The Fray isn't a big departure from the Melee. It's basically an older riders Melee. The market segment of older riders that aren't after an aggressive race fit is significant and with all the current proprietary bars/stems and internal routings the ability to get a faster backwards fit is pretty diminished. I think this was Enve's way to capture a part of that market segment. Here's a Fray we built for a client using the +12 stem option. It's not the fastest looking front end, but the owner is 78 with several fused vertebrae and this will fit him as his body requires. Also a stock picture to show it with the standard -6.

Maybe it's just me, but ...

The name "Fray" doesn't inspire a lot of confidence for a product that is made by weaving together a bunch of fibers.

Fray
 

I don't get all the haters on this site.

Fray has-
Good geometry and increased stack- check
Clearance for big tires and/or fenders- check
Internal storage- check
Comes with pieces to run the hoses external from headset to stem- check
2 of the 3 colors are understated- check
Light compared to other comfort bike like a Trek Domane or Specialized Roubaix- check

The only non-check might be price for some.

You forgot headset cable routing as a non-check. Will never buy a bike (of any genre) with this "feature."

Have you ordered on yet John? Do they offer an influencer discount? :eek:

Fray
 

I would but I already have a Melee and a Mog (Mog is still in the box). They both fit perfectly so I don't really need the Fray.
However, the clearance for 40mm tires is compelling.

And how cool is this one? https://www.instagram.com/p/C5oF_CFJ...RlODBiNWFlZA==

PM me, I'll make you an offer you can refuse, but might not want to.

I'm still working on building up that Giant Revolt frameset you sold me, but maybe I'll set myself a reminder to check in with you in 2025.

Yeah, I don't get the "hate" either. It's $4500 for the frame + fork, $1000 for the cockpit. Is that a lot of money? Yes. Is it equal or less than most other ultra-high-end or boutique framesets out there? No way. Look at the top spec offering from Trek, Specialized, Cannondale, etc. All at least as expensive.
Then look at Moots, Pegoretti, No22, etc. Even more expensive.

This bike is a good idea. I get so many inquiries from people who want high stack and low drop on fast but comfortable carbon road bikes. This reminds me of the new Giant Defy in a lot of ways: A performance bike that less flexible people can enjoy without making any comfort/fit compromises.

I probably won't be getting one because I already have a lot of bikes, and my sentimentally favorite bike already does everything the Fray does as a road/all-road/light-gravel bike. Albeit I'm certainly not in as high performance a capacity.

Anyway, cool bike, nice colors, and I think Enve's geometry across their entire line works better in an all-road capacity than a pure-road capacity, so this ought to handle great for what it's made to do.

Damn fiscally responsible economists.

I really like this bike, other than the cable routing. Minor annoyance.

I’ll have to keep up on the reviews and really consider selling both of my road and gravel bikes for this do-it-all bike.

There's a lot to like-geometry, tire clearance, down tube storage, fender mounts, aero... Not a fan of the cable routing or price but maybe I can get over it. What are some competitive bikes? Giant Defy, Canyon Endurace, BMC Roadmachine. It seems like most of the endurance bikes either have very relaxed geometry and/or parts that add compliance and weight.

Prices on everything are eye watering right now.

The bike overall looks good. I think the issue people are having with carbon bikes built overseas costing as much as metal bikes built in the US is a bit overblown. The amount of hand steps in doing the layups on these bikes all seems extreme if you watch the videos of how it's done.

Taiwan or even China labor can't make the bike cheap if it takes that much more time to build it than a metal bike. There are just too many more pieces that go into a carbon frame.

Geometry and overall look on this are good. I think they did an exceptional job of making it look good with what look to be riser stems even in the marketing pictures. Not sure what they are but they kind of look like they are 0 or 5 degree and it looks very clean with straight lines.

Seems like a very capable n=1 bike, much like the Aspero, even down to the color options.

All of those lack the tire clearance. Perhaps people don’t necessarily need 40mm clearance but considering fenders, it’d be nice to ride 35’s with plenty of clearance for fenders.

Trek Domane is an option but probably heavier.