TriFox X18, 6 months later - Is this Chinese frame even viable?
Trace Velo
February 09, 2024
TriFox produce some incredibly cheap carbon bike frames out of Shenzhen in China, but they have a mixed reputation on YouTube. Has this X18 frame impressed me?
SIROKO CLOTHING – 10% off (automatically applied via link below):
https://srko.co/tracevelo
TriFox sent me their X18 frame to review last year. I built up a road bike using it, so after 6 months, and just over 1000 miles (1600km), whats the verdict?
Essentially there are pro’s and cons. The frame is fantastic to ride, once you get all the issues sorted. I faced problems with the headset, brake mounts, rear dropouts, and the front derailleur hanger. All of these needed fixing before I was happy. This took quite a lot of my time, and a few extra quid to sort out as well.
But you also need to remember, this is pretty much THE cheapest frame of its type you can buy. In my opinion, a few small issues are to be expected, but the number of issues I faced, along with the other problems I had with my X16 frame from TriFox, it does show a pattern.
So in this episode, I’ll show you what I like about this frame, dive into the issues I've faced, and also cover some of the problems you’ve discussed in the comments as well. If you are looking to buy a cheap carbon bike frame from TriFox, hopefully this episode will give you everything you need to know!
Trifox - Bad Experiences
https://imgur.com/a/TzVho2x
Trifox - Good Experiences
https://imgur.com/a/RN3AFor
Previous episodes with this TriFox frame:
https://youtu.be/C87KRXa8cRA
https://youtu.be/ClL6P-9Oi4k
https://youtu.be/jJdrd59eFgU
Timestamps:
00:00 – Start
00:22 – Intro
00:48 – What I like about the X18
03:21 – Headset issue
04:19 – Front derailleur hanger
05:40 – Rear brake mount
07:04 – Siroko sponsor
08:23 – Rear triangle alignment
09:56 – Conclusion & my opinion
14:27 – Comments about TriFox
Intro roll:
Created by Dev Joshi - http://www.go2dev.co.uk
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/tracevelo/
Email:
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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,Cheap chinese carbon,Cheap carbon road bike frame,TriFox X18,TriFox X16,Long term review,Carbon road bike,Road cycling,TriFox frame review,Chinese carbon road bike,Cheap road bikes
Parts Mentioned
Trifox X18
Fresh Spring Savings/Mother's Day Savings
FrameTrifox X18
Created: April 07, 2026The reviewer tested the Trifox X18 carbon endurance frame for 6 months and approximately 1,000 miles. While he ultimately enjoys how it rides and finds it robust, he encountered multiple quality control issues requiring repairs and adjustments. He notes the brand competes on price rather than craftsmanship, and while the frame has good potential, buyers should expect to do additional finishing work themselves.
AI-Summary
Pros
- The frame looks clean with a tidy paint job and well-applied decals, not appearing like a budget carbon frame at first glance
- Rides well: lightweight, comfortable, compliant for long rides, with enough stiffness to feel fast on flats and downhill
- Takes design cues from the Specialized SL7 Tarmac, making the bike feel nimble and fast
- Agile and confidence-inspiring for city riding
- Through axle design includes cones that help center and stabilize them in the dropouts
- Seat post hasn't slipped at all (common problem with cheaper frames)
- Robust construction: survived a crash that bent and cracked the rear derailleur hanger without damaging the carbon frame
- Comes with carbon bars and stem at desired length for under £450, representing good value
Cons
- Headset spacer rubbed against frame paint, requiring sanding to fix (viewer reported same issue)
- Front derailleur hanger came loose and required complete re-epoxying and re-riveting
- Rear brake mounts were not completely flat/level, causing disc brake rubbing (required shimming to fix)
- Rear triangle appears slightly too wide/bowed out, creating slop in the dropout alignment
- Multiple issues on one frame show a pattern of quality control problems
- Similar issues experienced with another Trifox frame (X16)
- Brand competes solely on cost rather than craftsmanship and quality
- Customer service reportedly poor for smaller issues (ghosting customers, unwilling to assist with minor problems)
Where to Buy
