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Chinese Carbon Road Bikes => Road Bike Frames, Wheels & Components => Topic started by: ujmo_ on November 03, 2023, 11:24:25 AM

Title: First Road Bike Build
Post by: ujmo_ on November 03, 2023, 11:24:25 AM
I'm planning to build my first road bike for the next season(starting in March/April). I've never built a bike and I only had a MTB before. I was thinking to use the 11.11 sales to buy some of the stuff from Aliexpress and I'd appreciate your help and suggestions in general.

Here's a list of what I've considered so far:

As I mentioned, this is the first time I'm building a bike so if you have any suggestions on what else I should get related to bike components or what tools are necessary to actually build it, please let me know.
Title: Re: First Road Bike Build
Post by: eekden on November 03, 2023, 04:48:34 PM
I'm in the same boat as you, about to do my first road build, also looking at the eR9/eRX. One thing to consider is there are a few eR9/eRX retailers out there. "80's designer store" sells it and its cheaper than "Ltwoo official store" (which apparently isn't their official store). And I've noticed if I message stores on aliexpress, sometimes they'll offer an extra $5 off or whatever.

Link to 80's designer store: https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256805736144268.html?spm=a2g0o.detail.0.0.2e94JPNrJPNrKO&mp=1&gatewayAdapt=glo2usa
Title: Re: First Road Bike Build
Post by: slow_poke11 on November 04, 2023, 04:37:45 AM
Good plan. I bought most of the stuff for my build in the Black Friday deals. 

I think you'd be taking a bit of a risk with the eR9 at this moment in time.  A few vloggers have had issues (Trace Velo, China Cycling for example) with it stopping working.  If it were me I'd wait until I could see that those issues had been ironed out.  That's just me though.

With groupset I went with Shimano.  Merlin do good deals: https://www.merlincycles.com/en-us/groupsets-93716/ (https://www.merlincycles.com/en-us/groupsets-93716/)

Also, given that this will be your first road bike, ask yourself how much of a benefit 12 speed or e-shifting is going to be for you.  This could reduce cost considerably if that's important for you.

The tools I needed depended on the parts I choose.  E.g. bottom bracket type, etc.
Title: Re: First Road Bike Build
Post by: mirphak on November 04, 2023, 02:55:00 PM
I have read so many horror stories about the eR9 and eRX that I honestly stopped being interested. Also one of the drawbacks of my mechanical hydro RX is the spring, which is quite weak. I am not sure they have changed it for a stronger one (I think the one from sensah is stronger). It works, but the chain retention is not great. 
Title: Re: First Road Bike Build
Post by: Chiyou on November 06, 2023, 01:54:21 PM
Here are some tools you may need:

1. Bottom bracket press - to push the bottom bracket into your frame
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/3256805253619890.html

Note: The page for the Yishun R1088-D frame won't load for me so I don't know what kind of bottom bracket it needs (press-fit bottom brackets will need a press while threaded bottom brackets require a different kind of tool)

2. Hydraulic hose tool(s) - to cut your brake hose to length and drive the needle into the hose - you can buy these separately but the following is a two-in-one version
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/3256804179664403.html

3. Bleed kit - to make sure you have enough hydraulic fluid in your brake hose and get rid of any annoying air bubbles
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/3256805944912699.html

4. Fork saw guide - for when it comes time to cut your fork steerer to length
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/3256805470482835.html

Please consider these links as reference points rather than outright recommendations; if you're hunting for bargains I'm sure you'll be able to find similar products for less money if you search long enough. Good luck with your build - ask away as there's lots to consider.
Title: Re: First Road Bike Build
Post by: eekden on November 06, 2023, 06:37:07 PM
What would be helpful for waterproofing your bike for riding in light rain? Any specific greases or gaskets or something?
Title: Re: First Road Bike Build
Post by: ujmo_ on November 19, 2023, 10:13:23 AM
I pulled the trigger during the sales and bought:
I'm still deciding on which Yishun frame I'll order and also which crankset, chainrings, cassette I should get.
Title: Re: First Road Bike Build
Post by: Dark17 on November 19, 2023, 11:43:16 AM
Quote from: ujmo_ on November 19, 2023, 10:13:23 AM
I pulled the trigger during the sales and bought:
  • Elitewheels Edge 50 with regular bearings for a total of 513$(472€)
  • LTWOO R9 carbon version for a total of 245$(225€)
  • some of the tools mentioned by @Chiyou
I'm still deciding on which Yishun frame I'll order and also which crankset, chainrings, cassette I should get.

Get the Yishun. Tho clarify the geometry if you are planning to get R086-D.
Title: Re: First Road Bike Build
Post by: Ar26 on November 19, 2023, 01:02:20 PM
Quote from: eekden on November 06, 2023, 06:37:07 PM
What would be helpful for waterproofing your bike for riding in light rain? Any specific greases or gaskets or something?


Any solutions with Oz cycle : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IQWYPxGicjU&list=PLdgbmMgiOWBIdWpEnRa0O50BMWNz8SIcs&index=1
Title: Re: First Road Bike Build
Post by: ujmo_ on November 20, 2023, 04:37:47 AM
Quote from: Dark17 on November 19, 2023, 11:43:16 AM
Get the Yishun. Tho clarify the geometry if you are planning to get R086-D.
I noticed few days ago that they updated the geometry on their website and asked them about it. The current geometry of R086-D is even more aggressive(I added it here - https://bikeinsights.com/bikes/650174efc82576001da3e5a6-yishunbike-r086-d?version=2023-v2 (https://bikeinsights.com/bikes/650174efc82576001da3e5a6-yishunbike-r086-d?version=2023-v2)) so I'll go with R1088-D. Just deciding whether I should get size 53 or 56(Yishun and ProRace both said to get 56 for my height and inseam length) and also about sizes of a handlebar.
Title: Re: First Road Bike Build
Post by: KINGBERRY on November 20, 2023, 02:39:08 PM
How tall are you guys? I am 186 cm and have an inseam length of 89 cm. My arm length is 60,5 cm. Which size can you recommend for me?
Title: Re: First Road Bike Build
Post by: slow_poke11 on November 20, 2023, 07:21:59 PM
I'm 187 and ride a 58cm (XL)
Title: Re: First Road Bike Build
Post by: ujmo_ on November 24, 2023, 04:19:15 AM
I ordered Yishun R1088-D size 56 with HB088 420*100 integrated handlebar few days ago. No painting. I ordered it from China and paid 888$(817€) for everything.
Interestingly, the full price would be 954€(w/o small discount) if ordered from Germany. I'm still unsure what bottom bracket(BB86), crankset, cassette, tires and compression plug I should get. If you have any suggestions, please let me know.

Quote from: KINGBERRY on November 20, 2023, 02:39:08 PM
How tall are you guys? I am 186 cm and have an inseam length of 89 cm. My arm length is 60,5 cm. Which size can you recommend for me?
I'm 180cm tall and have 87cm inseam.
Title: Re: First Road Bike Build
Post by: Dark17 on November 24, 2023, 04:39:49 AM
Keep us posted specially with the build and ride feels. It was my first option but there's no size available for me back then.
Title: Re: First Road Bike Build
Post by: Sakizashi on December 08, 2023, 10:46:22 AM
Consider the Ultegra BB instead. Dura Ace uses slightly different bearings that arent sealed as well. So you get less drag, but at the cost of some durability.

The thread together BBs can be great, but you need to have a good fit and I personally think they are worth it only if the bearings  are replaceable a few times. From the reviews on this site, it looks like that can be done with the ZTTO, but also that the bearings themselves are not good. Given that, I would start with something like a wheels mfg BB that is known to be well made and uses good bearings to start if you felt like you needed a thread together.
Title: Re: First Road Bike Build
Post by: carbonazza on December 08, 2023, 10:53:34 AM
Quote from: ujmo_ on December 08, 2023, 10:10:50 AM
I'm curious about your opinion and recommendations on Press-Fit vs Thread-Together BB86 bottom bracket shells and especially these two in particular:
  • ZTTO Thread Together - https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005005940645297.html
  • Shimano Dura Ace SM-BB92-41B - About 20€ in a local shop
Which one would you pick and why?

The thread together ZTTO BBs I tried were great; however, for that price, don't expect to get quality bearings.
You can replace the bearings with better ones. However, one hard issue, especially in the DUB world, is finding replacement plastic sleeves if you crush them. I'm a tinkerer, so it's fine for me, but if you're not, I would recommend the Shimano one.
If installed correctly with a compound to help it adhere to the frame, it should be reliable for many thousands of kilometers/miles.
Title: Re: First Road Bike Build
Post by: jonathanf2 on December 08, 2023, 12:50:10 PM
Quote from: ujmo_ on December 08, 2023, 10:10:50 AM
I'm curious about your opinion and recommendations on Press-Fit vs Thread-Together BB86 bottom bracket shells and especially these two in particular:
  • ZTTO Thread Together - https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005005940645297.html
  • Shimano Dura Ace SM-BB92-41B - About 20€ in a local shop
Which one would you pick and why?

I have both a ZTTO thread together PF BB86 on one of my road bikes and a Shimano Ultegra PF BB on my gravel bike. I actually prefer the Shimano PF BB, but I have an alloy sleeve built into my gravel bike that insures a proper fit. The ZTTO threaded PF BB doesn't have the best bearings, but there's a thread on here where people have replaced them for better quality ones.
Title: Re: First Road Bike Build
Post by: Txapa80 on December 09, 2023, 11:45:52 AM
I have been using the Ultegra press fit BB and the another kind of threaded press fit and the difference in longevity has been enormous. With the Ultegra BB the bearings failed after one year and a half with I have been using since then I installed that type on all my bikes (one gravel lightcarbon and my road bike Orro Venturi) and they never failed in 3 years.
But to be honest the brand that I use is Token and not the AliExpress version.
Title: Re: First Road Bike Build
Post by: ujmo_ on December 12, 2023, 07:29:23 AM
Thanks for the responses! I have another question - I just received L-TWOO R9 from AliExpress. Is there a way to easily try it out and test if it works as expected without having any other bike parts?
Title: Re: First Road Bike Build
Post by: Chiyou on December 18, 2023, 12:11:38 PM
Yes, you can connect the front and rear derailleur to the battery, pair the shifters with the derailleurs and then test everything on the kitchen table. When pressing the shifter buttons, you should see the derailleurs jump into action.
Title: Re: First Road Bike Build
Post by: ujmo_ on December 19, 2023, 01:21:31 PM
Quote from: Chiyou on December 18, 2023, 12:11:38 PM
Yes, you can connect the front and rear derailleur to the battery, pair the shifters with the derailleurs and then test everything on the kitchen table. When pressing the shifter buttons, you should see the derailleurs jump into action.
Thanks. However, I don't have eR9. Only hydraulic R9 :)
Title: Re: First Road Bike Build
Post by: Chiyou on December 28, 2023, 01:55:31 PM
My bad! Yes, in that case there is no meaningful way to check whether the components are working correctly off the bike.
Title: Re: First Road Bike Build
Post by: ujmo_ on January 09, 2024, 02:16:33 PM
I’ve got some questions regarding cables. I’m not really sure what to get. The L-TWOO R9 already has some cables included - there are cables+housing connected to both breaks and cables connected to shifters(see attached picture).
Do I need to get just one pair of housing for shifting cables? If you have any specific suggestions on what to get, please let me know.
Title: Re: First Road Bike Build
Post by: chughes on January 31, 2024, 05:48:33 PM
@ujmo_ how is your build? Any pics?
Title: Re: First Road Bike Build
Post by: ujmo_ on February 10, 2024, 06:37:33 AM
Hey, I haven't built the bike yet since it's still pretty cold in here. I'm planning to build it in March so it's ready for start of the season in April. I think I already got almost all the parts. Currently I'm deciding which bottom bracket I should get, three options I'm considering are:
How is your experience with creaking and longevity when using regular pressfit from Shimano compared to thread together from Token Ninja. Is it worth the extra money?
Title: Re: First Road Bike Build
Post by: electrolux on February 10, 2024, 07:30:18 AM
Quote from: ujmo_ on February 10, 2024, 06:37:33 AM
Hey, I haven't built the bike yet since it's still pretty cold in here. I'm planning to build it in March so it's ready for start of the season in April. I think I already got almost all the parts. Currently I'm deciding which bottom bracket I should get, three options I'm considering are:
  • Shimano SM-BB72-41B - I can get it for about 20€
  • Shimano SM-BB92-41B - I can get it for about 25€
  • Token Ninja Zenith BB841T-41 - I can get it for about 50€
How is your experience with creaking and longevity when using regular pressfit from Shimano compared to thread together from Token Ninja. Is it worth the extra money?
The ZTTO thread together BB worked pretty well for me, I had about 2000km on it before the bike was stolen.

Velobuild frame had a creak so I wrapped the BB in PTFE tape for a tighter fit.

 https://www.aliexpress.com/item/33023047002.html?
Title: Re: First Road Bike Build
Post by: coffeebreak on February 10, 2024, 10:49:21 AM
Quote from: ujmo_ on February 10, 2024, 06:37:33 AM

  • Token Ninja Zenith BB841T-41 - I can get it for about 50€
How is your experience with creaking and longevity when using regular pressfit from Shimano compared to thread together from Token Ninja. Is it worth the extra money?

I have the thread together BB386 version of Token Ninja and its been fantastic. It went on my Velobuild GF002. I spent $55 USD on it back then and have put close to 6000 miles/10k km on it and no creaks, nothing. It is worth the price and still half the cost of Wheels Manufacturing bottom bracket which I have on my latest build. When compared side by side there is absolutely no difference between two. If I had to do it again I will get the Token Ninja - it also comes with very handy (and sturdy) BB removal/installation tool that Wheels Manufacturing doesn't include.
Title: Re: First Road Bike Build
Post by: ujmo_ on February 24, 2024, 10:19:27 AM
Hey guys. I’m curious what is your view on expanders/compression plugs. Yishun provided one(see picture), but I’m unsure if it’s any good or enough, if I want to use spacers. What would you suggest?
Title: Re: First Road Bike Build
Post by: BalticSea on February 24, 2024, 11:04:27 AM
Quote from: ujmo_ on February 24, 2024, 10:19:27 AM
Hey guys. I’m curious what is your view on expanders/compression plugs. Yishun provided one(see picture), but I’m unsure if it’s any good or enough, if I want to use spacers. What would you suggest?

Doesn't matter if you want to use spacers, they do not add pressure to the steerer tube, so they don't have to be countered by expander. Expander is used to prevent the stem from crushing the steerer tube. Unless you plan to put expanders above the stem of course, but I don't think it serves any real purpose
Title: Re: First Road Bike Build
Post by: ujmo_ on May 01, 2024, 02:05:42 PM
Hey guys, I just internally routed all the cables. When I steer to the left or right in the air, the fork swiftly moves back to center/natural position on its own. Is this connected to me doing something wrong or is it common?