Hi All.
I'm new to Chinese bikes. I was getting overwhelmed looking through Aliexpress and am very glad to have found this forum and the wealth of knowledge here.
I've got a trail bike I'm happy with, but would like to build a modern XC full suspension bike for less technical trails for races. I'm a back of the pack age grouper but maybe I'll gain a full place by switching to a lighter bike that climbs better.
The catch is that it's not a top tier bike to rival the top of the line UCI race winning bikes. No, it needs to be a value oriented bike.
I'm looking for that sweet spot where it doesn't make sense to spend any more on a component to save just a little bit of weight. The 80% (or 90%) solution for half the money (or less, if I'm lucky.)
Here's what I'm thinking so far.
Frame: 100/100mm or maybe the latest 120/120mm. From threads here I've seen the Spcyle M868, Carbonda CFM 909, some BXT "UDH" frames on Ebay, Light Carbon LCFS918, and more I've missed...Which of these stand out?
Groupset: L-Twoo and Sensah don't seem to have a Deore-killer (like they do for Shimano 105). Or do they? I might go with Microshift Advent X for a rear derailleur and do a mix and match of recommended brakes, levers, and crankset. I'm all ears for any recommendations.
Forks: Initial research didn't turn up any light budget front forks. Might look for a used Rockshox SID of some sort. I have a DNM rear shock on my trail bike and have no complaints, so would happily consider them for the rear shock.
Bars/seatposts/seats, etc: Will look at weight to cost ratio of the popular items on Ali Express.
Wheelset - that's a big one and I haven't started researching too in depth. Aluminum or carbon? If carbon, it would have to be a budget one. Again, can you at least point me in the right direction of what to consider?
For reference, I'm 50+, 175lbs and don't huck it off jumps.
Finally, I've learned a lot from Trace Velo on Youtube, but he only covers road and gravel items. Is there anyone doing a good job of reviewing Chinese MTB frames and components?
Many, many thanks.
