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Reviews & Ratings
I bought a cheap Frame from Aliexpress | Was it worth it?
The reviewer purchases the Spcycle R088 carbon road bike frame from AliExpress for his Β£2,000 bike build project. He selected it because it matched his criteria for a carbon disc brake road frame with a traditional shape, internal cable routing, and was available in his size and a matte white finish for custom painting. He details the ordering, shipping, and unboxing process, noting the frame was well-packaged despite a battered box. Upon inspection, he finds the frame visually appealing with some minor cosmetic flaws. He weighs the frame and components, finding them slightly heavier than claimed. He then custom paints the frame with high-vis yellow accents and a clear coat. Overall, he is pleased with the frame for the price but acknowledges uncertainties about its long-term safety and points out several minor finish imperfections compared to major brands.
AI-Summary
Pros
- The geometry matches up with bikes he regularly rides
- It was available in his size (58)
- Available in matte white paint for custom painting
- Well packaged for shipping
- Visually, the frame looks good upon unboxing
- Feels nice to the touch
- Has internal cable routing
- Includes a UDH hanger
- Comes with a 2-year warranty
- For a tenth of the price of a big brand frame, he feels he can live with the minor imperfections
Cons
- The box arrived 'pretty bashed up'
- The derailleur hanger was loose in the packaging
- 'Slightly rough looking bit of carbon' on the fork where the hose routes through internally
- The actual frame weight (888g) was heavier than the claimed weight (780g +/-50g)
- The fork weight (408g) was heavier than the claimed weight (395g)
- The brake mounts may need facing as there is a 'little lip' from the paint
- The bottle cage bolts are 'a little bit rough'
- The rear dropout is 'not looking as neat as I'd hope'
- The guide for the front brake on the steerer is 'not that great'
- Generally, there are 'a few bits and bobs around the frame' that are 'a little bit rough and ready'
- Expresses significant concern about not knowing if the frame is safe due to the lack of brand reputation and history
- Acknowledges you don't have a company's reputation to put your faith in
Key Points
- Brand: SP Cycle
- Model: R088
- Marketed as '2025 New'
- Material: T1000 carbon fiber (claimed)
- Frame weight claimed: 780g +/-50g
- Frame weight actual: 888g
- Fork weight claimed: 395g
- Fork weight actual: 408g
- Seatpost weight claimed: 175g
- Seatpost weight actual: 174g
- Brake type: Flat mount disc brakes
- Bottom bracket: BSA threaded
- Tire clearance: 32 mm
- Features: Internal cable routing, UDH hanger
- Price paid: Β£483.32
- Paint finish: Matte white (as ordered)
- Warranty: 2-year
Where to Buy
