TanTan TT-X68
FrameA user shares their experience building a TanTan/Seraph TT-X68 road bike, detailing the complete build cost, components, and performance after the first ride. The post includes positive feedback on the bike's stiffness and responsiveness, but also mentions controversial decals that mimic a Specialized S-Works design, sparking debate in the comments about counterfeit branding versus 'inspired by' frames.
AI Summary
Pros
- Stiff and responsive ride quality
- Good value for money with high-end components like Ultegra Di2 R8170 groupset
- Positive customer service experience with TanTan (quick responses, helpful communication)
more pros in the review
Cons
- Controversial decals that mimic Specialized branding, seen as counterfeit by some commenters
- RideWrap application had bubbles (though not highly noticeable)
- Saddle caused discomfort, prompting a planned replacement
more cons in the review
Key Points
- Frame: TanTan/Seraph TT-X68, 54cm chameleon white with 380x90mm handlebars
- Groupset: Shimano Ultegra Di2 R8170
- Wheelset: EliteWheels ENT 2.0 60mm deep
more key points in the review
TanTan TT912 UCI Certification Carbon Fiber Time Trial Triathlon Bicycle Frame
FrameA user on r/ChineseCarbon shares their custom-built Seraph TT912 time trial/triathlon bicycle, highlighting its components, performance, and community feedback.
AI Summary
Pros
- Uses a carbon fiber frame with UCI certification
- Features SRAM Rival AXS electronic shifting for precise gear changes
- Includes a power meter on the front chainring for performance tracking
more pros in the review
Cons
- Weight is relatively high at 10.4kg, partly due to the integrated cockpit
- Wheels could be lighter for improved performance
- Some may find the price high, though it includes premium components
more cons in the review
Key Points
- Frame: Seraph TT912, size 56, carbon fiber, UCI-certified
- Drivetrain: SRAM Rival AXS electronic shifting, 46T single front chainring with power meter, 10/36T rear cassette
- Wheels: Elitewheels ENT 2.0 60mm deep-section
more key points in the review
Thrust Carbon RF035
FrameA user on r/ChineseCarbon shares their experience building a road bike using a Thrust Full Carbon Road Frame purchased from AliExpress, detailing components, costs, and challenges encountered during assembly.
AI Summary
Pros
- Affordable frame and components compared to branded alternatives
- Electronic shifting (DI2) described as 'bling' and 'totally worth it'
- Aero design with full internal cable routing
more pros in the review
Cons
- Difficulty verifying reliable sellers on AliExpress
- Challenges ensuring component compatibility
- Frame is unbranded/no-name, raising potential quality concerns
more cons in the review
Key Points
- Frame: Thrust Full Carbon Road Frame Disc Brake Max 700*32C AERO Road Bicycle Frameset BSA Full Internal Cable With Handlebar DI2
- Total cost: Approximately 1900 euros
- Frame + seatpost + handlebar: 550€ (unbranded)
more key points in the review
ELVES MORI AEROX (UCI Approved)
FrameA user built a Chinese carbon gravel bike using an Elves Mori Aerox Carbon Aero Gravel Disc frameset (UCI approved) despite having no prior bike building experience, encountering multiple supplier issues and personal mistakes during the process. The total cost was approximately 3700 CAD (~2700 USD), including taxes and a small tariff on the frame.
AI Summary
Pros
- Cost-effective compared to major brands (e.g., Specialized Diverge at ~11000 CAD)
- Lightweight build (8.05kg without pedals)
- Aggressive geometry provides a fast, responsive ride
more pros in the review
Cons
- Poor English instructions and buggy app for Wheeltop groupset
- Supplier issues and potential for counterfeit parts (e.g., chains, pedals)
- Tight clearance between chainring and frame
more cons in the review
Key Points
- Frame: Elves Mori Aerox Carbon Aero Gravel Disc (UCI approved)
- Total cost: ~3700 CAD (~2700 USD) including 15% Canadian sales tax
- Weight: 8.05kg without pedals
more key points in the review
Suraida HF-G001 Gravel Frameset
FrameA user built a gravel bike using the Suraida New UD T1100 carbon frame purchased from AliExpress, reporting excellent quality, clean manufacturing, and a high-quality paint job. The frame appears to be an open-mold design similar to the Pinarello Grevil, sparking discussion about Chinese carbon frames versus expensive mainstream brands.
AI Summary
Pros
- Excellent paint job quality
- Clean threads and bearing surfaces
- Easy self-assembly
more pros in the review
Cons
- Headset cap may have branding (potentially fake)
- Controversial as potential copy of Pinarello Grevil design
- Uncertain long-term durability compared to established brands
more cons in the review
Key Points
- Frame: Suraida New UD T1100 Carbon Gravel Frame
- Tire size: 700*45C
- Full hidden cable routing
more key points in the review
BXT GRAVEL 135
FrameA user built a BXT 135 gravel bike using a Chinese carbon frame paired with Shimano GRX 820 components and Elitewheels SLR wheels, achieving a total weight of 9.9 kg at a cost of approximately €1900. The build required significant assembly effort including headset installation, cable routing, and brake bleeding.
AI Summary
Pros
- Lightweight at 9.9 kg including accessories
- Cost-effective build at around €1900
- High-quality Shimano GRX 820 drivetrain and brakes
more pros in the review
Cons
- Significant assembly time and trial-and-error required
- Reliance on low-cost Aliexpress parts for accessories
- Unclear long-term durability of frame and components
more cons in the review
Key Points
- Frame: BXT 135 Gravel carbon frame
- Drivetrain: Full Shimano GRX 820 2x12-speed (48/31 crankset, 11-36T cassette)
- Wheels: Elitewheels SLR Gravel (38mm rim, 25mm internal width)
more key points in the review
TanTan TT-X68
FrameA user built a TanTan TT-X68 carbon road bike with Shimano 105 Di2 groupset and Elitewheels, reporting excellent performance gains over their previous aluminum bike but noting several quality control issues requiring fixes.
AI Summary
Pros
- Excellent performance-to-price ratio (comparable to bikes twice as expensive)
- Lightweight (under 7.5kg)
- Significant speed improvement (3.5km/h average gain on flats)
more pros in the review
Cons
- Poor internal cable routing with sharp carbon edges
- Uneven rear brake mount requiring sanding/adjustment
- Seatpost slippage requiring excessive carbon paste
more cons in the review
Key Points
- Frame: TanTan TT-X68 (Chinese carbon)
- Groupset: Shimano 105 Di2
- Wheels: Elitewheels ent-disc 2.0 (60mm depth)
more key points in the review