Has anyone ordered a Chinese frame?
#1
Has anyone ordered a Chinese frame?
I would really like to hear from anyone who has assembled and put a few thousand miles on one. After a quick search noticed that there is a plethora of Chineese frames for sale. I would like to hear from anyone that has one in their stable. They are even selling knock offs like Chinarello's etc. I'm sure they are not top of the bin warrantied products. I just wondered has anyone had any experience and which companies they think are better ?
#3
Senior Member

Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,837
Likes: 253
Trace Velo and a ton more on youtube. Personally I'd stick to more legit chinese brands like Winspace, trifox, Yoeleo, ican, elves,, rather than knockoffs or completely unbranded stuff. I'm running chinese superteam carbon wheels for what it is worth.
#4
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2019
Posts: 146
Likes: 77
Tons of info on Carbonda frames at ridinggravel.com . There is a bunch of them is service with some pretty serious riders so I wouldn't be afraid of one at all.
I built a Carbonspeed fat bike a couple years ago that I've ridden quite a bit on some fairly rough terrain and I am a Clyde. It has been very good so far...
Nextie, Carbonda, Winspace are all good frames. You can watch Hambini on Youtube if he has examined a brand you are considering.
I built a Carbonspeed fat bike a couple years ago that I've ridden quite a bit on some fairly rough terrain and I am a Clyde. It has been very good so far...
Nextie, Carbonda, Winspace are all good frames. You can watch Hambini on Youtube if he has examined a brand you are considering.
#5
Senior Member


Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 8,625
Likes: 3,541
From: South shore, L.I., NY
Bikes: Trek Emonda SL7, Cannondale Topstone, Miyata City Liner, Specialized Chisel, Specialized Epic Evo
Flyxii road carbon, purchased and built about 5 years ago, so about 7,000 miles on it. Paid $358 shipped, which took less then a week.
It's not a light frame, I think in the 1500+ gram range with fork. It built up into a 17.5 lbs bike though, which is good enough for me and I'm a clyde. I ended up putting Di2 on it, which is wonderful. No issues with the build, it all went together as expected. Easy to add Di2, it's a BSA b-bracket frame (Only type I will buy) so easy to get cables run.
It's not a light frame, I think in the 1500+ gram range with fork. It built up into a 17.5 lbs bike though, which is good enough for me and I'm a clyde. I ended up putting Di2 on it, which is wonderful. No issues with the build, it all went together as expected. Easy to add Di2, it's a BSA b-bracket frame (Only type I will buy) so easy to get cables run.
Last edited by Steve B.; 01-07-23 at 09:50 AM.
#6
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 7,296
Likes: 577
From: Loveland, CO
Bikes: Cervelo Rouvida x 2
I bought a Yoeleo R12 in July. I was impressed with the quality and ordered another one with special order pearl white, soon after. Both have been great. They include an extra rear derailleur hanger a computer mount and some seat rail clamp parts, in addition to integrated bars and a seatpost. Headset top cap shims might be needed. Standard 1-1/8" shims will work. They have good paint jobs and more color options than most brands. I just went further into their website and see that they wised up and raised the price on the R12 from $1215 to $1590. With seatpost and integrated bar/stem it's still a good deal. On the downside, there's only two colors listed and the custom paint option is no longer offered. There were a lot more color options when i bought. The warranty period has been increased from 3 to 6 years.
https://www.yoeleobike.com/
https://www.yoeleobike.com/
Last edited by DaveSSS; 01-07-23 at 04:16 PM.
#7
Clark W. Griswold




Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 18,377
Likes: 6,704
From: ,location, location
Bikes: Foundry Chilkoot Ti W/Ultegra Di2, Salsa Timberjack Ti, Cinelli Mash Work RandoCross Fun Time Machine, 1x9 XT Parts Hybrid, Co-Motion Cascadia, Specialized Langster, Phil Wood Apple VeloXS Frame (w/DA 7400), R+M Supercharger2 Rohloff, Habanero Ti 26
Just FYI those fake branded frames are not from a third shift or something like that, they are fakes and knockoffs entirely. If you want a Pinarello, get a Pinarello, don't buy a fake one and even worse don't have decals and badging calling it a Pinarello. If you need a generic bike get a generic bike but fake badging to give it fake prestige is silly.
Habanero cycles I believe are from China but the owner, Mark actually has a relationship with one of the factories doing Titanium so it is less of a generic thing and more of a here is what I want and they build it and he inspects them when they come back over and supports them should you have an issue.
Habanero cycles I believe are from China but the owner, Mark actually has a relationship with one of the factories doing Titanium so it is less of a generic thing and more of a here is what I want and they build it and he inspects them when they come back over and supports them should you have an issue.
#8
Facts just confuse people




Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 19,367
Likes: 7,076
From: Mississippi
Bikes: Tarmac Disc Comp Di2 - 2020
This member talks about a steel frame he bought off of AliExpress about two years ago...
Chrome Molybdenum Steel from China, Anyone?
Pictures too.
You can get some great stuff, and you can get crap from there just like you can anywhere else.
Chrome Molybdenum Steel from China, Anyone?
Pictures too.
You can get some great stuff, and you can get crap from there just like you can anywhere else.
#10
Old and in the way



Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,491
Likes: 1,073
From: City of Oaks, NC
Bikes: Look 765 Optimum, Spesh Aethos
I think a lot of folks bought a Chinese frame without realizing they bought a Chinese frame.
.
.
__________________
--
Shad, Kitted up half wavin m’fer.
--
Shad, Kitted up half wavin m’fer.
#11
Senior Member


Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 8,625
Likes: 3,541
From: South shore, L.I., NY
Bikes: Trek Emonda SL7, Cannondale Topstone, Miyata City Liner, Specialized Chisel, Specialized Epic Evo
Just FYI those fake branded frames are not from a third shift or something like that, they are fakes and knockoffs entirely. If you want a Pinarello, get a Pinarello, don't buy a fake one and even worse don't have decals and badging calling it a Pinarello. If you need a generic bike get a generic bike but fake badging to give it fake prestige is silly.
Habanero cycles I believe are from China but the owner, Mark actually has a relationship with one of the factories doing Titanium so it is less of a generic thing and more of a here is what I want and they build it and he inspects them when they come back over and supports them should you have an issue.
Habanero cycles I believe are from China but the owner, Mark actually has a relationship with one of the factories doing Titanium so it is less of a generic thing and more of a here is what I want and they build it and he inspects them when they come back over and supports them should you have an issue.
Last edited by Steve B.; 01-07-23 at 07:31 PM.
#12
Clark W. Griswold




Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 18,377
Likes: 6,704
From: ,location, location
Bikes: Foundry Chilkoot Ti W/Ultegra Di2, Salsa Timberjack Ti, Cinelli Mash Work RandoCross Fun Time Machine, 1x9 XT Parts Hybrid, Co-Motion Cascadia, Specialized Langster, Phil Wood Apple VeloXS Frame (w/DA 7400), R+M Supercharger2 Rohloff, Habanero Ti 26
Complete BS. Many are frames from a manufacturer that builds frames is all. Nothing fake about them and many are not branded as anything other than what the manufacturer sells it as.. Some do not purport to be a Trek or Giant or Pinarello, they are simply frames available to the public. Mine is a knockoff of no other bike, its simply a frame that Flyxii makes. My 7,000 miles shows there's nothing wrong with it and thats generally the experience of most folks who buy these frames.
#13
Senior Member


Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 8,625
Likes: 3,541
From: South shore, L.I., NY
Bikes: Trek Emonda SL7, Cannondale Topstone, Miyata City Liner, Specialized Chisel, Specialized Epic Evo
#14
Clark W. Griswold




Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 18,377
Likes: 6,704
From: ,location, location
Bikes: Foundry Chilkoot Ti W/Ultegra Di2, Salsa Timberjack Ti, Cinelli Mash Work RandoCross Fun Time Machine, 1x9 XT Parts Hybrid, Co-Motion Cascadia, Specialized Langster, Phil Wood Apple VeloXS Frame (w/DA 7400), R+M Supercharger2 Rohloff, Habanero Ti 26
Fair dinkum I guess but yes the fakes do exist, there was someone that had a fake Pinarello and was so proud of it but kept claiming "but I tell people it is fake". I have seen them in the wild as well but don't look to find them for sale I will let the big companies do that since I am not getting paid. Generic stuff is fine if people want that, not my choice but not really a problem unless of poor quality.
#15
Senior Member


Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 8,625
Likes: 3,541
From: South shore, L.I., NY
Bikes: Trek Emonda SL7, Cannondale Topstone, Miyata City Liner, Specialized Chisel, Specialized Epic Evo
Fair dinkum I guess but yes the fakes do exist, there was someone that had a fake Pinarello and was so proud of it but kept claiming "but I tell people it is fake". I have seen them in the wild as well but don't look to find them for sale I will let the big companies do that since I am not getting paid. Generic stuff is fine if people want that, not my choice but not really a problem unless of poor quality.
#16
Clark W. Griswold




Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 18,377
Likes: 6,704
From: ,location, location
Bikes: Foundry Chilkoot Ti W/Ultegra Di2, Salsa Timberjack Ti, Cinelli Mash Work RandoCross Fun Time Machine, 1x9 XT Parts Hybrid, Co-Motion Cascadia, Specialized Langster, Phil Wood Apple VeloXS Frame (w/DA 7400), R+M Supercharger2 Rohloff, Habanero Ti 26
Mark is a nice guy to work with totally down the vibe of the bike old school 26 hardtail linear pull brakes all that stuff. Really fun to talk to almost sad I just sold the bike to a friend but I really wasn't riding as much and have other projects I am looking to do but it was cool.
#17
Senior Member
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 962
Likes: 584
From: Fargo ND
Bikes: Time Scylon, Lynskey R350, Ritchey Breakaway, Ritchey Double Switchback, Lynskey Ridgeline, ICAN Fatbike
I have an ICAN fat bike. It has been a stalwart performer. Same for the ICAN wheels on it. Two full seasons on it and no issues with the frame, and the wheels are still true.
Those wheels are the reason I have been moving to carbon fiber wheels for all my bikes.
I am well into the Clydesdale category and I have tried to break both the frame and wheels. As soon as I am medically cleared to ride again the ICAN will be the first bike I ride.
Those wheels are the reason I have been moving to carbon fiber wheels for all my bikes.
I am well into the Clydesdale category and I have tried to break both the frame and wheels. As soon as I am medically cleared to ride again the ICAN will be the first bike I ride.
#19
I’m a little Surly
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 2,436
Likes: 1,321
From: Near the district
Bikes: Two Cross Checks, Karate Monkey, Disc Trucker, and a VO Randonneur
I think if I were to buy a Chinese branded carbon frame I’d see what Hambini has to say about the brand/frame I liked
#20
Full Member

Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 263
Likes: 226
From: SGV SoCal
Bikes: 2013 Wilier Gran Turismo, 1983 Trek 760, 80's Colnago Super, 90's De Rosa SLX, 2009 Waterford 22 Series Singlespeed, 85 Medici Pro Strada, De Rosa Alumino frameset, Dave Molten Fuso frameset, 70's beater Peugeot PX10, Zizzo Liberte, 2022 Yoeleo R12
[QUOTE=DaveSSS;22760829]I bought a Yoeleo R12 in July…….”[QUOTE]
I also bought the R12 frame a few months after you but still haven’t built it up. I also bought Chinese Winspace Hyper wheels for it. I read numerous online reviews for both and watched all the Youtube videos for both before making my decisions. I bought the mechanical 11-sp Ultegra groupset for it but may get an 11-sp Di2 groupset instead. I really need to find some time to start building it!
Which groupset or components did you put on yours?
I also bought the R12 frame a few months after you but still haven’t built it up. I also bought Chinese Winspace Hyper wheels for it. I read numerous online reviews for both and watched all the Youtube videos for both before making my decisions. I bought the mechanical 11-sp Ultegra groupset for it but may get an 11-sp Di2 groupset instead. I really need to find some time to start building it!
Which groupset or components did you put on yours?
#21
Senior Member


Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 8,625
Likes: 3,541
From: South shore, L.I., NY
Bikes: Trek Emonda SL7, Cannondale Topstone, Miyata City Liner, Specialized Chisel, Specialized Epic Evo
[QUOTE=momoman;22761969][QUOTE=DaveSSS;22760829]I bought a Yoeleo R12 in July…….”
I also bought the R12 frame a few months after you but still haven’t built it up. I also bought Chinese Winspace Hyper wheels for it. I read numerous online reviews for both and watched all the Youtube videos for both before making my decisions. I bought the mechanical 11-sp Ultegra groupset for it but may get an 11-sp Di2 groupset instead. I really need to find some time to start building it!
Which groupset or components did you put on yours?
On my Flxii I originally installed a 105 mechanical 11 spd. with rim brakes. A year or so later I purchased the basic Ultegra Di2 upgrade kit, that had the shifters, F & R derailers, battery, & charger, A and B tube junction boxes and wires. I added the battery shim. The Di2 works perfectly with the 105 crank, cassette and chain as well as no issues with braking on the 105 brakes. I got a deal for the Di2 at around $850. Those prices will never be seen again.
I also bought the R12 frame a few months after you but still haven’t built it up. I also bought Chinese Winspace Hyper wheels for it. I read numerous online reviews for both and watched all the Youtube videos for both before making my decisions. I bought the mechanical 11-sp Ultegra groupset for it but may get an 11-sp Di2 groupset instead. I really need to find some time to start building it!
Which groupset or components did you put on yours?
#22
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 7,296
Likes: 577
From: Loveland, CO
Bikes: Cervelo Rouvida x 2
[QUOTE=momoman;22761969][QUOTE=DaveSSS;22760829]I bought a Yoeleo R12 in July…….”
I also bought the R12 frame a few months after you but still haven’t built it up. I also bought Chinese Winspace Hyper wheels for it. I read numerous online reviews for both and watched all the Youtube videos for both before making my decisions. I bought the mechanical 11-sp Ultegra groupset for it but may get an 11-sp Di2 groupset instead. I really need to find some time to start building it!
Which groupset or components did you put on yours?
I switched to SRAM Force AXS on all of my bikes 2-1/2 years ago. Very happy with SRAM electronic shifting.
I also bought the R12 frame a few months after you but still haven’t built it up. I also bought Chinese Winspace Hyper wheels for it. I read numerous online reviews for both and watched all the Youtube videos for both before making my decisions. I bought the mechanical 11-sp Ultegra groupset for it but may get an 11-sp Di2 groupset instead. I really need to find some time to start building it!
Which groupset or components did you put on yours?
#23
Hambini rates the Winspace and Trifox frames very highly. In fact I seem to recall he rated them second only to Time. Likewise Winspace and Farsport wheels. Hambini gave them all very good reviews.
#24
I understood what you meant, but that is not really what this thread is about. This thread is about frames made in China, sold as such, and not being misrepresented as a name brand.
#25
Clark W. Griswold




Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 18,377
Likes: 6,704
From: ,location, location
Bikes: Foundry Chilkoot Ti W/Ultegra Di2, Salsa Timberjack Ti, Cinelli Mash Work RandoCross Fun Time Machine, 1x9 XT Parts Hybrid, Co-Motion Cascadia, Specialized Langster, Phil Wood Apple VeloXS Frame (w/DA 7400), R+M Supercharger2 Rohloff, Habanero Ti 26




