Reviews & Ratings
A cheap steel bike frame from AliExpress - Seaboard CR05
The reviewer discusses their purchase of a cheap steel road bike frame from AliExpress, specifically the 700Cx30C SEABOARD CR05 Road Bike Frame. They mention the frame's construction from chromium-molybdenum steel, its compatibility with 30C tires, and the inclusion of a carbon fiber fork with disc brake mounts and thru-axle compatibility (100x12mm front and 142x12mm rear). The reviewer notes the frame's clear coat finish, which shows the brushed steel, and its XL size. They also highlight the internal routing for the rear brake hose and external routing for gear cables. The frame's weight is measured at 2.24 kilos, which is noted as average for steel frames.
AI-Summary
Pros
- Clear coat finish shows the brushed steel
- Compatible with 30C tires
- Internal routing for rear brake hose
- External routing for gear cables makes building easier
- Decent welds with consistent beads and no visible pinholes
- Corrosion-resistant chromium-molybdenum steel construction
- Includes carbon fiber fork
- Disc brake mounts and thru-axle compatibility (100x12mm front and 142x12mm rear)
- Drain holes in tubes and bottom bracket area
- BSA bottom bracket threads are well tapped
- Rear derailleur hanger fits nicely
- Brake mounts look great
Cons
- Missing a bottle cage bolt
- Seat post was not included initially (seller later agreed to send one)
- Carbon fork has a fiberglass liner inside the steerer tube, which is thicker than usual
- Unusual thru-axle design on the fork with no aluminum insert for threads
- Bottom bearing cup design may make bearing replacement difficult
- Frame weight is more than twice that of a carbon frame (2.24 kilos)
- No front derailleur hanger included (requires a clamp-on adapter)
- Long delivery time (two and a half months)
Key Points
- Chromium-molybdenum steel construction
- Clear coat finish
- XL size
- 30C tire compatibility
- Internal rear brake hose routing
- External gear cable routing
- Carbon fiber fork included
- Disc brake mounts
- 100x12mm front and 142x12mm rear thru-axle
- Weight: 2.24 kilos
- BSA bottom bracket
- Drain holes in tubes and bottom bracket
Building a Beautiful Steel Bike with AliExpress Parts
The reviewer discusses the 700Cx30C SEABOARD CR05 Road Bike Frame Chromium-molybdenum Steel Frame Carbon Fiber Fork Disc Brake 100x12mm 142x12mm Thru Axle in detail throughout the video. They mention purchasing the frame from AliExpress for £372 and highlight its steel construction with a carbon fork. The frame features external cable routing, a longer head tube for a more relaxed geometry, and barrel adjusters for gear cables. The reviewer appreciates the frame's traditional design, ease of maintenance, and the inclusion of sound deadening foam for the rear brake hose. They also note the frame's compatibility with 700x30C tires and potential for 700x32C tires. The frame's ride quality is praised for its suppleness and comfort on rough roads, though it is noted to be slightly less responsive compared to carbon frames.
AI-Summary
Pros
- Steel construction with carbon fork provides a supple and comfortable ride
- External cable routing makes maintenance and building easier
- Longer head tube offers a more relaxed geometry
- Includes barrel adjusters for gear cables
- Compatible with 700x30C tires and potentially 700x32C tires
- Traditional design with a classic look
- Sound deadening foam reduces rattling from the rear brake hose
- Good tire clearance
- Quiet on the road with minimal chain slap
Cons
- Slightly less responsive compared to carbon frames
- Heavier than carbon frames (8.6 kg for an extra-large size)
- Rear brake hose routing was tricky without guide tubes
- Not as sharp handling as carbon race frames
Key Points
- Chromium-molybdenum steel frame with carbon fiber fork
- External cable routing
- 100x12mm and 142x12mm thru axles
- Disc brake compatible
- Longer head tube for relaxed geometry
- Barrel adjusters for gear cables
- Sound deadening foam for rear brake hose
- Compatible with 700x30C and potentially 700x32C tires
- Weighs 8.6 kg for an extra-large size
Where to Buy


