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The reviewer presents their new Lightcarbon LCR018-D carbon road bike frame set, which they purchased directly from the Chinese manufacturer Light Carbon. They describe it as having high tire clearance (38-40mm), an aero design with a small design element at the back, and an internal storage compartment for tools or spare tubes. The frame set, including integrated handlebar/stem and seatpost, cost approximately $650 plus custom paint and shipping to Germany, totaling around $1000. Delivery took about 12 days after receiving the tracking number. The reviewer built the bike themselves and states it rides superbly, is very comfortable, agile with a short stem, and offers a clear comfort gain over their previous aluminum road bike. They praise the excellent paintwork and report no carbon damage.
AI-Summary
Pros
- High tire clearance (38-40mm), perfect for Allroad and light gravel
- Aero design with a cool-looking small design element at the back
- Internal storage compartment for tools or spare tubes, eliminating the need for a saddle bag
- Rides superbly and lies very well on the road
- Significant comfort gain compared to a previous aluminum road bike
- Elegant look
- Paintwork is excellently done
- No detectable carbon damage
- Good delivery time (12 days after tracking number provided)
- Uses the Universal Derailleur Hanger (UDH) standard, which the reviewer finds good
- Reasonable price for a custom-painted frame set
Cons
- Unusual ordering process: no online shop, communication via email/WhatsApp required
- No updates on the DHL tracking for 10 days after receiving the tracking number, causing concern
- The specific model (LCR018-D) was not yet listed in the manufacturer's online catalog at the time of ordering
Key Points
- Manufacturer: Light Carbon, a direct-shipper from China
- Model: LCR018-D
- Frame Material: Carbon
- Tire Clearance: 38mm to 40mm
- Intended Use: Allroad, light gravel
- Features: Aero design, internal storage compartment, internally routed cables, T47 threaded bottom bracket
- Includes: Frame set with integrated handlebar/stem and seatpost
- Price: ~$650 for frame set, ~$1000 total with custom paint and shipping to Germany
- Delivery: Took about 12 days after tracking number provided
- Bottom Bracket: T47 threaded
- Derailleur Hanger: Universal Derailleur Hanger (UDH) standard
The Lightcarbon LCR018-D is an aero-endurance/all-road carbon frameset with integrated handlebar (HBR17). Users report excellent ride quality, described as smooth, balanced, and aerodynamically efficient. Typical weights for a size 50 frame are around 1046g (frame) and 435g (fork), with complete builds ranging from 7.0kg to 8.5kg. The frame uses a T47 bottom bracket (85.5mm shell width) and a proprietary seatpost (27.2mm diameter, available in 0mm, 15mm, 25mm offsets). It features internal cable routing, an optional downtube storage compartment (which slightly reduces stiffness), and top tube accessory mounts. Paint quality is generally praised, with many custom color options available. The frame is compatible with both mechanical and electronic groupsets (including Shimano Di2 and SRAM AXS) and has a claimed tire clearance of up to 38mm (some users fit 40-45mm tires depending on rim width).
AI-Generated Forum Summary
Pros
- Excellent ride quality: smooth, balanced, comfortable, and aerodynamically efficient.
- Good value for money with high-quality paint and finish options.
- Versatile all-road/endurance geometry with good tire clearance (up to ~40mm reported).
- Useful integrated features: downtube storage, top tube mounts, clean cockpit design.
- Stiff and responsive frame, especially noted during sprints and climbing.
Cons
- Seatpost clamp design is fiddly; some users experience seatpost slipping even at recommended torque (8-10 Nm).
- Potential quality control issues: paint chips, fork scratches, misaligned brake mounts, and seatpost play in some cases.
- Long and unpredictable lead times (often 2-4 months), with poor proactive communication from customer service.
- Non-standard headset spacer may be required to prevent rubbing; handlebar top face is not perfectly flat, complicating spacer use.
- Proprietary components: thru-axles, seatpost, and integrated cockpit limit aftermarket options.
Key Points
- T47 bottom bracket (85.5mm shell width)
- Proprietary 27.2mm seatpost (0/15/25mm offset)
- Integrated HBR17 handlebar (various widths/stems)
- Optional downtube storage compartment
- Tire clearance: officially 38mm, users fit 40-45mm
- UDH (Universal Derailleur Hanger) compatible
- Frame weights: ~950-1050g (size 50), Fork: ~420-460g
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the delivery time and process?
Lead times are typically 1.5-3 months but are often delayed, especially around Chinese New Year. Communication is via email; customers must proactively request updates. Shipping is usually duty-free (DFS) to many regions.
Does the seatpost slip, and how is it fixed?
Some users report slipping. Solutions include using carbon paste, ensuring the clamp wedges are oriented correctly, and tightening to 8-10 Nm (as specified by LC). In persistent cases, a shim (e.g., plastic film) may be needed.
What is the maximum tire clearance?
Officially 38mm, but users have successfully fitted 40mm tires on wide rims (e.g., Schwalbe G-One R Pro 40mm on 28mm internal rim). Clearance is tight (~3mm). Front can sometimes fit 45mm.
Can I use a non-integrated cockpit or third-party handlebar?
Yes, but you need to request the appropriate headset cover/spacers (e.g., FSA style) from Lightcarbon when ordering. The frame supports standard stems and handlebars with the right adapter.
What bottom bracket and crankset compatibility does it have?
T47 threaded shell (85.5mm width). Compatible with SRAM DUB (Road or Wide), Shimano 24mm, and others. Some power meters (e.g., Magene P505) may not fit due to spindle clearance.
How do I size the frame?
Use geometry comparison tools (e.g., bikeinsights.de) against your current bike. LC's size chart is a guideline; many recommend sizing based on reach/stack. Consider the integrated bar's 8mm rise and mandatory headset spacer affecting stack/reach.
The reviewer provides a detailed overview of their Lightcarbon LCR018-D frame, covering its price, delivery, design features, and some practical experiences.
AI-Summary
Pros
- Aerodynamic design character
- Comfortable for long rides (100km)
- Integrated handlebars look chic
- Includes a Garmin/Wahoo mount and GoPro mount
- Downtube storage compartment is practical
- Custom-made, proprietary seatpost with a possible spring element
Cons
- Not UCI compliant due to the 'Winduge' design
- Downtube storage compartment flap had play and initially fell off during a gravel ride
- The lever for the storage compartment was initially too loose
- Proprietary seatpost limits replacement options
Key Points
- Price was approximately $650 plus paint, shipping, and fees, totaling around €850
- Available in sizes 47cm, 52cm, 54cm, 56cm, 58cm
- Delivery to Germany took almost exactly 14 days
- No customs fees were incurred as it shipped from a warehouse in Duisburg
- Seatpost is proprietary, oval/wedge-shaped, and comes with or without an offset
- Storage compartment in the downtube is an optional feature
I am also 185cm with 86cm inseam riding a size 58 lcr018-d for a few weeks now. I'm using a zero offset post, 120mm stem, and 20mm of spacers. I'm very comfortable on it so far, happy I didn't go with a 56. I like the long and high setup.
View original forum comment in Chinertown-Forum:
Road Bike Frames, Wheels & Components → Lightcarbon: LCR018-D (endu...
The reviewer provides a detailed review of the Lightcarbon LCR018-D frame set, which they describe as an 'aero endurance' or 'Aero All Road' frame. They praise its external finish, build quality, and included components for the price. They note a minor internal manufacturing imperfection (loose fibers in the seat tube) which the manufacturer addressed by improving quality control. The reviewer is building it up and believes it will be a comfortable ride.
AI-Summary
Pros
- High quality and flawless external finish/paint
- Good value for money at approximately $950 (frame set) / $1100 with shipping
- Includes many components: frame, fork, seat post, seat clamp, Di2 battery holder, integrated carbon handlebar, computer mount, headset kit, through axles, T47 bottom bracket, in-frame storage bag
- In-frame storage is decent with an aluminum cover and secure fit
- Clean bottom bracket area with faced sides and immaculate threads
- Clean brake mounts and bearing seats
- High standard handlebars (327g for 38cm width with 11cm stem)
- Clean internal carbon layup with minimal wrinkles due to latex mandrel process
- Manufacturer (Light Carbon) took accountability for the imperfection and improved production quality control
- Comfortable riding position expected due to head tube length
- Clearance for up to 38C tires (potentially 40C)
- T47 bottom bracket (reviewer's preference)
- Racy, aero-focused design with features like a tapered head tube and hidden through axles
Cons
- Frame weight (1,236g for size 58) is 'not the lightest'
- Found a small internal imperfection: loose carbon fibers in the seat tube area (less than 2cm square), attributed to a sticky latex mandrel during production
Key Points
- Model: Lightcarbon LCR018-D
- Type: Aero endurance / Aero All Road frame set
- Size reviewed: 58cm (largest)
- Frame weight: 1,236g
- Price: ~$950 for frame set, ~$1100 with shipping
- Tire clearance: Up to 38C (reviewer will try 40C)
- Bottom bracket: T47
- Features: In-frame storage, fully internally routed cables, integrated carbon handlebar, hidden through axles
- Manufacturing: Uses a custom latex form (mandrel) for precise carbon placement and uniform pressure
- Quality issue: Loose fibers in seat tube; manufacturer now performs endoscopic checks on all frames