This steel road bike frame with carbon fork offers a smooth, comfortable ride with good tire clearance and modern disc brake/thru-axle compatibility, though it's heavier than carbon alternatives and has some build quirks.
Pros
- Supple and smooth ride quality that absorbs road vibrations
- Good tire clearance (700x30C with room for 700x32C)
- External cable routing makes building and maintenance easier
- Disc brake mounts and modern thru-axle compatibility
Cons
- Heavier than carbon frames (2.24 kilos for frame, 8.6 kilos complete XL build)
- No front derailleur hanger included (requires clamp-on adapter)
- Rear brake hose routing challenging due to lack of guide tubes
- Carbon fork has fiberglass liner inside steerer tube thicker than usual
Key Facts
- Chromium-molybdenum steel construction with corrosion resistance
- Carbon fiber fork included with disc brake mounts
- 100x12mm front and 142x12mm rear thru-axle compatibility
Reviews & Ratings
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
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 on 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 praises the frame's ride quality, describing it as supple and smooth, with a springy feel that absorbs road vibrations well. They also note the frame's good tire clearance, allowing for 700x30C tires with room for 700x32C. The build process is described as straightforward due to the external cable routing, though the rear brake hose routing was challenging. The reviewer also mentions applying Bow Shield T9 inside the frame for rust prevention.
AI Summary
Pros
- Supple and smooth ride quality
- Good tire clearance (700x30C with room for 700x32C)
- Longer head tube for relaxed geometry
- External cable routing makes building and maintenance easier
- Barrel adjusters on the frame for gear cables
- Steel construction with carbon fork
- Affordable price (£372 on AliExpress)
- Quiet on the road with minimal rattling
Cons
- Rear brake hose routing was challenging due to lack of guide tubes
- Heavier than carbon frames (8.6 kilos for XL size)
- Feels slightly soft when sprinting or climbing out of the saddle
- No raised front derailleur mount, requiring a separate clamp
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 on the frame
- Good tire clearance (700x30C with room for 700x32C)
- Bow Shield T9 applied inside for rust prevention
Where to Buy
700Cx30C SEABOARD CR05 Rennradrahmen Chrom-Molybdän-Stahlrahmen Kohlefaser-Gabel Scheibenbremse 100 x 12 mm 142 x 12 mm Steckachse - AliExpress 18
Specifications
Attributes
Included Components
Spotted an error in the specs? Help us correct it — sign in or create an account.
Similar Frames
Performance Road
Endurance Road
Performance Road
Endurance Road
Performance Road
Performance Road
Performance Road
Questions about SEABOARD CR05
Sign up and share your experience — help other riders decide!
Create Account & Review