Reviews & Ratings
The LTK266-D-SL is a Chinese carbon frameset from Longteng, often compared to the Evolve Cima. It is popular among weight weenies for its low weight and custom paint options. The frame is priced around $950-$1110 with custom paint. Users note that the stock cockpit and thru-axles may be heavy, and the seatpost dust cap is poor. The frame accepts 32mm tires but the internal rim width of 23mm is considered outdated. Communication with Longteng is praised. The frame is available via US website due to trademark issues in Europe.
AI Summary
Pros
- Low weight potential, with builds achieving sub-7kg
- Custom paint available at reasonable price
- Excellent communication with Longteng via WhatsApp
- Affordable alternative to Evolve Cima
Cons
- Stock cockpit and thru-axles are heavy; recommended to replace
- Seatpost dust cap is low quality
- Trademark issues in Europe make it hard to obtain via EU distributors
- Internal rim width of 23mm on some wheelsets is outdated
Key Points
- Frame weight around 650g (unpainted, size M) to 700-750g painted
- Price for frameset with custom paint ~$950-$1110
- Available via US website due to European trademark conflict
- Compatible with 32mm tires
- UDH not mentioned; likely standard derailleur hanger
The LongTeng LTK266-D-SL is an open-mold, super-lightweight road bike frame with a claimed T1100/T1000/M65 carbon blend, designed for versatile riding including light gravel and road. It features a T47 internal bottom bracket, UDH (Universal Derailleur Hanger), and clearance for up to 35mm tires with 6mm of clearance. The frame is praised for its low weight (around 760g for the frame, 325g for the fork), modern geometry similar to race bikes like the Tarmac SL8, and high value for money, typically costing $800-$950 delivered. Users report a 'delightfully boring' ride feel—responsive, comfortable, and stable, with some comparing it to a TCR; one user noted a quiet, noiseless ride after 550 km. Reliable mechanical performance and easy assembly are common positives, with build weights as low as 6.28 kg achieved. However, quality control issues persist: poor-fitting components like the headset and seatpost clamp, thin paint prone to scratching, and a stock seatpost clamp that may require shimming and exceeding torque to hold securely. The seatpost clamp bolt may be too long, requiring replacement. No setback seatpost option is available from LongTeng. The front derailleur hanger may lack the necessary hole, and no grommet is provided for the FD cable exit (5mm round hole). Some users report a larger-than-normal fork/headtube gap, uneven rear brake mounts, and rough bottom bracket bearing feel with ZTTO T47 BB. The stock thru-axles are low quality and often upgraded. The ordering process can involve communication delays, especially with custom paint, but recent shipments have been progressing. XL and XXL sizes are now in stock as of April 2026. The weight limit is approximately 100 kg. Despite these warts, the frame offers excellent value and performance for those willing to address minor component upgrades. Overall, it's a solid all-rounder for the price, with an easy assembly experience for first-time builders, though attention to component upgrades may be needed.
AI Summary
Pros
- Lightweight construction with high-end carbon blend (T1100/T1000/M65), frame around 760g and fork 325g
- Versatile tire clearance up to 35mm with 6mm of clearance, suitable for road and light gravel
- Modern features including T47 bottom bracket, UDH, and internal cable routing
- Good value for money compared to branded frames like Specialized Aethos
- Responsive and comfortable ride quality, described as stiff yet smooth
- Reliable mechanical performance with no seatpost slippage, disc rub, or creaking issues reported in long-term use for many users
- Easy assembly process for first-time builders with minimal troubleshooting required
- Achievable low build weights: examples include 6.7 kg (size M) and 6.9 kg with pedals and accessories
- Very low build weight achievable: 6.76 kg for size S with SRAM Force e1 and no paint/clearcoat (frame 680g)
- Stiff fork and overall stiffness improvement over previous frames (e.g., Velobuild 099)
- Smooth ordering experience with Alisa via ltbikes.com, with competitive pricing compared to other sellers
- Impressive low build weight achieved: 6.28 kg (size not specified) with vinyl wrap, using aftermarket parts
- XXL size available and built up to 6.9 kg (no pedals/bar tape), showing lightweight potential across sizes
- Quiet, noiseless ride with no creaks or rattles reported after 550 km
Cons
- Limited size availability initially (only S/M/L), with XL/XXL requiring high demand or delayed production
- Poor quality or ill-fitting components such as the headset, seatpost clamp cover, and spacers
- Minimalist, non-aero design with bland tube shapes and lack of aerodynamic optimization
- Inconsistent paint and finish quality, with issues like voids, rough edges, and loose fibers
- Complex ordering process and potential communication delays with the supplier
- Thin paint prone to scratching from accessories like top tube bags
- Stock seatpost clamp may not hold saddle securely even at specified torque, requiring aftermarket replacements
- No setback seatpost option available from LongTeng
- Front derailleur hanger may lack the necessary hole for FD installation, requiring aftermarket replacement
- No grommet provided for the front derailleur cable exit (5mm round hole), and aftermarket grommets are hard to find
- Some users report a larger-than-normal gap (2mm) between the fork and headtube
- Rear brake mount may not be evenly faced, requiring shims for proper alignment
- Some users experience rough bottom bracket bearing feel under high power output with ZTTO T47 bottom bracket
- Seatpost clamp may require exceeding torque spec and adding shim to hold securely; raw seatpost fit can be sloppy
- Seatpost clamp bolt may be too long, requiring a shorter replacement
- Stock thru-axles are low quality and do not match the build quality of the frame
- No Di2 battery holder or rubber mechanical routing plugs provided
- Communication with paint factory can be unoptimized; custom paint pricing may be unclear
Key Points
- Frame weight: ~760g (frame), ~325g (fork)
- Tire clearance: 35mm with 6mm of clearance
- Bottom bracket: T47 internal
- Derailleur hanger: UDH
- Carbon blend: T1100/T1000/M65
- Geometry: Race-oriented, similar to Tarmac SL8
- Sizes: S, M, L, XL, XXL (XL/XXL now in stock)
- Price: ~$610 for frame set, plus shipping and duties
- Typical delivered cost: $800-$950 USD
- Paint quality: Thin, prone to scratching
- Front disc brake: 160mm rotor (140mm possible with adapter flip)
- Seatpost: 27.2mm, stock clamp may require aftermarket replacement or shimming
- No setback seatpost option from LongTeng
- Weight limit: ~100 kg
- Example build weights: 6.7 kg (size M), 6.9 kg with pedals, 6.76 kg (size S, no paint), 6.28 kg (custom build), 6.9 kg (XXL)
- FD hanger may lack hole; aftermarket replacement needed
- No grommet for FD cable exit; use Sugru or tape
- Fork/headtube gap reported as 2mm
- Rear brake mount may need shimming
- ZTTO T47 BB may feel rough under high power
- Stock thru-axles are low quality; aftermarket recommended (12x1.0 167mm front, 12x1.5 118mm rear with 2mm washer)
- No Di2 battery holder or rubber routing plugs included
- Custom paint pricing may be unclear; communication with paint factory can be unoptimized
Where to Buy
LT Bikes Super Light Carbon Full Integrated Molding Road frameset LTK266-D--SL
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