Was my cheap, Chinese, Carbon Fibre bike from AliExpress worth it?
Peter Treadway
August 27, 2023
I hand built a cheap carbon fibre bike form parts I bought on AliExpress. 3000 miles later, has it actually been any good?
Check out TraceVelo here: https://www.youtube.com/@TraceVelo
Here is a list of the parts and links to all of the major components:
Trifox Frame - https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DevamXt
Toseek Handlebars - https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DdqB7Rl
Shimano 105 Rear Derailleur - https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DBXdfNt
Shimano 105 Front Derailleur - https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DEAeMxt
Shimano 105 Cassette - https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DCgqaIr
Shimano 105 shifters - https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DmI93r9
ZRace Crankset: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DCCqog3
ZRace BR-002 Brakes - https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DlQBli7
Elite Wheels - https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DEHWlBz
Toseek Saddle - https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DmqFd3l
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/petertreadwaycycling/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@petertreadwaycycling
Komoot: https://www.komoot.com/user/1349955224030?ref=wud-m
Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/30037580
Proud to be a Full Tuck Ambassador. Get 20% of their awesome Caps and Glasses: https://fulltuck.cc use code petertreadway20
Souke Cycling gear 15% discount: https://www.souke.cc/?ref=hpN5XZvHfEWWLs. Use code petertreadway
Main camera: https://amzn.to/3UN7Blv
Lens: https://amzn.to/3EivifL
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
Keywords: trifox,carbon fibre,cycling
Parts Mentioned
ELITEWHEELS Carbon Wheels Disc Brake 700c Road Bike Wheelset ENT UCI Quality Carbon Rim Center Lock Or 6-blot Bock Road Cycling
TRIFOX X16 (TA = Thru Axle)
ZRACE HARDROCK 2 x 10 /11/12 Speed Road Chainset Chain Wheel crank protector, 50/34T, 165mm/170mm / 172.5mm / 175mm, Cranksets
ZRACE BR-005 Cable Actuated Hydraulic Disc Brake Enlarge the Piston For Road Cyclo-cross CX Bike, CycloCross
MTB Road Bike Saddle EVA Ultralight Breathable Comfortable Seat Hollow ergonomic Design Cr-mo Seat Rail Saddle Bicycle Saddle
TOSEEK Full Carbon Fibre Bicycle Road Handlebar Integrated UD Matte /Gloss Bike Handlebar stem 90/100/110/120mm Cycling Bent Bar 
Sunshine Savings/Seasonal Savings
WheelsELITEWHEELS Carbon Wheels Disc Brake 700c Road Bike Wheelset ENT UCI Quality Carbon Rim Center Lock Or 6-blot Bock Road Cycling
Created: February 09, 2022The reviewer discusses the Elitewheels carbon wheels as part of their bike build, expressing high satisfaction with them. They mention the wheels are 25mm wide with a 50mm deep aero profile, extremely lightweight at 1.6 kilos combined, and cost £275 for the pair. The wheels have performed well over 3,000 miles, including long-distance rides like Essex to London to Paris and the Hundred Mile Ride London route, without any issues.
AI-Summary
Pros
- Extremely lightweight at 1.6 kilos combined
- 50mm deep aero profile
- 25mm wide
- Performed well over 3,000 miles
- No issues during long-distance rides
- Cost-effective at £275 for the pair
MyBikeParts
FrameTRIFOX X16 (TA = Thru Axle)
Created: September 20, 2024The reviewer discusses their experience with the TRIFOX Full Carbon Fiber Road Bike Frame (model X16TA) purchased from AliExpress for £430 including shipping. They highlight that the frame is designed for disc brakes with thru-axle fittings (also available in a QR variant) and comes with a seat post, fork, and all necessary headset bearings. The reviewer mentions initial issues with cable routing holes being at right angles rather than angled, which they fixed by filing. They also note a proprietary seat post design that might complicate replacements. Despite these minor issues, the frame has performed well over 3,000 miles, including long-distance rides.
AI-Summary
Pros
- Affordable price at £430 including shipping
- Comes with seat post, fork, and all headset bearings
- Performed well over 3,000 miles including long-distance rides
- Positive after-sales service reports from other customers
- Shares production lines with big-name brands
- Well-packaged for shipping
Cons
- Cable routing holes initially designed at right angles, requiring modification
- Proprietary seat post design could complicate replacements
- Odd purchasing process requiring order cancellation and re-purchase
- No expansion plug included for the steerer
MyBikeParts
CrankZRACE HARDROCK 2 x 10 /11/12 Speed Road Chainset Chain Wheel crank protector, 50/34T, 165mm/170mm / 172.5mm / 175mm, Cranksets
Created: September 20, 2024The reviewer discusses the ZRACE 2x crankset they purchased from AliExpress for £54. They mention that the chainrings are milled from a single piece of aluminum, which eliminates concerns about screws or bolts coming loose. The only issue encountered was the missing preload screw, which the reviewer suspects may have been their own oversight during assembly rather than a fault with the product. Overall, they report very few issues with the crankset after 3,000 miles of use.
AI-Summary
Pros
- Chainrings milled from single piece of aluminum (no loose screws/bolts)
- Very few issues reported after 3,000 miles of use
- Affordable price point (£54)
Cons
- Preload screw was missing (possibly due to assembly error)
MyBikeParts
Disc-BrakesZRACE BR-005 Cable Actuated Hydraulic Disc Brake Enlarge the Piston For Road Cyclo-cross CX Bike, CycloCross
Created: September 20, 2024The reviewer discusses the ZRACE BR-005 Cable Actuated Hydraulic Disc Brake as part of their bike build. They mention that these brakes are cable-actuated hydraulic disc calipers, meaning they are controlled by a cable but have a small oil reservoir inside that triggers the pistons. The reviewer notes that this wouldn't be their first choice of brake setup now, but at the time of building the bike, fully hydraulic drop shifters and brakes weren't available on a budget. They highlight that the brakes have performed well overall, with no issues during emergency stops, though they acknowledge that fully hydraulic brakes would still be better.
AI-Summary
Pros
- Performed well overall
- No issues during emergency stops
- Affordable option at the time of purchase
Cons
- Not the reviewer's first choice of brake setup
- Fully hydraulic brakes would be better
MyBikeParts
ZRACE BR-005 Cable Actuated Hydraulic Disc Brake Enlarge the Piston For Road Cyclo-cross CX Bike, CycloCross
SaddleMTB Road Bike Saddle EVA Ultralight Breathable Comfortable Seat Hollow ergonomic Design Cr-mo Seat Rail Saddle Bicycle Saddle
Created: September 20, 2024The MTB Road Bike Saddle EVA Ultralight Breathable Comfortable Seat Hollow ergonomic Design Cr-mo Seat Rail Saddle Bicycle Saddle is not mentioned in this video.
AI-Summary
MyBikeParts
HandlebarTOSEEK Full Carbon Fibre Bicycle Road Handlebar Integrated UD Matte /Gloss Bike Handlebar stem 90/100/110/120mm Cycling Bent Bar
Created: September 20, 2024The reviewer discusses the TOSEEK Full Carbon Fibre Bicycle Road Handlebar Integrated UD Matte/Gloss Bike Handlebar stem 90/100/110/120mm Cycling Bent Bar as part of their bike build. They mention purchasing it for 46 pounds and highlight its integrated stem with internal cable routing channels. The reviewer chose the 400mm wide bars with a 100mm long stem, based on personal comfort preferences. They note significant challenges with cable routing due to small holes in the bars, which required filing to accommodate thicker compressionless housings. The reviewer also mentions that the internal cable routing caused excessive bends in the cable housings, leading to shifting and braking issues, and describes the installation process as a 'nightmare' they wouldn't want to repeat.
AI-Summary
Pros
- Fully carbon fiber construction
- Integrated stem design
- Internal cable routing channels
- Affordable price (46 pounds)
Cons
- Small holes for cable routing required filing to accommodate cables
- Internal cable routing caused excessive bends in housings
- Led to shifting and braking issues
- Installation described as a 'nightmare'
- Would choose something different if building again
MyBikeParts
TOSEEK Full Carbon Fibre Bicycle Road Handlebar Integrated UD Matte /Gloss Bike Handlebar stem 90/100/110/120mm Cycling Bent Bar - AliExpress 18