Dengfu R01: Review with CT Analysis of Lightweight Road Frame

The reviewer shares a detailed, long-term review of the Dengfu R01 frame purchased in 2017. They discuss the ordering process, cost, shipping, and overall experience over 25,000 km of riding. They then conduct a physical and CT scan analysis of the frame's build quality. The reviewer states the frame has been reliable with no major complications, but the CT scan reveals several manufacturing voids, particularly in the bottom bracket and chainstay mating areas. They are generally happy with the frame's performance and weight but note the build quality is not the highest, especially in critical stress areas.

The reviewer, Dominique, shares his long-term experience with the Dengfu R01 frame, which he has ridden for approximately 25,000 km over 4-5 years. He details the ordering process, cost, shipping, and a thorough physical and CT scan analysis of the frame. He states the ordering and communication with Dengfu (via Melody/Tony) was flawless, shipping was quick, and packaging was good. The frame arrived with a raw carbon matte finish, features full internal cable routing, a BB30 bottom bracket, a 27.2mm seatpost, and a 58cm size fitting his 193cm height. He notes a maximum tire clearance of 25mm. During use, he experienced only a minor complication with a corroded bottle cage nut. His major critique is the BB30 standard, which is not ideal for his Shimano groupset (24mm axle). He performed a CT scan to examine the carbon layup, finding the overall build quality acceptable but noting significant voids in the bottom bracket area and some in the chainstay and seatstay junctions, which he considers non-critical except for the bottom bracket voids potentially reducing stiffness. He concludes he is 'pretty happy' overall, apart from the bottom bracket area concerns.