They are just some off brand ones I found on Aliexpress.
They have taken tons and I mean tons of tree strikes and the “only reason” i consider them broke is because I ripped the computer mount out (which I actually may repair with some epoxy and rivet)
Definitely understand that, dont need to end up on your face trying to sprint.
Late addition to the thread… This is my Carbonda CFR1056 size small in ‘Gravel’ mode.
Rival AXS Groupset (46/33 crankset & 10-36 cassette)
Light Bicycle AR46 with Bitex hubs
Panarace GravelKing SS 35c (actually measure out to 37c and I’m at the limits of the frame)
Look X-Track Race pedals
What is the weight and final cost if you don’t mind divulging? Looks like a very sweet ride.
Weight: 8.875 kg with Hammerhead Karoo 2 and Garmin Varia tail light
Frameset: $894
Wheels were $727
Groupset was bought piecemeal so I think it may cost around $1500
Pedals and other finishing parts were probably $250 bringing the total to around $3350.
That is a good looking setup, but man the geometry for those frames is really short….I literally could not get one of those frames to fit me.
What size do you normally ride?
I’m on a ML Giant TCR….393 reach, 561 stack (or something in that range). To get the reach I need, I would need an XL and the stack would WAY too high.
Strangely, the Large would almost match my Colnago spot on (size 52S - kind of like a 56). I think his bike is kind of an optical illusion - smaller frame, with lots of seatpost showing.
It does seem like the sizes are all one off. My Colnago is probably like a Medium or Medium-Large. Carbonda’s XL is the size of the typical large, so they don’t even make a real XL for larger folks. Chinese market, I guess.
A friend bought a Carbonda. He loves it and had a good experience with them.
I’m very happy with my Light-Bicycle wheelset and also bought an integrated handlebar from LightCarbon which was highly recommended but haven’t got round to actually build that CX bike so can only say it looks very nice.
BTLOS make great wheels. I’ve been bashing the set on my XC hardtail around for a while now and no issues. I bought a set for a road bike I built up also, 60mm deep rim brake wheels and they’re great too.
I’ve bought a few chinese bits and pieces without any drama.
Elita one seatpost off aliexpress
Multiple Uno stems off aliexpress
Sigeyi power meters
I got some silicone grips off aliexpress that are pretty nice too.
Like anywhere else in the world there’s different tiers of quality and the Chinese are plenty capable of making high quality products if they’re not having to meet other constraints.
I got the L-Twoo GR7 one by shifters and derailleur for my gravel bike and have been pretty pleased. I’m going to do a review of it on my blog, and maybe a video review too.
As an aside, I also got some cable actuated hydraulic disc brakes from Z-Race on AliExpress and they’re great! I’ll probably do a review of those.
I’m kind of nerding out on videos on Youtube about this stuff right now.
-Hugh
Sweet. Can’t wait to hear an update
I’ve just ordered some Clarks CRS C2 brakes from the UK. They appear to be the same as the ZRace M1 and e3 pro brakes from AliExpress. From reading reviews they appear to be a quality item.
I have high hopes for my Clarks, but based on all the reading I’ve done since, I think I’d be willing to give the Ali options a try (just use genuine pads and rotors)
Chris Miller and Jesse Coyle of the Nero show have a great interview up with Joe from China Cycling this week. It gives a great insight of the ins and outs of the bicycle industry at the moment.
The weekly show is usually a good watch anyway but this is defo worth a watch
I’m very much liking the Z-race brakes. I’m just using the pads that came with it (once they sort of bedded in) but will certainly have to explore new ones at some point.
-Hugh
