I've noticed most if not all carbon framesets being made nowadays have braze-on FD mounts. Though I still find some merit having a round seat post tube in order to use a front derailleur clamp, especially for gravel. With an adjustable clamp, I can explore lower gear 2x chainring setups. Even if going 1x, it looks much cleaner without the mounting screws or a riveted braze-on.

Have they completely gone out of fashion for Chinese carbon frames? The only frames I see left that have round seat post tubes are the alloy and steel/titanium frames. Just curious if there is anything still available?

I'm starting to find I much prefer my stiffer SPcycle aero frame with high seat stays and more upright top tube geometry. The bike is not very compliant, but I feel like I can really drop the hammer when I accelerate and lean hard into the downhill corners practically scrapping my pedals. Even though it weighs more, it climbs better than my TFSA SL7-style frameset. Unfortunately my SPcycle frame has been discontinued and I now wish I bought 2 frames since it was being sold at deep discount. Also I just visually prefer higher seat stays, even though the low seat stays and higher seat post of my TFSA frame absorbs road bumps better.

Are there any framesets that are available that might have similar geometry? I've added a photo of my current bike as reference. Thanks!

I just wanted to chime in my experiences using the Sensah Team Pro shifters which are 11 speed Shimano compatible in both carbon and alloy. The alloy version can be purchased for about $55 USD and the carbon version can be purchased under $120 USD or about $100 during the holiday sales. My initial experiences with the alloy version was fairly neutral. They worked fine, but I didn't find them better than 11 speed 105 shifters. Brake feel wasn't anything special and shift performance is decent. Though having used the carbon version, they just feel better. The braking is more responsive and easier to dial in. Also the shifting is a bit more crisp. In fact I've become so accustomed to the carbon version of these shifters, I've decided to install them both on my 2x and 1x road bikes.

Anyways, I would presume the internals would be the same with only the levers being different materials, so I'm not sure why the carbon shifters would have a more precise feel? I have no experience with the Sensah Empire shifters, but I'm guessing the tactile haptics would be similar as well. Is it possible due to the slightly higher cost, the carbon version just has better quality control?

Curious what everyone thinks?

I'm curious what chains everyone is using? I've tried a few different brands and now I'm starting to lean towards Shimano chains especially when using aftermarket cassettes. I recently had a chain break on my 11 speed road bike (during a hard out of saddle sprint climb) and all I had at home to replace it was a 12 speed Shimano SLX chain for MTBs. Once mounted, this has been the best chain setup I've had to date. Shifts are smooth, quiet and works amazingly well on my AliEx lightweight cassette. I've dabbled using 12 speed chains before, but it seems the Shimano chains with their Hyper Glide and Sil-Tec coating make a noticeable improvement. Also I wonder if some of the shift issues people were having with aftermarket cassettes (like the SROAD) could have been rectified with a different chain setup?

Anyways, what chains have you found to work well?

One thing I notice, at least where I live (S.Cal/Los Angeles) is that AliEx components and Chinese carbon frames are a rare sight to see. Most my ride groups are composed of mostly name brand bikes and Shimano/SRAM components. In fact I probably only saw 1 ICAN built frame in the last 2 years on a random ride. My bike builds end up getting more attention on group rides because of all the obscure AliEx components I use. I'm surprised how much some other cyclists spent on their bikes, when they don't weigh any less or even shift as well as my builds.

Anyways, I'm curious how the AliEX/Chinese carbon scene looks in your area and if they're catching on or not?

I'm trying to gauge firsthand feedback regarding Spcycle bike frames. I notice they're phasing out some older stock with pressfit semi-internal routed frames at reduced prices, since it appears trends are moving to full internal cabling and T47 BBs. Or should I just avoid pressfit all together at this point? I was thinking of picking up one of those Ztto threaded PF bottom brackets if I do go that direction. Thanks for any opinons!

I just found these on Ali:

Updated the link with better pricing:
https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256804682104591.html

The claimed weight is 38g, which is a tad more than RideNow TPU tubes. From the looks of it, the Cyclami TPU tubes utilize what appears to be a threaded alloy valve stem which should be more durable. RideNow TPU tubes utilize plastic valve stems and I've had issues with air leakage (I received a replacement). Anyways good to see more options coming out of AliExpress.

If they perform as well as the RideNow tubes, these should be quite good. Sometimes I feel more cutting edge than my cycling buddies who have no clue there's a whole other world of cycling options available!