Replica Factor Ostro VAM

[jerozilla]

I had a pair of the Black Inc rep handlebars from aliexpress (not sure if they would be exact same as the ones that ship with the frameset), they looked good, shallow aero section which is comfy in the tops, very light and yes a little flexy but to be honest, I think a bit of flex in the bars/stem is ideal. I now have Enve SES bars that came on my new TCR and they are very stiff! I miss the give.

Yeah someone made them sound like they're noodles I think it might be in this thread but seem fine to me. Also endoscoped the interior to look for any issues. Took it out for a quick ride even though its freezing just a quick 45mins but compared to my 2019 Time Fluidity I now understand what people mean when they say "The bike just wants to go". Feels great, feels fast, and didn't explode on me so far so good.

[Serge_K]

Hey jerozilla.  Regarding the bars, I did try to slip them onto the steerer tube but found that I had to use a lot of force, either because the clamp is too small or the steerer tube is slightly oversized.  I only got about 10-15mm before giving up. (I was just playing around anyway.)

I'll investigate further but has anyone else seen this?  What's the recommended fix?

You should complain to the seller, either of the bars, or the frame. You can use a vernier caliper (it's cheap) to figure out which of the steerer & stem is the wrong size. Or use another stem. If stem B fits, then stem A is the problem, and if neither fits, then steerer is the problem.
You should complain, but sandpaper is the answer. ideally you'd find some decent diameter rod, wrap sandpaper around it, and sand down (i assume it's the stem that's too tight). You did undo the stem bolts, yeah?
i wouldnt be afraid of sanding that, because if you were able to fit 10 or 15mm, it means you really dont have much material to remove. Do wear a (good) mask, or do it outside, and / or do wet sanding, as that dust is apparently truly, truly bad for your lungs (when i cut steerers I use a water spray bottle so the dust doesnt fly off, then i wipe the black mud off the floor).
If it's the steerer that's out of spec, i'd be less happy, because it raises more questions, given how critical that part of the bike is.

[jerozilla]

You should complain to the seller, either of the bars, or the frame. You can use a vernier caliper (it's cheap) to figure out which of the steerer & stem is the wrong size. Or use another stem. If stem B fits, then stem A is the problem, and if neither fits, then steerer is the problem.
You should complain, but sandpaper is the answer. ideally you'd find some decent diameter rod, wrap sandpaper around it, and sand down (i assume it's the stem that's too tight). You did undo the stem bolts, yeah?
i wouldnt be afraid of sanding that, because if you were able to fit 10 or 15mm, it means you really dont have much material to remove. Do wear a (good) mask, or do it outside, and / or do wet sanding, as that dust is apparently truly, truly bad for your lungs (when i cut steerers I use a water spray bottle so the dust doesnt fly off, then i wipe the black mud off the floor).
If it's the steerer that's out of spec, i'd be less happy, because it raises more questions, given how critical that part of the bike is.

I think from past posts its the Black Inc. bars themselves not the steerer tube. I forgot to check mine with my digital calipers but again, mechanic made zero mention and I could slide my bars on no problem with a bit of force.

[acino]

Hey, happy that A.V.G. received his frame even if it was a struggle and happy that jerozilla survived his first ride

I just wanted to chime in regarding the handlebars. My experience is the same as jerozilla's. They were a bit snug and required a bit force to get on, but nothing excessive or concerning.

My frame has about 500 km and so far so good.

[A.V.G]

Hey All,

Just wanted to update that I tried the stem on steerer again yesterday and it went together ok, so I don't think there's an issue - it's just snug.  Maybe my frameset is acclimating.    Thanks to all who offered advice on this.

Some have asked to see pics of my frameset, and I will do that, but for now you can see it here on RK's store:

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256807990587185.html

BTW, mine is a size 56 (as pictured). 

The black part of the frame is actually raw.  My plan is to do some custom decals and maybe a coat of clear on the decals and raw sections, just to give it some protection.   

[dieNadel]

Asked RK Ultra Extreme Carbon Fiber Store for a link to all the available colour options.
https://1638572289.x.yupoo.com/ pw: 654321. I gotta say the paint jobs look insanely nice, i was especially curious about the DUKE version since that is so rich in details.
There's also multiple shots of the BB and Headset area to be found, confirming the great quality.

[Rebel_Yell]

Asked RK Ultra Extreme Carbon Fiber Store for a link to all the available colour options.
https://1638572289.x.yupoo.com/ pw: 654321. I gotta say the paint jobs look insanely nice, i was especially curious about the DUKE version since that is so rich in details.
There's also multiple shots of the BB and Headset area to be found, confirming the great quality.

Any idea on prices of their painting of the bikes?

[jerozilla]

Any idea on prices of their painting of the bikes?

I'm pretty confident that's the same person as F-C now after seeing the Chinarello's as well. Painting is usually included and you just pick the tier 1/2/3.

[dieNadel]

Any idea on prices of their painting of the bikes?

I found four frames (red-black, heart of the ocean, DUKE, white pearl) on aliexpress, they're all around 800 Euros for the heavier version or 1000 euros for the lighter one. Dont know about the other colour options, but i would guess that they would be prised similarly.

[jerozilla]

I found four frames (red-black, heart of the ocean, DUKE, white pearl) on aliexpress, they're all around 800 Euros for the heavier version or 1000 euros for the lighter one. Dont know about the other colour options, but i would guess that they would be prised similarly.

Don't think there is an extra charge for paint jobs you just pick what colorway you want then pick if you want the high mod version or the cheap one.

[tenet3]

why f-c don't send with dpd? Has anyone from Europe bought one? did he pay taxes?

am also trying to find a seller of the tier 3 quality that will ship to EU. Seems like only Taiwan eisen ships to EU via dpd. Did you end up finding something?

[Tom77]

I'm pretty confident that's the same person as F-C now after seeing the Chinarello's as well. Painting is usually included and you just pick the tier 1/2/3.

What are the weights and prices for the grades, especially for the top one?

[jerozilla]

I'll just paste the info:

Description
Report Item

OSTRO

1. Normal strength weight/2, superhard+lighter/3, top-level competition version

Corresponding price: 4000 5000 6500 RMB in three versions

The models (regular/high version) that are currently being made in domestic shelves are relatively good

There are three versions of OSTRO 49 size and weight comparison

Low version: 1070g (domestic 700) geometric non l: l

(Not recommended) (Poor painting level, geometric accessories are not 1:1, customer feedback is not good, not recommended to start)

Normal version: 925 grams (imported 700+imported T700 l: l

(High cost-effectiveness) Moderate painting, high cost-effectiveness, and normal delivery time

Maximum version: 825 grams (30T+imported 800) with almost the same factory strength. l: L (competition, comfort)

Ultra light (with good oil filling and weight)

(Weight after fine soil filling, frame tolerance of plus or minus 10 grams)

⬇️

(Paint coating may have different weights according to different colors)

UD dew carbon+30-40 grams

Color gas:+50-60 grams

After refinement, weight:


https://www.aliexpress.com/store/1102991493?spm=a2g0o.detail.0.0.539cufBBufBBBr


It's about $1000 vs $1330CAD for the lower tier vs top tier. Maybe cheaper, I'm only familiar with the Tier 3.

[OralMaster]

Asked RK Ultra Extreme Carbon Fiber Store for a link to all the available colour options.
https://1638572289.x.yupoo.com/ pw: 654321. I gotta say the paint jobs look insanely nice, i was especially curious about the DUKE version since that is so rich in details.
There's also multiple shots of the BB and Headset area to be found, confirming the great quality.

confirmed same source from 1 factory/seller, I remember that familiar wood laminate as the backdrop. Also my frame was featured 

[Serge_K]

confirmed same source from 1 factory/seller, I remember that familiar wood laminate as the backdrop. Also my frame was featured 

I asked myself that question when looking at different shops. I'd be careful with such assumptions, them using pictures to show the paintjobs or models doesnt mean it's frames they made themselves. Given how shady that market is, if they offer paint job X, and a competitor made such frame, they wont have issues using the picture to say it's an option.
Obviously if all their pictures have the same backdrop, and you know for a fact that they re taking photos of frames they made themselves, then it's probably the same place / factory, but save for that, careful with assumptions.