Giving TRIFOX a Second Chance - X18 budget carbon frame
Trace Velo
August 21, 2023
TriFox makes great value carbon bike frames out of Shenzhen in China, but they have a mixed reputation on YouTube. Will their X18 frame impress me?
Shokz bone conduction headphones:
https://shokz.cc/45iN7Gp
Use code *TRACEVELO* for 10% off
A few years ago I built up a budget carbon road bike using an X16 frame from TriFox. The build went well and I rode the bike for 1000’s of miles, but the frame from TriFox had a few issues. The holes drilled into the frame to route the cables were a bit rough, and the forks needed to be replaced after a few rides - https://youtu.be/Tif4QbF2grE
A few weeks ago, I bought myself the L-TWOO eRX electronic groupset, and needed a frame to install it on. I have ALWAYS wanted a frame with fully internal cable routing, and the X18 from Trifox was the best value available…. So I decided to give them another chance!
The frame is surprisingly clean inside and out, and uses an EPS manufacturing technique that I've never seen used at this price point.
In this episode, I’ll briefly cover my history with Trifox, go over the frame in detail, cover the production process, and discuss their broader reputation on youtube.
Trifox X18:
https://www.trifoxbike.com/lightweight-disc-brake-carbon-road-bike-frame-x18
10% off sitewide with code: TRACEVELO
Trifox Wholesale:
https://wholesale.trifoxbike.com/products
Timestamps:
00:00 – Start
00:44 – Trifox recap
02:53 – Cost, weight, & Unboxing
04:30 – Shokz sponsor
06:01 – X18 Exterior
10:11 – X18 Interior
13:20 – EPS moulding
14:46 – Conclusion/Trifox Reputation
Intro roll:
Created by Dev Joshi: http://www.go2dev.co.uk
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tracevelo/
Email: tracevelouk@gmail.com
Please note:
I am not a professionally trained bike mechanic. There can be risks associated with using products that are unbranded, untested, or come from sources where the provenance is unknown. Please talk to a qualified bike mechanic if you are in any doubt.
In essence, be careful, do your research, and cycle safe!!!
Keywords: Trifox carbon frame,trifix,trifox x18,AliExpress carbon bike frame,cheap carbon road bike frame,cheap carbon bike build,Tri Fox,trifox frame review,EPS moulding carbon frame,chinese carbon road bike frame,chinese carbon,chinese sl7 clone,specialised sl7 copy
Parts Mentioned
Trifox X18
Fresh Spring Savings/Mother's Day Savings
FrameTrifox X18
Created: April 07, 2026The reviewer examines the Trifox X18 carbon road bike frame, noting significant improvements over the previous X16 model. He finds the frame visually appealing with clean paintwork, well-applied logos, and good external finishing. Internally, he praises the clean construction using EPS molding technique, which is unusual at this price point. While generally impressed, he mentions some minor concerns and plans to test problem areas in a future build video.
AI-Summary
Pros
- Paintwork is really nice with no defects or scratches
- Logos and text are well applied under clear coat
- Brake mounts are completely clean (not painted over)
- Rear brake mounts appear to have additional finishing/flattening
- Bearing seats are clean and bearings fit tightly
- Bottom bracket threads are well aligned
- Internally one of the cleanest frames at this price point
- Uses EPS molding technique (typically reserved for premium frames)
Cons
- Stem walls are quite thick making handlebar/stem combo heavier than expected
- Some overspray on steerer tube (but not concerning)
- Bottom bracket threads have some swarf/leftover material from tapping
- Rear derailleur hanger area carbon looks quite thin (though similar to other frames)
- Seat post clamp and paddle clamp areas may cause problems (to be tested in future video)
- Company has poor reputation according to online reviews and comments
Where to Buy
