewers, etc.

For a new model there are always a few small hitches the first go around.

The bottle cage bolts look to be a manufacturing defect - I just did an assembly for a customers new A4x with two bottles cages/spacers and the bolts were just the right length for one cage but one was about 1mm short for the 4th. I have slight longer bolts on order to replace those in stock so that should be solved.

 

[llavalle]

Thanks for posting your build and also the patience as we work through the packing issues on some small items like the washers for the skewers, etc.

For a new model there are always a few small hitches the firs go around.

The bottle cage bolts look to be a manufacturing defect - I just did an assembly for a customers new A4x with two bottles cages/spacers and the bolts were just the right length for one cage but one was about 1mm short for the 4th. I have slight longer bolts on order to replace those in stock so that should be solved.

Thanks for following up Robert. I received a package from you guys that included the required shims and washers for the QR skewers and a replacement shock. Haven't had the time to test the new shock but the spacers obviously fix the issue.

I was expecting a bit of an early adopter tax here, especially on a frameset No worries at all! I've also added longer screws for the bottles, I had a bunch lying around.

I just need to see if a new cable housing makes everything better for shifting. My chainline is sitting at exactly 49mm now but I'm wondering if the factory bike is narrower since it uses a "BSA Road BB" with a +6mm offset making it narrower (likely 45.5mm or 47.5mm).

A 49mm chainline should work, I have another bike with a 142 ThruAxle and a 49mm chainline with the exact same groupset (Shimano Deore 11 speed with a 11-51) but perhaps the chainstay is longer on the cruz? I'll do a few tests tonight