
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 AliExpressβ¦
SIROKO CLOTHING β 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 βsteel is realβ, 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. Iβll 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, Iβll 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 β Intro
00:58 β Protecting the steel frame
05:22 β Parts rundown & cost
07:05 β Siroko sponsor
07:56 β Build - Cabling
11:11 β Build - Headset setup
15:11 β Build - Brake hose routing
19:05 β Build - Bleeding the brakes
22:39 β Bike reveal
26:42 β Bike weight
28:39 β First impressions & changes
31:36 β Steel ride feel
35:22 β 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

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

Super light carbon fiber road bike saddle sans comfort racing wide saddle men mtb mountain bike cycling seat italia seads Part

Bicycle Bottle Holder 2PCS Full 3K Carbon Fiber Super Light Road Mountain Bike Cycling Water Bottles Cage Holder Matte18g XXX

RideNow Ultralight Bike Inner Tube 700 x 18 25 28 32 Road MTB Bicycle TPU Material Tire 65mm Length French Valve Super Light

ZTTO SLR Gen3 11speed Road Bike Cassette 11 Speed 11-30 11-32 11-34 11-36 11-28T 112g K7 11s Spokets HGR universal

BUCKLOS Road Bike Bottom Bracket BSA 68/73mm Bicycle BB for SRAM DUB 29mm Crankset CNC Process Spindle Threaded Road Cycle Parts

ONIRII PD-06 Road Bike Carbon Lock Pedals Bicycle SPD Self-Locking Steel/Titanium 6 Degree Pedal with Locking Plate for Road NEW

RIRO Carbon Fiber Crank 29MM Road Bike 11/12 Speed 50-34/52-36/53-39T MS Direct Mount/110/130BCD Bicycle Crankset Chainring

700Cx30C SEABOARD CR05 Road Bike Frame Chromium-molybdenum Steel Frame Carbon Fiber Fork Disc Brake 100x12mm 142x12mm Thru Axle

BUCKLOS Rotor Mtb 160MM 180MM 203MM G3CS Durable Bike Hydraulic Brakes Rotor High Strength MTB Road Hydraulic Brakes Bike Part
RYET Disc Brake Road Bike Carbon Wheels Ceramic Tubless CLincher Disc Cycling Wheelsets Pillar Spoke 1423 2015 Bicycle Rimset
Created: December 01, 2024The RYET Scheibenbremse Rennrad CarbonrΓΒ€der Keramik Tubeless CLincher Disc Radfahren LaufradsΓΒ€tze SΓΒ€ule Speichen 1423 2015 Fahrradfelgenatz is not mentioned in this video.
AI-Summary


SENSAH EMPIRE HRD 2x11s Road Bike Hydraulic Disc Brake Front Derailleur Rear Derailleur Carbon Shifter Bike Parts
Created: June 23, 2025The reviewer discusses the SENSAH EMPIRE HRD 2x11s group set in detail, mentioning its mechanical nature with hydraulic disc brakes. They note the shifters are chunky but express high hopes based on previous positive experiences with an earlier version of this group set. The shifting is described as light, clicky, and precise, operating similarly to Shramm's double tap setup. However, they highlight some inconsistencies between the left and right shifters, including differences in rubber quality and design. The front derailleur's three trim positions are noted as slightly frustrating. Despite these issues, the reviewer finds the group set functional and enjoyable to use.
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

Super light carbon fiber road bike saddle sans comfort racing wide saddle men mtb mountain bike cycling seat italia seads Part
Created: December 01, 2024The Super light carbon fiber road bike saddle sans comfort racing wide saddle men mtb mountain bike cycling seat italia seads Part is not mentioned in this video.
AI-Summary


Bicycle Bottle Holder 2PCS Full 3K Carbon Fiber Super Light Road Mountain Bike Cycling Water Bottles Cage Holder Matte18g XXX
Created: June 23, 2025The Bicycle Bottle Holder 2PCS Full 3K Carbon Fiber Super Light Road Mountain Bike Cycling Water Bottles Cage Holder Matte18g XXX is not mentioned in this video.
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RideNow Ultralight Bike Inner Tube 700 x 18 25 28 32 Road MTB Bicycle TPU Material Tire 65mm Length French Valve Super Light
Created: April 27, 2023The RideNow Ultralight 19g 24g 36g Bike Inner Tube 700 x 18 25 28 Road MTB Bicycle TPU Material Tire French Valve Super Light is not mentioned in this video.
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ZTTO SLR Gen3 11speed Road Bike Cassette 11 Speed 11-30 11-32 11-34 11-36 11-28T 112g K7 11s Spokets HGR universal
Created: March 12, 2025The ZTTO SLR Gen3 11speed Road Bike Cassette 11 Speed 11-30 11-32 11-34 11-36 11-28T 112g K7 11s Spokets HGR universal is not mentioned in this video.
AI-Summary



BUCKLOS Road Bike Bottom Bracket BSA 68/73mm Bicycle BB for SRAM DUB 29mm Crankset CNC Process Spindle Threaded Road Cycle Parts
Created: June 23, 2025The reviewer discusses the BUCKLOS Road Bike Bottom Bracket BSA 68/73mm Bicycle BB for SRAM DUB 29mm Crankset CNC Process Spindle Threaded Road Cycle Parts in the context of using it with a SRAM DUB crankset on a steel road bike. They mention that the bottom bracket is a BSA type designed for a 24mm axle but is being used with a DUB crankset that has a 29mm axle, which requires thinner bearings. The reviewer notes they packed grease around the bearings to improve longevity but express concerns about the durability of this setup based on past experience with similar configurations.
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
- Grease applied to improve bearing life
- Past experience shows limited durability (2,000 miles)

ONIRII PD-06 Road Bike Carbon Lock Pedals Bicycle SPD Self-Locking Steel/Titanium 6 Degree Pedal with Locking Plate for Road NEW
Created: September 06, 2024The ONIRII PD-06 Road Bike Carbon Lock Pedals Bicycle SPD Self-Locking Steel/Titanium 6 Degree Pedal with Locking Plate for Road NEW is not mentioned in this video.
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RIRO Carbon Fiber Crank 29MM Road Bike 11/12 Speed 50-34/52-36/53-39T MS Direct Mount/110/130BCD Bicycle Crankset Chainring
Created: June 23, 2025The RIRO Carbon Fiber Crank 29MM Road Bike 11/12 Speed 50-34/52-36/53-39T MS Direct Mount/110/130BCD Bicycle Crankset Chainring is not mentioned in this video.
AI-Summary

700Cx30C SEABOARD CR05 Road Bike Frame Chromium-molybdenum Steel Frame Carbon Fiber Fork Disc Brake 100x12mm 142x12mm Thru Axle
Created: April 11, 2025The 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



BUCKLOS Rotor Mtb 160MM 180MM 203MM G3CS Durable Bike Hydraulic Brakes Rotor High Strength MTB Road Hydraulic Brakes Bike Part
Created: June 23, 2025The reviewer briefly mentions the BUCKLOS Rotor Mtb 160MM 180MM 203MM G3CS Durable Bike Hydraulic Brakes Rotor High Strength MTB Road Hydraulic Brakes Bike Part but does not provide detailed analysis.
AI-Summary
Pros
- The brakes were already full of mineral oil from the factory, making bleeding easier.
Cons
Key Points
- The reviewer notes that the brakes require at least 160mm rotors.
