TFSA Carbon Frameset Build-Up

[jonathanf2]

After a 2 month wait, I received my AliExpress TFSA carbon disc frameset in glossy black. With time permitting, hopefully I'll have it built-up by this weekend. I'll be running a Shimano 105 R7000 11 speed groupset, ice tech rotor, ultra lightweight 11 speed cassette, carbon saddle, RXL carbon flare drop bars, Elite carbon disc wheels, Xpedo magnesium pedals and Juin Tech disc brakes. This will be primarily used as my day-to-day road bike. I know there are lighter weight Chinese carbon frames out there, but this was the only frame I found within a reasonable budget and with the specs I wanted.

This particular seller I bought from had very good English communication which actually made me go with them versus other bike frame merchants. They updated me throughout the build-to-order process, added some custom touches (I asked for glossy finish as opposed to matte) and gave me detailed photos and video of my package before it shipped. Examining the frame, it looks decent for the sub $400 USD price I paid. Under the gloss you can see the carbon fiber lay-up which gives it a rough, but somewhat unique appearance.

I'll report back, once I have time to get the bike built out. I've included a few photos of the frame.

[jonathanf2]

I just finished the bike yesterday! I took it on a group ride today and she rides great! The bike feels responsive and lightweight. I only have a cheap luggage scale, but it weighed in around 16.5 lbs with fairly heavy carbon wheels and mechanical 105 groupset. Though I compared my bike to someone with an Aethos + SRAM RED and honestly they felt very similar in weight. I ran into a few issues, but nothing a good night's sleep and some morning coffee couldn't solve. I still need to do some FD tuning, but I was able to nail the fit on the initial setup.

Feel free to ask any questions!

[bamboo_mountain]

That looks really great, especially for the price paid!

[jonathanf2]

I have to say, there's a real sense of satisfaction after building out a bike. On top of that, on the group ride the bike easily kept pace with cyclists on top tier frames with far more expensive components. I'm amazed at how many roadies I meet who don't even know how to tune their derailleur.

I'm now itching to build more bikes, though I don't think my wife would be too happy to see N+1 bikes all over our house!

[Queen of Skulls]

I have to say, there's a real sense of satisfaction after building out a bike. On top of that, on the group ride the bike easily kept pace with cyclists on top tier frames with far more expensive components. I'm amazed at how many roadies I meet who don't even know how to tune their derailleur.

I'm now itching to build more bikes, though I don't think my wife would be too happy to see N+1 bikes all over our house!

I have been raised to be my own mechanic. Cars, bike, what ever.  Right now I am tearing apart the cheap bike I have. Giving it an overhaul. I think its an important thing to know how to take care of your things.  I have repaired so many of my things.

[jannmayer]

I have to say, there's a real sense of satisfaction after building out a bike. On top of that, on the group ride the bike easily kept pace with cyclists on top tier frames with far more expensive components. I'm amazed at how many roadies I meet who don't even know how to tune their derailleur.

I'm now itching to build more bikes, though I don't think my wife would be too happy to see N+1 bikes all over our house!

Totally agree! It is very rewarding to get everything sorted and turn a pile of parts into a nice bike. Plus everything is the way YOU want it.

[Queen of Skulls]

Totally agree! It is very rewarding to get everything sorted and turn a pile of parts into a nice bike. Plus everything is the way YOU want it.

Thats exactly why I am going to paint my own too. Also YOU are the one to blame if something is wrong. minus defects.

[jonathanf2]

One minor change to the bike, added red bar tape and matching red hoods!

[jonathanf2]

A few more shots. Here's the TFSA frame wearing it's winter shoes with American Classic Timekeeper tubeless 28c tires and 45mm depth Superteam wheels. 28c is the max tire width for this frame. Though I wish it could fit 32c like the Aethos, but 28c are still plenty supple especially in tubeless. Also a close up of the red hoods which are actually 105 5800 shifters. I was thinking of upgrading to R7000 or maybe carbon Sensah Team Pro shifters, but if it ain't broke why change it?

[ricedaddy]

Looks good! the gloss is nice and something we don't often see. I take it this is like a SL7 clone?

Any issues with the frame during the build?

[Irideslowly]

This bike is beautiful.

Which bigger chinese brand makes this frame? I would love an externally routed aero frame

[jonathanf2]

Looks good! the gloss is nice and something we don't often see. I take it this is like a SL7 clone?

Any issues with the frame during the build?

Looks good! the gloss is nice and something we don't often see. I take it this is like a SL7 clone?

Any issues with the frame during the build?

Thanks! I opted for gloss, since I find it easier to cover up scratches and small nicks with my wife's nail polish! Also I don't really follow the name brand bike designs, but I presume it's "inspired" by the SL7. I only opted for the frame due to the decent price, fairly low weight and threaded BB. Delihea sells the same TFSA frame just re-branded, but there are quite a few build videos under that brand and mostly from Indonesia it seems.

The only issues I had during the build was that the shifter plastic guide tubes were setup UK/European style. I left them as-is, since I didn't feel like digging around to reverse them, but I have my brakes setup US style. Also I had to cut my RD cable short to keep the shift line as straight as possible due to how the rear derailleur exit hole goes out directly through the rear chain stay. It took me a few tries to get it to proper length. Lastly I had to use longer bottle cage bolts because the ones supplied are a bit short. I like to attach my air pump on the down tube, hence the need for longer bolts for the pump mount.

In regards to the actual frame, everything is quite solid. Nothing fancy, I've been riding the bike daily and fit has been very good and I haven't noticed any discomfort.

[jonathanf2]

This bike is beautiful.

Which bigger chinese brand makes this frame? I would love an externally routed aero frame

I believe TFSA is the OEM and the only other reseller I know of is Delihea. There could be others though. TFSA also sells a fully internal routed version of this frameset, but since I do mostly climbing, I didn't see the need for a full internal cable routed frame.

[Irideslowly]

Do you have a link for the frame?

[jonathanf2]

Do you have a link for the frame?

Here's the seller I bought from, but there seems to be other TFSA re-sellers. Just a heads up though, I don't think this seller or other TFSA sellers actually have the frame in-stock. They just build-to-order so that will extend delivery time. Also I forgot to mention another reason I bought this frame was access to a spare derailleur hanger and even though I'm not fond of proprietary aero seat posts, they sell replacements as well under the TFSA and Delihea brands. Also this seller was actually quite thorough sending photos and video prior to shipping and the frame was packed securely with ample foam padding.

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256803007121851.html

Here's another TFSA seller who sells the same frameset cheaper. I bought something small from them, but it took a whole week to finally ship the item and that's probably because I kept pestering/messaging them. They also seemed to have decent English communication.

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256803004643271.html

Here's the Delihea/TFSA branded frameset and I actually wanted this one because I liked the pastel green color, but I didn't want to pay a higher markup for the exact same TFSA frame.

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256801531514339.html

If you search Youtube, I was able to get good build info on the frame if you search Delihea. One UK YT'er built a rim bike version and I messaged him regarding his build and he was very helpful with information. The Indonesian builders also have really high quality videos to help for reference.

Anyways good luck if you plan to buy it!