
Did an internal inspection of my Chinese gravel bike find any issues? One year review.
Peter Treadway
June 22, 2025
I've loved riding my Seraph frame gravel bike over the last year, but have rides like The Dirty Reiver and North London Dirt shown that cheap Chinese Carbon fibre bikes can't be trusted? I conduct a full strip down inspection to check!
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Here are the parts I used to build this bike:
Seraph GR047 frame - https://www.seraphbikes.com/Full-Internal-cable-Disc-Gravel-Bike-Frame-GR047-Di2-Mechanical-Compatible-T47-Thread-Carbon-Fiber-T1000-p5684874.html (use code 'SERAPHBIKE' to get $15 off purchases over $500)
Elite ENT Gravel wheels - https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DlMzSaB
Shimano GRX600 crankset - https://www.johnpyeauctions.co.uk
Shimano GRX600 Left/Right shifter - https://www.johnpyeauctions.co.uk
Shimano GRX812 RD - https://www.johnpyeauctions.co.uk
Shimano GRX810 FD - https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_Dk7WGcL
ZTTO 11spd 11-42T cassette - https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DDPBGfv
Shimano 11spd chain - https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DBSnyU3
T47 BB - https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DEwUjqT
ZRace Disc rotors - https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DEwBM55
Riderace Out front computer mount - https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DlwPrTd
Bar Tape - https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DddeYu3
Shimano SPD pedals - https://tidd.ly/3VKyTec
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Komoot: https://www.komoot.com/user/1349955224030?ref=wud-m
Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/30037580
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Main camera: https://amzn.to/3UN7Blv
Lens: https://amzn.to/3EivifL
Wireless mics: https://amzn.to/3SkNxbv
Action cam: https://amzn.to/3FZHSC4
Best action cam mount: https://amzn.to/3ylqVwQ
Some of the above links are affiliate links, which earn me a commission for any purchases you make. This doesn’t cost you anything, but really helps me keep this channel running. As ever, thank you so much for your continued support of the channel
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Keywords: bikes,bicycles,cycling,cycles,PETER TREADWAY,Are Chinese carbon fibre bikes any good?,Is Chinese carbon fibre safe?,Why are Chinese bikes so cheap?,Why are Chinese bike frames so cheap?,Gravel bike,carbon fibre gravel bikes,best budget gravel bike
Parts Mentioned
TanTan GR047
ELITEWHEELS ENT GRAVEL Carbon Wheelset Disc Brake Tubeless Ready 700C 35x34 Center Lock Or 6 Bolt Lock Hub Tubeless 45x34 Rim
ZTTO MTB Bicycle 11 Speed Cassette 11-36/40/42/46/50/52T 11V Mountain Bike Sprocket K7 Chain Bike Freewheel Cycling Accessories
Bicycle Bottom Bracket Ceramic Bearing BB T47 Thread 68mm 73mm 86.5mm Bsa 68mm 73mm for Mountain Road Bike Central Movement DUBBicycle Bottom Bracket Ceramic Bearing BB T47 Thread 68mm 73mm 86.5mm Bsa 68mm 73mm for Mountain Road Bike Central Movement DUB
Created: September 20, 2024The reviewer mentions that the bottom bracket had a slight creak a few months ago due to dry bearings, which was resolved by cleaning and regreasing. After thousands of miles in various conditions, the bottom bracket spins freely with no resistance, though some dirt and water ingress were noted inside the shell.
AI-Summary
Pros
- Spins freely with no resistance
- No creaking after regreasing
- Performed well over thousands of miles in varied conditions
Cons
- Had a creak due to dry bearings a few months ago
- Some dirt and water ingress inside the bottom bracket shell
MyBikeParts

ZTTO MTB Bicycle 11 Speed Cassette 11-36/40/42/46/50/52T 11V Mountain Bike Sprocket K7 Chain Bike Freewheel Cycling Accessories
Created: September 20, 2024The reviewer mentions using a ZTTO 11-speed cassette on their gravel bike, noting it cost around £20-25 from AliExpress. After thousands of miles, they observe no visible wear on the teeth and no shifting issues, expressing strong satisfaction.
AI-Summary
Pros
- No visible wear on teeth after thousands of miles
- No skipped or slipped shifts experienced
- Very impressed with performance and appearance
MyBikeParts

ELITEWHEELS ENT GRAVEL Carbon Wheelset Disc Brake Tubeless Ready 700C 35x34 Center Lock Or 6 Bolt Lock Hub Tubeless 45x34 Rim
Created: September 20, 2024The reviewer praises the ELITEWHEELS ENT GRAVEL Carbon Wheelset for its durability and quality after thousands of miles of use in harsh conditions. He notes the rear hub remained clean with no water ingress, and the bearings were smooth. The front hub also showed no issues. He gives a 'big thumbs up' to Elite Wheels, comparing them favorably to his road wheels from the same brand.
AI-Summary
Pros
- Rear hub showed no water ingress despite wet rides
- Bearings inside rear hub were clean and grease looked fresh
- Rear hub had a tight seal
- Front hub was smooth with no resistance
- Wheels have held up well over thousands of miles
- Similar wheels on road bike have done 5-6k miles with no issues
MyBikeParts

TanTan GR047
Created: April 29, 2026The reviewer analyzed the TanTan GR047 frame after a year of use, noting it cost £560 from China. They inspected the frame internally and externally, finding it held up well with no major issues.
AI-Summary
Pros
- Frame interior looked smooth with no rough edges or shredded carbon strands.
- Paintwork held up well with only minor scratches and wear from accessories.
- Frame still looks beautiful after a year and thousands of miles.
- Cost only £560 from China.
Cons
- A small piece of carbon fiber layup was sticking out inside the seat tube, likely from the manufacturing process.
- Paint rubbed off at the bottom of the fork where a light was clamped.
- Matte effect worn off handlebars and head tube where frame bag contacted.
Where to Buy

TanTan Full Internal Cable Disc Gravel Bike Frame GR047 Custom Paint Chameleon 0218 T47 Thread Max Tire 700*47C