MyBike.parts
Reviews & Ratings
The reviewer presents a bicycle built with a frame and wheels from Dengfu, specifically the FM098 model. They state the entire bike, including the carbon frame, wheels, and seat post, was sourced from Dengfu. The bike is described as nice, light, and featuring a large bottom bracket for power transfer. It is equipped with a Shimano 105 groupset (referred to as 'altegra' in the transcript) and is 11-speed. The reviewer notes the frame is ready for Di2 electronic shifting. The owner has done about 1,000 miles with no issues and is very happy with it. The total build cost was just over Β£2,000.
AI-Summary
Pros
- Very light (lighter than the reviewer's TCR)
- Nice and light
- Big bottom bracket for generating power
- Fully carbon construction (frame, wheels, seat post)
- Comes with a Shimano 105 groupset (11-speed)
- Frame is ready for Di2 electronic shifting
- Significantly cheaper than buying a 'genuine' branded bike
- Owner has done 1,000 miles with no dramas
- Owner is very happy with it
- Allows customization of groupset during build
Cons
- No specific negative points are raised. The only implied concern is about longevity, mentioned as 'let's see how long it lasts', but this is presented as an open question rather than a reported issue.
Key Points
- Brand: Dengfu
- Model: FM098
- Material: Fully carbon (frame, wheels, seat post)
- Bottom Bracket: Large size for power
- Groupset: Shimano 105 (referred to as 'Altegra'), 11-speed
- Di2 Compatibility: Frame is ready for electronic shifting
- Cost: Approximately Β£1,000 for frame and wheels; just over Β£2,000 for complete build
- Mileage: Owner has done about 1,000 miles
- Origin: From China
The reviewer provides a two-year review of the Dengfu FM098 frame, which they purchased directly from Dengfu via a third-party website. They used it as a complete bike for racing and bike packing until it was damaged in a roof rack incident. They discuss the purchase process, initial build, riding experience, and specific issues encountered. The frame is described as a Chinese-made model with geometry similar to an older Venge. The reviewer notes it was used with a Campagnolo Chorus groupset and Dengfu/NovaTec 60mm wheels. The frame ultimately survived the accident better than a companion Giant TCR, but was retired afterward.
AI-Summary
Pros
- The bike was very cheap to purchase.
- It performed well for road racing, described as 'kick ass' and a good buy for the money.
- It handled a demanding 9-day bike packing trip in Tasmania with heavy loads, rain, and mountains without any issues.
- The actual frame weight matched the manufacturer's claimed weight very precisely (within a few grams).
- The frame survived a roof rack/car park accident relatively intact, while a legitimate Giant TCR frame broke in the same incident.
Cons
- The purchase process was 'dodgy', requiring payment through a third-party website and a personal PayPal account.
- The proprietary seat post was marginally too small and would slowly slide down during rides. The reviewer had to fix it with sand and epoxy.
- The ride quality is described as 'very harsh' and 'really stiff', which the reviewer did not like as they prefer comfort.
- A stress fracture/crack developed in the bottom bracket area after about a year and a half of riding, likely due to frame flex.
- The warranty process was unfavorable: while a two-year warranty exists, the replacement fee was high (around $300, nearly half the frame's cost), and the process would take over a month, leading the reviewer to not use it.
- The bike (especially with deep wheels) catches the wind considerably in crosswinds.
- The reviewer was initially nervous about buying a Chinese carbon frame, opting for the 'chunkiest most aero' version over a lighter one due to perceived strength concerns.
Key Points
- Frame model is the Dengfu FM098.
- Purchased as a frameset including frame, fork, and seat post.
- Geometry is very similar to an older Specialized Venge, with slight variations.
- Has a two-year warranty, but with a significant replacement fee and lengthy process.
- The proprietary seat post had a common sizing issue requiring modification.
- A stress crack developed at the bottom bracket after extensive use.
- The actual weight matched the claimed weight exactly for the reviewer's sample.
- Used for road racing and a successful, rigorous bike packing trip.
- Ultimately damaged and retired after a roof rack accident, though the frame remained intact.