This content is super relevant given the ridiculous prices of race bikes from the big manufacturers who make owning a quality rig an elitist pursuit....well done Cam, keep them coming.
Well said. On top of that the QC from the big brands are crap as exposed by Hambini. These are two triangles put together with good alignment compare that to the cost of motorcycles and cars the prices of bikes are out of hand. Thanks for the content Cam.
Exactly 20 years ago, an American made, carbon Trek 5200 (exact frame Postal rode), with a Shimano Ultegra groupset and Bontrager wheels (which were made by DT Swiss for Bontrager), retailed for $2,700USD. That's pretty insane...even accounting for inflation, that's $4,500 in today's money. Now you'll pay twice that for a Chinese made Ultegra bike.
In my cycling circle there is a lot of talk about this... prices, spares availability, being forced to 'upgrade' (change for the sake of it), prices are crazy for what you can get, will be get used to fork out 2k pounds (I am writing from the UK) for a tiagra entry level road bike? when 10 years ago we were getting Ultegra quality at race specs. I think we are witnessing a huge change in the industry, putting apart the fact that manufacturers are pushing the industry to ONLY supply whatever is most incompatible with what we had until recent (rim brakes, mechanical) they are forcing obsolescence at high speed to depart with our wallets, and forced obsolescence is a huge issue they should be accountable for - what are we doing with all the waste? Also in my cycling circle, there is A LOT more appetite to try Chinese groupsets, the big brands Shimano, SRAM, Campagnolo... might have shot their own foot with their recent business decisions and they are creating a HUGE market for these Chinese brands, as soon as they go through a second generation of product development I am sure they will be much more common in the West and it's going to hurt the big brands...
Haters are always insecure, like Cam said, it saves lots of money for someone who doesn’t have that much budget to built some nice bike. Keep up the content for us viewers who enjoy and learn something new not just for well known brand but also alternative and quality brand bike frame and parts.
Confident people know that if you want something you got to save up for it. It's a choice. Insecure people say it's too hard, and I can never afford that... If you say you cannot afford it, wouldn't you say you can say that you *_can_* afford it too? If you got a pulse, it means you got choices and I'm only responsible for myself.
@@gersonFls7 Most people tell themselves quality does not exist, so they will remain unfullfilled in life. It's selfpity talking and all too common. In the long run it cost less to own something that cost more if you've just cared enough to find your own true needs, and find the quality you feel is needed and that will not interfear with anything more important. It's expensive to buy cheap all the time, because you build a desire to just buy more shit because you think you actually have saved money, and in the longrun you just end up throwing away money on trash items you don't really want in the first place. This is how the rich become richer, and the poor remain poor. So, go the distance and pay for quality is my advice. I'd rather have less but good quality items in my life, because I will care more about them and make them last longer. Pay once, and with money you own.
I would argue this content is some of the most valuable cycling content in the space at the moment. TH-cam's like Tracevelo have brought forward the idea of Cheap Chinese carbon builds to the forefront and Francis doing bits here and there as well but these builds from a technical standpoint offer a ton to the average Joe and are rewriting how we approach cycling marketing and brands now. Love the content!
I thoroughly enjoyed the video and your experimentation with the Chinese bikes. I have ordered a few myself over the years and you nailed it when you said they are hit and miss. I have had some great ones and some where the rear triangle was crooked. I am one of those not willing to spend 10k on a bike. Thanks again!
So what did you do with the ones that didn't work out? I'm interested but couldn't you argue that if you had to trash those bikes the price gets pretty comparable to a solid bike like one from Canyon?
@@jackwright3098 Great question! I have found that I can buy 4 new frames from China before I hit the price of a brand new frame from the name brands. I have really only had one lemon from China and the other 7 or 8 were perfect. I enjoy buying and building up bikes so that is why I have experienced so many. Now many of the Chinese brands have some sort of warranty but even if they do not, you can buy 4 frames before you get to the cost of 1 name brand frame. Riding a Chinese frame, I do not have the fear of a frame breaking like I would if I was riding a name brand who may try to shaft me with their warranty fine print.
@@BlackWaterCyclist hey thanks for the reply. So you're not worried about the qc when you're going fast downhill? You could definitely have the same issues with a named brand but people have just made me paranoid maybe regarding Chinese manufacturers.
@@BlackWaterCyclist The problem is, if you have the money to buy 4, 8 or 10 or whatever Chinese frames in the hope one of them is good then you have the money to buy one frame that you'll know will be good and may as well do that. If the only downside to buying a known good frame is "might have spent a bit too much money" then you've lost nothing and you'd be better spending your time and energy finding ways to make money than buying multiple frames. What typically happens for someone who isn't just playing on their youtube channel is that they don't have the money to buy multiple Chinese frames and they don't have the money to buy the expensive frame, and they're attracted to the idea of getting a bargain from China. If they get a lemon they're left with nothing, out of pocket and living in regret sans a bike (that's without even taking into account the very real possibility that they discover the 'lemon' carbon parts when they break as they are riding along - because they don't have the money to take everything along to some carbon fibre specialist to xray either) So that's the flaw - playing at being poor and buying cheap products isn't the same as being poor. That person who genuinely cannot afford to take the hit if a cheap carbon frame is a lemon really needs to buy a known good quality metal frame or a used bike - because the hunt for non-lemons from China is a game they can't afford to play, in the same way the S-work frame is a game they can't afford.
I'm so glad that the viewers chose that frame because it is WAY sexier than the other frame. Super nice paint job and I love the colors and the color change. Can't wait to see how this build comes along. On a side note, I love these Chinese bike videos. Yes, they make some poor quality stuff, but they also make some really good quality stuff, and it's thanks to people like you that we don't have to spend our hard-earned money to know the difference. In another year or so I plan on buying what will probably be my last bike (I'm not a young man anymore), and I'm going Chinese all the way. I want the most bang for my buck while still having a great looking and great performing bike. So keep it up and don't mind the haters, they can buy the $10,000 bikes and leave the smart choices to the rest of us.
Loved this video. My road bike I built up myself is a china carbon frame. After putting good quality, albeit used, components (Mostly sram red stuff), It weighs in at 14.6lbs. I.E. Lighter than the brand new Tarmac SL7. I have put a little over 3000 miles on it. It is still solid. Love riding it.
Man, that Elves frame looks great! I'm rolling on a Trek Emonda SL7 and I still love the look of it. I reckon the Elves + Sensah set would make an amazingly flash cheaper bike for racing/commuting, something you wouldn't be too concerned about.
Absolutely worth doing this content Cam, point 2 for the win! Yes bikes have become ridiculously priced and cannot justify the money with a straight face. But until the market, ie us, show them its not on they will of course continue. We do that with taking our business elsewhere and that's where you come in. Thanks for looking at the options because point 3 is spot on too.
I've really enjoyed watching the Chinese bike frame series, very relevant at a time where the big brands have lost the plot with the amount of money they are charging for a push bike (Specialized) outragious for example.
I've only bought one, an ICAN A10. It is really good. Hambini had a good one too. The details are better than my Tarmac. The Elves ones have great paint jobs.
I’d say all of the frames are hit or miss really I think that’s the main difference with say giant whose we means each frameset will be a similar quality
I do appreciate the 'Chinese' bike builds, as someone who'd like to build up a bike in the future, i feel that the cheaper parts etc are a good place for me to start that first build.
elves seem to know what they're doing. francis cade built one up a few days ago, just over 6kg. there was a cable holder with "cervelo" on it, so they could in theory produce cervelo bikes, but who knows. anyway great to see where your content is going, love the high effort videos relevant to things people care about. keep it coming!
I love this series already! I bought an Elves Vanyar frame a couple of months ago, for the same reasons you mentioned in the video and it’s great to see that more and more people are discovering this great brand and frames. It’s a lovely ride for a sensible price.
Honestly as someone who's looking at building their own bike for the first time this kind of content is super helpful. Just standalone frames from the bigger names start around $2500. To see something like the Elves frame have an amazing paint job and good build quality for less than half the price is a no brainer. Especially for the average rider who's just does local rides and events.
thank you for the content ! Ive been using my 150$ hybrid bike from walmart for 3 years and im now thinking to upgrade for a Road bike around 2000$ range. (ive been doing 100-150km rides and 15% hills on that 150$ walmart bike lol and i use it 7 days a week)
I took that plunge myself about 6 months ago, spent my tax return on a gently used carbon dream machine for $2,000. Best thing I ever did. You won't regret it.
Definitely do it! Walmart bikes tend to be unsafe at anything but low speeds (poor braking, parts that fail while riding, cheap puncture-prone tires), so I’d take the plunge as soon as reasonably possible if I were you. You’re also at a good time, as many shops may be closing out the 2022 models, as it’s nearing the end of typical “riding season” anywhere except super warm climates.
Three VERY good reasons!! These types of video reviewing this type of frames r rare. Especially from a perspective of some one like you who also experiences the more higher end main stream brands like Specialized, Cannondale and the likes of it. Hope you continue to review both mainstream and Chinese brands. Not just either one.😊👍🏽
Ignore the critics.... i agree 100% with you. I love bikes, racing and riding for 30 years and the cost is now outrageous!! I am certainly interested in finding more out about alternatives without having to actually spend the money myself. We also all know that nearly all big brand names are made in China and in many case's the same factory!!! Keep them coming!!!!
Such content is very useful for people who like to explore other options, at the end each can choose and buy what they wish and can! Keep up the good work!
As a Chinese I must say I've never heard of nor saw Trifox frame until I watch this video😂 Elves is quite popular among the "budget brands" though, lots of college students do custom builds with Elves or Upland frames. Winspace are quite rare, we know they focus on the foreign market(especially SEA). A few years ago Winspace had tried to introduce itself to Chinese domestic market but its frames have some quality issues then and they end up with a bad reputation in China.
@@jaaxc1036 Many people in mainland China regard Giant and Merida as Chinese brands. The market share and number of stores of these two brands are overwhelming in mainland China. If these two Taiwanese brands are not counted, Parous should be the "top brand" in enthusiastic bike market. There are also some small brands that have made good progress in focusing on cost performance. Most of the carbon fiber frames of these products use slightly modified designs of other brands, and are manufactured by factories in Guangdong.
I bought an Elves Vanyar (their "lightweight" road bike) a couple of years ago. Not sure if they still do it but at the time custom paint was free. I got my design painted in three colors, one of them a chameleon paint like on your frame. It is beautiful and the best bike I've owned. It's not the cheapest Chinese frame but it's worth it and a way better deal than the mainstream bike brands.
Keep up the content on the Chinese made bikes. For the first time in awhile I’m looking at buying another bike and I’m blown away by the prices. Getting a mid level ultegra bike now with a decent wheel set from one of the big brands is close to 7k! I think these are a great option for those who still want a quality bike at a better price! I’m actually looking at the winspace stuff.
Anyone presenting affordable bikes and tech in todays market of inflating prices and sensibly comparing them with respect to their ups and downs has my support. Keep up the good work! 👍 I did my own build two years ago and just went with a little older tech. I ended up with a well working bike many would have lusted after three years before but at a fraction of the cost. Beeing a few years older puts such things into perspective too, just dont go oberboard and fall for nostalgia instead.
Kudos to this video! Coming from the Philippines. I can say that these types of videos are fun to watch as it is very informative, timely, valuable, and relevant as we are often offered with these kinds of brands. Without the knowledge of its quality or even its origin. Especially since all sorts of brands are popping up, and prices of decent to well-known brands are skyrocketing.
I appreciate what you do very much. I am new to cycling and no way I can afford a 10,000 bike. I am not oppose to a Chinese made bike and you providing this content makes the process of purchasing a bike SO much easier. Ignore the negative people and continue with your content. Cheers
The ‘alternative’ bike supplier content is great! I love it - it’s varied. I can go watch GCN if I just want to know about the big brands. Keep it up 👍🏼
@@Superfly1503 Normally yes, however they've also been showcasing Ribble bikes lately. Also there was one episode where they examined a Lapierre. I think the presenters themselves would love exploring more bikes if it weren't for having to be loyal to their sponsors.
Keep the great inexpensive bike content coming! Count me in as one of those looking to get good quality but less expensive alternatives. Piss off to the naysayers. Good on you Cam! 👏🎉
99% of the high price frames and forks are made out of China the last 12 years. They then ship to Taiwan for logistics and less dumping taxes. 100% of dentists dont know this fact. I currently own over 40 high end road bikes and work on bikes daily as a mechanic when in Australia. The Trifox X16 rim brake is an incredible machine. I sold my SL7 S-Works after the first ride. The S-Works SL7 you see being ridden by big name riders is a different frame and fork. This has been confirmed to me by a team mechanic and video proof. It is hilarious how most cyclists are conned by these big brands. Just look at the prices they charge now for frames made in the same industrial estate as these brands Cam features.
Dentists also know that if the fork breaks because of a defect and your teeth are knocked out, you want a name-brand OEM so you can sue them for damages.
Well done! Don't stop, this is the right direction. I have been studying the market of Chinese bicycle manufacturers for more than a year. I assembled a bike on the cheapest frameset and wheels from Seraph. He painted himself, corrected the production defect. I am satisfied with the result.Now I'm looking at ELVES and DARE. If I visit Australia, I would be glad to meet you.
Timely content, informative and practical. Elves has built a solid rereputation in South East Asia. The brand has good customer service and after sales support here. Cheers!
I think this content is worthwhile. For the ones who think it’s worthless… there are a 1,000 other TH-cam channels making the mainstream bike videos. There’s no shortage of content. However on this subject there’s a huge shortage of unbiased content towards these Chinese manufacturers. So I’m all for these continuing, but obviously that’s not going to happen.
Oh I have the same Trifox frame! Though the headset bearings on mine were smooth, and the paint is on par with the opinions in this video. Though still rides great and love it 🙂 Definately gonna get an elves for the next frame, that paint job alone is worth the little more 🤤
As others have said, along with other contributors to this topic like Francis Cade, Trace Velo etc this is absolutely relevant content. Have a look at the prices of the new Trek Domane announced yesterday……….alternative frames and group sets are even more relevant now.
I'm 65 this year and I want a nice light weight bike I don't have to pay a arm and leg for . If its Chinese so be it . I'm glad you are doing the off brands bike . You get a lot more people watching your videos because its something we might be able to afford . Don't worry about what the bike snobs are saying . Keep helping the regular people . There are a lot more of use vs the snobs .
Spot on Cam. I cannot even imagine new bike day being a reality these days. I bought my Addict in 2015, full dura ace and all the bits for a price well below the ticket price of $8K (helps to have friends that own bike shops), but I "window shop" now for similarly specced machines, and there's nothing south of $15K. It's not even a joke anymore, and I fear that cycling is becoming such an exclusive domain, it won't be long before families can't afford to buy a Kmart cheapie for the kids. Your content is always relevant, and always interesting, and no doubt for every person knocking what you do, you'd have a dozen with both thumbs up. Looking forward to the Sensah reveal! 👍👍
8:30 yes! The help and insight you are providing are helping us new riders who are struggling to figure out who offers the best value and is reputable.
Ordered a Specialized Allez Sprint frame. I just love aluminum and have been working at an online bike parts shop since last month, so I take advantage of the employee discount of course. I am slowly getting fitter again and feel better and can start training again. I just had a magnesium deficiency.
Glad to hear you got that sorted out, and it was nothing too major to fix. Keep riding, the fitness will follow. That’s coming from me, another cyclist who once weighed 50% more than I do now. 👍👍
Jeez, what possesses people to waste their own time, and yours, with negativity when this is wholesome and informative content. First time stumbling across your vids, but a straight up sub. Gonna enjoy poking around the uploads list.
I really like the 2min speech at the end. I really like the Chinese carbon frame content. Its a lot more interesting than regular bike content. Theres a lot less ego involved because Chinese carbon is already considered trash by elitist cycling gronks. I have thoroughly enjoyed following the cheaper builds thanks Cam
I just discovered your channel at TH-cam and I really liked the video of the Chinese bike frames. You are doing very well and keep the videos coming to have a good time in our free time
Super relatable content. Not everyone can afford the 10,000 dollar bike that the big bike brands offer. This gives us a good perspective on what is good and bad when it comes to affordable (relatively) bike parts
Great video and fair play for the last couple of minutes. As others are saying - this is totally relevant right now - and you're not the only TH-camr doing this, so that says something in itself. I never get why some people feel the need to complain about TH-cam content - it's all free, the end result of someone else's hard work and, at the end of the day, if you don't like it. Personally, I really appreciate your videos. Top job. And the Elves frame looks top notch.
Never heard of the Elves frame but it looks nice. To know its build quality is better is good to know. Their logo looks legit too, not something just thrown together with basic computer fonts.
Hey Cam., hope you're doing well mate. In regards to the negativity you may come across, it's probably best not to concern yourself with those select few. These people will project their own small and narrow opinions onto others regardless of whether or not there is value in said subject at hand. If your purpose is to reach those who are searching for what you have to offer, then you've done a fantastic job. I live in Tianjin and have been looking at these brands for a second bike build and this really video really helped. Thank you.
I've been called a "Bike snob" for caring where a bike comes from. I can speak from personal experience when I say that most American's don't give a dam where there bikes come from. Even this so called "budget" bike is still out of my price range. 2K is the most I've ever payed for a new bike. All the bikes I own now were purchased used. I really like the look of the Elves black/gold one. Thanks.
Thanks for the great content. I’ve built a TriFox X8 and ridden for past year. Amazing quality and superb service from them. Can’t recommend highly enough.
I very much appreciate what you're doing, haters be damned..you are likely going to save me thousands of dollars, and I will never be able to thank you enough.
I am very glad to see the evaluation of Chinese frame on youtube. I am a Chinese, but in China, the domestic frame is not very popular, and the evaluation of this aspect is very rare. It is also through this video that I learned that our country also has a good choice of frame, thank you very much
Just God knows how I like this kind of videos that shows and prove that chinese cheap frames are good enough. Cheers from Brazil, where expensive bikes are more and more expensive.
Great video Cam, lovely piece at the end with the mission around the need to help uncover more affordable gear for both retailers and you're everyday enthusiast!
Really enjoyed this. I know Gary and Jay - both good eggs. I bought a TIdeace gravel frame (exploro copy) about 4 years ago now, and its been the best bike Ive owned. Im 100kg+ and have taken it to gap creek, daisy on single trail, taken it bikecamping, riverloops... its just been a lucky purchase I think. And it was about AUD$700 by memory, so an even bigger score.
100% agree with you, not everyone has 10 grand (and yes, I'm one of those poor people) to buy a bike, in my case I had to settle for a CANYON aeroad "original copy..." that I've been using since 2018 , I never had the slightest problem. Your channel is simply SUPER!!.
Great vid Cam as always.. as others have said these series of Chinese builds are valid and very interesting especially as big manufacturer costs rise. 😊👍🚴🤩
I'm looking forward to the builds. So I can definitely pull the trigger on the Elves Falath. I've seen other reviews and people are saying that's fast bike and bang for your buck.
Got a 2010 Chinerelo S3 from DHgate back in 2012 and came with carbon frame and fork for 500 bucks and haven't had any problems still ride every week and no cracks or noodling. It's NOW 2022 And my cheap carbon Chinese bike is STILL GOING STRONG!!!!!!
Keep doing it mate it’s brilliant. It’s real world as you say not everyone can afford the price of new bikes. Quality inspections is a great reference for everyone.
I got the Trifox x12 and love it, got a full review on my channel. Mine had a few Sharpe edge's around the inside too but nothing a file and a bit if TLC can't sort out. Thanks for a great video cam. Also got the sensah empire Pro 12 speed and will be doing a review soon too. Looking forward to seeing how you got on l. Had a few issues on my set up but I figured it out at the end and will explain it in my video soon.
nice mate thanks for the info ❤️ you and gc p snd hambini is the best content in cycling especially in budget frame and wheels to give more idea to build
I guess the quality might vary, but I've seen Hambini's vid on the Trifox he measured the roundness of the BB shell, inspected the frame. Buy he was impressed. But interesting you experienced badlu finished head tubes. I am not into road bikes. But algorithm put me here. It would be interesting to see close ups, and see scans of the frames, measuring of roundness and tolerances, alignment and so on.
Love your videos, Cam! Keep doing what you're doing and if people don't enjoy the content, they can do one! Have recommended your channel to a lot of people at the club over here in the UK and they've got really good use out of it- especially the Neil bike fitting vids 👍
Thanks for the content Cam. Dont listen to the negative Nancy's out there, keep doing what you enjoy. I was very close to building myself a chinese carbon frame bike with all the bits but changed paths and will be taking delivery of a new Ribble CGR tomorrow. End price for the complete bike delivered is about $5k AUD with 105Di2. I still love to watch your content and a few others who review cheap frames and components even though getting another new bike is out of the question for me, I am interested in a hopefully upcoming cheap carbon wheels review! Take it easy!
Thanks for doing these vids, i have a similar build velobuild with sensah and taylor is also my LBS, I was contemplating taking the bike to him but currently doing all my own work, curious to see how he gets on with the sensah 😆
price and availability of the big names are the reasons of your project, it makes a lot of sense. Keep it up. Time will tell what you are experimenting now will be the industry direction in the future.
Thank you for doing this video. I think it's great that you're making a video that's value oriented using Sensah groupset. As a follow up video, maybe you can also fit the Elves Falath frame with Shimano groupset and compare it against your other bikes like Winspace, BMC, Giant, etc. I'm sure many folks here are very interested in how they compare and whether the cost savings is actually worth it.
I have a Trifox x10 kitted out with sram red e-tap and winspace hyper 50s it rides really well. For the money its a great buy,it does not compare to my wilier cento 1 air but as a second bike its great.The Elves which i have never heard of is and looks a complete bargain....cant wait till you build it Cam.....
I would concur with that comment, I have a Chinese frame, it works fine but it is not as good as my Emonda. The difference is hard to describe but quickly I end up using bunch of "buzz words" anyway, just saying
I have a pair of Elite 50mm rim brake wheels that have been faultless. I thrash them daily on Sydney roads and footpaths and they’ve performed flawlessly. A bargain for $500
I am going to be transitioning from marathon to triathlon in the near future. As a father of four and a wife with folded arms, tapping one foot on the floorboards, and throwing me the stink eye at the price of bikes, finding a ride with a more palatable price tag will probably be beneficial to my health. I appreciate your work 💯
I like how you weigh your bikes in that circular room mantel thing, as if it's a conversational art piece and the entire room's decor is centered around it. You could hang a red and green bike there instead of a Christmas wreath during the holidays.
Ordered the elves falath pro disc a few days ago to upgrade my alloy disc frame from java. Cant wait to get it! Will also get the elite drive 50 as an upgrade for my vision team 35 wheelset.
I have a chinese carbon 29er frame I bought from someone that ordered 2. He kept one that was bigger, sold the other small/medium to me. It's near a match to a specialized or scott HT carbon frame with thru axle rear. I have about 2500 or more of very hard racing and mountain biking miles on the frame. Several 6 hour races, a few hundred mile races, It has no cracks, no issues. Beat to hell really. Raced it with carbon seat post, carbon bars, carbon specialized wheels and it comes in at just around or under 20 lbs. A super fast compliant race bike. I paid $500.00 bucks for the frame. There are options out there. Thanks Cam for showing the world we don't need to spend 10k on any bicycle.
Thanks Cam, this was a great look into Chinese products, I’m noticing a huge uptake in these products here in Oz given the current state of the industry, peoples mindsets are certainly changing, and giving the big three a run for there money
I enjoy the chinese carbon bike reviews. In 2020 I got into biking but couldnt get my hands on a decent bike, I ended up buying a Yoleo R12 frame and rode the hell out of it. Its been a great bike and it bugs me when people hate on the frame just because its not a name brand. I wish there would have been more content like this when I bought the bike because it would have helped me decide on the brand.
I have been using a mixture of Chinese and mainstream brand bikes and components for years and think the quality Chinese stuff stacks up incredibly well. Given the recent insane price rises it’s getting harder and harder to justify the spend and I honestly think some of those brands are now just taking the piss…. Videos like this are a great way to shed light on the alternative options available so keep up the great work Cam 👍🏻
I think the contant made about the Chinese carbon frame or wheelset can provide an alternative for cyclists who have a limited budget to start cycling or buy a second bike. Very interesting material and thank you.
This content is super relevant given the ridiculous prices of race bikes from the big manufacturers who make owning a quality rig an elitist pursuit....well done Cam, keep them coming.
Well said. On top of that the QC from the big brands are crap as exposed by Hambini. These are two triangles put together with good alignment compare that to the cost of motorcycles and cars the prices of bikes are out of hand. Thanks for the content Cam.
100%. Mid level bikes used to be $3/4k. The same thing is now about $7/8k. Top end used to be about $9k. It's now about $15k. Crazy 🤪
Exactly 20 years ago, an American made, carbon Trek 5200 (exact frame Postal rode), with a Shimano Ultegra groupset and Bontrager wheels (which were made by DT Swiss for Bontrager), retailed for $2,700USD. That's pretty insane...even accounting for inflation, that's $4,500 in today's money. Now you'll pay twice that for a Chinese made Ultegra bike.
In my cycling circle there is a lot of talk about this... prices, spares availability, being forced to 'upgrade' (change for the sake of it), prices are crazy for what you can get, will be get used to fork out 2k pounds (I am writing from the UK) for a tiagra entry level road bike? when 10 years ago we were getting Ultegra quality at race specs.
I think we are witnessing a huge change in the industry, putting apart the fact that manufacturers are pushing the industry to ONLY supply whatever is most incompatible with what we had until recent (rim brakes, mechanical) they are forcing obsolescence at high speed to depart with our wallets, and forced obsolescence is a huge issue they should be accountable for - what are we doing with all the waste?
Also in my cycling circle, there is A LOT more appetite to try Chinese groupsets, the big brands Shimano, SRAM, Campagnolo... might have shot their own foot with their recent business decisions and they are creating a HUGE market for these Chinese brands, as soon as they go through a second generation of product development I am sure they will be much more common in the West and it's going to hurt the big brands...
A home that cost $60000 in my parents’ day now cost $1.5m. What’s your point?
Haters are always insecure, like Cam said, it saves lots of money for someone who doesn’t have that much budget to built some nice bike. Keep up the content for us viewers who enjoy and learn something new not just for well known brand but also alternative and quality brand bike frame and parts.
Just laughing 😂 poor people, like me 🤔
The world loves making China rich somehow.
Confident people know that if you want something you got to save up for it. It's a choice.
Insecure people say it's too hard, and I can never afford that...
If you say you cannot afford it, wouldn't you say you can say that you *_can_* afford it too?
If you got a pulse, it means you got choices and I'm only responsible for myself.
@@Perception_ why? Save up 4k or up just so that BIG manufacturers like SPECIALIZED still commit mistakes. Or trek. Or cervelo
@@gersonFls7 Most people tell themselves quality does not exist, so they will remain unfullfilled in life. It's selfpity talking and all too common. In the long run it cost less to own something that cost more if you've just cared enough to find your own true needs, and find the quality you feel is needed and that will not interfear with anything more important. It's expensive to buy cheap all the time, because you build a desire to just buy more shit because you think you actually have saved money, and in the longrun you just end up throwing away money on trash items you don't really want in the first place. This is how the rich become richer, and the poor remain poor.
So, go the distance and pay for quality is my advice. I'd rather have less but good quality items in my life, because I will care more about them and make them last longer.
Pay once, and with money you own.
I would argue this content is some of the most valuable cycling content in the space at the moment. TH-cam's like Tracevelo have brought forward the idea of Cheap Chinese carbon builds to the forefront and Francis doing bits here and there as well but these builds from a technical standpoint offer a ton to the average Joe and are rewriting how we approach cycling marketing and brands now. Love the content!
I thoroughly enjoyed the video and your experimentation with the Chinese bikes. I have ordered a few myself over the years and you nailed it when you said they are hit and miss. I have had some great ones and some where the rear triangle was crooked. I am one of those not willing to spend 10k on a bike. Thanks again!
Thanks for sharing on the thread.
So what did you do with the ones that didn't work out? I'm interested but couldn't you argue that if you had to trash those bikes the price gets pretty comparable to a solid bike like one from Canyon?
@@jackwright3098 Great question! I have found that I can buy 4 new frames from China before I hit the price of a brand new frame from the name brands. I have really only had one lemon from China and the other 7 or 8 were perfect. I enjoy buying and building up bikes so that is why I have experienced so many. Now many of the Chinese brands have some sort of warranty but even if they do not, you can buy 4 frames before you get to the cost of 1 name brand frame. Riding a Chinese frame, I do not have the fear of a frame breaking like I would if I was riding a name brand who may try to shaft me with their warranty fine print.
@@BlackWaterCyclist hey thanks for the reply. So you're not worried about the qc when you're going fast downhill? You could definitely have the same issues with a named brand but people have just made me paranoid maybe regarding Chinese manufacturers.
@@BlackWaterCyclist The problem is, if you have the money to buy 4, 8 or 10 or whatever Chinese frames in the hope one of them is good then you have the money to buy one frame that you'll know will be good and may as well do that. If the only downside to buying a known good frame is "might have spent a bit too much money" then you've lost nothing and you'd be better spending your time and energy finding ways to make money than buying multiple frames.
What typically happens for someone who isn't just playing on their youtube channel is that they don't have the money to buy multiple Chinese frames and they don't have the money to buy the expensive frame, and they're attracted to the idea of getting a bargain from China. If they get a lemon they're left with nothing, out of pocket and living in regret sans a bike (that's without even taking into account the very real possibility that they discover the 'lemon' carbon parts when they break as they are riding along - because they don't have the money to take everything along to some carbon fibre specialist to xray either)
So that's the flaw - playing at being poor and buying cheap products isn't the same as being poor. That person who genuinely cannot afford to take the hit if a cheap carbon frame is a lemon really needs to buy a known good quality metal frame or a used bike - because the hunt for non-lemons from China is a game they can't afford to play, in the same way the S-work frame is a game they can't afford.
I'm so glad that the viewers chose that frame because it is WAY sexier than the other frame. Super nice paint job and I love the colors and the color change. Can't wait to see how this build comes along.
On a side note, I love these Chinese bike videos. Yes, they make some poor quality stuff, but they also make some really good quality stuff, and it's thanks to people like you that we don't have to spend our hard-earned money to know the difference. In another year or so I plan on buying what will probably be my last bike (I'm not a young man anymore), and I'm going Chinese all the way. I want the most bang for my buck while still having a great looking and great performing bike. So keep it up and don't mind the haters, they can buy the $10,000 bikes and leave the smart choices to the rest of us.
Loved this video. My road bike I built up myself is a china carbon frame. After putting good quality, albeit used, components (Mostly sram red stuff), It weighs in at 14.6lbs. I.E. Lighter than the brand new Tarmac SL7. I have put a little over 3000 miles on it. It is still solid. Love riding it.
what frame did you buy?
Man, that Elves frame looks great! I'm rolling on a Trek Emonda SL7 and I still love the look of it. I reckon the Elves + Sensah set would make an amazingly flash cheaper bike for racing/commuting, something you wouldn't be too concerned about.
I'm from Brazil and i purchased this Elves Falath 2022 Disc. I built with Elite Wheels and I'm loving it!
Cam, you are doing every one a huge favor by doing these videos. I always wondered about both of these manufacturers! Great information!
Absolutely worth doing this content Cam, point 2 for the win! Yes bikes have become ridiculously priced and cannot justify the money with a straight face. But until the market, ie us, show them its not on they will of course continue. We do that with taking our business elsewhere and that's where you come in. Thanks for looking at the options because point 3 is spot on too.
I've really enjoyed watching the Chinese bike frame series, very relevant at a time where the big brands have lost the plot with the amount of money they are charging for a push bike (Specialized) outragious for example.
I've only bought one, an ICAN A10. It is really good. Hambini had a good one too. The details are better than my Tarmac. The Elves ones have great paint jobs.
Love your work Cam! This content is extremely relevant to all of us who can't contemplate buying a big brand super-bike.
bit of a weird one, the elves frame that was bought anonymously for my channel was pretty crap. the trifox frame in contrast was immaculate.
Things tend to be reversed in the Southern Hemisphere so it makes perfect sense.
I’d say all of the frames are hit or miss really I think that’s the main difference with say giant whose we means each frameset will be a similar quality
Hey Hambini, small time fan here. I did recall you mentioned the trifox frame was sent to you by them to get roasted. Maybe a point to factor in?
“Trifox sent to me by Lily from the Company” said Hambini…….
Yeah, probably just a random bike from production 🧐
Let me get this right.The Trifox was the best.Correct?
Ciao from Italy.
I do appreciate the 'Chinese' bike builds, as someone who'd like to build up a bike in the future, i feel that the cheaper parts etc are a good place for me to start that first build.
elves seem to know what they're doing. francis cade built one up a few days ago, just over 6kg. there was a cable holder with "cervelo" on it, so they could in theory produce cervelo bikes, but who knows. anyway great to see where your content is going, love the high effort videos relevant to things people care about. keep it coming!
Because elves are used by the pros here in Philippines and other south east asian countries
@@Jardsss yea forgot to mention that
@@The86rick in what ways did he disagree with this video?
@@The86rick lmao, fair enough considering they probably pay the minimum amount for the frame anyway
Hambini did a review of an elves frame. It was bad
I love this series already! I bought an Elves Vanyar frame a couple of months ago, for the same reasons you mentioned in the video and it’s great to see that more and more people are discovering this great brand and frames. It’s a lovely ride for a sensible price.
Where on their site can you find what the tire clearance is for each frame? I can’t figure it out. Lol
@@cincydooley just email them, their customer service is great. My Vanyar has 25mm max width on paper, but I think 28mm will fit as well.
Honestly as someone who's looking at building their own bike for the first time this kind of content is super helpful. Just standalone frames from the bigger names start around $2500. To see something like the Elves frame have an amazing paint job and good build quality for less than half the price is a no brainer. Especially for the average rider who's just does local rides and events.
thank you for the content ! Ive been using my 150$ hybrid bike from walmart for 3 years and im now thinking to upgrade for a Road bike around 2000$ range. (ive been doing 100-150km rides and 15% hills on that 150$ walmart bike lol and i use it 7 days a week)
I took that plunge myself about 6 months ago, spent my tax return on a gently used carbon dream machine for $2,000. Best thing I ever did. You won't regret it.
Definitely do it! Walmart bikes tend to be unsafe at anything but low speeds (poor braking, parts that fail while riding, cheap puncture-prone tires), so I’d take the plunge as soon as reasonably possible if I were you. You’re also at a good time, as many shops may be closing out the 2022 models, as it’s nearing the end of typical “riding season” anywhere except super warm climates.
Three VERY good reasons!! These types of video reviewing this type of frames r rare. Especially from a perspective of some one like you who also experiences the more higher end main stream brands like Specialized, Cannondale and the likes of it. Hope you continue to review both mainstream and Chinese brands. Not just either one.😊👍🏽
Ignore the critics.... i agree 100% with you. I love bikes, racing and riding for 30 years and the cost is now outrageous!! I am certainly interested in finding more out about alternatives without having to actually spend the money myself. We also all know that nearly all big brand names are made in China and in many case's the same factory!!! Keep them coming!!!!
Such content is very useful for people who like to explore other options, at the end each can choose and buy what they wish and can! Keep up the good work!
As a Chinese I must say I've never heard of nor saw Trifox frame until I watch this video😂 Elves is quite popular among the "budget brands" though, lots of college students do custom builds with Elves or Upland frames. Winspace are quite rare, we know they focus on the foreign market(especially SEA). A few years ago Winspace had tried to introduce itself to Chinese domestic market but its frames have some quality issues then and they end up with a bad reputation in China.
what is the top chinese brand in China then?
@@jaaxc1036 Many people in mainland China regard Giant and Merida as Chinese brands. The market share and number of stores of these two brands are overwhelming in mainland China. If these two Taiwanese brands are not counted, Parous should be the "top brand" in enthusiastic bike market. There are also some small brands that have made good progress in focusing on cost performance. Most of the carbon fiber frames of these products use slightly modified designs of other brands, and are manufactured by factories in Guangdong.
Trifox is basically repainted TFSA frame😂
Pardus ，not Parous@@zhixiaoliu3017
Just found your channel through this video. Will be watching more. 👍
I bought an Elves Vanyar (their "lightweight" road bike) a couple of years ago. Not sure if they still do it but at the time custom paint was free. I got my design painted in three colors, one of them a chameleon paint like on your frame. It is beautiful and the best bike I've owned. It's not the cheapest Chinese frame but it's worth it and a way better deal than the mainstream bike brands.
Very interesting. Your justification about the crazy price of bikes nips really good. Thanks for the helpful info.
Keep up the content on the Chinese made bikes. For the first time in awhile I’m looking at buying another bike and I’m blown away by the prices. Getting a mid level ultegra bike now with a decent wheel set from one of the big brands is close to 7k! I think these are a great option for those who still want a quality bike at a better price! I’m actually looking at the winspace stuff.
Just waiting for my Falath frame to arrive, glad to see it's come out on top! Looking forward to seeing you build it up.
Anyone presenting affordable bikes and tech in todays market of inflating prices and sensibly comparing them with respect to their ups and downs has my support. Keep up the good work! 👍 I did my own build two years ago and just went with a little older tech. I ended up with a well working bike many would have lusted after three years before but at a fraction of the cost. Beeing a few years older puts such things into perspective too, just dont go oberboard and fall for nostalgia instead.
Kudos to this video! Coming from the Philippines. I can say that these types of videos are fun to watch as it is very informative, timely, valuable, and relevant as we are often offered with these kinds of brands. Without the knowledge of its quality or even its origin. Especially since all sorts of brands are popping up, and prices of decent to well-known brands are skyrocketing.
I appreciate what you do very much. I am new to cycling and no way I can afford a 10,000 bike. I am not oppose to a Chinese made bike and you providing this content makes the process of purchasing a bike SO much easier. Ignore the negative people and continue with your content. Cheers
The ‘alternative’ bike supplier content is great! I love it - it’s varied. I can go watch GCN if I just want to know about the big brands. Keep it up 👍🏼
Only if you want Orbea, Canyon or Pinarello
@@Superfly1503 Normally yes, however they've also been showcasing Ribble bikes lately. Also there was one episode where they examined a Lapierre. I think the presenters themselves would love exploring more bikes if it weren't for having to be loyal to their sponsors.
Keep the great inexpensive bike content coming! Count me in as one of those looking to get good quality but less expensive alternatives. Piss off to the naysayers. Good on you Cam! 👏🎉
99% of the high price frames and forks are made out of China the last 12 years. They then ship to Taiwan for logistics and less dumping taxes.
100% of dentists dont know this fact.
I currently own over 40 high end road bikes and work on bikes daily as a mechanic when in Australia. The Trifox X16 rim brake is an incredible machine. I sold my SL7 S-Works after the first ride. The S-Works SL7 you see being ridden by big name riders is a different frame and fork. This has been confirmed to me by a team mechanic and video proof. It is hilarious how most cyclists are conned by these big brands. Just look at the prices they charge now for frames made in the same industrial estate as these brands Cam features.
You did not mention in your videos how rough the finishing was on trifox bikes, goes to show Cam is a lot more credible than you are!
Dentists also know that if the fork breaks because of a defect and your teeth are knocked out, you want a name-brand OEM so you can sue them for damages.
Well done! Don't stop, this is the right direction. I have been studying the market of Chinese bicycle manufacturers for more than a year. I assembled a bike on the cheapest frameset and wheels from Seraph. He painted himself, corrected the production defect. I am satisfied with the result.Now I'm looking at ELVES and DARE.
If I visit Australia, I would be glad to meet you.
Timely content, informative and practical. Elves has built a solid rereputation in South East Asia. The brand has good customer service and after sales support here. Cheers!
I think this content is worthwhile. For the ones who think it’s worthless… there are a 1,000 other TH-cam channels making the mainstream bike videos. There’s no shortage of content. However on this subject there’s a huge shortage of unbiased content towards these Chinese manufacturers. So I’m all for these continuing, but obviously that’s not going to happen.
Oh I have the same Trifox frame!
Though the headset bearings on mine were smooth, and the paint is on par with the opinions in this video.
Though still rides great and love it 🙂
Definately gonna get an elves for the next frame, that paint job alone is worth the little more 🤤
Videos like these are a godsend for people on a budget, which is me. The Elves frame is a real looker.
As others have said, along with other contributors to this topic like Francis Cade, Trace Velo etc this is absolutely relevant content. Have a look at the prices of the new Trek Domane announced yesterday……….alternative frames and group sets are even more relevant now.
I'm 65 this year and I want a nice light weight bike I don't have to pay a arm and leg for . If its Chinese so be it . I'm glad you are doing the off brands bike . You get a lot more people watching your videos because its something we might be able to afford . Don't worry about what the bike snobs are saying . Keep helping the regular people . There are a lot more of use vs the snobs .
Spot on Cam. I cannot even imagine new bike day being a reality these days. I bought my Addict in 2015, full dura ace and all the bits for a price well below the ticket price of $8K (helps to have friends that own bike shops), but I "window shop" now for similarly specced machines, and there's nothing south of $15K. It's not even a joke anymore, and I fear that cycling is becoming such an exclusive domain, it won't be long before families can't afford to buy a Kmart cheapie for the kids. Your content is always relevant, and always interesting, and no doubt for every person knocking what you do, you'd have a dozen with both thumbs up. Looking forward to the Sensah reveal! 👍👍
8:30 yes! The help and insight you are providing are helping us new riders who are struggling to figure out who offers the best value and is reputable.
Cheers mate.
Ordered a Specialized Allez Sprint frame. I just love aluminum and have been working at an online bike parts shop since last month, so I take advantage of the employee discount of course.
I am slowly getting fitter again and feel better and can start training again. I just had a magnesium deficiency.
Glad to hear you got that sorted out, and it was nothing too major to fix. Keep riding, the fitness will follow. That’s coming from me, another cyclist who once weighed 50% more than I do now. 👍👍
Thank you for creating this video Cam!!
Jeez, what possesses people to waste their own time, and yours, with negativity when this is wholesome and informative content. First time stumbling across your vids, but a straight up sub. Gonna enjoy poking around the uploads list.
I really like the 2min speech at the end. I really like the Chinese carbon frame content. Its a lot more interesting than regular bike content. Theres a lot less ego involved because Chinese carbon is already considered trash by elitist cycling gronks. I have thoroughly enjoyed following the cheaper builds thanks Cam
I just discovered your channel at TH-cam and I really liked the video of the Chinese bike frames. You are doing very well and keep the videos coming to have a good time in our free time
Very happy you're testing these out for the rest of us! Keep it up.
Super relatable content. Not everyone can afford the 10,000 dollar bike that the big bike brands offer. This gives us a good perspective on what is good and bad when it comes to affordable (relatively) bike parts
Great video and fair play for the last couple of minutes. As others are saying - this is totally relevant right now - and you're not the only TH-camr doing this, so that says something in itself. I never get why some people feel the need to complain about TH-cam content - it's all free, the end result of someone else's hard work and, at the end of the day, if you don't like it. Personally, I really appreciate your videos. Top job. And the Elves frame looks top notch.
Thanks i appreciate different perspectives and enjoy this content
Never heard of the Elves frame but it looks nice. To know its build quality is better is good to know. Their logo looks legit too, not something just thrown together with basic computer fonts.
Hey Cam., hope you're doing well mate. In regards to the negativity you may come across, it's probably best not to concern yourself with those select few. These people will project their own small and narrow opinions onto others regardless of whether or not there is value in said subject at hand. If your purpose is to reach those who are searching for what you have to offer, then you've done a fantastic job.
I live in Tianjin and have been looking at these brands for a second bike build and this really video really helped. Thank you.
I appreciate this bike build video series. Thank you for making these videos.
I've been called a "Bike snob" for caring where a bike comes from. I can speak from personal experience when I say that most American's don't give a dam where there bikes come from. Even this so called "budget" bike is still out of my price range. 2K is the most I've ever payed for a new bike. All the bikes I own now were purchased used. I really like the look of the Elves black/gold one. Thanks.
Thanks for the great content. I’ve built a TriFox X8 and ridden for past year. Amazing quality and superb service from them. Can’t recommend highly enough.
Enjoyed this video. Always enjoy hearing what experts have to say.
I very much appreciate what you're doing, haters be damned..you are likely going to save me thousands of dollars, and I will never be able to thank you enough.
Yes definitely seen some other TH-camrs use this frame very nice!!!
looking forward to seeing how this rides and the relationship between build quality and layup/ride quality
I am very glad to see the evaluation of Chinese frame on youtube. I am a Chinese, but in China, the domestic frame is not very popular, and the evaluation of this aspect is very rare. It is also through this video that I learned that our country also has a good choice of frame, thank you very much
Just God knows how I like this kind of videos that shows and prove that chinese cheap frames are good enough. Cheers from Brazil, where expensive bikes are more and more expensive.
Great video Cam, lovely piece at the end with the mission around the need to help uncover more affordable gear for both retailers and you're everyday enthusiast!
Really enjoyed this. I know Gary and Jay - both good eggs. I bought a TIdeace gravel frame (exploro copy) about 4 years ago now, and its been the best bike Ive owned. Im 100kg+ and have taken it to gap creek, daisy on single trail, taken it bikecamping, riverloops... its just been a lucky purchase I think. And it was about AUD$700 by memory, so an even bigger score.
Excited to watch this build as I have been planning on doing an Elves/Sensah build over the winter. Great content, love it.
100% agree with you, not everyone has 10 grand (and yes, I'm one of those poor people) to buy a bike, in my case I had to settle for a CANYON aeroad "original copy..." that I've been using since 2018 , I never had the slightest problem. Your channel is simply SUPER!!.
Perfect timing on this video… I’ve literally got this frame in my basket. Great content, and super relevant.
Great vid Cam as always.. as others have said these series of Chinese builds are valid and very interesting especially as big manufacturer costs rise. 😊👍🚴🤩
Cheers Pete
That Elves frame is beautiful! Can't wait to see it built!
I'm looking forward to the builds. So I can definitely pull the trigger on the Elves Falath. I've seen other reviews and people are saying that's fast bike and bang for your buck.
Can't wait for the next installment!
Got a 2010 Chinerelo S3 from DHgate back in 2012 and came with carbon frame and fork for 500 bucks and haven't had any problems still ride every week and no cracks or noodling. It's NOW 2022 And my cheap carbon Chinese bike is STILL GOING STRONG!!!!!!
You make really good content. Forget about people who does not aprecciate it. Weel done. Keep going
Keep doing it mate it’s brilliant. It’s real world as you say not everyone can afford the price of new bikes. Quality inspections is a great reference for everyone.
Its great you are showing us in depth what is good coming out of China, as i think we will be seeing more and more Chinese bikes on the roads.
I got the Trifox x12 and love it, got a full review on my channel. Mine had a few Sharpe edge's around the inside too but nothing a file and a bit if TLC can't sort out. Thanks for a great video cam. Also got the sensah empire Pro 12 speed and will be doing a review soon too. Looking forward to seeing how you got on l. Had a few issues on my set up but I figured it out at the end and will explain it in my video soon.
nice mate thanks for the info ❤️ you and gc p snd hambini is the best content in cycling especially in budget frame and wheels to give more idea to build
Super cool video and no nonsense review. Thanks for that!
I guess the quality might vary, but I've seen Hambini's vid on the Trifox he measured the roundness of the BB shell, inspected the frame. Buy he was impressed. But interesting you experienced badlu finished head tubes.
I am not into road bikes. But algorithm put me here. It would be interesting to see close ups, and see scans of the frames, measuring of roundness and tolerances, alignment and so on.
Love your videos, Cam! Keep doing what you're doing and if people don't enjoy the content, they can do one! Have recommended your channel to a lot of people at the club over here in the UK and they've got really good use out of it- especially the Neil bike fitting vids 👍
Thanks for the content Cam. Dont listen to the negative Nancy's out there, keep doing what you enjoy.
I was very close to building myself a chinese carbon frame bike with all the bits but changed paths and will be taking delivery of a new Ribble CGR tomorrow. End price for the complete bike delivered is about $5k AUD with 105Di2.
I still love to watch your content and a few others who review cheap frames and components even though getting another new bike is out of the question for me, I am interested in a hopefully upcoming cheap carbon wheels review!
Take it easy!
Seriously good videos, thanks Cam for doing what we've all been wondering.
Thanks for doing these vids, i have a similar build velobuild with sensah and taylor is also my LBS, I was contemplating taking the bike to him but currently doing all my own work, curious to see how he gets on with the sensah 😆
price and availability of the big names are the reasons of your project, it makes a lot of sense. Keep it up. Time will tell what you are experimenting now will be the industry direction in the future.
Thank you for doing this video. I think it's great that you're making a video that's value oriented using Sensah groupset. As a follow up video, maybe you can also fit the Elves Falath frame with Shimano groupset and compare it against your other bikes like Winspace, BMC, Giant, etc. I'm sure many folks here are very interested in how they compare and whether the cost savings is actually worth it.
I really like how you explained the difference of both brands. I think I would buy an elves soon.
Great video. My Cervelo frame was painted by Gary (before I bought it), it's beautiful.
I have a Trifox x10 kitted out with sram red e-tap and winspace hyper 50s it rides really well. For the money its a great buy,it does not compare to my wilier cento 1 air but as a second bike its great.The Elves which i have never heard of is and looks a complete bargain....cant wait till you build it Cam.....
Interesting to hear Dave, thanks for sharing on the thread.
I would concur with that comment, I have a Chinese frame, it works fine but it is not as good as my Emonda. The difference is hard to describe but quickly I end up using bunch of "buzz words" anyway, just saying
I have a pair of Elite 50mm rim brake wheels that have been faultless.
I thrash them daily on Sydney roads and footpaths and they’ve performed flawlessly.
A bargain for $500
I am going to be transitioning from marathon to triathlon in the near future. As a father of four and a wife with folded arms, tapping one foot on the floorboards, and throwing me the stink eye at the price of bikes, finding a ride with a more palatable price tag will probably be beneficial to my health. I appreciate your work 💯
Great stuff mate, I’m more likely to pick up something like an Elves to race (and crash) on than any of the big brands these days.
I like how you weigh your bikes in that circular room mantel thing, as if it's a conversational art piece and the entire room's decor is centered around it. You could hang a red and green bike there instead of a Christmas wreath during the holidays.
Ordered the elves falath pro disc a few days ago to upgrade my alloy disc frame from java. Cant wait to get it! Will also get the elite drive 50 as an upgrade for my vision team 35 wheelset.
I have a chinese carbon 29er frame I bought from someone that ordered 2. He kept one that was bigger, sold the other small/medium to me. It's near a match to a specialized or scott HT carbon frame with thru axle rear. I have about 2500 or more of very hard racing and mountain biking miles on the frame. Several 6 hour races, a few hundred mile races, It has no cracks, no issues. Beat to hell really. Raced it with carbon seat post, carbon bars, carbon specialized wheels and it comes in at just around or under 20 lbs. A super fast compliant race bike. I paid $500.00 bucks for the frame. There are options out there. Thanks Cam for showing the world we don't need to spend 10k on any bicycle.
i have an elves as well. It is a top quality bike basically as stiff and good as cornering as my old tcr.
Thanks Cam, this was a great look into Chinese products, I’m noticing a huge uptake in these products here in Oz given the current state of the industry, peoples mindsets are certainly changing, and giving the big three a run for there money
I enjoy the chinese carbon bike reviews. In 2020 I got into biking but couldnt get my hands on a decent bike, I ended up buying a Yoleo R12 frame and rode the hell out of it. Its been a great bike and it bugs me when people hate on the frame just because its not a name brand. I wish there would have been more content like this when I bought the bike because it would have helped me decide on the brand.
I have been using a mixture of Chinese and mainstream brand bikes and components for years and think the quality Chinese stuff stacks up incredibly well. Given the recent insane price rises it’s getting harder and harder to justify the spend and I honestly think some of those brands are now just taking the piss….
Videos like this are a great way to shed light on the alternative options available so keep up the great work Cam 👍🏻
I think the contant made about the Chinese carbon frame or wheelset can provide an alternative for cyclists who have a limited budget to start cycling or buy a second bike. Very interesting material and thank you.