Yeah I’m not disputing the quality of an Asian frames at all. I just probably couldn’t see myself paying 2x more for a ‘premium’ brands Asian frame vs one of the standard brands (trek, specialized, giant, cannondale)
Yeah, someone want to check if lauf bikes clear 60s?
Wow…seems to be “only” 4200€ on their EU site.
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I think “Asian made” paints with a rather broad brush. Giant, for example, makes VERY high end frames in Taiwan, have been for decades, and manufacture frames for many of the top brands. They actually weave and create their own carbon prepreg sheets; it’s probably the most advanced carbon bike operation in the world. OTOH there are tons of smaller factories in China and Vietnam that may make serviceable (and very cost effective) frames, but they have nothing close to the expertise and history of Giant.
For Europe made carbon, some Colnagos (though funnily not their WorldTour models AFAIK) are made in Italy. 3T and Time both make some frames in Europe (Italy and Slovakia, respectively), though they use a different process to reduce labor costs. The new Open UP/UPPER will be made in Portugal. In every case though, these frames cost more and are not obviously superior to a quality Asian frame like those produced by Giant.
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Speaking of OPEN, the new UPPER was released: Launching the new U.P.PER. 2.0 (UDH)
Very good points. I think Taiwan is definitely at a different level for high end components than some other Asian countries. Similar to Japan in manufacturing of some other products.
And speaking of Giant, surely we’ll see a UDH-equipped Revolt very soon? That’s a fantastic frame that ticks pretty much all my boxes, save for the UDH…
Maybe? I think the holdup is they would have to get rid of their flip chip. Not sure how many ppl use that..
Surely many more people are dissuaded by the lack of a UDH than are attracted by the flip chip?
Whether they determine it makes sense to revise the current frame with a UDH vs. launching a whole new iteration is another question I suppose.
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Yeah, they also know a thing or two about semiconductor manufacturing in Taiwan for sure.
Curious what bike did you buy? And why?
If the leaked Checkout turns out to be real, it could be interesting. It basically looks like a drop bar XC bike.
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It’s real…
Anyone seen any more detailed reviews of the Able 2.0? Especially tire clearance and how legit the 2.2+ clearance is?
I’m tempted on a frame-only purchase - have pretty much everything else so the sting wouldn’t be that bad once I sold the current one to cover…
Have not ridden one or seen any detailed reviews beyond the initial release stuff. But I’ve seen a bunch of them close up at Rule of 3 and Unbound running 2.2 race kings. Proper clearance like you’d expect on an off road bike.
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Spot Rallye - good choice if you need something biased towards rougher courses - good tire clearance, UDH, seatpost size that works with many droppers, etc. I also happen to have an XL top spec build for sale as I’m leaning towards building up a XC bike instead.
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Surprised nobody’s mentioned the new Seka yet.
56mm clearance, aero etc.
Are there Seka buyers?
Only social media characters seem to be riding them, and I’m assuming they got them for free.
Pricing is high for a direct to consumer frame with no support.
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Really interested in this one - but they are only claiming 52mm in the rear. I most likely won’t buy it unless it can fit a 2.25 'Burt on a reasonably wide rim.
Pros:
- Tire clearance
- Aero
- Looks great
- 750ml fidlock aero bottles(!)
- DT storage
- About 1kg frame weight I think they claimed in one of the vids
- 2x compatible
Cons:
- Narrowest barstem is 380mm
- Potentially short front center
- Looks like it won’t take a big 1x chainring.
Are there any options that support 2x drivetrain and properly fit a 2.25? I would think those would be mutually exclusive, but not sure.