MyBike.parts
Reviews & Ratings
The reviewer purchases the Spcycle R088 carbon road bike frame from AliExpress for his £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: £483.32
- Paint finish: Matte white (as ordered)
- Warranty: 2-year
The Spcycle R088 is a lightweight carbon road bike frame (780-930g depending on size and paint) with geometry similar to the Specialized Tarmac SL8. It features a threaded BSA bottom bracket, UDH hanger, flat mount disc brakes, and clearance for up to 32mm tires. The frame is praised for its stiffness, responsiveness, and versatility as an all-arounder that performs well in both climbing and descending. Common build issues include rear thru axle play, seat tube battery fitment for Di2/LTwoo systems, and front derailleur hanger alignment. Delivery times range from 2-8 weeks, with generally positive feedback on paint quality and customer service responsiveness for replacements.
AI-Generated Forum Summary
Pros
- Lightweight and stiff frame with good power transfer and acceleration
- Versatile all-around performance suitable for climbing, descending, and flat terrain
- Good value for money with modern features like UDH and threaded BSA
- Responsive customer service that provides replacements for defective frames
Cons
- Rear thru axle play issues requiring additional washers or replacement axles
- Seat tube obstruction prevents Di2/LTwoo battery installation without modification
- Front derailleur hanger misalignment requiring shimming or bending
- Headset play issues with integrated handlebars and compression ring fitment
- Paint overspray on brake mounts and bottom bracket shell requiring cleanup
Key Points
- Weight: 780-930g (frame), 390-413g (fork)
- Material: T1000 carbon fiber
- Standards: Threaded BSA bottom bracket, UDH hanger, flat mount disc brakes
- Tire clearance: Up to 32mm
- Seatpost: 0mm or 15mm offset options available
- Minimum seatpost insertion: 10cm
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the delivery time and shipping experience?
Delivery typically takes 2-8 weeks depending on location and customs. Shipping to US/Europe via WXY/DPD/FedEx. Some users report no additional tariffs when ordered through website with DDP shipping.
How do I resolve the Di2 battery installation issue?
The seat tube has an internal lip that blocks battery insertion. Solutions include sanding the obstruction with a file attached to a long rod, using zip ties as pull handles, or cutting the seatpost for clearance.
What bottom bracket and crankset compatibility?
Uses standard BSA threaded bottom bracket. Compatible with Shimano Hollowtech II, SRAM DUB, and various Chinese options. Some frames have BB alignment issues requiring facing.
How to fix rear thru axle play?
Early frames had concave drive-side holes causing play. Solutions include using 3 conical washers, sourcing a 12x168mm thru axle with proper washers, or requesting replacement parts from SPcycle.
What integrated handlebars work with this frame?
Popular options include Lexon Vero/Thin Line, Balugoe, Kocevlo, and SPcycle's HB-05. Headset compatibility varies, with some requiring different top caps or compression rings.
Overall I am pretty happy with the frame (and the wheels) and would buy them again for the good price I got. Handlebar not so much as I mentioned. Inaccurately measured with a person scale it's 8.15kg with pedals (and -413g without so 7.75kg).
View original forum comment in Chinertown-Forum:
Road Bike Frames, Wheels & Components → Spcycle New Mold SP-R088 Ca...
I took my R088 on our local Hollywood Sign climb route. It climbed and descended like a champ. Also the 0° setback seat post has made this bike even better with perfect saddle positioning. Seriously, I have zero complaints with this frame. For the price and configuration flexibility is there a better bang-for-buck carbon frameset? You can run electronic or mechanical, setback or no-setback seat post and integrated or non-integrated bars. Plus there's UDH, threaded BSA and standardized 52mm headset bearings.
View original forum comment in Chinertown-Forum:
Road Bike Frames, Wheels & Components → Spcycle New Mold SP-R088 Ca...
Just to give you some peace of mind regarding the build quality: I honestly didn't run into any of those brake issues you mentioned. I consider myself a bit of a mechanical 'noob,' yet I managed to align the calipers perfectly on the first try without needing to face the mounts or use special tools. It was good to go out of the box. As for reliability, I've logged nearly 5,000km on this frame so far and taken it absolutely everywhere. It has survived various Gran Fondos and I even took it up the Colle delle Finestre—if you look up that route, you'll see it's a brutal climb with heavy unpaved/gravel sections at the top. The frame handled it without a problem. I wouldn't hesitate to buy it again. The only slight pity is the total absence of logos/branding, but performance-wise, it's been solid.
View original forum comment in Chinertown-Forum:
Road Bike Frames, Wheels & Components → Spcycle New Mold SP-R088 Ca...
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