Giving TRIFOX a Second Chance - X18 budget carbon frame
Trace Velo
21 août 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
Pièces mentionnées
Trifox X18
Choice Day / Outdoor Fun
CadreTrifox X18
Créé le : 7 avril 2026The reviewer provides a detailed analysis of the Trifox X18 frame. They state they received it for review and are impressed with its visual appearance, paintwork, and internal cleanliness. They highlight its low cost, light weight, and the use of EPS molding, a technique usually reserved for premium frames. The reviewer notes the frame has fully internal cable routing, clean brake mounts, good bearing seats, and a clean bottom bracket area. However, they mention past serious safety issues with a previous Trifox frame (X16) and note that the bottom bracket threads have some swarf. They also express awareness of Trifox's mixed online reputation and acknowledge the possibility of receiving a hand-selected unit. The real test, they say, will come during the build, specifically checking the seat post and paddle clamps, which are common problem areas on cheaper frames.
Résumé IA
Pros
- Really great value / cheap (approx. $593)
- Lightweight frame, fork, and seat post (just over 1.5kg for a 56cm)
- Visually looks great with nice paintwork
- No defects or scratches in the paint
- Silk screening of logos and text is well applied under clear coat
- Fully internal cable routing
- Brake mounts are completely clean (not painted over), aiding caliper alignment
- Rear brake mounts appear to have had additional finishing/flattening
Cons
- Stem included in the handlebar/stem combo is heavy due to thick aluminum walls, adding weight
- Bottom bracket threads are not the cleanest, with some swarf left from tapping
- The reviewer has a history with Trifox: a previous X16 frame had a serious safety issue where the fork's axle threading was chewed up due to a misaligned insert
- The reviewer is aware Trifox does not have the best reputation online, with many poor reviews
- There is a chance the manufacturer hand-selected this specific frame for the reviewer
- Two areas (seat post clamp and paddle clamp) on cheaper frames almost always cause problems, and the reviewer has heard grumbles about them on this frame; the real test will be during assembly
- The rear derailleur hanger area, with the hanger removed, looks quite thin in terms of carbon thickness (though the reviewer notes this is common and Trifox claims it was tested for strength)
Key Points
- Model: Trifox X18 frame
- Cost: Normally $659, reviewer got it for $593 (~£460)
- Weight: Frame, fork, seat post total just over 1.5kg for size 56cm
- Handlebar/stem combo weight: 539g (40cm carbon bars, 120mm aluminum stem)
- Design: Inspired by S-Works Tarmac SL7 but not identical; straight seat tube
- Construction: Bonded frame (front and rear triangles glued together)
- Molding Technique: Uses EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) molding for the front triangle, a premium method
- Internal Routing: Fully internal cable routing
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