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Can a cheap chromoly steel road bike frame from AliExpress compete with the lightweight carbon road bikes I usually ride???
SIROKO CLOTHING – 10% off (automatically applied via link below):
https://srko.co/tracevelo
Full disclosure, I have never ridden a steel road bike. My first road bike was a Claud Butler with an aluminium frame, but since then I have been lucky enough to own all carbon road bikes. However in my comments section, people always say ‘steel is real’, so I decided to find out if this is true.
This is a chromoly steel road bike frame from a brand called Seaboard, or possibly Tsunami-Seaboard. I picked it up on AliExpress earlier this year, and paid £372. It comes complete with a carbon fork, and a seatpost (although the seatpost was missing), and the overall quality seems fantastic.
In this episode I’ll be going over the frame with a fine tooth comb, looking at the paint job, the welding, and also looking inside the steel tubing to view the welds from the back. I also consult a professional welder to ask his opinion, and weigh the frame, comparing it to the lightweight carbon frames I usually deal in.
Affiliate link to the frame seller I used:
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_olJcNpx
Timestamps:
00:00 – Intro
00:30 – Frame cost and delivery
01:57 – Frame overview
03:18 – Carbon fork
05:06 – Frame headset
06:18 – Siroko sponsor
06:51 – Welds and construction
09:53 – Fitting headset cups
12:52 – Bonus clip - Frame weight
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: Seaboard,Chinese steel bike frame,CR05,Tsunami bike frame,AliExpress Steel bike frame,Cheap steel bike frame,Chromoly steel,Welding chromoly steel,Cheap chromoly steel frame,Chromoly steel road bike frame,Cheap steel road bike frame,steel road bike frame,Chinese steel
Bike part mentions in this video
Frame700Cx30C SEABOARD CR05 Road Bike Frame Chromium-molybdenum Steel Frame Carbon Fiber Fork Disc Brake 100x12mm 142x12mm Thru Axle - AliExpress 18
Created: April 11, 2025The reviewer discusses their purchase of a cheap steel road bike frame from AliExpress, specifically the 700Cx30C SEABOARD CR05 Road Bike Frame. They mention the frame's construction from chromium-molybdenum steel, its compatibility with 30C tires, and the inclusion of a carbon fiber fork with disc brake mounts and thru-axle compatibility (100x12mm front and 142x12mm rear). The reviewer notes the frame's clear coat finish, which shows the brushed steel, and its XL size. They also highlight the internal routing for the rear brake hose and external routing for gear cables. The frame's weight is measured at 2.24 kilos, which is noted as average for steel frames.
AI-Summary
Pros
- Clear coat finish shows the brushed steel
- Compatible with 30C tires
- Internal routing for rear brake hose
- External routing for gear cables makes building easier
- Decent welds with consistent beads and no visible pinholes
- Corrosion-resistant chromium-molybdenum steel construction
- Includes carbon fiber fork
- Disc brake mounts and thru-axle compatibility (100x12mm front and 142x12mm rear)
- Drain holes in tubes and bottom bracket area
- BSA bottom bracket threads are well tapped
- Rear derailleur hanger fits nicely
- Brake mounts look great
Cons
- Missing a bottle cage bolt
- Seat post was not included initially (seller later agreed to send one)
- Carbon fork has a fiberglass liner inside the steerer tube, which is thicker than usual
- Unusual thru-axle design on the fork with no aluminum insert for threads
- Bottom bearing cup design may make bearing replacement difficult
- Frame weight is more than twice that of a carbon frame (2.24 kilos)
- No front derailleur hanger included (requires a clamp-on adapter)
- Long delivery time (two and a half months)
Key Points
- Chromium-molybdenum steel construction
- Clear coat finish
- XL size
- 30C tire compatibility
- Internal rear brake hose routing
- External gear cable routing
- Carbon fiber fork included
- Disc brake mounts
- 100x12mm front and 142x12mm rear thru-axle
- Weight: 2.24 kilos
- BSA bottom bracket
- Drain holes in tubes and bottom bracket
- Aliexpress Rating:
- 0.0 (0 Reviews)
- Last check of link:
- about 2 months
| Ship-To | Cost |
|---|---|
| 🇫🇷 | €492.39 |
| 🇬🇧 | £597.79 |