The BXT GRAVEL-135 is an affordable Chinese carbon gravel frameset that offers good value for money with solid initial quality and modern features, though assembly can be challenging and long-term durability remains unverified.
Pros
- Very affordable price point (around £300-500€ for frame)
- Comes with all necessary accessories for building
- Frame feels solid with visible carbon weave
- Good tire clearance up to 50mm
Cons
- Significant assembly time and trial-and-error required
- Difficult cable routing through the headset
- Minor quality issues like paint overspray and loose bearing fits
- Unclear long-term durability of carbon construction
Key Facts
- Carbon fiber construction with visible weave and matte paint finish
- Maximum tire clearance of 47c (tight fit for 50c tires measuring 51mm)
- Includes frame, fork, handlebars, seat post, thru-axle, bearings, seat clamp and spacers
Reviews & Ratings
The reviewer purchased a BXT gravel bike frame for approximately £300 after searching for the cheapest options. They unbox and examine the frame, noting it arrived in 4-5 weeks. The packaging was basic but protective. The frame is a matte-painted carbon model called the 'Gravel 135' with a UDH rear derailleur hanger, includes a seat post, handlebars, fork, and all necessary accessories like a thru-axle, bearings, and seat clamp. They are generally impressed with the initial quality for the price, noting the carbon weave is visible, the frame feels solid, and it has 50mm tire clearance. However, they note minor issues like paint overspray, a questionable headset bearing measurement printed on the frame, and a potentially loose bearing fit. They plan to build it with parts from their current bike to test ride it.
AI Summary
Pros
- Very affordable price (around £300)
- Comes with all necessary accessories (handlebars, fork, seat post, thru-axle, bearings, seat clamp)
- Frame feels nice and solid upon inspection
- Visible carbon weave throughout the frame
- Includes a UDH (Universal Derailleur Hanger)
- Good tire clearance (up to 50mm)
- Packaging, while basic, was secure and protective
- Spacers for the handlebar feel solid and click into place securely
- The seat clamp is a standard, trusted design (not the circular type they distrust)
- Brake mounts were not painted over
- Includes a warning sticker about not riding if damaged
Cons
- Basic packaging with no 'fragile' markings and a hole in the box
- Some paint overspray on the bottom bracket area and the thru-axle
- Seat post looks a bit thin and lacks measurement markings
- Headset bearing measurements are printed directly on the frame paint, which the reviewer finds undecorative and odd
- One of the headset bearings did not press in fully, which may be an issue during the build
- The reviewer is not a professional and cannot verify the true quality of the carbon construction
- Acknowledges there will likely be some problems during the build as it's a cheap frame
Key Points
- Brand: BXT
- Model: Gravel 135
- Material: Carbon fiber
- Price: Approximately £300
- Delivery time: 4-5 weeks from order
- Includes: Frame, fork, handlebars, seat post, thru-axle, bearings, seat clamp, spacers
- Tire clearance: 50mm
- Features: UDH hanger, disc brake mounts, thru-axle
- Finish: Matte paint
- Weight: Roughly 1.3kg (measured with luggage scales, not calibrated)
A user shares their experience with the BXT Gravel-135 frameset, detailing a frame swap from a Carbonda 696 to the BXT 135, resulting in a lighter build at just over 20 lbs. They discuss the bike's geometry, tire clearance, and component compatibility, noting it's a temporary frame with plans to upgrade to an Enve Mog or Rodeo Traildonkey. Other users inquire about sizing, chainring capacity, and ride quality, with positive feedback on its performance and handling.
AI Summary
Pros
- Lightweight build (just over 20 lbs)
- Good geometry for taller riders with a shortened seat tube and sloped top tube
- Fun and aggressive ride quality, suitable for racing
- Compatible with modern components like SRAM AXS drivetrains
- Positive user feedback on handling and performance
Cons
- Limited tire clearance (max 47c, tight fit for 50c tires)
- Not a long-term frame for the user, who plans to upgrade
- Potential headset adjustment issues reported by another user
- Hub noise from Elite Wheels may be distracting
Key Points
- Frame: BXT Gravel-135, size 56cm
- Max tire size: 47c, with tight clearance for larger tires
- Chainring compatibility: up to 44t likely, 46t may be pushing it
- Geometry: shorter seat tube and sloped top tube compared to Carbonda 696
- Weight: approximately 20 lbs as built
A user on r/ChineseCarbon shared their BXT GRAVEL-135 bike build, detailing components, assembly challenges, and cost. The frame is a BXT-135 in Sand Dune color, with mixed transmission parts and custom stickers.
AI Summary
Pros
- Affordable total cost (under 900€)
- Customizable with aftermarket stickers
- Direct purchase option via WhatsApp with potential savings
- Hydraulic transmission (Ltwoo R9) for reliable braking
Cons
- Difficult cable routing through the headset
- Potential water ingress issues due to fork holes
- Uncertainty about EU customs fees for international buyers
- Mixed component brands may affect compatibility
Key Points
- Frame: BXT-135, Size 52, Sand Dune color
- Transmission: Ltwoo R9 Hydraulic 2x11 with Shimano 105 rear derailleur
- Crankset: Senicx PR3 50/34
- Wheels: Used aluminum, 2kg pair
- Total cost: Less than 500€ for frame with shipping (summer 2023)
A 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
- Positive feedback on transparent red two-tone color
- Good tire clearance for 45mm tires
- 2x drivetrain praised for versatility
- Clean cable routing achieved
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
- Limited information on tire clearance for muddy conditions
- Potential quality concerns with Chinese carbon frame
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)
- Tires: Hutchinson Touareg 700×45c
- Total weight: 9.9 kg (21.8 lb) with accessories
- Total cost: Approximately €1900
- Color: Transparent red two-tone option
Where to Buy
BXT New Carbon Fiber Gravel Bike Frame Disc Brake Bicycle Frame Thru Axle
Specifications
Attributes
Included Components
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