I Bought Two Cheap Chinese Aero Frames (here's why)
Cam Nicholls
September 09, 2022
Channel Subscription: https://bit.ly/2NViYKI
Carbon Steed: https://carbonsteed.com.au
Taylor Cycles: https://taylorcycles.com
Building the cheapest race bike money can buy, with a catch. The catch is I took this project to the audience and you voted for the products we would be using to create this cheap Chinese carbon bike build. However, it was a close call between the Elves and Trifox frames. So I though why not buy them both and get them inspected by Gary at Carbon Steed and Jay at Taylor Cycles.
#cheap #carbon #bike
Keywords: chinese bike,elves,trifox,road bike,cycling,cyclist,winspace,aero race bike
Parts Mentioned
Sunshine Savings/Seasonal Savings
FrameELVES Falath Pro
Created: June 05, 2025The reviewer discusses the 2022 Elves Falath Pro Disc Brake Carbon Road Framesets in comparison to the Tri Fox frame. They note that the Elves frame comes with integrated bars and is priced at over 2,000 AUD, offering Australian support. The reviewer highlights the frame's build quality, paint job, and finish, which they found superior to the Tri Fox frame. They mention that the Elves frame has a threaded bottom bracket, clean internal finishes, and a stiffer feel. The reviewer also appreciates the frame's aesthetic and overall quality, which they felt was better than expected for a Chinese frame.
AI-Summary
Pros
- Integrated bars included
- Australian website with Australian support
- Superior build quality
- Nice paint job with gloss to matte fade
- Clean internal finishes
- Threaded bottom bracket
- Stiffer feel compared to Tri Fox
- Better aesthetic and overall quality
Cons
- Higher price point (over 2,000 AUD)
- Internal routing cable described as 'a little bit ugly'
Where to Buy
Elves Falath Pro Disc Brake Carbon Road Framesets
TRIFOX X10 Carbon Road Bike Fram
Created: June 05, 2025The reviewer compares the TRIFOX X10 Carbon Road Bike Frame to the Elves FTH frame, noting it came in at a touch under $1,400 AUD, making it roughly $600 AUD cheaper than the Elves frame. They mention that both frames were part of a vote for a cheapest race bike build project, with the TRIFOX frame being a close contender. The reviewer highlights that the TRIFOX frame is of a lesser quality compared to the Elves frame, with divots in the top tube, dirt inclusions in the paint, and blisters. However, they also note that these issues are not severe enough to warrant returning the frame. The reviewer states that the TRIFOX frame is stiffer and has a cleaner bottom bracket area, but the head tube where the bearings sit is rough and sharp, which is a concern. Ultimately, the reviewer decides to build up the Elves frame instead of the TRIFOX frame.
AI-Summary
Pros
- Cheaper price point (~$1,400 AUD)
- Stiffer frame
- Clean bottom bracket area
Cons
- Lower quality compared to Elves frame
- Divots in the top tube
- Dirt inclusions in the paint
- Blisters in the paint
- Rough and sharp head tube where bearings sit
Where to Buy
