
Inside PandaPodium - Deep dive chat with Joe into top-end carbon bikes, Arcaris & Chinese brands
MyBikeParts
March 20, 2026
Get an summary and listing of the bike parts mentioned in this video and browse the latest high-performance components here:
👉🏻 https://mybike.parts/blog/8
In this extensive "Uncut" session, I visit the PandaPodium headquarters in Xiamen to sit down with Joe (known from ChinaCycling). We take a deep dive into the rapid evolution of the Chinese cycling industry, moving beyond budget options to world-class "Hyperbikes." This video offers a rare look at their office, logistics, and the rigorous QC (Quality Control) processes that every part undergoes before being shipped worldwide.
We address the most critical topics for riders today: How do Chinese brands like Acaris and CRW compare to Western giants? What happens in the case of a recall or warranty claim? Joe shares his unique perspective on everything from carbon manufacturing secrets to the future of Chinese groupsets and proprietary hub designs. If you want to understand the tech and the people behind the "Made in China" labels, this interview is for you.
Here a link to their new Arcaris climbing wheel-set:
👉🏻 https://www.pandapodium.cc/product/arcaris-8848-climbers-wheelset/?ref=21106
FYI: that is an affiliate link, that Joe provided me with AFTER making and finishing this video. If you buy anything using that link i get a small commission, but your price doesn't change! That helps me to buy better video equipment, like a Gimbal, 360º cam, bike equip to test out and also helps to legitimize the video hobby to my fam :D . Thanks a lot!
CHAPTERS:
00:00:00 Intro
00:01:45 Office tour & Panda-Team
00:07:33 Hubs of Arcaris Wheels
00:09:24 Interview Start
00:09:52 Interview: Journey to China/Xiamen
00:13:52 Birth of PandaPodium
00:16:11 Arcaris: Motivation for own brand
00:18:06 My concerns buying/importing from China
00:23:59 Warranty and Recalls
00:26:37 Why no full bike builds on PP
00:29:16 Chinese Groupsets
00:30:41 Recalls
00:34:32 Difference Hyperbikes vs. Budget options
00:36:40 How Chinese became good so fast
00:39:47 Addressing the Medium & Budget Tier?
00:44:16 Why not order from brands directly?
00:47:36 How to vet a brand to take on PP
00:52:14 ChinaCycling is just ads now?!
00:56:45 What about MTB, TT, CC, aluminum... bikes?
00:59:08 Materials besides Carbon
00:59:52 Trends for the future
01:02:31 Wrapping up
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#PandaPodium #ChinaCycling #RoadBike #CyclingTech #AcarisWheels #XiamenCycling #CarbonBikes #BicycleMaintenance #CyclingIndustry #BikeBuild #Hyperbike #CRWWheels #AeroRoadBike #CyclingLife #BikeTech #CarbonWheels #BikeVlog #CyclingInterview #NewBikeDay #PerformanceCycling #LightweightBikes #CyclingCulture #GravelBike #BikeParts #CustomBike #Engineering #CyclingNews #BikeLovers #UCI #MadeInChina
Parts Mentioned
Arcaris 8848 Climbers WheelsetArcaris 8848 Climbers Wheelset
Created: February 04, 2026Joe from Panda Podium discusses the Arcaris 8848 Climbers Wheelset as a product he personally designed to fill a niche gap in the market. He explains it was created because no other brands were making 27mm climbing wheels, and he wanted a lightweight wheelset for himself to ride. The wheels are targeted at riders under 75kg and represent a super-niche product that Panda Podium can support due to their existing customer base.
AI-Summary
Pros
- Designed to fill a market gap for 27mm climbing wheels which other brands weren't making
- Lightweight climbing wheelset
- Targeted at niche market of riders under 75kg
- Allows Panda Podium to sell specialized products that mainstream brands avoid
- Represents products Joe personally wants to ride
Cons
- Progress on finalizing the product has been slow after Joe received his personal prototype
- Joe hasn't made a video review yet despite the wheels being for sale
- Limited to riders under 75kg, which excludes heavier riders
MyBikeParts

Arcaris 8848 Climbers Wheelset
