Trace Velo - Building a Beautiful Steel Bike with AliExpress Parts

Description

I always build and ride cheap carbon road bikes, so today I'm going to be building a cheap steel road bike with parts from AliExpress…

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 β€˜steel is real’, so I decided to find out if this is true.

The basis for the build is a cheap chromoly steel bike frame that I bought on AliExpress from a brand called Seaboard. I’ll be using a mechanical groupset from a Chinese brand called Sensah, and with external cabling, the bike should have a really back to basics feel.

So in this episode, I’ll show you how to properly protect a steel frame with Boeshield, give you a rundown of all the parts (most of which i sourced from AliExpress), show you how to build the bike from start to finish, and then give you my impressions of how it rides.

Affiliate links to the parts used (Steel road bike build):
https://linktr.ee/tracevelo

Timestamps:
00:00 – Intro
00:58 – Protecting the steel frame
05:22 – Parts rundown & cost
07:05 – Siroko sponsor
07:56 – Build - Cabling
11:11 – Build - Headset setup
15:11 – Build - Brake hose routing
19:05 – Build - Bleeding the brakes
22:39 – Bike reveal
26:42 – Bike weight
28:39 – First impressions & changes
31:36 – Steel ride feel
35:22 – Bonus clip (Brakes and BB)

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,Cheap chromoly steel frame,Chromoly steel road bike frame,Cheap steel road bike frame,steel road bike frame,Chinese steel,Sensah HRD,Cheap steel road bike build,Steel AliExpress road bike,Cheap steel road bike

Bike part mentions in this video

RYET Disc Brake Road Bike Carbon Wheels Ceramic Tubless CLincher Disc Cycling Wheelsets Pillar Spoke 1423 2015 Bicycle Rimset

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AI-Summary

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SENSAH EMPIRE HRD 2x11s Road Bike Hydraulic Disc Brake Front Derailleur Rear Derailleur Carbon Shifter Bike Parts

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AI-Summary

Pros

  • Mechanical with hydraulic disc brakes
  • Light, clicky, and precise shifting
  • Similar to Shramm's double tap setup
  • Functional and enjoyable to use

Cons

  • Shifters are chunky
  • Inconsistencies between left and right shifters (rubber quality and design)
  • Front derailleur has three trim positions, which can be frustrating
  • Rubber on hoods doesn't conform well and comes loose over time

Key Points

  • 2x11speed mechanical group set with hydraulic disc brakes
  • Shifters operate similarly to Shramm's double tap setup
  • Front derailleur has three trim positions
  • Inconsistencies between left and right shifters noted
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AI-Summary

Pros

  • The reviewer packed grease around the bearings to improve longevity
  • The setup works with the SRAM DUB crankset despite the axle size mismatch

Cons

  • The bearings are thinner due to the larger 29mm axle, which may reduce durability
  • The reviewer had a similar setup on a gravel bike where the bearings lasted only about 2,000 miles
  • The reviewer is not optimistic about the long-term durability of this configuration

Key Points

  • BSA bottom bracket designed for 24mm axle
  • Used with SRAM DUB crankset (29mm axle)
  • Thinner bearings required due to larger axle
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  • Past experience shows limited durability (2,000 miles)
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The reviewer discusses the 700Cx30C SEABOARD CR05 Road Bike Frame Chromium-molybdenum Steel Frame Carbon Fiber Fork Disc Brake 100x12mm 142x12mm Thru Axle in detail throughout the video. They mention purchasing the frame from AliExpress for Β£372 and highlight its steel construction with a carbon fork. The frame features external cable routing, a longer head tube for a more relaxed geometry, and barrel adjusters for gear cables. The reviewer appreciates the frame's traditional design, ease of maintenance, and the inclusion of sound deadening foam for the rear brake hose. They also note the frame's compatibility with 700x30C tires and potential for 700x32C tires. The frame's ride quality is praised for its suppleness and comfort on rough roads, though it is noted to be slightly less responsive compared to carbon frames.

AI-Summary

Pros

  • Steel construction with carbon fork provides a supple and comfortable ride
  • External cable routing makes maintenance and building easier
  • Longer head tube offers a more relaxed geometry
  • Includes barrel adjusters for gear cables
  • Compatible with 700x30C tires and potentially 700x32C tires
  • Traditional design with a classic look
  • Sound deadening foam reduces rattling from the rear brake hose
  • Good tire clearance
  • Quiet on the road with minimal chain slap

Cons

  • Slightly less responsive compared to carbon frames
  • Heavier than carbon frames (8.6 kg for an extra-large size)
  • Rear brake hose routing was tricky without guide tubes
  • Not as sharp handling as carbon race frames

Key Points

  • Chromium-molybdenum steel frame with carbon fiber fork
  • External cable routing
  • 100x12mm and 142x12mm thru axles
  • Disc brake compatible
  • Longer head tube for relaxed geometry
  • Barrel adjusters for gear cables
  • Sound deadening foam for rear brake hose
  • Compatible with 700x30C and potentially 700x32C tires
  • Weighs 8.6 kg for an extra-large size
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AI-Summary

Pros

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Cons

  • No cons found in the analysis.
  • Key Points

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