Wow - the carbon bits from China are starting to look pretty impressive
12-26-10, 09:19 PM
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Wow - the carbon bits from China are starting to look pretty impressive
check out this TT frame:
Look at the detail fit at the front end steerer tube and transition to the fork. That looks kind of like impressive work to me. This seller has some nice looking road frames too. Might have to do a build with one in the near future.
Look at the detail fit at the front end steerer tube and transition to the fork. That looks kind of like impressive work to me. This seller has some nice looking road frames too. Might have to do a build with one in the near future.
12-26-10, 09:25 PM
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And who is the seller?
12-26-10, 09:29 PM
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thought this was really nice too. Sub 1100 gram frame with integrated seat post. Note the internal cable routing on the top tube. Less than $500.
12-26-10, 09:47 PM
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Peloton Shelter Dog
Great looking stuff. You can buy the frame and the cockpit parts for about $800. You could build a pretty good complete TT bike (without wheels) for under $2000.
12-26-10, 09:54 PM
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Wasn't remarking on anything other than the fact that the level of detail and skill in the workmanship of the frame was impressive. I'd bet that the builder copied parts of high end name brand frames, perhaps even using molds from them to make this. But to make something like this from carbon - ain't no joke.
12-26-10, 09:58 PM
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This is just one seller btw. I noticed several others. I pulled the trigger on two carbon saddles. One was under 100 grams. Both were around $50.
12-26-10, 10:04 PM
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I tend to just buy high end complete bikes slightly used off eBay. Similar values, but better resale value. Cycling is a sport that attracts a lot of people who really don't use the gear very much. You have to know how to read between the lines in the listings, but I've had little trouble finding cream puff high end bikes that were hardly ridden. My latest purchase, a 2008 Cervelo P3 TT bike with upgrades, lists for $4500 as equipped, the upgrade parts would have added another $600, so brand new, even with a discount, that would have been $4500+ with sales tax. I paid $2600, no tax or shipping (picked up the bike in person, it was local). Owner told me it was ridden 1700 miles, much of it on an indoor trainer, and that's how the bike looked. Showroom condition.
The problem with Taiwan mystery carbon bits is I simply don't know how they will perform. Quality looks good, but too many unanswered questions.
The problem with Taiwan mystery carbon bits is I simply don't know how they will perform. Quality looks good, but too many unanswered questions.
12-26-10, 10:05 PM
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But I disagree with botto, I love the look of those frames.
12-26-10, 10:12 PM
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I just get a sense from looking at this work that whoever did this cares about what he's doing. There's just a level of detail that people just trying to make a dime don't aspire to that I think I see here. The detail on the front end of that TT frame is just gorgeous. The detail in the road bike is impressive too.
12-26-10, 10:13 PM
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Yes they are pretty good, those chinese are impressing me more by the day.
The best of all is that nowadays we have markets like eBay where they can sell world-wide and thus reach a limitless market, I truly admire them unlike some people around these parts who think they're despicable.
I wish Mexicans had the same drive for success, we have incredibly cheap labour, the world's biggest consumer as a neighbour but we can't produce anything worth a crap. Such a shame, our bikes&parts are laughable at best and about as expensive as any of the big 3 brands.
I am probably going to buy the integrated stem/bar combo from Carbonzone, it's ~380g, round drop and looks awesome. $170.
The best of all is that nowadays we have markets like eBay where they can sell world-wide and thus reach a limitless market, I truly admire them unlike some people around these parts who think they're despicable.
I wish Mexicans had the same drive for success, we have incredibly cheap labour, the world's biggest consumer as a neighbour but we can't produce anything worth a crap. Such a shame, our bikes&parts are laughable at best and about as expensive as any of the big 3 brands.
I am probably going to buy the integrated stem/bar combo from Carbonzone, it's ~380g, round drop and looks awesome. $170.
12-26-10, 10:18 PM
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I rather suspect it would be similar in the bike manufacturing realm. Looks fabulous on the outside, but probably some skimping on what really matters. Now, in 10 years, they will likely have figured it out, and will offer a nicer product.
12-26-10, 10:19 PM
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I'm a believer in the high end Chinese stuff, I have a Chinese Ti MTB from Bikes Direct and it's amazing.
12-26-10, 10:23 PM
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I've watched things made in China, but in a different industry. I'm a Registered Piano Technician, and have observed Chinese-made pianos over the last decade or so. Quality has greatly improved over time, but their first offerings here weren't good. Their pianos have always looked good, but they skimped on what counts. Little things add up.
I rather suspect it would be similar in the bike manufacturing realm. Looks fabulous on the outside, but probably some skimping on what really matters. Now, in 10 years, they will likely have figured it out, and will offer a nicer product.
I rather suspect it would be similar in the bike manufacturing realm. Looks fabulous on the outside, but probably some skimping on what really matters. Now, in 10 years, they will likely have figured it out, and will offer a nicer product.
Last edited by ravenmore; 12-26-10 at 10:28 PM.