Chinertown
Chinese Carbon Road Bikes => Road Bike Frames, Wheels & Components => Topic started by: jadenchinertown192 on September 20, 2023, 12:44:17 PM
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Nice looks rapid.
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Nice looking Ostro replica there. Anyway, can you show what type of compression plug given by seller?
Because I've experienced it before, D-shaped steer tube is not working well with normal round compression plug. It tends to loose during ride and for me it's so dangerous.
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Nice looking Ostro replica there. Anyway, can you show what type of compression plug given by seller?
Because I've experienced it before, D-shaped steer tube is not working well with normal round compression plug. It tends to loose during ride and for me it's so dangerous.
I find that the expander plugs supplied by any chinese vendor is always shit and you have to replace it.
I just buy a default 50 or 70mm deda and sorted.
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hey OP would you mind sharing the taobao link/shop name?
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Nice looking Ostro replica there. Anyway, can you show what type of compression plug given by seller?
Because I've experienced it before, D-shaped steer tube is not working well with normal round compression plug. It tends to loose during ride and for me it's so dangerous.
Compression plug doesn't hold any stress while riding. Your handlebar is clamped to the steerer and keeps everything together. Compression plug and top cap function only to set correct tightness for headset.
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Compression plug doesn't hold any stress while riding. Your handlebar is clamped to the steerer and keeps everything together. Compression plug and top cap function only to set correct tightness for headset.
What. The compression plug is ESSENTIAL at all times. Yes, the top cap is solely for preload, but the plug supports the clamping force of the stem, preventing the carbon steerer tube from being crushed, snapping, and causing an accident.
Bianchi Fork Failure:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XH7z6uAL3j4 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XH7z6uAL3j4)
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Compression plug doesn't hold any stress while riding. Your handlebar is clamped to the steerer and keeps everything together. Compression plug and top cap function only to set correct tightness for headset.
Does not apply to carbon steerer tubes. Carbon steerer tubes needs the plug.
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It's an essential item, my brother. Compression plug help to 'hold' the handlebar in place to the steerer tube. Loose plugs can cause a lot of issues, especially for rider safety.
Compression plug doesn't hold any stress while riding. Your handlebar is clamped to the steerer and keeps everything together. Compression plug and top cap function only to set correct tightness for headset.
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hey OP would you mind sharing the taobao link/shop name?
did you have it,jadenchinertown192?
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show us the full build man
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Any update please ?
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Bought in the end the same frame in size 56 with T1100 carbon, according to the seller on AliExpress (for what it's worth).
Weights are:
Front fork (uncut): 452 gr
Seatpost (uncut)+clamp+rubber: 229 gr
Handlebar with integrated stem: 331 gr
Frame incl: bolts+seatclamp: 1069 gr
Parts: headset, spacers, compression plug: 153 gr
Total weight of: 2234gr
costs incl. shipping to Europe with DPD was 682 euro's
Need to build everything together, just waiting for some parts though.
Bought a Deda D-fork compression D-plug after this comment:
I find that the expander plugs supplied by any chinese vendor is always shit and you have to replace it.
I just buy a default 50 or 70mm deda and sorted.
For the rest will I hijack this topic thread to continue the build of the same replica Factor Ostro VAM. The picture is just for indication of how it looks like, so I know there are no headspacers, etc.
The bottom bracket was not included, but alu axles were. those were 64 gr but I placed those at the wheels section so they are not in the frame weight calculated.
For the rest I have the Lexon Carbon crank and the wheeltop derailleur set. I will go for a 1x setup with a 52 chainring as where I am based it's quite flat.
Probably will go for the Elite Drive wheels or Superteam, I haven't decided yet
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Very nice, keep us posted. Interested especially in that D shaped steerer that scares me.
The frame looks so much like my open mould Long Teng.
Yet another friend this weekend who thought Tractor was Factor and assumed I was riding a superbike :D wonderful trolling. I then told him how much it cost me and now he wants one.
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Thanks for your feedback. What is the quality of the frame ? (Paint, faced caliper, inside carbon,...)
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Always a fan of high level trolling, did we ever get the link to this frame? Owners, can you compare it to other bikes you have ridden?
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I wish we can test and check the carbon layup used for the frame.
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estingo.......where can that frame be purchased and did you get it painted or does it come that way if you pick a certain paint scheme ? Stickers from ?
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estingo.......where can that frame be purchased and did you get it painted or does it come that way if you pick a certain paint scheme ? Stickers from ?
I've purchased it on Aliexpress (store: taiwan factory bike parts Store - model New Model Fasterway Ostro) and I could choose between any factor color scheme (painted or the stickers are under the paint), I doubted the one without any paint or just the clear paint that you could see the carbon layers. I know a lot of people here don't like replicas or placing a brand name on a copied frame, but in the end, I still did it, because I liked it (sorry).
I doubted also the long ten that Serge-K has, but I believe the rear is still a bit different, I think the rear tubes are a bit smaller in diameter than the long ten, but that opinion is just based on pictures that I saw so I don't know for sure + there is not a big price difference between those frames. I considered basically a lot of frames, like everyone does. I checked all bike sizes and geometries and my personal preference in looks and this was, what came out.
Thanks for your feedback. What is the quality of the frame ? (Paint, faced caliper, inside carbon,...)
Difficult to say, it's my first build and I watched a lot of comments and threads here and YouTube clips from various builders/YouTubers. For my liking is the paint job very well done, I was expecting worse, to be honest. The placement of the calipers is fine for what I have and fits perfectly so that should be fine too. And I don't have a small camera to look into the bike so I have no idea what it in looks like inside other than the BB part.
For me the BB threads look good too, if I compare them to some clips that I saw from Hambini's YouTube channel, so overall I'm quite pleased. The handlebar is a copy of black inc. and I need to sand it a bit, the inside of the stem where the wires enter that it's not too sharp but I have the feeling everyone is doing this.
In the end, I think it was carbon T1000 UD instead of T1100 but okay good enough for me, I'm just an amateur, no pro by any means, so I also think I won't break the d-shaped tube from the front fork. I won't generate that much force I'm afraid, so I do not foresee any problems but I will let you know, once it's finished and I actually drove a decent amount of km or miles.
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I am looking for your finished build.
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No sympathy for the people who make fakes and who fuel this industry. As an artistic creator, I would not like someone to copy my works and make the same signature as mine and also sell them under my name. Let these people get inspired and develop their own design, why not. Not to mention that I find it corny. What would you say if someone took your appearance and moved into your bed?
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Agreed. Nice bike for sure, but I would build it without the logo. Actually would look cleaner and slicker too imho.
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Yea the logos have to go, I dont understand the mentality of trying to pass off a replica as real.
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I've purchased it on Aliexpress (store: taiwan factory bike parts Store - model New Model Fasterway Ostro) and I could choose between any factor color scheme (painted or the stickers are under the paint), I doubted the one without any paint or just the clear paint that you could see the carbon layers. I know a lot of people here don't like replicas or placing a brand name on a copied frame, but in the end, I still did it, because I liked it (sorry).
I doubted also the long ten that Serge-K has, but I believe the rear is still a bit different, I think the rear tubes are a bit smaller in diameter than the long ten, but that opinion is just based on pictures that I saw so I don't know for sure + there is not a big price difference between those frames. I considered basically a lot of frames, like everyone does. I checked all bike sizes and geometries and my personal preference in looks and this was, what came out.
Difficult to say, it's my first build and I watched a lot of comments and threads here and YouTube clips from various builders/YouTubers. For my liking is the paint job very well done, I was expecting worse, to be honest. The placement of the calipers is fine for what I have and fits perfectly so that should be fine too. And I don't have a small camera to look into the bike so I have no idea what it in looks like inside other than the BB part.
For me the BB threads look good too, if I compare them to some clips that I saw from Hambini's YouTube channel, so overall I'm quite pleased. The handlebar is a copy of black inc. and I need to sand it a bit, the inside of the stem where the wires enter that it's not too sharp but I have the feeling everyone is doing this.
In the end, I think it was carbon T1000 UD instead of T1100 but okay good enough for me, I'm just an amateur, no pro by any means, so I also think I won't break the d-shaped tube from the front fork. I won't generate that much force I'm afraid, so I do not foresee any problems but I will let you know, once it's finished and I actually drove a decent amount of km or miles.
I also came across a Ostro VAM replica frame without logo in size 52 for around $500 USD. I don't have any proof but I personally don't believe they really give you T1000 / T1100 for a cheap frame like this, even if they have it is probably just a single layer of T1000, which is pretty much useless (the western brands do it like this too when they claim they used T1000 btw).
Full build is 8kg including pedals, it feels a bit less stiff than my Giant TCR Advanced 2 but my TCR creaks like hell in the BB area when riding uphill, yet this supposed to be cheap quality aliexpress frame has no creaking issues.
Bad thing about this replica is that the little parts are not high quality, which means you would need to get yourself some titanium bolts, there is also no manual whatsoever so you would need to figure out those little issues yourself such as finding the right size and length for the bolts, could be pain in the ass if you are not a DIY person.
The paint is really great for this price, it is not perfect but you can hardly notice those minor issues without knowing where to look.
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I also came across a Ostro VAM replica frame without logo in size 52 for around $500 USD. I don't have any proof but I personally don't believe they really give you T1000 / T1100 for a cheap frame like this, even if they have it is probably just a single layer of T1000, which is pretty much useless (the western brands do it like this too when they claim they used T1000 btw).
Probably the best take on the carbon layers that they used, for that price range for sure. We will see in the end how that goes. Do you have a picture of your bike tssy5?
Agreed. Nice bike for sure, but I would build it without the logo. Actually would look cleaner and slicker too imho.
I know it will bring controversy and that many people, especially on this form, don't like it.
No sympathy for the people who make fakes and who fuel this industry. As an artistic creator, I would not like someone to copy my works and make the same signature as mine and also sell them under my name. Let these people get inspired and develop their own design, why not. Not to mention that I find it corny. What would you say if someone took your appearance and moved into your bed?
What an analogy, but I get where you are coming from. For your information I'm not selling this bike as a real one, nor do I try to sleep with someone else to take that identity. See it as a cheap kit car on a Pontiac Fiero base. If you copy a Lamborghini with a kit on the base of a Pontiac Fiero, it won't drive like a Lambo, it won't sound like a Lambo, it just looks like it.
I believe that this fake Factor also won't drive like a real Factor, I'll get Elite Drive wheels, probably the Black Inc wheels are much better, the stiffness in the frame and handlebars will be much less than the original. The original has every where Ceramicspeed bearings, I don't. At a kit car it's quite obvious for the trained eye, I think it will also be obvious for the factor that it's a replica (for the trained eye).
And at this point I can't get rid of the stickers anymore, sorry.
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I'll chip in on my Faketor Ostro too.
My frame was marketed as the highest tier amongst the faketor ostro made in chinese factories. I build it up myself with the original spacers and ceramicspeed bb so that people in my group ride don't call me out.
it was easy to build and the carbon layup internally were extremely smooth, not a speck of carbon dust on my frame.
The headset fit perfectly, the bb threaded and fitted snugly and the flat mounts came faced properly (no brake rubs).
For a size 54 full white frame, it came in at around 1054g. （edited 6 Sep 2024: see photos in later posts)
https://www.aliexpress.com/store/1102991493/pages/all-items.html?spm=a2g0o.store_pc_home.pcShopHead_2006254741865.1&shop_sortType=bestmatch_sort
search for "first class carbon" store
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Probably the best take on the carbon layers that they used, for that price range for sure. We will see in the end how that goes. Do you have a picture of your bike tssy5?
I know it will bring controversy and that many people, especially on this form, don't like it.
What an analogy, but I get where you are coming from. For your information I'm not selling this bike as a real one, nor do I try to sleep with someone else to take that identity. See it as a cheap kit car on a Pontiac Fiero base. If you copy a Lamborghini with a kit on the base of a Pontiac Fiero, it won't drive like a Lambo, it won't sound like a Lambo, it just looks like it.
I believe that this fake Factor also won't drive like a real Factor, I'll get Elite Drive wheels, probably the Black Inc wheels are much better, the stiffness in the frame and handlebars will be much less than the original. The original has every where Ceramicspeed bearings, I don't. At a kit car it's quite obvious for the trained eye, I think it will also be obvious for the factor that it's a replica (for the trained eye).
And at this point I can't get rid of the stickers anymore, sorry.
Matte black with no logo, pretty stealthy
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Matte black with no logo, pretty stealthy
Looks also pretty cool to me! It's awesome that you went for this matte stealthy black. Bought as well some original parts like the head spacer ring, and seatpost wedge. I'm also still doubting if I add under the headset top cover a rubber ring to prevent getting moisture in the headset bearings.
For my build:
I still need a chain, cassette, and wheels. Received this week the chainring 1x, which is a Rotor Qarbon Q-ring with 52t but I received the 50t so I need to wait for that too.
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I'll chip in on my Faketor Ostro too.
My frame was marketed as the highest tier amongst the faketor ostro made in chinese factories. I build it up myself with the original spacers and ceramicspeed bb so that people in my group ride don't call me out.
it was easy to build and the carbon layup internally were extremely smooth, not a speck of carbon dust on my frame.
The headset fit perfectly, the bb threaded and fitted snugly and the flat mounts came faced properly (no brake rubs).
For a size 54 full white frame, it came in at around 1000g.
[/list]
https://www.aliexpress.com/store/1102991493/pages/all-items.html?spm=a2g0o.store_pc_home.pcShopHead_2006254741865.1&shop_sortType=bestmatch_sort
Wow, i want to live inside that frame, it looks PERFECT! and i thought my LT268 was pretty inside, this is next level!
I kind of want one now :/
Can you post a few pictures of yours? And how does it ride? Did you get it from that aliexpress store? you got the highest level of carbon? how much did you pay and shipped to what part of the world?
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Looks also pretty cool to me! It's awesome that you went for this matte stealthy black. Bought as well some original parts like the head spacer ring, and seatpost wedge. I'm also still doubting if I add under the headset top cover a rubber ring to prevent getting moisture in the headset bearings.
For my build:
I still need a chain, cassette, and wheels. Received this week the chainring 1x, which is a Rotor Qarbon Q-ring with 52t but I received the 50t so I need to wait for that too.
That's a cool chainring. The little parts like headset spacers and top cover came with the frame so I don't need to buy them again, however the bolts they provided are pretty low quality so I bought some titanium bolts and replaced them.
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Matte black with no logo, pretty stealthy
wow it looks sick! able to advice where did you get this frame?
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wow it looks sick! able to advice where did you get this frame?
You just need to search "Ostro VAM" in aliexpress.
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Wow, i want to live inside that frame, it looks PERFECT! and i thought my LT268 was pretty inside, this is next level!
I kind of want one now :/
Can you post a few pictures of yours? And how does it ride? Did you get it from that aliexpress store? you got the highest level of carbon? how much did you pay and shipped to what part of the world?
(https://i.ibb.co/fnfF8rm/IMG-20240824-WA0014.jpg) (https://ibb.co/jWmfV37)
(https://i.ibb.co/z69kDMM/IMG-20240824-WA0015.jpg) (https://ibb.co/fD6cLgg)
(https://i.ibb.co/0fYHKh6/IMG-20240824-WA0016.jpg) (https://ibb.co/FB8RXgy)
(https://i.ibb.co/ZYN78dV/IMG-20240824-WA0017.jpg) (https://ibb.co/8dXt5M0)
(https://i.ibb.co/Kwjqsck/IMG-20240824-WA0018.jpg) (https://ibb.co/Zm68gRP)
It's super stiff. I like it alot
I got it from 咸鱼 ( its the chinese equivalent ebay/craiglist within china), my seller eventually went on aliexpress because i told him laowais are less fussy and for the quality he is offering, it's gonna sell.
yup i went for the highest level of carbon. but with white paint it did came heavier than what i expected.
i paid 6500 rmb for the frame and around 60 usd to singapore using my own forward shipper, had he sold on aliexpress I would have used aliexpress instead, saved the trouble.
oh did i mention the frame came in a factor box? [/list]
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1054g
thru axle 35g, 1019g.
derailleur hanger 20g (?), 1000g.
White paint... 75g (?), 925g
4 cage bolts, 10g (?), 915g
Size 54 advertised as 865g, that's a 50g difference, or 6% deviation. I guess anything in the 5% range is to be expected. Better safe than sorry.
6500RMB = 815 EUR + 60$ shipping, this is pricey indeed.
The Factor box makes you wonder... would that be in instance of special access to the factory floor?
I just wish the logo said Tractor and not Factor, but this is a pretty bike indeed. Having a frame from a Factor factory but with Tractor logo would be peak troll.
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1054g
thru axle 35g, 1019g.
derailleur hanger 20g (?), 1000g.
White paint... 75g (?), 925g
4 cage bolts, 10g (?), 915g
Size 54 advertised as 865g, that's a 50g difference, or 6% deviation. I guess anything in the 5% range is to be expected. Better safe than sorry.
6500RMB = 815 EUR + 60$ shipping, this is pricey indeed.
The Factor box makes you wonder... would that be in instance of special access to the factory floor?
I just wish the logo said Tractor and not Factor, but this is a pretty bike indeed. Having a frame from a Factor factory but with Tractor logo would be peak troll.
It is the T1000 one so it would be more expensive, mine is T800 so it is around 450 EUR without shipping, probably I should get a T1000 for my next frame to see if it is going to be stiffer.
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Price wise, that would make sense, as T1000 is supposed to cost twice as much as T800? Would be extremely interesting to compare them side by side.
Save for a very clear difference, I think I'd rather buy a t800 and upgrade frames twice as often. I'm a unit, the weight difference between frames would only serve my vanity.
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It's super stiff. I like it alot
I got it from 咸鱼 ( its the chinese equivalent ebay/craiglist within china), my seller eventually went on aliexpress because i told him laowais are less fussy and for the quality he is offering, it's gonna sell.
yup i went for the highest level of carbon. but with white paint it did came heavier than what i expected.
i paid 6500 rmb for the frame and around 60 usd to singapore using my own forward shipper, had he sold on aliexpress I would have used aliexpress instead, saved the trouble.
oh did i mention the frame came in a factor box? [/list]
The seller is on Aliexpress now? What is their store called?
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Did you take some pics of the inside of the frame?
There are some quite bad pictures of the internals of the frame on the Aliexpress seller you mentioned.
Bought in the end the same frame in size 56 with T1100 carbon, according to the seller on AliExpress (for what it's worth).
Weights are:
Front fork (uncut): 452 gr
Seatpost (uncut)+clamp+rubber: 229 gr
Handlebar with integrated stem: 331 gr
Frame incl: bolts+seatclamp: 1069 gr
Parts: headset, spacers, compression plug: 153 gr
Total weight of: 2234gr
costs incl. shipping to Europe with DPD was 682 euro's
Need to build everything together, just waiting for some parts though.
Bought a Deda D-fork compression D-plug after this comment:
For the rest will I hijack this topic thread to continue the build of the same replica Factor Ostro VAM. The picture is just for indication of how it looks like, so I know there are no headspacers, etc.
The bottom bracket was not included, but alu axles were. those were 64 gr but I placed those at the wheels section so they are not in the frame weight calculated.
For the rest I have the Lexon Carbon crank and the wheeltop derailleur set. I will go for a 1x setup with a 52 chainring as where I am based it's quite flat.
Probably will go for the Elite Drive wheels or Superteam, I haven't decided yet
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Everything is ordered so the waiting game has begun and I can piece this "thing" together. My expected weight is around 7 kg
Did you take some pics of the inside of the frame?
There are some quite bad pictures of the internals of the frame on the Aliexpress seller you mentioned.
Hello Tsunami, difficult to take pictures form the inside.
I did my best though, I'm not sure where you saw those bad pictures of the frame internals from this particular seller.
You can check them below.
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What wheels are you going to run with it?
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Everything is ordered so the waiting game has begun and I can piece this "thing" together. My expected weight is around 7 kg
Hello Tsunami, difficult to take pictures form the inside.
I did my best though, I'm not sure where you saw those bad pictures of the frame internals from this particular seller.
You can check them below.
That doesn't look too good. It doesn't look like the layers are especially well compressed. Looks very different from the inside of Oralmaster's frame. I hope he's a dentist, btw, or brushes his teeth a lot.
Didn't come from the same seller, right?
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That doesn't look too good. It doesn't look like the layers are especially well compressed. Looks very different from the inside of Oralmaster's frame. I hope he's a dentist, btw, or brushes his teeth a lot.
Didn't come from the same seller, right?
How do you see that ? Around BB ? I want to learn.
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What wheels are you going to run with it?
In the end, I ordered the Elite Drive 65D wheels. so they will arrive within 20-30 days.
Also, I installed the Rear derailleur and bottom bracket, the Brake calipers, and brake hoses through the frame, and steering wheel. I added the Wheeltop shifters to the steering wheel and connected the cables. Cut in the end 20 gram from the tube from the front fork to fit. The Deda compression plug looks nice and sturdy on the steering handle as well.
The correct chainring with 52t arrived, but I don't have the correct chainring bolts yet for a 1x setup, ordered them. Same for the 8mm open-end wrench, I have it but I want to strengthen them with the right amount of force so I bought an adapter for my torque wrench, to have the brake hoses tighten with the oil pressure screws with a torque of 10-12 Nm.
That doesn't look too good. It doesn't look like the layers are especially well compressed. Looks very different from the inside of Oralmaster's frame. I hope he's a dentist, btw, or brushes his teeth a lot.
Didn't come from the same seller, right?
I checked the pictures of Oralmaster's frame and compared it to mine, however, I can only see the thread of the bottom bracket from him and compared to mine not really the inner layers. That it doesn't look good, is of course not what I would like to hear but maybe you can explain and educate us a bit like BeR also said in the comment, I also would like to know at what are you looking to compare to make such an comment.
On your question, There are different sellers for this frame and I think he has the one with the more expensive frame, his parts look also different then mine (he has more quality I think, that why I replaced them for better stuff), seatpost wedge, compression plug, headset bearings.
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Did you take some pics of the inside of the frame?
There are some quite bad pictures of the internals of the frame on the Aliexpress seller you mentioned.
i just managed to retrieve the photos that seller took before shipping out my frame, and for me to pay the balance to him lol…
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How do you see that ? Around BB ? I want to learn.
Disclaimer: i'm not a carbon expert, it's just my (hopefully) educated guess.
Caveat: we're looking at fakes here, not OEM, not chinese brands, so i'm being extra paranoid.
The carbon inside oralmaster's frame (dude, that's so cringe to write every time, i'll call it the white factor) looks laid very flat, very neat, very tight, it's so neat my reaction was "can i live in it?"
The carbon in the other one looks nothing like that. there are lots of lines (presumably because it's not EPS moulded and the bladder inside left excess resin or something like that), but more worrying to me, it doesnt look like the carbon is laid up tight, at all. it all looks wavy inside with creases and dimples and what not.
Does it matter? probably not. Would i buy the 1st one? Yes. Would i buy the 2nd one? No. Your mileage may vary.
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Disclaimer: i'm not a carbon expert, it's just my (hopefully) educated guess.
Caveat: we're looking at fakes here, not OEM, not chinese brands, so i'm being extra paranoid.
The carbon inside oralmaster's frame (dude, that's so cringe to write every time, i'll call it the white factor) looks laid very flat, very neat, very tight, it's so neat my reaction was "can i live in it?"
The carbon in the other one looks nothing like that. there are lots of lines (presumably because it's not EPS moulded and the bladder inside left excess resin or something like that), but more worrying to me, it doesnt look like the carbon is laid up tight, at all. it all looks wavy inside with creases and dimples and what not.
Does it matter? probably not. Would i buy the 1st one? Yes. Would i buy the 2nd one? No. Your mileage may vary.
Thanks a lot.
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Disclaimer: i'm not a carbon expert, it's just my (hopefully) educated guess.
Caveat: we're looking at fakes here, not OEM, not chinese brands, so i'm being extra paranoid.
The carbon inside oralmaster's frame (dude, that's so cringe to write every time, i'll call it the white factor) looks laid very flat, very neat, very tight, it's so neat my reaction was "can i live in it?"
The carbon in the other one looks nothing like that. there are lots of lines (presumably because it's not EPS moulded and the bladder inside left excess resin or something like that), but more worrying to me, it doesnt look like the carbon is laid up tight, at all. it all looks wavy inside with creases and dimples and what not.
Does it matter? probably not. Would i buy the 1st one? Yes. Would i buy the 2nd one? No. Your mileage may vary.
Makes perfect sense to me now with the pictures side by side, thanks a lot.
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i just managed to retrieve the photos that seller took before shipping out my frame, and for me to pay the balance to him lol…
Looks really neat. Just out of curiosity, would be interesseting to see a legit OSTRO from the inside to compare the looks. That checkerboard pattern looks special, have never seen it on the inside of a frame before.
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Looks really neat. Just out of curiosity, would be interesseting to see a legit OSTRO from the inside to compare the looks. That checkerboard pattern looks special, have never seen it on the inside of a frame before.
That checkerboad pattern is spreadtow carbon fiber, basically unidirectional carbon fibers lightly woven together, with one benefit being easier to laminate. Its also usually very light.
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Hey guys , got a Factor Ostro Frame (with no Logo on it, since i just like the way it is but i don't want it to scream FACTOR) and i wanted to ask if you did change something when you got the Frame from Aliexpr. should i move along with the same headset and bearing? did it have any play in it? (asking cause i did build a VB R 177 Last winter, and it had a play despite even getting a new C Ring from Velobuild) or you had to order something else?
IF so maybe changing the expander plugs (any recommandations on which one to order)?
i want to order them already , so that i can go on with the Build project when the Frame arrives.
what about the bottom bracket ( Will build the Ultegra Di2 on it).
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Hey guys , got a Factor Ostro Frame (with no Logo on it, since i just like the way it is but i don't want it to scream FACTOR) and i wanted to ask if you did change something when you got the Frame from Aliexpr. should i move along with the same headset and bearing? did it have any play in it? (asking cause i did build a VB R 177 Last winter, and it had a play despite even getting a new C Ring from Velobuild) or you had to order something else?
IF so maybe changing the expander plugs (any recommandations on which one to order)?
i want to order them already , so that i can go on with the Build project when the Frame arrives.
what about the bottom bracket ( Will build the Ultegra Di2 on it).
mine was a good tight fit with no play, when i shove the compression ring in, the fork was held firmly without any need to secure the fork to the frame. for the bb type its T47A, there shouldn't be any issues since the bb shell is pre threaded before bonding with the frame (i think)
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Same here, no play in the headset, I received the headset bearings also with the frame but I opted for getting other headset bearings (hambini) but for head set bearings I think it’s not worth it in the end. The compression ring I bought a factor original one and I replaced the compression plug for a deda.
Same as Oralmaster the bb is T47A I got one from Cema with ceramic bearings but every T47A will fit.
I have now another problem were I had to disassemble the whole bike as the brake hose twisted and broke. When I checked it was my partial my fault and Wheeltop, the hoses has been used before and I damaged them with the handlebar because I place them 2 times through it because I forgot the headspacers the first time. When putting the compression screw on torque the cable ‘broke’ internally. Where I can’t rely on anymore. Just figuring out now which oil pin and olive head wheel top uses.anyway happy days. Have a good weekend everyone
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Fwiw, i had a really, really bad experience with First-Class Carbon Fiber Store, the store that made that pretty white factor.
Over the years, i've dealt with a lot of chinese sellers. This one is sketchy AF.
I was considering buying an unbranded frame (to then add my Tractor logo on top myself with vinyl) because I was curious to get a product with such a high finish, and to compare it to my LT268 that costs a fraction of the price, so i started asking questions.
I asked a lot of questions to which i already knew the answer to, and nothing made sense. The guy spent a lot of time shitting on the whole industry, with only him being reputable and knowing what he's doing. He pushed back on every technical question i asked with something along the lines of "trust me bro".
Basically all his answers were red flags.
My 5 cents: stay the F away. I wish i could block sellers / shops on AliX in order to never see their products again in my feed & search results. Would be a great feature to have.
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Fwiw, i had a really, really bad experience with First-Class Carbon Fiber Store, the store that made that pretty white factor.
Over the years, i've dealt with a lot of chinese sellers. This one is sketchy AF.
I was considering buying an unbranded frame (to then add my Tractor logo on top myself with vinyl) because I was curious to get a product with such a high finish, and to compare it to my LT268 that costs a fraction of the price, so i started asking questions.
I asked a lot of questions to which i already knew the answer to, and nothing made sense. The guy spent a lot of time shitting on the whole industry, with only him being reputable and knowing what he's doing. He pushed back on every technical question i asked with something along the lines of "trust me bro".
Basically all his answers were red flags.
My 5 cents: stay the F away. I wish i could block sellers / shops on AliX in order to never see their products again in my feed & search results. Would be a great feature to have.
"spent a lot of time shitting on the whole industry", not sure if he's referring to the entire bike industry or the fake frame syndicate in china. but seems like the same dude i've dealt with, basically saying his stuffs albeit more expensive than other fakes, is much better.
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"spent a lot of time shitting on the whole industry", not sure if he's referring to the entire bike industry or the fake frame syndicate in china. but seems like the same dude i've dealt with, basically saying his stuffs albeit more expensive than other fakes, is much better.
Yeah and all his arguments are 100% empty, baseless statements and promises.
It's like a crack user doing tricks on skid row telling you he could be Elon Musk or some retarded $hit like this.
You willingly bought from a guy like this? Why? He literally answered none of my questions convincingly. Not one.
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Fwiw, i had a really, really bad experience with First-Class Carbon Fiber Store, the store that made that pretty white factor.
Over the years, i've dealt with a lot of chinese sellers. This one is sketchy AF.
I was considering buying an unbranded frame (to then add my Tractor logo on top myself with vinyl) because I was curious to get a product with such a high finish, and to compare it to my LT268 that costs a fraction of the price, so i started asking questions.
I asked a lot of questions to which i already knew the answer to, and nothing made sense. The guy spent a lot of time shitting on the whole industry, with only him being reputable and knowing what he's doing. He pushed back on every technical question i asked with something along the lines of "trust me bro".
Basically all his answers were red flags.
My 5 cents: stay the F away. I wish i could block sellers / shops on AliX in order to never see their products again in my feed & search results. Would be a great feature to have.
You should make a list with good/bad sellers for us ;).
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Yeah and all his arguments are 100% empty, baseless statements and promises.
It's like a crack user doing tricks on skid row telling you he could be Elon Musk or some retarded $hit like this.
You willingly bought from a guy like this? Why? He literally answered none of my questions convincingly. Not one.
I can relate.
Answers are unprecise, not to the point and the crappy google translate wont help either.
Even I asked him like a lot of times and explaining, he was not able to make clear if or if not his shipping includes taxes and how much shipping is to Europe. Hm.
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You should make a list with good/bad sellers for us ;).
Well from 1st hand experience alone, and this is not meant to be an exhaustive list, but I've never had problems with Far Sports, Peter (Xiamen Carbon Speed), and Long Teng. I think Chris from Velobuild is also doing a pretty good job given I suspect they track everything by hand with an excel if not a notebook (given their scale they could use an ERP). I wouldn't buy a frame from Airwolf but i'm very happy with their cockpits (allegedly T1000), which you can find on Aliexpres (on that, a friend just broke one, but he crashed at high speed because of a cat (i love that story, i dont like cats), so i dont think that means they're bad, just that well, if you crash, you can break stuff - earlier in the year he crashed in a descent and broke his front wheel).
If you can avoid it, dont buy stuff from Racework. I have mixed feelings about Winow. And definitely, definitely don't give your money to First-Class Carbon Fiber Store...
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Yeah and all his arguments are 100% empty, baseless statements and promises.
It's like a crack user doing tricks on skid row telling you he could be Elon Musk or some retarded $hit like this.
You willingly bought from a guy like this? Why? He literally answered none of my questions convincingly. Not one.
i wasn't very bike savvy then (still not very savvy now), how he marketed on the chinese platforms has already satisfied my needs/wants (basically a knockoff factor frame for 1/5 of the price that looks at good and could not be differentiated by the naked eye. I apologize for the inconvenience caused here, i did feedback to him that my frameset was very well received and he should focus more on aliexpress, he didn't took it well though.
but i recently placed a deposit for another "one bike to rule them all" frameset with darimo nexum drag handlebars and darimo seatpost (fake obviously) . call me a sucker i guess.
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In the end, I ordered the Elite Drive 65D wheels. so they will arrive within 20-30 days.
Also, I installed the Rear derailleur and bottom bracket, the Brake calipers, and brake hoses through the frame, and steering wheel. I added the Wheeltop shifters to the steering wheel and connected the cables. Cut in the end 20 gram from the tube from the front fork to fit. The Deda compression plug looks nice and sturdy on the steering handle as well.
The correct chainring with 52t arrived, but I don't have the correct chainring bolts yet for a 1x setup, ordered them. Same for the 8mm open-end wrench, I have it but I want to strengthen them with the right amount of force so I bought an adapter for my torque wrench, to have the brake hoses tighten with the oil pressure screws with a torque of 10-12 Nm.
I checked the pictures of Oralmaster's frame and compared it to mine, however, I can only see the thread of the bottom bracket from him and compared to mine not really the inner layers. That it doesn't look good, is of course not what I would like to hear but maybe you can explain and educate us a bit like BeR also said in the comment, I also would like to know at what are you looking to compare to make such an comment.
On your question, There are different sellers for this frame and I think he has the one with the more expensive frame, his parts look also different then mine (he has more quality I think, that why I replaced them for better stuff), seatpost wedge, compression plug, headset bearings.
did the frame came with the transition spacer and seat post cover shown in your photos? I had to look elsewhere for the original parts as mine didn't come with the seat post cover and the spacers set they gave was crap
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i wasn't very bike savvy then (still not very savvy now), how he marketed on the chinese platforms has already satisfied my needs/wants (basically a knockoff factor frame for 1/5 of the price that looks at good and could not be differentiated by the naked eye. I apologize for the inconvenience caused here, i did feedback to him that my frameset was very well received and he should focus more on aliexpress, he didn't took it well though.
but i recently placed a deposit for another "one bike to rule them all" frameset with darimo nexum drag handlebars and darimo seatpost (fake obviously) . call me a sucker i guess.
You do you. We have different imperatives, and i can definitely understand that you took comfort from using the chinese platform, i could see how you'd feel "closer" to the action that way.
Did you get the chance to take pics of the inside of YOUR frame? The guy boasted so much that he doesn't leave a single spec of dust in the frames that HE makes, i'm curious to see inside yours, rather than the photos he posted on aliexpress.
Where are you getting your SL8 / SLfake from? And how was the communication with the seller?
Idk how much you weigh, but i'd be careful with ultralight fake parts (darimo cockpit). If you hit a pothole and break the cockpit, you'll never know if an OEM / branded cockpit would have survived the hit, but you will have a bad day.
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You do you. We have different imperatives, and i can definitely understand that you took comfort from using the chinese platform, i could see how you'd feel "closer" to the action that way.
Did you get the chance to take pics of the inside of YOUR frame? The guy boasted so much that he doesn't leave a single spec of dust in the frames that HE makes, i'm curious to see inside yours, rather than the photos he posted on aliexpress.
Where are you getting your SL8 / SLfake from? And how was the communication with the seller?
Idk how much you weigh, but i'd be careful with ultralight fake parts (darimo cockpit). If you hit a pothole and break the cockpit, you'll never know if an OEM / branded cockpit would have survived the hit, but you will have a bad day.
i didn't took pictures of the internal prior to building up, i did post the photos of my frame internals that the seller took for me, you've used it for comparison, that was from my frame. Honestly I am also skeptical that the darimo clone will come up sub 300g as the real thing. But if he doesn't back out and give me a roval rapide cockpit instead, i will gladly share the photos with you. 50-60 working days, i reckon it will be longer.
on the topic of SLfake, I did help a friend build one from taiwan eisen bike store recently, a size 56 frame came up @ 900g exact. don't ask me about the internals, it's crap, i pricked my finger while fingering the bottom bracket.
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did the frame came with the transition spacer and seat post cover shown in your photos? I had to look elsewhere for the original parts as mine didn't come with the seat post cover and the spacers set they gave was crap
I received a seatpost cover with it and two sets of clamps for the seatpost. Probably those are the ones you call transition spacers. I considered to buy them original but when I saw they were the same material (Alu) did I kept them, they feel good and snug. I also considered the same seat post wedge as you, but I read that the Alu one has more hold with carbon past than the "plastic" one (the red one), which is lighter.
The spacers for the head set did I replaced for carbon ones, which I could have bought from your notorious seller but I bought them for much more (unfortunately) original from carbon.
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Alright, I have finished the build with some hick-ups but nothing major.
- A brake disc that is not truly straight, when these AliExpress things don't work I but better ones, like the Galfer ones.
- The screw for the seat post wedge was destroyed, so had to put a temporary other one, correct one is coming.
- The Elite Drive wheels are the D65 and I ordered the 6 bolts, but I didn't read the FAQ good enough so it came with an adapter and I thought it was designed for 6 bolts, now it's center lock with an adapter.
- The Lexon Crankset was too tight and didn't run smoothly and freely so I had to get the spacers and pre-load ring out and it worked, without any play on the spindle or crankarms. Posted this in the Lexon crankset thread.
- I had the el cheapo brake hoses from Wheeltop which I replaced with Magura Kevlar brake hoses, with no problem, and everything went smoothly through the frame and handlebar.
It's 7.3 kg in the picture, with a 1x setup so no front derailleur of 206 grams and an extra chain ring, including Speedplay paddles.
It is without the computer, sensors & computer holder, bottle cages, and bar tape, radar light and mount, then it will be around 7,5 kg.
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It's 7.3 kg in the picture, with a 1x setup so no front derailleur of 206 grams and an extra chain ring, including Speedplay paddles.
Bling! nice! which seller did you buy from? Did you take pictures of the inside of the frame? How much did you spend and what spec did you get in terms of grade of carbon? Did you weigh the frame and other bits?
The wheel logos kind of imply you're riding a fake, but you do you!
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Bling! nice! which seller did you buy from? Did you take pictures of the inside of the frame? How much did you spend and what spec did you get in terms of grade of carbon? Did you weigh the frame and other bits?
The wheel logos kind of imply you're riding a fake, but you do you!
Hi Serge_K,
It was a bit of copy and past through these last few pages (from page 2 to 5 in this thread), but here are some of the answers on the questions you asked a few weeks before as well:
Which seller: https://chinertown.com/index.php/topic,4449.msg63172.html#msg63172 (https://chinertown.com/index.php/topic,4449.msg63172.html#msg63172)
I took in the beginning no pictures inside the frame afterward I did, and you compared my pictures (https://chinertown.com/index.php/topic,4449.msg64383.html#msg64383 (https://chinertown.com/index.php/topic,4449.msg64383.html#msg64383)) with the ones from Oralmaster his frame. You mentioned if you could choose one or the other you wouldn't prefer mine but the one from Oral master, you can read it here: https://chinertown.com/index.php/topic,4449.msg64725.html#msg64725 (https://chinertown.com/index.php/topic,4449.msg64725.html#msg64725)
Yes I did weight the bits from the frame, which ones you want to know, I weighted everything, from the innertube foam, to the seatpost wedge, from the speed sensor to the bolts of the bottle cage. let me know which specific part you are looking for. However my calculated weight was 7.205 kg an my scale wasn't that precise because I first measured my self and then the bike and it came at 7.3kg
How much did you spend and weight: see added picture
Grade of Carbon T1000 UD, did I answered here on page 2 to you: https://chinertown.com/index.php/topic,4449.msg63172.html#msg63172 (https://chinertown.com/index.php/topic,4449.msg63172.html#msg63172)
The wheel logos indicate that these are Drive wheels from Elite Wheels, yes it's fake. I explained it here: https://chinertown.com/index.php/topic,4449.msg63865.html#msg63865 (https://chinertown.com/index.php/topic,4449.msg63865.html#msg63865)
In the end you have people that like it and you have people that hate it. Ar26 said even:
No sympathy for the people who make fakes and who fuel this industry. As an artistic creator, I would not like someone to copy my works and make the same signature as mine and also sell them under my name. Let these people get inspired and develop their own designs, why not. Not to mention that I find it corny. What would you say if someone took your appearance and moved into your bed?
And I responded with this:
What an analogy, but I get where you are coming from. For your information I'm not selling this bike as a real one, nor do I try to sleep with someone else to take that identity. See it as a cheap kit car on a Pontiac Fiero base. If you copy a Lamborghini with a kit on the base of a Pontiac Fiero, it won't drive like a Lambo, it won't sound like a Lambo, it just looks like it.
I believe that this fake Factor also won't drive like a real Factor, I'll get Elite Drive wheels, probably the Black Inc wheels are much better, the stiffness in the frame and handlebars will be much less than the original. The original has every where Ceramicspeed bearings, I don't. At a kit car it's quite obvious for the trained eye, I think it will also be obvious for the factor that it's a replica (for the trained eye).
And at this point I can't get rid of the stickers anymore, sorry.
Anyway I don't want to start the debate of good or bad with the fake replica's.
I hope I answered the your questions, it was a bit of a search to be honest, but there you go.
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Hahaha I have the memory of a fish.
Very helpful excel with costs and weights.
Thank you!
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No problem, I had fun composing it 8)
And yeah, the spreadsheet was to keep track of the costs and the weight, good to hear that it was helpful.
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Local buddy of mine. Cat 1 racer. I've him seen race against some of the best pro teams in the country during our locally held events. He's strong as heck.
So I've been admiring his Factor Ostro all summer, as I'm considering buying one to test against my SL8, only for him to confess this morning at the coffee shop that his frame is....fake.
Not a failed QC Ostro but an unauthorized copy. Here's what he told me:
1. Can't remember the full name, but he bought it from a place called Taiwan Carbon...something. $1000 USD
2. His frame is about 300g heavier than the real version.
3. The supplied hardware isn't an exact fit. It required some facing and sanding.
4. He swapped the fake Black Inc cockpit for a real version. He said the fake was too flexy.
5. The carbon layup isn't as tidy as the real version.
6. Legit groupset, wheels, and cockpit. All the vital contact points if you ask me...
I would get roasted if I reviewed a fake Ostro, but call me very intrigued. To me the extra frame weight is simply an insurance policy to withstand the daily abuse of riding. Makes sense to me. Buying an 800g fake anything sounds like trouble...
When I picked up the bike to inspect it indeed felt pretty heavy. But I've also held up a real Ostro (the 2024 version) and that's also heavy even with a full Sram Red groupset. However, the fake felt very solid and study. He said it has served him very well this race season.
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You know what you have to do now, Patrick. The content is imminent ;D
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[quote author=patliean1 link=topic=4449.msg66098#msg66098 date=1727451845
1. Can't remember the full name, but he bought it from a place called Taiwan Carbon...something. $1000
I would get roasted if I reviewed a fake Ostro, but call me very intrigued.
[/quote]
In a fan of your YouTube channel, I would watch it for sure! Awesome story to hear that it was a fake one and you won’t get roasted only if you buy it with factor logos. I experienced that!
He bought it at the same shop as mine. For the handlebar I have to see, I also like your review on the EXS. However I first need to ride and make km/miles. Awesome post for the weekend!
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I'm not sure how Youtube / Factor would react to your video, because i think in our jurisdictions the mere possession of a fake is illegal, so technically you might be committing a felony by reviewing it. Then there's the reputation / brand IP, and Factor might come raining down on you.
I definitely would inquire before doing the video.
That said, i'd love to see that video!
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Hi Serge_K,
It was a bit of copy and past through these last few pages (from page 2 to 5 in this thread), but here are some of the answers on the questions you asked a few weeks before as well:
Which seller: https://chinertown.com/index.php/topic,4449.msg63172.html#msg63172 (https://chinertown.com/index.php/topic,4449.msg63172.html#msg63172)
I took in the beginning no pictures inside the frame afterward I did, and you compared my pictures (https://chinertown.com/index.php/topic,4449.msg64383.html#msg64383 (https://chinertown.com/index.php/topic,4449.msg64383.html#msg64383)) with the ones from Oralmaster his frame. You mentioned if you could choose one or the other you wouldn't prefer mine but the one from Oral master, you can read it here: https://chinertown.com/index.php/topic,4449.msg64725.html#msg64725 (https://chinertown.com/index.php/topic,4449.msg64725.html#msg64725)
Yes I did weight the bits from the frame, which ones you want to know, I weighted everything, from the innertube foam, to the seatpost wedge, from the speed sensor to the bolts of the bottle cage. let me know which specific part you are looking for. However my calculated weight was 7.205 kg an my scale wasn't that precise because I first measured my self and then the bike and it came at 7.3kg
How much did you spend and weight: see added picture
Grade of Carbon T1000 UD, did I answered here on page 2 to you: https://chinertown.com/index.php/topic,4449.msg63172.html#msg63172 (https://chinertown.com/index.php/topic,4449.msg63172.html#msg63172)
The wheel logos indicate that these are Drive wheels from Elite Wheels, yes it's fake. I explained it here: https://chinertown.com/index.php/topic,4449.msg63865.html#msg63865 (https://chinertown.com/index.php/topic,4449.msg63865.html#msg63865)
In the end you have people that like it and you have people that hate it. Ar26 said even:
And I responded with this:
Anyway I don't want to start the debate of good or bad with the fake replica's.
I hope I answered the your questions, it was a bit of a search to be honest, but there you go.
Good choice on the wheels. I got my wheelset from yuanan which also claims to have the same specs as elite drive 50D, overall a set of very good wheels, not sure if they could put on the decals for me but if they could i definitely would!enjoy your new steed! looks beautiful
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I'm not sure how Youtube / Factor would react to your video, because i think in our jurisdictions the mere possession of a fake is illegal, so technically you might be committing a felony by reviewing it. Then there's the reputation / brand IP, and Factor might come raining down on you.
I definitely would inquire before doing the video.
That said, i'd love to see that video!
This is part of a larger issue I have too. One of my close buddies here just recently open his own bike shop, and is now an auth dealer for Factor. He's hinted to me about working out a deal on pricing to help promote the shop. So I can't imagine the strain it would put our business relationship if:
- I bought a real Ostro from a competing dealer.
- Me parading around with a fake Ostro.
This all sounds like a threesome gone terribly wrong!
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This is part of a larger issue I have too. One of my close buddies here just recently open his own bike shop, and is now an auth dealer for Factor. He's hinted to me about working out a deal on pricing to help promote the shop. So I can't imagine the strain it would put our business relationship if:
- I bought a real Ostro from a competing dealer.
- Me parading around with a fake Ostro.
This all sounds like a threesome gone terribly wrong!
Go for a SL8 replica and do the comparison, problem solved ;)
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This is part of a larger issue I have too. One of my close buddies here just recently open his own bike shop, and is now an auth dealer for Factor. He's hinted to me about working out a deal on pricing to help promote the shop. So I can't imagine the strain it would put our business relationship if:
- I bought a real Ostro from a competing dealer.
- Me parading around with a fake Ostro.
This all sounds like a threesome gone terribly wrong!
There's potentially a way around it, and that's to do what Serge_K did, and get a custom paint job which says 'Tractor'. Then you can do an apples and oranges comparison between the two and not piss off your friend.
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There's potentially a way around it, and that's to do what Serge_K did, and get a custom paint job which says 'Tractor'. Then you can do an apples and oranges comparison between the two and not piss off your friend.
I got an open mould frame with black gloss paint, and I designed the logo myself, got it cut in fancy car vinyl by a chap I found locally, and applied the logo myself, making it fully reversible if and when I want to sell, or want to start trolling another brand.
But I agree that a solution would be to order a frame without a logo (ideally without a paint job that screams factor for plausible deniability), and then you'd be fine. Although from a video standpoint, you'd still be promoting a business making fakes and the fakes industry overall, so... Still a no no. I'm yet to find a single counterpart selling fakes that doesn't sound like a complete crook when you interact with him. The running argument is "don't worry just place your order", which is what any drug dealer would say.
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6. Legit groupset, wheels, and cockpit. All the vital contact points if you ask me...
Yeah, because the frame is just an accessory part of the bike.
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Fwiw, i had a really, really bad experience with First-Class Carbon Fiber Store, the store that made that pretty white factor.
Over the years, i've dealt with a lot of chinese sellers. This one is sketchy AF.
I was considering buying an unbranded frame (to then add my Tractor logo on top myself with vinyl) because I was curious to get a product with such a high finish, and to compare it to my LT268 that costs a fraction of the price, so i started asking questions.
I asked a lot of questions to which i already knew the answer to, and nothing made sense. The guy spent a lot of time shitting on the whole industry, with only him being reputable and knowing what he's doing. He pushed back on every technical question i asked with something along the lines of "trust me bro".
Basically all his answers were red flags.
My 5 cents: stay the F away. I wish i could block sellers / shops on AliX in order to never see their products again in my feed & search results. Would be a great feature to have.
What questions did you ask that he refused to answer?
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What questions did you ask that he refused to answer?
I wrote a recap here
http://chinertown.com/index.php/topic,5263.0.html
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Quick update on the frame after +/- 500km in, even though it's blacklisted in another forum thread, I really enjoy riding it. It's quick, stable and also responsive and with the Elite Drive D65 wheels, I would say it's even comfortable. I'm combining riding outside with riding indoors on Zwift with the bike. Putting down the power is possible and I'm getting the hang of it.
I ride most of the time solo and I do not overtake or see a lot of other people on the course that I ride, in my garage are also no people judging me on the bike (that it's fake) so still I'm quite pleased and happy with it.
Maybe I need to go to Weight Weenies but I'm looking into shave down the weight of the bike a little. I know I could have chosen different wheels instead of the 65mm and could have gone for 40 or 45mm to save weight (maybe I will at some point), but I am interested in investigating the price per gram if it's worth it, with also considering the aero aspect of it. I still want to be in the sweet spot and not and not "pissing money into the wind" as how he called it on youtube Road.cc timestamp 4:20: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qFwUHSZvkss (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qFwUHSZvkss) In the Diminishing Gains graph, where he plots performance against price
And see in Spring next year if I can get at least 500 grams off by replacing parts some parts e.g.: other discs, tires, Axles, Saddle, Bar tape, Paddle Axles, some bolts, and maybe the radar light and tools that I bring with me every ride.
With the wheels alone will I save +/- 400 gr. if I would buy No. 6: 30mm or farsports Evo S 35mm these are around 1100 grams.
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Thanks for the review.
Have you ever ridden a "true" high brand frame in order to compare with it ?
What was the seller ?
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Update all. I have ridden my ostro vam for a few thousand miles now. It ride extremely well and it's stiff enough. The bottom bracket doesn't creak. I have it around 7.5-6kg with not really any weight weenie stuff. Tubes do not flex when pressed. Considering changing to a Factor authentic handlebar, but that also costs a lot more than my frame. I have nothing but good to say. I had to get them to replace the fork since there excess paint for the front caliper and was preventing it from being mounted right but I ended up just using some washers and its okay. They sent my cousin a replacement fork and it got there within 4 days of us complaining. I'm 5,11/6' and 170 pounds. I put in some 12-1300 watts when I sprint and I feel super confident on it. Insane for a sub 2500 bike. I'm using a bunch of Ali parts including 11$ disc brakes, Wuzei 211g cassette, fake CeramicSpeed OSPW, bottlecages, bartape, might try some lightweight ali crankset since the one I have is pretty heavy.
It's great to hear that you are satisfied after a few thousand miles and that you are putting some serious power down. Nice! You could keep the price under 2500, which is also impressive, especially with the weight you achieved. Do you have a picture of the finished bike?
I'm also considering exchanging the handlebar for another one; I'm just not sure which one, curious if you would go for the original one. I'll probably do a proper bike fit before I buy any other handlebar to make sure I have the right size.
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I'll post a pic soon
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I've decided I'm going to weight weenie it, I want to get it under 7kg cuz why not. Currently 7.8kg with everything on it
What I'm currently thinking
Avian Canary- 240 grams. 100g savings, costs 190 and 40 for the adapter to Factor.
Overfast or similiar thru axles, should save me 60-80 grams. 200
Farsports 2025 evo S all rounder- should save close to 300-350, costs 1500. I think I can sell my current rovals for around 1000 bucks
Crankset- Riro crankset from Ali should save me another 100 grams
With that should be 7.1kg
Maybe lighter disc brakes, darimo post, ti bolts and a few other things if i'm feeling ambitious
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Nice dude, I am keen to see some pics and hear more about the ride feel, quality and any issues you have had!
The lighter parts sound great. I haven't heard too much about the Riro crankset, although it is very light. It reminds me of the Cannondale SL crankset and chainrings.
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I've decided I'm going to weight weenie it, I want to get it under 7kg cuz why not. Currently 7.8kg with everything on it
What I'm currently thinking
Avian Canary- 240 grams. 100g savings, costs 190 and 40 for the adapter to Factor.
Overfast or similiar thru axles, should save me 60-80 grams. 200
Farsports 2025 evo S all rounder- should save close to 300-350, costs 1500. I think I can sell my current rovals for around 1000 bucks
Crankset- Riro crankset from Ali should save me another 100 grams
With that should be 7.1kg
Maybe lighter disc brakes, darimo post, ti bolts and a few other things if i'm feeling ambitious
Cool, same as me, most of the things you planned to do I also have on my list.
The Overfast Thru Axles however I couldn't get my head around to spend 200 bucks for a weight saving of 34 gram, not sure how you get to shave off 60 to 80 grams there. My axles that came with the frame are together 64 grams and the overfast axles are together 30 grams. The titanium axles are also around the 240 dollar price point but a little heavier (40grams). What I did was checking for myself, what I think, what is still affordable grams to price ratio. So, in the end I bought the alu axles with dropout, which reduces it with 16 gram (from 64 grams to 48 grams) but costs (50 dollars) 1/4 of the carbon or titanium axles. But it's of course much cooler, lighter and nicer to have carbon or titanium ones.
Not sure what Crankset you have now but the Riro is light indeed (388 grams), I had on my list the Cybrei carbon Crank, which weights 320 grams instead of my Lexon carbon crank which is 387 grams (weighed myself including spider and bolts). but for the price of a Cybrei to save 55 grams, for 500 dollars.. I don't know you need to be really ambitious as you said, if will will be that kind of weight weenie.
Wheelset will definitely help, I also had those farsports in mind together with the No. 5's also worth looking at, and I think to logo of No. 5 looks cool with the Factor Logo IMO, it would be awesome if you could sell your Rovals than you don't lose a lot on the costs to replace those wheels.
For the disc brakes, I have now the Carbon Raceworks, but they were with 6 bolts because I read that was lighter than a center lock, however I bought the elite drive wheels and selected the 6 bolts option but instead of getting six bolt version I got an adapter for the 6 bolts that fit the center lock. So the "light" carbon raceworks are together with the adapter not so light anymore, and if I get some Galfer road wave discs of 160 mm that weigh the same as the raceworks I can replace the adapter just for the centerlock, which saves me 45 grams.
The last thing that I want to mention as you pointed out the Darima seatpost, I bought a replacement seatpost on AliExpress (https://nl.aliexpress.com/item/1005006226516164.html?spm=a2g0o.order_list.order_list_main.4.6dc379d2tMfyz5&gatewayAdapt=glo2nld (https://nl.aliexpress.com/item/1005006226516164.html?spm=a2g0o.order_list.order_list_main.4.6dc379d2tMfyz5&gatewayAdapt=glo2nld) which is 89 grams lighter (claimed weight 131 grams incl bolts) than the original (weighted at 220 including bolts) and costs less than a Darima (duh because it's from AliE). Maybe worth looking at.
Saddle is every rider's preference so I won't say anything about that. I got a Ryet carbon saddle width of 135mm, but that's so personal mine weighs in at 115 grams. The previous one was 163 grams.
Most bolts that I could chance with titanium didn't save me a lot, around 17 grams.
I hope it's helpful and let us know how much weight you saved in the end. With the mentioned changes above I saved +/- 400 grams (went from 7460 grams to 7050 grams) but with other tires and wheels that's around another 400 to 500 grams.
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Cool, same as me, most of the things you planned to do I also have on my list.
The Overfast Thru Axles however I couldn't get my head around to spend 200 bucks for a weight saving of 34 gram, not sure how you get to shave off 60 to 80 grams there. My axles that came with the frame are together 64 grams and the overfast axles are together 30 grams. The titanium axles are also around the 240 dollar price point but a little heavier (40grams). What I did was checking for myself, what I think, what is still affordable grams to price ratio. So, in the end I bought the alu axles with dropout, which reduces it with 16 gram (from 64 grams to 48 grams) but costs (50 dollars) 1/4 of the carbon or titanium axles. But it's of course much cooler, lighter and nicer to have carbon or titanium ones.
Not sure what Crankset you have now but the Riro is light indeed (388 grams), I had on my list the Cybrei carbon Crank, which weights 320 grams instead of my Lexon carbon crank which is 387 grams (weighed myself including spider and bolts). but for the price of a Cybrei to save 55 grams, for 500 dollars.. I don't know you need to be really ambitious as you said, if will will be that kind of weight weenie.
Wheelset will definitely help, I also had those farsports in mind together with the No. 5's also worth looking at, and I think to logo of No. 5 looks cool with the Factor Logo IMO, it would be awesome if you could sell your Rovals than you don't lose a lot on the costs to replace those wheels.
For the disc brakes, I have now the Carbon Raceworks, but they were with 6 bolts because I read that was lighter than a center lock, however I bought the elite drive wheels and selected the 6 bolts option but instead of getting six bolt version I got an adapter for the 6 bolts that fit the center lock. So the "light" carbon raceworks are together with the adapter not so light anymore, and if I get some Galfer road wave discs of 160 mm that weigh the same as the raceworks I can replace the adapter just for the centerlock, which saves me 45 grams.
The last thing that I want to mention as you pointed out the Darima seatpost, I bought a replacement seatpost on AliExpress (https://nl.aliexpress.com/item/1005006226516164.html?spm=a2g0o.order_list.order_list_main.4.6dc379d2tMfyz5&gatewayAdapt=glo2nld (https://nl.aliexpress.com/item/1005006226516164.html?spm=a2g0o.order_list.order_list_main.4.6dc379d2tMfyz5&gatewayAdapt=glo2nld) which is 89 grams lighter (claimed weight 131 grams incl bolts) than the original (weighted at 220 including bolts) and costs less than a Darima (duh because it's from AliE). Maybe worth looking at.
Saddle is every rider's preference so I won't say anything about that. I got a Ryet carbon saddle width of 135mm, but that's so personal mine weighs in at 115 grams. The previous one was 163 grams.
Most bolts that I could chance with titanium didn't save me a lot, around 17 grams.
I hope it's helpful and let us know how much weight you saved in the end. With the mentioned changes above I saved +/- 400 grams (went from 7460 grams to 7050 grams) but with other tires and wheels that's around another 400 to 500 grams.
I certainly can't speak to the quality of that seatpost, but lighter and a two-bolt design instead of the heavier single-bolt original looks like a win-win.
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Alright, that's a pitty, but at least you could lose some grams at the axles department 8)
Just a small question do you use the expansion plug that came with the frame or did you also bought an aftermarket? I have the d-plug expander elementi from Deda, but I destroyed the top cap screw, almost so I'm looking if I need to buy another one or if Deda has a bolt for me for sale.
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To the Ostro owners, what size tire and wheel (IW/EW) are you using? How is the tire clearance with this frame? I assume it will take up to a 32mm tire, but I haven't seen this in the specs.
Thanks
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Takes up to a 32!
Just like Katsumi.
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i wasn't very bike savvy then (still not very savvy now), how he marketed on the chinese platforms has already satisfied my needs/wants (basically a knockoff factor frame for 1/5 of the price that looks at good and could not be differentiated by the naked eye. I apologize for the inconvenience caused here, i did feedback to him that my frameset was very well received and he should focus more on aliexpress, he didn't took it well though.
but i recently placed a deposit for another "one bike to rule them all" frameset with darimo nexum drag handlebars and darimo seatpost (fake obviously) . call me a sucker i guess.
what frameset did u get? and where are u getting the darimo nexum and seatpost?
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The last thing that I want to mention as you pointed out the Darima seatpost, I bought a replacement seatpost on AliExpress (https://nl.aliexpress.com/item/1005006226516164.html?spm=a2g0o.order_list.order_list_main.4.6dc379d2tMfyz5&gatewayAdapt=glo2nld (https://nl.aliexpress.com/item/1005006226516164.html?spm=a2g0o.order_list.order_list_main.4.6dc379d2tMfyz5&gatewayAdapt=glo2nld) which is 89 grams lighter (claimed weight 131 grams incl bolts) than the original (weighted at 220 including bolts) and costs less than a Darima (duh because it's from AliE). Maybe worth looking at.
Saddle is every rider's preference so I won't say anything about that. I got a Ryet carbon saddle width of 135mm, but that's so personal mine weighs in at 115 grams. The previous one was 163 grams.
For the ones that are interested, received the seatpost and added 2 pictures, one with the old seatpost and 163 grams saddle (total of 382 grams) and the other picture with the new seat post and 115 grams saddle (total of 269 grams). Probably, I even need to cut a bit off the new seat post to have it on the correct height so it can become a few grams ligther as well. Not as advertized with the 131 grams but close to it. Overal weight saving is then 113 grams with saddle and seatpost.
The costs: Saddle 45 euro, seat post 155 euro, so a total of 200 euro's for a weight saving of 113 grams so that costs are a bit on the high side of 1,76 euro per gram. But as I said if I compare the weight saving at the axles if I go for the Carbon ones the costs per gram is at 6,66 euro per grams.
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what frameset did u get? and where are u getting the darimo nexum and seatpost?
nexum drag
https://www.goofish.com/item?spm=a21ybx.search.searchFeedList.7.792d3da65ihUSr&id=831649676355&categoryId=126866920
seatpost
https://www.goofish.com/item?spm=a21ybx.search.searchFeedList.25.58c53da6Un5Hit&id=831086303616&categoryId=126866928
I am getting the frame with the above 2 for a total of 7000 rmb (god knows when he will deliver though)
they just listed out the new ostro 2.0
https://www.goofish.com/item?spm=a21ybx.search.searchFeedList.1.786b3da6d2QfWv&id=830250233595&categoryId=126866897
prices listed are probably downpayment
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nexum drag
https://www.goofish.com/item?spm=a21ybx.search.searchFeedList.7.792d3da65ihUSr&id=831649676355&categoryId=126866920
seatpost
https://www.goofish.com/item?spm=a21ybx.search.searchFeedList.25.58c53da6Un5Hit&id=831086303616&categoryId=126866928
I am getting the frame with the above 2 for a total of 7000 rmb (god knows when he will deliver though)
they just listed out the new ostro 2.0
https://www.goofish.com/item?spm=a21ybx.search.searchFeedList.1.786b3da6d2QfWv&id=830250233595&categoryId=126866897
prices listed are probably downpayment
Fake bonanza! the frames look amazing... good thing that's not available to the west, people would buy these en masse, let's be real. starting with me... they look like shiny candy.
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Completely agree, people would eat these up. The quality of the my ostro frame is superb honestly. The internals of mine are extremely clean like the white one, and it was off XianYu for 2950, 3000 yuan ish. I'd buy one if I were you. I'm many thousands of miles in and still going strong. They are making a t1100 Ostro Vam v2 and I'm considering that bike aswell. The counterfeit market in Asia is insane honestly. the 20th anniversary ospws came out like less than 2 months ago and its already available to buy as a clone. Any I honestly cannot believe they are counterfeiting such obscure parts like darimo, carbonti, srm etc
xianyu is such a great place for a shallow person like me. a lot of the oem bike brands which offers great frames are also on xianyu, it’s just that they are not marketed to the west. Either they are don’t have the intention or panda podium don’t pick them up. i.e the 众为g20 and g30 gravel bikes are such frames that undeservingly goes under the radar.
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You guys should think about doing forward shipping to the EU... I'm sure you'd have a lot of clients.
I was in Malaysia (KL) last week and tried to find a way to ship a few things without going through customs. It was very hard though, because I'd need more time and to understand language and get a contact there. All shops that I spoke to don't want to deal with shipping.
For me, receiving and sending a package as is is quite easy. Receive the package, stick the new address in it, and let the courier pick it. Ancestral dropshipping but to deal with some cases it has to be like this.
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You guys should think about doing forward shipping to the EU... I'm sure you'd have a lot of clients.
But also a lot of courts going after them ;)
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But also a lot of courts going after them ;)
Not necessarily for copies. In KL I was looking for people who could ship basically all pieces of a bike together.
A common problem I have is that I want a set of pieces like wheels, frame, groupsets, seats etc. They come from different sources and shipping is a a big percentage of it.
Adding for example a small groupset in a the frame box is just adding it inside the box. For us in the EU for example buying an ltwoo R9 or a 105 di2 from china we have to pay duties because no one wants to send it via these DPD (paid already tax couriers). I was just trying to find someone who could add thing into the box.
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Not necessarily for copies. In KL I was looking for people who could ship basically all pieces of a bike together.
A common problem I have is that I want a set of pieces like wheels, frame, groupsets, seats etc. They come from different sources and shipping is a a big percentage of it.
Adding for example a small groupset in a the frame box is just adding it inside the box. For us in the EU for example buying an ltwoo R9 or a 105 di2 from china we have to pay duties because no one wants to send it via these DPD (paid already tax couriers). I was just trying to find someone who could add thing into the box.
Alright, I understood it in the context of en masse importing big brand copies. What you wrote makes sense. Anyway, won't derail the thread furhter :)
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Anyway to order the v2 if you're only a native English speaker? I actually ordered a 54cm from your original seller off aliexpress and am waiting on it, I will be taking detailed photos and using a camera to look inside the frame and will post it here when it arrives.
But I would like to know if that seller does the 45cm frame for a smaller girl friend of mine (The v2 in your goofish link).
xianyu is such a great place for a shallow person like me. a lot of the oem bike brands which offers great frames are also on xianyu, it’s just that they are not marketed to the west. Either they are don’t have the intention or panda podium don’t pick them up. i.e the 众为g20 and g30 gravel bikes are such frames that undeservingly goes under the radar.
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Anyway to order the v2 if you're only a native English speaker? I actually ordered a 54cm from your original seller off aliexpress and am waiting on it, I will be taking detailed photos and using a camera to look inside the frame and will post it here when it arrives.
But I would like to know if that seller does the 45cm frame for a smaller girl friend of mine (The v2 in your goofish link).
if you can do transfers using alipay then wouldn’t have a problem to purchase it. the seller can do english just enough for you to communicate clearly what you want.but you would also need to arrange for shipping by yourself. else it won’t be long before it starts to sell on aliexpress, then you wouldn’t have to worry about the above 2
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Hey Team,
Regarding the Ostro replica, has anyone here successfully acquired a frameset from First-Class Carbon Store on Aliexpress? If so, how long did the process take from order to delivery?
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Hey Team,
Regarding the Ostro replica, has anyone here successfully acquired a frameset from First-Class Carbon Store on Aliexpress? If so, how long did the process take from order to delivery?
I believe OralMaster's white one up in the the thread is from them. I have one that is in the final stages and while he said 10-20 days till delivery, (Ordered Nov 24) same as Oralmasters actually with white and black. He replied promptly apologizing and sent a photo of the frame (nothing detailed) but said 7 more working days for it to depart it's in the final stages of QC. Fork was not in the photo but I could see the frame. I would say if you order in a month that is not December expect 20-30 days, maybe worst case 40 days.
I plan to take very detailed photos and get a snake camera that can look at the layup once it arrives. They charge a major premium and offer 3 "levels" of quality, I also chose the top one (6500RMB or around $1300CAD).
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if you can do transfers using alipay then wouldn’t have a problem to purchase it. the seller can do english just enough for you to communicate clearly what you want.but you would also need to arrange for shipping by yourself. else it won’t be long before it starts to sell on aliexpress, then you wouldn’t have to worry about the above 2
Damn yeah might be too much for an english only speaker for me. I was hoping I could get a 45cm one, as the vendor you used is doing the older Ostro frameset that doesn't go below 49cm. My frame from the vendor you used is pretty much finished and waiting for shipping. Hoping my internal CF layup looks as clean as your photos as I went with the 6500RMB highest tier as well. No major hiccups yet besides some delays, placed order on Nov 24th and received a photo today apologizing asking me to extend the aliexpress timer by 7 days.
Did you keep their D shape plug or replace it with a Deda? Hoping the handlebars aren't too flexy but if so I'll just grab something else.
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Hey Team,
Regarding the Ostro replica, has anyone here successfully acquired a frameset from First-Class Carbon Store on Aliexpress? If so, how long did the process take from order to delivery?
I ordered from this seller and the frame arrived today. Here are my impressions. Ordered on Nov 17, shipped on Dec 8th, arrived on Dec 20th. Dark blue chameleon. I can post pictures of the frame, though I did not take any of the inside since it looked good (read below).
The finish both inside and outside is fantastic. Inside of my frame looks exactly the same as oralmaster's. Outside is flawless except for one small scratch (1x1mm) on the underside of the toptube. I am not sure if this is paint problem or it happened during shipping because the box was massacred to the point I had a heart attack when I picked it up. On the other hand, the frame inside was meticulously wrapped so it's hard to image it got scratched through all that padding. Anyway, it's practically invisible and nothing a bit of nail polish would not fix. No oversprays, caliper mounts nicely faced.
I nearly built the bike already and encountered no major issues. Both seatpost and handlebars were kind hard to slip into their place - not sure if this is a good or bad thing. I was especially fighting with the seatpost. Perhaps it was because of the di2 battery rubber mount is marginally bigger than the seatpost itself. The handlebars are stiff af, I have some muscles and I tried flexing them as much as I could and they did not move a bit. I encountered only one problem while building - the top of the D-shaped plug would not fit inside the fork because the walls were a bit thicker - a bit of sanding fixed this. Unfortunately I could not finish the build because I am a moron and bought T47 instead of T47A BB.
The weight of my frame (size 52) - fork uncut 446 g, frame+hanger 822 g, seatpost+clamp 220 g, handlebars 279 g, d-plug 35 g, headset+all spacers 108 g. The weights are without thruaxles (60?).
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I ordered from this seller and the frame arrived today. Here are my impressions. Ordered on Nov 17, shipped on Dec 8th, arrived on Dec 20th. Dark blue chameleon. I can post pictures of the frame, though I did not take any of the inside since it looked good (read below).
The finish both inside and outside is fantastic. Inside of my frame looks exactly the same as oralmaster's. Outside is flawless except for one small scratch (1x1mm) on the underside of the toptube. I am not sure if this is paint problem or it happened during shipping because the box was massacred to the point I had a heart attack when I picked it up. On the other hand, the frame inside was meticulously wrapped so it's hard to image it got scratched through all that padding. Anyway, it's practically invisible and nothing a bit of nail polish would not fix. No oversprays, caliper mounts nicely faced.
I nearly built the bike already and encountered no major issues. Both seatpost and handlebars were kind hard to slip into their place - not sure if this is a good or bad thing. I was especially fighting with the seatpost. Perhaps it was because of the di2 battery rubber mount is marginally bigger than the seatpost itself. The handlebars are stiff af, I have some muscles and I tried flexing them as much as I could and they did not move a bit. I encountered only one problem while building - the top of the D-shaped plug would not fit inside the fork because the walls were a bit thicker - a bit of sanding fixed this. Unfortunately I could not finish the build because I am a moron and bought T47 instead of T47A BB.
The weight of my frame (size 52) - fork uncut 446 g, frame+hanger 822 g, seatpost+clamp 220 g, handlebars 279 g, d-plug 35 g, headset+spacer 108 g. The weights are without thruaxles (60?).
Sounds like the quality is consistent, glad to hear the handlebars aren't too noodley someone was saying they were. Did you go for the highest tier option as well? How was the BB facing/threading overall? Should definitely toss some photos up!
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Sounds like the quality is consistent, glad to hear the handlebars aren't too noodley someone was saying they were. Did you go for the highest tier option as well? How was the BB facing/threading overall? Should definitely toss some photos up!
Yes, highest tier. BB evaluation is pending, as I said I have the wrong BB. Though I can say that I managed to screw the T47 in nearly completely by hand, and only after that I realized there is not enough space for the chainrings and that I need the T47A ::)
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Yes, highest tier. BB evaluation is pending, as I said I have the wrong BB. Though I can say that I managed to screw the T47 in nearly completely by hand, and only after that I realized there is not enough space for the chainrings and that I need the T47A ::)
I ended up going white with black lettering, I wanted to change it to Chrome/black but he said that add 30 days so I said nevermind lol. Which brand BB did you go with? I've been looking at the BBInfinite one's. Thanks for reminding me to get T47A not T47 lol.
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acino & jerozilla - Thanks for chiming in.
I bought a frame from First-class on Nov 18, which shipped on Dec 7, but the last tracking update happened on Dec 10, so it seems my frame is trapped in Aliexpress-shipping-purgatory. IMHO this is BS since First-class charges ~ $133USD for shipping, which I naively assumed that meant it would ship via FedEx or UPS Exp). All this has me a bit worried, especially since acino got his frame so quickly. (I'm in the US, btw)
acino, where in the world are you located and which shipper was used? jerozilla, you're in Canada?
For anyone else considering buying from F-C on AliX: I'm 99.9% sure First Class and "RK Ultra Extreme Carbon" are the same seller and probably "Mirror Carbon Fiber" Shop too. So don't whiz in F-C cheerios and think you'll get better treatment from RK or Mirror.
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Final edit Feb-22-2025: My Ostro frame was eventually delivered after ~75 days in transit and 90 days after order. See page 19 for more info.
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acino & jerozilla - Thanks for chiming in.
I bought a frame from First-class on Nov 18, which shipped on Dec 7, but the last tracking update happened on Dec 10, so it seems my frame is trapped in Aliexpress-shipping-purgatory. IMHO this is BS since First-class charges ~ $133USD for shipping, which I naively assumed that meant it would ship via FedEx or UPS Exp). All this has me a bit worried, especially since acino got his frame so quickly. (I'm in the US, btw)
acino, where in the world are you located and which shipper was used? jerozilla, you're in Canada?
For anyone else considering buying from F-C on AliX: I'm 99.9% sure First Class and "RK Ultra Extreme Carbon" are the same seller and probably "Mirror Carbon Fiber" Shop too. So don't whiz in F-C cheerios and think you'll get better treatment from RK or Mirror.
I would not panic yet. Everytime I ordered something like this from China, there was no update for 7-12 days after leaving China and then it appeared in the destination country. Plus it's Christmas now, so likely these companies/postal services are swamped. The shipping company was, as far as I understand from 1000 labels on the box, EMS. Today I bled the brakes and aligned the calipers, no major issues (no different than few big brand bikes I had in the past). Tiny bit of rubbing in front in one particular location of the rotation, which I always assume is a bit bent rotor. Now I need to find my tool for straightening rotors...
What makes you think they are the same seller?
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Thanks for the reply, acino. I'm glad you're build is coming together so well. It speaks to solid quality.
My frame is the "ordinary" version, so I'm curious to see how mine differs from yours & others 'top' versions.
To be 100% clear: F-C has been perfectly responsive to every one of my messages, including my 'where is my frame?!?!?' questions.
I do not mean to say he's(?) done me dirty, I'd just say he's not totally upfront about the ordering and shipping process.
As to why I believe RK and F-C are the same: Here is a new listing, with pics of my frame, but on RK's store...
https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256807990587185.html (https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256807990587185.html)
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Final edit Feb-22-2025: My Ostro frame was eventually delivered after ~75 days in transit and 90 days after order. See page 19 for more info.
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Thanks for the reply, acino. I'm glad you're build is coming together so well. It speaks to solid quality.
My frame is the "ordinary" version, so I'm curious to see how mine differs from yours & others 'top' versions.
To be 100% clear: F-C has been perfectly responsive to every one of my messages, including my 'where is my frame?!?!?' questions.
I do not mean to say he's(?) done me dirty, I'd just say he's not totally upfront about the ordering and shipping process.
As to why I believe RK and F-C are the same: Here is a new listing, with pics of my frame, but on RK's store...
https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256807990587185.html (https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256807990587185.html)
My guess is that he might be just a reseller, which would be congruent with your experience and also why could not answer Serge's questions to his satisfaction (he mentions it somewhere in this thread). I was actually wondering if it could be that these frames are a rogue operation of the Factor factory using now obsolete moulds of the discontinued v1 OSTRO VAM. The dimensions are exactly the same, the weights are extremely close to the original. Even silly details like threaded inserts in the frame, thruaxles have the factor branding. For example, when I unpacked the handlebars, I was confused because it had 1 metal screw and 1 black screw. Googling revealed that the original black inc handlebars (the older version) has the same combination, which is weird. But they are likely just a very good 1:1 copy by someone with a good attention to detail. ;D
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i should not have used my pre puberty online moniker 20 years ago as my username....
anyway, for those who got the highest tiered ostro v1 frame, do share your build photos here!
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Fake bonanza! the frames look amazing... good thing that's not available to the west, people would buy these en masse, let's be real. starting with me... they look like shiny candy.
https://www.aliexpress.us/item/1005008102883798.html?spm=a2g0o.detail.pcDetailTopMoreOtherSeller.15.350cfn5Bfn5B1M&gps-id=pcDetailTopMoreOtherSeller&scm=1007.40050.354490.0&scm_id=1007.40050.354490.0&scm-url=1007.40050.354490.0&pvid=fc045651-c9e2-4e3c-ad69-d3093f75adff&_t=gps-id:pcDetailTopMoreOtherSeller,scm-url:1007.40050.354490.0,pvid:fc045651-c9e2-4e3c-ad69-d3093f75adff,tpp_buckets:668%232846%238114%231999&pdp_npi=4%40dis%21SGD%21191.10%21191.10%21%21%211000.00%211000.00%21%40210141f717349658845846679e6be3%2112000043772139921%21rec%21SG%21176727628%21X&utparam-url=scene%3ApcDetailTopMoreOtherSeller%7Cquery_from%3A
do you like the daremou nessum drake sir?
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i should not have used my pre puberty online moniker 20 years ago as my username....
anyway, for those who got the highest tiered ostro v1 frame, do share your build photos here!
You can change your screen name in your profile settings. Just saying...
If I ever get my "ordinary" version, I'll post pics - I want to document the difference(s) between the two frames.
F-C messaged me yesterday to ask if I've heard from the "logistics department" - I have not. At least he seems to be concerned, which provides me a little comfort. (Again - my beef with F-C, at this point, is limited to his shipping method.)
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anyway, for those who got the highest tiered ostro v1 frame, do share your build photos here!
My build so far... still waiting for the T47A. In combination with wheels from Peter, 50mm deep. The weight so far is 6.04 kg, without crankset+chain, so should be dead on 7.0kg, which is pretty good considering 50 mm deep tubeless wheels and 2x160mm rotors. One could easily shave another 200-300g off from crankset and wheels. The wheels are already fairly light (1320 g), but I decided to go with brass nipples and cx sapim spokes, so you could go ~100g lighter.
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My build so far... still waiting for the T47A. In combination with wheels from Peter, 50mm deep. The weight so far is 6.04 kg, without crankset+chain, so should be dead on 7.0kg, which is pretty good considering 50 mm deep tubeless wheels and 2x160mm rotors. One could easily shave another 200-300g off from crankset and wheels. The wheels are already fairly light (1320 g), but I decided to go with brass nipples and cx sapim spokes, so you could go ~100g lighter.
The photos quality is not great ::) My phone and lighting at home does not do the frame justice.
Maybe just the lighting, but it looks like you have a significant gap between your fork crown and head tube?
Any pics inside the frame? Especially in the bottom bracket area?
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Ha. Great eyes, I thought nobody would notice :D There is about 1-1.5mm play in the headset area. The fork slipped down as I was trying to fit these very snug handlebars on the fork while the bike was lifted in the service stand. To be fair, this happens to me with every bike that I service and it takes me 2-3 tries to fix it - I guess I am doing something fundamentally wrong (maybe I should do it with the bike on the ground?) So I need to refit the handlebars and all will be good.
Inside looked pretty much exactly the same as oralmaster's, I had a thorough look with a flashlight. No bubbles, no wrinkles, no loose material. If you want, I can take couple pictures of the BB area when I refit it.
@Oralmaster: How much did you ride yours? What are your impressions in terms of how it rides?
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My build so far... still waiting for the T47A. In combination with wheels from Peter, 50mm deep. The weight so far is 6.04 kg, without crankset+chain, so should be dead on 7.0kg, which is pretty good considering 50 mm deep tubeless wheels and 2x160mm rotors. One could easily shave another 200-300g off from crankset and wheels. The wheels are already fairly light (1320 g), but I decided to go with brass nipples and cx sapim spokes, so you could go ~100g lighter.
The photos quality is not great ::) My phone and lighting at home does not do the frame justice.
Very nice they really do nail even the chromed font I almost went black/chrome. Mine will pretty much be the same as OralMasters but I will try and get one of those cheapo snake cameras with light to get a very detailed photo breakdown of everything plus final build when mine is done.
I will be swapping over from my other bike my DuraAce 9200 groupset with some 2022 Winspace Hypers, probably going to purchase the BBInfinite T47A and will run with Assiamo Duo Shi pedals. Hoping it stays around 7KG like my 2019 Time.
I will try and get the coveted BB inside/up into the frame shots everyone wants to see and a full photo dump of everything. Mine has also shipped and yeah they charge $133 or so for shipping but you're still getting non UPS/premium courier service. Doesn't really concern me as everything has always arrived for me usually in 2-3 weeks for western Canada.
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acino & jerozilla - Thanks for chiming in.
I bought a frame from First-class on Nov 18, which shipped on Dec 7, but the last tracking update happened on Dec 10, so it seems my frame is trapped in Aliexpress-shipping-purgatory. IMHO this is BS since First-class charges ~ $133USD for shipping, which I naively assumed that meant it would ship via FedEx or UPS Exp). All this has me a bit worried, especially since acino got his frame so quickly. (I'm in the US, btw)
acino, where in the world are you located and which shipper was used? jerozilla, you're in Canada?
For anyone else considering buying from F-C on AliX: I'm 99.9% sure First Class and "RK Ultra Extreme Carbon" are the same seller and probably "Mirror Carbon Fiber" Shop too. So don't whiz in F-C cheerios and think you'll get better treatment from RK or Mirror.
That's totally normal for Aliexpress based shipping, it's really improved a lot since a couple years ago. What was your last shipping update? Updates going dead for 3 days is nothing to be concerned about. You'll basically get a bunch of dead time then exited country and then not another one until it touches your home country. I do agree that $133 shipping it should be one of the major couriers but also from my exp in Canada you're more likely to get destroyed on fees/taxes via one of those as well.
Anyone know what the blurred out more expensive frame is on FC's page is? I'm assuming it's the Hanzo TT frame.
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Ha. Great eyes, I thought nobody would notice :D There is about 1-1.5mm play in the headset area. The fork slipped down as I was trying to fit these very snug handlebars on the fork while the bike was lifted in the service stand. To be fair, this happens to me with every bike that I service and it takes me 2-3 tries to fix it - I guess I am doing something fundamentally wrong (maybe I should do it with the bike on the ground?) So I need to refit the handlebars and all will be good.
Inside looked pretty much exactly the same as oralmaster's, I had a thorough look with a flashlight. No bubbles, no wrinkles, no loose material. If you want, I can take couple pictures of the BB area when I refit it.
@Oralmaster: How much did you ride yours? What are your impressions in terms of how it rides?
Its really nice, I just rode it in comparison to the SL8. The power transfer is great, it feels stiffer than the sl8 aswell as stiffer than the sl7, but I do feel more road vibrations and road chatter.
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That's totally normal for Aliexpress based shipping, it's really improved a lot since a couple years ago. What was your last shipping update? Updates going dead for 3 days is nothing to be concerned about. You'll basically get a bunch of dead time then exited country and then not another one until it touches your home country. I do agree that $133 shipping it should be one of the major couriers but also from my exp in Canada you're more likely to get destroyed on fees/taxes via one of those as well.
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Hello jerozilla,
I agree that 3 days with no updates isn't a big deal, but it's been 13 days since the last tracking update, which simply reads "Arrived at linehual office"(sic). I contacted AliX customer service today and they encouraged me to file a dispute, which I have now done.
Did F-C give you a delivery estimate? He initially told me 20-30 days. I protested and I reminded him of the $133 shipping charge. He shipped very promptly and tracking info showed it was making quick progress, which made me think he sped up the process. Again, I'm not blaming F-C at this point, it's on the shipper to deliver the goods.
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Hello jerozilla,
I agree that 3 days with no updates isn't a big deal, but it's been 13 days since the last tracking update, which simply reads "Arrived at linehual office"(sic). I contacted AliX customer service today and they encouraged me to file a dispute, which I have now done.
Did F-C give you a delivery estimate? He initially told me 20-30 days. I protested and I reminded him of the $133 shipping charge. He shipped very promptly and tracking info showed it was making quick progress, which made me think he sped up the process. Again, I'm not blaming F-C at this point, it's on the shipper to deliver the goods.
Initially he said 10-20 days for delivery. But knowing AliExpress I ordered on the 24th and it wasn't shipped until Dec 18th. It's moving along now says at the airport now. So I did have to toss a polite where's my frame message but communication was always prompt.
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Has anyone tried the new 2025 version of the ostro vam? So far the only frames I have seen here are the previous generation ostro vam. Here is a link for reference.
https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256808080567842.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.main.1.400d558ejMv37B&algo_pvid=bae4eb13-afd0-43cc-9329-2ba25ee41616&algo_exp_id=bae4eb13-afd0-43cc-9329-2ba25ee41616-0&pdp_npi=4%40dis%21USD%21812.53%21812.53%21%21%215905.00%215905.00%21%402103246617351836406756755e0abb%2112000044422159383%21sea%21US%211711236421%21X&curPageLogUid=DrhArVg2i1pj&utparam-url=scene%3Asearch%7Cquery_from%3A (https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256808080567842.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.main.1.400d558ejMv37B&algo_pvid=bae4eb13-afd0-43cc-9329-2ba25ee41616&algo_exp_id=bae4eb13-afd0-43cc-9329-2ba25ee41616-0&pdp_npi=4%40dis%21USD%21812.53%21812.53%21%21%215905.00%215905.00%21%402103246617351836406756755e0abb%2112000044422159383%21sea%21US%211711236421%21X&curPageLogUid=DrhArVg2i1pj&utparam-url=scene%3Asearch%7Cquery_from%3A)
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Has anyone tried the new 2025 version of the ostro vam? So far the only frames I have seen here are the previous generation ostro vam. Here is a link for reference.
https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256808080567842.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.main.1.400d558ejMv37B&algo_pvid=bae4eb13-afd0-43cc-9329-2ba25ee41616&algo_exp_id=bae4eb13-afd0-43cc-9329-2ba25ee41616-0&pdp_npi=4%40dis%21USD%21812.53%21812.53%21%21%215905.00%215905.00%21%402103246617351836406756755e0abb%2112000044422159383%21sea%21US%211711236421%21X&curPageLogUid=DrhArVg2i1pj&utparam-url=scene%3Asearch%7Cquery_from%3A (https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256808080567842.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.main.1.400d558ejMv37B&algo_pvid=bae4eb13-afd0-43cc-9329-2ba25ee41616&algo_exp_id=bae4eb13-afd0-43cc-9329-2ba25ee41616-0&pdp_npi=4%40dis%21USD%21812.53%21812.53%21%21%215905.00%215905.00%21%402103246617351836406756755e0abb%2112000044422159383%21sea%21US%211711236421%21X&curPageLogUid=DrhArVg2i1pj&utparam-url=scene%3Asearch%7Cquery_from%3A)
Not sure how much I'd trust this one. The new gen also has size 45 again which this "v2 ostro" seller doesn't offer. I'd wait awhile longer for the v2 clones from known sellers to show up.
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Ha. Great eyes, I thought nobody would notice :D There is about 1-1.5mm play in the headset area. The fork slipped down as I was trying to fit these very snug handlebars on the fork while the bike was lifted in the service stand. To be fair, this happens to me with every bike that I service and it takes me 2-3 tries to fix it - I guess I am doing something fundamentally wrong (maybe I should do it with the bike on the ground?) So I need to refit the handlebars and all will be good.
Inside looked pretty much exactly the same as oralmaster's, I had a thorough look with a flashlight. No bubbles, no wrinkles, no loose material. If you want, I can take couple pictures of the BB area when I refit it.
@Oralmaster: How much did you ride yours? What are your impressions in terms of how it rides?
I haven't been riding for nearly 2 months due to travelling. I honestly cannot tell the difference between a real (test rode) ostro and mine. It's definitely stiffer and more responsive than my oltre xr4.
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SNot sure how to take good photos, both with flash on and off does not look great.
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acino,
Your pictures illustrate consistency across the frames coming from the AliX seller, F-C. The layup looks better than any I've ever seen, though admittedly, I don't have a ton of experience - but it's hard to imagine a frame's layup could look any *better* than this.
Another poster asked about the new V2 Ostro copies that have recently become available. I will admit that I'm intrigued but we have no idea what the build quality is so it's hard to justify the risk when we know just how good the [high quality] V1's look. (It should be noted that not all V1's have the same layup, as seen in this thread.)
I have an endoscope and if I actually take delivery of my V1, I'll post up pics of the interior. The seller sent me pics of the interior before he shipped it and it looks like the other h/q V1's inside, but mine is the "ordinary" version, so it will be interesting to see how it differs from the top-spec version. It might come down to the carbon mix, which probably won't be apparent in photos, but should show up on the scale.
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(https://i.ibb.co/kmmbXXw/Whats-App-Image-2024-12-31-at-16-42-46-2f5815ea.jpg) (https://ibb.co/kmmbXXw) (https://i.ibb.co/GC2wJcJ/Whats-App-Image-2024-12-31-at-16-42-46-5733e528.jpg) (https://ibb.co/GC2wJcJ) (https://i.ibb.co/tJT9rTg/Whats-App-Image-2024-12-31-at-16-42-46-c9b80a5c.jpg) (https://ibb.co/tJT9rTg) (https://i.ibb.co/3hbt5gQ/Whats-App-Image-2024-12-31-at-16-42-46-ec6af459.jpg) (https://ibb.co/3hbt5gQ)
The black inc aero barstem has been produced, not sure when it reaches alixpress, but i reckon soon
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(https://i.ibb.co/kmmbXXw/Whats-App-Image-2024-12-31-at-16-42-46-2f5815ea.jpg) (https://ibb.co/kmmbXXw) (https://i.ibb.co/GC2wJcJ/Whats-App-Image-2024-12-31-at-16-42-46-5733e528.jpg) (https://ibb.co/GC2wJcJ) (https://i.ibb.co/tJT9rTg/Whats-App-Image-2024-12-31-at-16-42-46-c9b80a5c.jpg) (https://ibb.co/tJT9rTg) (https://i.ibb.co/3hbt5gQ/Whats-App-Image-2024-12-31-at-16-42-46-ec6af459.jpg) (https://ibb.co/3hbt5gQ)
The black inc aero barstem has been produced, not sure when it reaches alixpress, but i reckon soon
Looks different to my real one, also its super heavy at 430 grams for my 36 x 130!!
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Another poster asked about the new V2 Ostro copies that have recently become available. I will admit that I'm intrigued but we have no idea what the build quality is so it's hard to justify the risk when we know just how good the [high quality] V1's look. (It should be noted that not all V1's have the same layup, as seen in this thread.)
For what it's worth, I had a chat with the F-C seller yesterday and they will start offering the V2 soon, I asked for some pics but he only had pictures of unfinished frames.
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For what it's worth, I had a chat with the F-C seller yesterday and they will start offering the V2 soon, I asked for some pics but he only had pictures of unfinished frames.
That's quite interesting!
@jerozilla and @A.V.G. any updates on your shipping?
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Hi acino,
My tracking info updated yesterday with this message: "Delivery to carrier - Guangzhou, Guangdong". This is the first update since December 10 and, if I read this word-for-word, it implies that my frame hasn't even left China yet. This has been a very unpleasant experience to say the least.
-----------------------------
Final edit Feb-22-2025: My Ostro frame was eventually delivered after ~75 days in transit and 90 days after order. See page 19 for more info.
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Just found this one on the new factor, advertising seems pretty good
https://a.aliexpress.com/_EQp6wWu
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Just found this one on the new factor, advertising seems pretty good
https://a.aliexpress.com/_EQp6wWu
This one looks more legit as they offer the 45cm frame that came back this year with the v2. I asked F-C about this and he said it would be 7000RMB for the v2 but if I wanted a 45 it would be 12000RMB for "custom". Not sure about Yohobikes reputation.
In regards to mine it's been stuck in Singapore at "awaiting flight" since Dec 24th. But CanadaPost had a strike that really messed stuff up so I'm not really concerned.
I basically followed Oralmasters gameplan highest tier v1 Ostro from F-C > Ordered the legit 20mm top cap as he said it was crap as well as the silicone seat o-ring as it doesn't seem to have one in my photos and Oralmaster said he was missing it, as well as the I got the Factor bar tape to match from the same place.
I will post updates when it lands with detailed frame photos then full build weight etc as I will be swapping DA 9200 onto the frame.
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This one looks more legit as they offer the 45cm frame that came back this year with the v2. I asked F-C about this and he said it would be 7000RMB for the v2 but if I wanted a 45 it would be 12000RMB for "custom". Not sure about Yohobikes reputation.
In regards to mine it's been stuck in Singapore at "awaiting flight" since Dec 24th. But CanadaPost had a strike that really messed stuff up so I'm not really concerned.
I basically followed Oralmasters gameplan highest tier v1 Ostro from F-C > Ordered the legit 20mm top cap as he said it was crap as well as the silicone seat o-ring as it doesn't seem to have one in my photos and Oralmaster said he was missing it, as well as the I got the Factor bar tape to match from the same place.
I will post updates when it lands with detailed frame photos then full build weight etc as I will be swapping DA 9200 onto the frame.
Yohobike seems less reliable than Taiwan Eisen.
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I basically followed Oralmasters gameplan highest tier v1 Ostro from F-C > Ordered the legit 20mm top cap as he said it was crap as well as the silicone seat o-ring as it doesn't seem to have one in my photos and Oralmaster said he was missing it, as well as the I got the Factor bar tape to match from the same place.
Where did you order the legit spacers and o-ring?
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Where did you order the legit spacers and o-ring?
Anjoy in Hongkong came super fast still waiting on frame. I did not order the 5/10mm spacers but the 20mm base.
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Yohobike seems less reliable than Taiwan Eisen.
Taiwan Eisen has the new Ostro on their site, much less than F-C is quoting (7000rmb). I'm a thinking of pulling the trigger on this https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256808140537453.html?pdp_npi=4%40dis%21USD%21US%20%24700.00%21US%20%24700.00%21%21%21700.00%21700.00%21%402101e9ec17362627830643581ef1c6%2112000044614854633%21sh%21US%210%21X&spm=a2g0o.store_pc_allItems_or_groupList.new_all_items_2007599312830.1005008326852205&gatewayAdapt=glo2usa
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Looks interesting do they do the actual branding as well or just the frame copy ?
This delayed shipping / Canada Post strike that backed everything up is killing me.
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Taiwan Eisen has the new Ostro on their site, much less than F-C is quoting (7000rmb). I'm a thinking of pulling the trigger on this https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256808140537453.html?pdp_npi=4%40dis%21USD%21US%20%24700.00%21US%20%24700.00%21%21%21700.00%21700.00%21%402101e9ec17362627830643581ef1c6%2112000044614854633%21sh%21US%210%21X&spm=a2g0o.store_pc_allItems_or_groupList.new_all_items_2007599312830.1005008326852205&gatewayAdapt=glo2usa
Did you request photos of the inside and the weights?
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Did you request photos of the inside and the weights?
Just messaged them on WhatsApp! We'll see what they say. Would love to get one without the blatantly copied paint scheme as well.
Their website is actually pretty decent and they have almost every other western high end bike on there: https://taiwaneisen.cc/product/t1100-eps-carbon-2025-factor-ostro-vam-bike-frame-carbon-road-disc-brake-bike-framest-bicycle-frame-with-handlebar-eps-mold-light-weight-2/
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Just messaged them on WhatsApp! We'll see what they say. Would love to get one without the blatantly copied paint scheme as well.
Their website is actually pretty decent and they have almost every other western high end bike on there: https://taiwaneisen.cc/product/t1100-eps-carbon-2025-factor-ostro-vam-bike-frame-carbon-road-disc-brake-bike-framest-bicycle-frame-with-handlebar-eps-mold-light-weight-2/
Definitely a good idea to ask for detailed photos of the inside/BB/Weights. On paper it all looks good with the proper sizings with the new 45cm brought back etc but they offer all the top end frame copies it seems.
We know from Oralmasters Ostro v1 (F-C) compared to the other one in this thread the actual carbon layup quality varies wildly.
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Very nice, keep us posted. Interested especially in that D shaped steerer that scares me.
The frame looks so much like my open mould Long Teng.
Yet another friend this weekend who thought Tractor was Factor and assumed I was riding a superbike :D wonderful trolling. I then told him how much it cost me and now he wants one.
seller link please!
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seller link please!
Are you looking for his Tractor frame or the one he's referencing? The one that is touted as top tier in this thread is by FC Carbon on aliexpress and he picked the tier 3 most expensive layup from him. Hopefully mine gets on a flight so I can post a detailed breakdown.
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Just saw a build thread on WW with weights listed for a sz 54 v2 in glossy black.
Frame was 927 including bottle bolts and both hangers, 476g for the fork. These frames really aren't far off…
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Just saw a build thread on WW with weights listed for a sz 54 v2 in glossy black.
Frame was 927 including bottle bolts and both hangers, 476g for the fork. These frames really aren't far off…
Totally depends on the seller/store which one are you referencing?
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Peter from taiwan eisen told me the earliest shipping for a size 58 would be end of februari.
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Are you looking for his Tractor frame or the one he's referencing? The one that is touted as top tier in this thread is by FC Carbon on aliexpress and he picked the tier 3 most expensive layup from him. Hopefully mine gets on a flight so I can post a detailed breakdown.
Could you please share a link to FC Carbon store? I can't find it.
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Could you please share a link to FC Carbon store? I can't find it.
I would wait until me and the other user here receive our frames as there has been what seems like some decent delays in shipping. Mine has been stuck at awaiting flight since the 24th.
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005007696367264.html
offers the frame in 3 tiers, the third tier being the highest quality closest to a real one, the one in Oralmaster's photos that he said he could not feel the difference between a test ride of a real one and his tier 3 version. I have ordered the same one, actually identical to oralmasters size and color by chance lol.
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what price we talking all in delivered?
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I contacted both Taiwen Eisen and FC Carbon and both stated a delivery time of 60 days for the v2 version
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what price we talking all in delivered?
with shipping it's about $1025USD for the tier 3 one that is the closest to the real thing. Shipping is steep at over $100 for not utilizing something higher end imo. Mine I can't tell if it's the poor shipping or the strike that backed up mail in my country for weeks and some countries stopped sending packages in so they could catch up on the backlog. Mine was passed off to the airline in Singapore Dec.24 and hasn't moved since "Awaiting Flight".
F-C also quoted 60 days for the Ostro v2 so might be sourcing from the same place as the other ones but Taiwan Eisen offers 45cm while F-C said a 45cm frame would be almost double as its niche even though Factor brought back the 45cm size in 2024 with the v2.
I'd rather have the tried and tested v1 that we've seen from Oralmaster and another user than a brand new one even if the v2 is nicer.
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Totally depends on the seller/store which one are you referencing?
I’m referring to a legit Factor frame, not the copies. As weighed though and based on the previous posts, I would expect the high end v2 to be competitive.
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I’m referring to a legit Factor frame, not the copies. As weighed though and based on the previous posts, I would expect the high end v2 to be competitive.
Agreed they definitely do some high tier stuff if Oralmaster test rode real vs his and couldn't even feel the difference. I inquired about the blurred TT frame as well and it looked quite well done. Wasn't aware of the coming v2 at the time or I may have taken a flyer on it over the v1. Really wish F-C offered the 45cm been looking for one for a petite girl who probably might not fit a 49.
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Agreed they definitely do some high tier stuff if Oralmaster test rode real vs his and couldn't even feel the difference. I inquired about the blurred TT frame as well and it looked quite well done. Wasn't aware of the coming v2 at the time or I may have taken a flyer on it over the v1. Really wish F-C offered the 45cm been looking for one for a petite girl who probably might not fit a 49.
I would not only fit a "petite girl". I would fit anyone under ~167/170cm who wants to have a bike the right size
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I would not only fit a "petite girl". I would fit anyone under ~167/170cm who wants to have a bike the right size
Yeah she's about 158cm so I'm guessing 45cm is definitely the frame size needed. Might just wait for the V2's to launch but definitely not paying 12000RMB instead of 7000RMB to F-C for a 45 as I don't think it's that "niche"
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I would wait until me and the other user here receive our frames as there has been what seems like some decent delays in shipping. Mine has been stuck at awaiting flight since the 24th.
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005007696367264.html
offers the frame in 3 tiers, the third tier being the highest quality closest to a real one, the one in Oralmaster's photos that he said he could not feel the difference between a test ride of a real one and his tier 3 version. I have ordered the same one, actually identical to oralmasters size and color by chance lol.
Have you a link to just the sellers page by any chance? That link won't work/delivery to my country for some reason
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I would wait until me and the other user here receive our frames as there has been what seems like some decent delays in shipping. Mine has been stuck at awaiting flight since the 24th.
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005007696367264.html
offers the frame in 3 tiers, the third tier being the highest quality closest to a real one, the one in Oralmaster's photos that he said he could not feel the difference between a test ride of a real one and his tier 3 version. I have ordered the same one, actually identical to oralmasters size and color by chance lol.
Ok i get the three tiers being offered and this is done by OEM and ODM manufacturers, but with these copies how do you actually know you are getting a tie three and that they are just not doing this to get more money
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Ok i get the three tiers being offered and this is done by OEM and ODM manufacturers, but with these copies how do you actually know you are getting a tie three and that they are just not doing this to get more money
You don't. You weigh your options, consider your budget and then you hope for the best.
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You don't. You weigh your options, consider your budget and then you hope for the best.
lol ok!
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I've decided I'm going to weight weenie it, I want to get it under 7kg cuz why not. Currently 7.8kg with everything on it
What I'm currently thinking
Avian Canary- 240 grams. 100g savings, costs 190 and 40 for the adapter to Factor.
I'm also checking for an option to go for an Avian Canary with the outline of the imitation black Inc. handlebar. I have inquired them and they can print for the bike an adapter to accommodate the cables with the d-tube steer. I'm not getting much more info when reading on the forum and watching on YouTube. some people like them others don't, it's like 80-20 of positive versus negative. The Canary has a nice weight, 264 gram for a 400 by 110 for a reasonable price of 290 euros.
(https://avians.cc/cdn/shop/files/1_d2973321-647f-47ce-aa5c-f05b8e76ada0_990x.jpg?v=1690098117)
Original Black inc:
(https://blackinc.cc/cdn/shop/files/Factor-Black-Inc-Integrated-Barstem-0-overhead-4472x4472_400x.png?v=1711013915)
The EXS (500 euro) is for me a bit over the budget as well as the original Black Inc. (550 euro) but I was also looking at a more aerodynamic shape that doesn't weigh that much more. I've looked into Patty his post (https://chinertown.com/index.php/topic,5314.msg66946.html#msg66946) about the handlebars as well and consider the Tavelo Avro too.
(https://ueeshop.ly200-cdn.com/u_file/UPBB/UPBB237/2406/13/products/495f612cb6.jpg?x-oss-process=image/format,webp/quality,q_100/resize,m_lfit,h_800,w_800)
One other that got my interest is the Rolling Stone Manta it's also around the 290 euro price point it's 80 grams heavier than the Canary with 345 grams and same weight than the one that I have now, but I looks more aerodynamic :
(https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/lC4AAOSwNyNnPFLb/s-l1600.webp)
If I compare the 2:
- Avian Canary 265 gram, 290 euro carbon T1100 Less aero more climbing and all round. Not so good reviews
- Tavelo Avro gen-1, 340 gram, 290 euro no idea what carbon, but great reviews
- Rolling Stone 345 gram, 2290 euro Carbon T800 More aero less climbing less all round.
Anyway always nice to compare "stuff" too bad I can't find really reviews on the "unknown" Rolling-Stone handlebar.
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Mine from F-C arrived everything looks pretty premium will post photos later only concern is the BB I tried to hand screw one side in on a BBinfinite t47A and it probably went half way before meeting resistance (no grease yet).
Weights:
Size 54 white same as OralMaster
Frame with no rear axle - 983g
Uncut fork - 461g
Handlebars 90x400 - 292g
All bottle screws, axles, and top cap have Factor branding. If the BB installs fine I will be very pleased.
No Factor packaging like Oralmaster though.
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Some photos
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.
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Mine from F-C arrived everything looks pretty premium will post photos later only concern is the BB I tried to hand screw one side in on a BBinfinite t47A and it probably went half way before meeting resistance (no grease yet).
Weights:
Size 54 white same as OralMaster
Frame with no rear axle - 983g
Uncut fork - 461g
Handlebars 90x400 - 292g
All bottle screws, axles, and top cap have Factor branding. If the BB installs fine I will be very pleased.
No Factor packaging like Oralmaster though.
Fantastic, can't wait to see the build.
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Hey, first post here. I'm waiting for a SL8 from Taiwan Eisen. I have a real Factor ostro V1. I had an issue with the carbon arround the botom braket so i will receive a new one from factor soon. But interested about a fake one from China. Quality from Taiwan Eisen and FC are quiet similar ?
Thanks for the pics :)
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Hope so, just orderd a V2 from Taiwan Eisen.
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I've asked about the 2.0 version of this frame from both Nicole Bike Shop and First-Class Carbon - does anyone have any advice on how to choose? From Nicole Bike Shop - the communication has been good and quick, and I've been told that the bike is T1000 and reinforced with T1100 in the load bearing areas. I haven't seen any reviews from this store, but they have sent me some images (finishes and weights). From First Class - there seems to be at least a few examples of high quality frames in this thread, but I have been told from them that all frames are T800 (regardless of tier chosen, only the weight changes), and that anyone else claiming to use T1000 or T1100 isn't telling the truth and that it shouldn't matter because you can't tell anyways as long as the quality is good. The communication has been okay too, but less thorough. Thanks in advance!
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I've asked about the 2.0 version of this frame from both Nicole Bike Shop and First-Class Carbon - does anyone have any advice on how to choose? From Nicole Bike Shop - the communication has been good and quick, and I've been told that the bike is T1000 and reinforced with T1100 in the load bearing areas. I haven't seen any reviews from this store, but they have sent me some images (finishes and weights). From First Class - there seems to be at least a few examples of high quality frames in this thread, but I have been told from them that all frames are T800 (regardless of tier chosen, only the weight changes), and that anyone else claiming to use T1000 or T1100 isn't telling the truth and that it shouldn't matter because you can't tell anyways as long as the quality is good. The communication has been okay too, but less thorough. Thanks in advance!
Doesn't really make sense to me isn't T1100 lighter but weaker? I find it dubious if any of them claim it's all made with T1000/T1100. Never heard of Nicole Bike Shop either. F-C is a 60 day wait time for the 2.0 afaik.
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Hope so, just orderd a V2 from Taiwan Eisen.
Awesome dude! I'm really curious about the V2s, it seems they nailed the V1's but it is quite an old frame now (2020).
Would love you if ou did a bit of a review/write up once it's built and you've ridden it :)
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I've asked about the 2.0 version of this frame from both Nicole Bike Shop and First-Class Carbon - does anyone have any advice on how to choose? From Nicole Bike Shop - the communication has been good and quick, and I've been told that the bike is T1000 and reinforced with T1100 in the load bearing areas. I haven't seen any reviews from this store, but they have sent me some images (finishes and weights). From First Class - there seems to be at least a few examples of high quality frames in this thread, but I have been told from them that all frames are T800 (regardless of tier chosen, only the weight changes), and that anyone else claiming to use T1000 or T1100 isn't telling the truth and that it shouldn't matter because you can't tell anyways as long as the quality is good. The communication has been okay too, but less thorough. Thanks in advance!
My understanding (i am not a manufacturer) is that the core / bulk / most of the frame is always going to be T700 & T800, and that key areas get fancier fiber. So, afaik, there's no such thing as a 100% T1000 frame, it would be disgusting to ride, and way too fragile (and cost too much).
I'd say, given you're buying a counterfeit anyway, make sure (1) you get the paint job that excites you, (2) you get a look at the inside of the frames to see they compact fibers properly (should be clean and neat inside), (3) you get something that weighs the right ballpark. Whether A uses T1000 and B uses T1000 & T1100, honestly, you can't check, and you wont feel. And you're dealing with illegal merchandise, so trust with these people... When asking these sellers questions, i often got "i cant tell you that because i could go to prison" as an answer a lot of times.
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My understanding (i am not a manufacturer) is that the core / bulk / most of the frame is always going to be T700 & T800, and that key areas get fancier fiber. So, afaik, there's no such thing as a 100% T1000 frame, it would be disgusting to ride, and way too fragile (and cost too much).
I'd say, given you're buying a counterfeit anyway, make sure (1) you get the paint job that excites you, (2) you get a look at the inside of the frames to see they compact fibers properly (should be clean and neat inside), (3) you get something that weighs the right ballpark. Whether A uses T1000 and B uses T1000 & T1100, honestly, you can't check, and you wont feel. And you're dealing with illegal merchandise, so trust with these people... When asking these sellers questions, i often got "i cant tell you that because i could go to prison" as an answer a lot of times.
This is my take away, even paying for the hi-mod expensive version no frame is made from T1000-T1100 except specific areas to bring weight down. Anyone who sells you that notion is a seller to stay away from. Majority of frames need/are built from T800'ish so it doesn't snap in half on you.
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damn it looks like they improvised it! mine came with steel screws prone to rusting so i had to spent an additional 190 dollars just to get the authentic black inc cages to “complete the look”
we have the same paint job and same frame size, and yours is significantly lighter!
hope you’re happy with your purchase!
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damn it looks like they improvised it! mine came with steel screws prone to rusting so i had to spent an additional 190 dollars just to get the authentic black inc cages to “complete the look”
we have the same paint job and same frame size, and yours is significantly lighter!
hope you’re happy with your purchase!
Wait. You spent 190 USD to buy 2 bottle cages & bolts?
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My understanding (i am not a manufacturer) is that the core / bulk / most of the frame is always going to be T700 & T800, and that key areas get fancier fiber. So, afaik, there's no such thing as a 100% T1000 frame, it would be disgusting to ride, and way too fragile (and cost too much).
In essence you are right, but's actually a bit more complicated. Especially when comparing T700/800/1000.
T1000 is stiffer and stronger than T800 which has higher stiffness and strength than T700. On the other hand, T800 is more brittle (less elastic) than both T700/T1000. In principle you could make a full T1000 carbon fiber reinforced frame, but it would cost way too much for the suppliers. So indeed, it's only used at certain key areas where weight savings can be major by changing the material and yet keeping the same stiffness.
What nowadays actually is the key factor is the (impact) strength of the frames. It would be easy to make a super stiff frame sub 600gr, but it wouldn't be strong enough. There is some need to have some 'mass' to cover the strengths.
Besides this, there is the marketing aspect. Especially with those replica frames, I wouldn't trust them on the specific type of fibers used in the frame.
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Mine from F-C arrived everything looks pretty premium will post photos later only concern is the BB I tried to hand screw one side in on a BBinfinite t47A and it probably went half way before meeting resistance (no grease yet).
Weights:
Size 54 white same as OralMaster
Frame with no rear axle - 983g
Uncut fork - 461g
Handlebars 90x400 - 292g
All bottle screws, axles, and top cap have Factor branding. If the BB installs fine I will be very pleased.
No Factor packaging like Oralmaster though.
Any updates on the bottom bracket issue?
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Any updates on the bottom bracket issue?
It's being picked up in two days by my mechanic to swap everything over from my old bike so I will post if there is a serious issue with the BB if he notifies me. It should be like butter with a BBInfinite bottom bracket but didn't feel inspiring when I was turning it by hand, granted I did not slap any grease on it I was just testing it lightly.
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That was my thought. If there are any issues, it's definitely not with the BBinfinite
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Kind of crappy photos but shots of the top tube and seatstay plus the inside where the di2 port for the FD is drilled/2 bottle cages.
Sorry it's a cheapo endoscope.
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First one is looking down one of the seatposts
Second is down the top of the fork
Last two are random shots of inside the Black Inc bars.
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First one is looking down one of the seatposts
Second is down the top of the fork
Last two are random shots of inside the Black Inc bars.
All these photos look super clean. I'm no expert but I really don't see how anyone could say it's not well built, given we're not talking spaceships, rockets (or submarines).
If the whole frame is like that, if the weight checks out, if wall thicknesses are consistent, if round holes are round and so on, I guess this seller does sell a quality product, albeit a counterfeit.
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Do you know why I'm not able to open alexpress F-C carbon shop from the link? I receive info that is unavailable in my country. Where you guys buying this?
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Do you know why I'm not able to open alexpress F-C carbon shop from the link? I receive info that is unavailable in my country. Where you guys buying this?
it’s the chinese new year, they will be back. also, the ostro V2 will start shipping from march onwards
新春快乐 laowais！
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it’s the chinese new year, they will be back. also, the ostro V2 will start shipping from march onwards
新春快乐 laowais！
I had the same issues before Holidays started. I don't know, maybe they don't ship to EU?
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They should, if not you can use a re-shipper service in Singapore fore example. But when discussing how long mine was taking he showed me Dutch tracking of 50 days so they do ship there. I'd wait till after CNY and check again.
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anyone have a contact point at F-C? or is it just through aliexpress shop
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anyone have a contact point at F-C? or is it just through aliexpress shop
Ali shop is easiest I believe he's on another site if you speak mandarin that Oralmaster originally found him on? I'd wait it out until after chinese new year + the v2 model should be available soon.
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Mine arrived today. Looks really nice for the most part but there are a fair amount of visible fibers and resin on the bottom bracket shell. Anything I should be concerned about?
https://imgur.com/a/lKRXsiQ (https://imgur.com/a/lKRXsiQ)
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Mine arrived today. Looks really nice for the most part but there are a fair amount of visible fibers and resin on the bottom bracket shell. Anything I should be concerned about?
https://imgur.com/a/lKRXsiQ (https://imgur.com/a/lKRXsiQ)
Mine had a few of those (not that much resin spilling over on the inside of the cup) but some of the loose fibers, don't think I'm concerned after I closely inspected mine, others can chime in as I'm not an expert maybe @Serge_K will see it and chime in. But my mechanic has had it for a few days now and said nothing. Have you seemed some of the BB's in the Longten thread that were deemed safe?.... attached for your pleasure.
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Mine arrived today. Looks really nice for the most part but there are a fair amount of visible fibers and resin on the bottom bracket shell. Anything I should be concerned about?
https://imgur.com/a/lKRXsiQ (https://imgur.com/a/lKRXsiQ)
We need more pictures of that frame!
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We need more pictures of that frame!
+1
Mine had a few of those (not that much resin spilling over on the inside of the cup) but some of the loose fibers, don't think I'm concerned after I closely inspected mine, others can chime in as I'm not an expert maybe @Serge_K will see it and chime in. But my mechanic has had it for a few days now and said nothing. Have you seemed some of the BB's in the Longten thread that were deemed safe?.... attached for your pleasure.
I would ride both of these frames (without the logo :). i have never seen these fuzzy hair things before, but the whole area looks very well compacted, the lip around the metal insert looks good, it looks fine to me. At the end of the day, these frames are illegal counterfeits, but expensive ones that look to have great care put into them. i'd be more worried if they cost 300$ as the economics wouldnt work.
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But my mechanic has had it for a few days now and said nothing. Have you seemed some of the BB's in the Longten thread that were deemed safe?.... attached for your pleasure.
Really can't wait to see the update, mechanics comments and your impressions after riding. No pressure ;)
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I'm eagerly awaiting any reviews of the new Ostro Vam V2, I think there are more listings on aliexpress for it now than V1. It seems like they really nailed the gen one reps and everyone was really happy with them, so I wonder how the V2 compares. It's such a gorgeous frame and weight wise very competitive.
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I'm eagerly awaiting any reviews of the new Ostro Vam V2, I think there are more listings on aliexpress for it now than V1. It seems like they really nailed the gen one reps and everyone was really happy with them, so I wonder how the V2 compares. It's such a gorgeous frame and weight wise very competitive.
If F-C actually had the full lineup of sizes for the v2 I would actually test order one to show everyone. But unfortunately he said they don't have the 45cm that got reintroduced with the Ostro V2 line. Even though I believe Taiwan Eisen does? He wanted almost double for a "Niche size".
I think we'll see Taiwan Eisen V2's long before F-C as I think I was told end of Feb way back in November.
edit: if anything F-C not having 45cm or wanting 12000RMB for it may show that these two are not just peddling the same frames? I explained to him that the v2 brought back that size and he said it would be 12000RMB instead of 7000RMB for the tier 3, while I believe Taiwan Eesen lists that size but I have not confirmed.
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the prices do seem better at Taiwan Eisen but they told me there is only a single t1100 eps tier ... if i remember correctly there were already a couple of purchases from this store (v1 ostro and sl8) and quality was inferior to F-C?
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the prices do seem better at Taiwan Eisen but they told me there is only a single t1100 eps tier ... if i remember correctly there were already a couple of purchases from this store (v1 ostro and sl8) and quality was inferior to F-C?
I have recently purchased a SL8 from Taiwen Eisen and from another store. The quality of the Taiwan Eisen’s frame is top notch compared to the other one. I haven’t built the bike yet but at first sight, it’s pretty excellent to me, especially for 600USD (shipping including and no taxes).
Here are few pictures of the interior of my frame (sorry for the quality) VS the F-C’s SL8 (white and green color, they sent me some pics)
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The BSA bottom bracket area on a real SL8 comes perfectly faced from the factory. The exposed carbon is neat and square. It's nice to Taiwen Eisen make an attempt do the same.
However, that white green one from F-C would raise some concerns with me.
EDIT: Wait, did F-C only face one side of the BB?
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The BSA bottom bracket area on a real SL8 comes perfectly faced from the factory. The exposed carbon is neat and square. It's nice to Taiwen Eisen make an attempt do the same.
However, that white green one from F-C would raise some concerns with me.
EDIT: Wait, did F-C only face one side of the BB?
Definitely looks like it. I'd be having that faced before putting a BB on it for sure paint goes right to the edge...I've been a bit suspect of the SL8 clones too many floating around and I've yet to see one absolutely nailed like the Ostro V1 has been.
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I have recently purchased a SL8 from Taiwen Eisen and from another store. The quality of the Taiwan Eisen’s frame is top notch compared to the other one. I haven’t built the bike yet but at first sight, it’s pretty excellent to me, especially for 600USD (shipping including and no taxes).
Here are few pictures of the interior of my frame (sorry for the quality) VS the F-C’s SL8 (white and green color, they sent me some pics)
i am suspecting the SL8 from FC is the same as tantan TT-X68, but with fake darimo barstem and seatpost. my seller told me since this frame is done by a renowed factory, they won't be doing any paintjobs showing the S-Works logo.
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i am suspecting the SL8 from FC is the same as tantan TT-X68, but with fake darimo barstem and seatpost. my seller told me since this frame is done by a renowed factory, they won't be doing any paintjobs showing the S-Works logo.
I am wondering whether the difference in quality (apparent) of the Factor vs the SL8 (not faced BB) could indicated that FC is indeed just a reseller getting those frames from 2 different sources
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Finally have build back of F-C Ostro V1 and the final tally is 6.8kg with all goods attached except the rear light/mount.
Ostro V1 Tier 3
DuraAce 9200 groupset with 165mm cranks
carbon bottle cages
90x400 bars
Favero PM pedals
BB Infinite T47A bottom bracket
Winspace Hyper 45s early gen models
weather here is way too cold so no ride report yet.
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Finally have build back of F-C Ostro V1 and the final tally is 6.8kg with all goods attached except the rear light/mount.
Ostro V1 Tier 3
DuraAce 9200 groupset with 165mm cranks
carbon bottle cages
90x400 bars
Favero PM pedals
BB Infinite T47A bottom bracket
Winspace Hyper 45s early gen models
weather here is way too cold so no ride report yet.
You can't drop this here without photos ;D Any insights from the mechanic?
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You can't drop this here without photos ;D Any insights from the mechanic?
I knew you'd race in here to say that lol. Mechanic had nothing to say but good things, really liked the BBinfinite quality (not F-C related I know). Not much else I can say he test road it and gushed over it but I haven't yet, 6.8kg with TPU tubes and could probably shave more off with new wheels as these are the 3 year old Hypers. No mention of BB issues as I said I was concerned I couldn't fully hand screw it in when I was messing around with it without grease. It was just good to go news from the mechanic besides waiting for the longer rear brake caliper bolts. I hope my detailed journey helps people. But from what I can see F-C puts out a legit frame, I would say better than a lot of the stuff we see here but you do pay a premium.
My final thoughts after using a endoscope on the frame was probably just the loose fibers where the BB goes that the other user had, mine had a few of those but other than that the v1 feels almost like a dead copy to my eye, and perhaps even ride quality as @Oralmaster said he test rode a real one and couldn't tell the difference.
So other than the super long delay on shipping due to the postal strike and the couple fibres inside the BB I'd give it a pre-ride rating of 9/10.
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DuraAce 9200 groupset with 165mm cranks
Favero PM pedals
BB Infinite T47A bottom bracket
Winspace Hyper 45s early gen models
Damn, that's a lot of $$$. Savings on the frame really helped I guess haha.
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Yeah the beauty of being gifted the 9200 groupset for xmas and having stuff to swap over. I would say total price with mechanic fees etc and frame would be around $2000CAD instead of $6000-7000CAD for the frame alone.
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I knew you'd race in here to say that lol. Mechanic had nothing to say but good things, really liked the BBinfinite quality (not F-C related I know). Not much else I can say he test road it and gushed over it but I haven't yet, 6.8kg with TPU tubes and could probably shave more off with new wheels as these are the 3 year old Hypers. No mention of BB issues as I said I was concerned I couldn't fully hand screw it in when I was messing around with it without grease. It was just good to go news from the mechanic besides waiting for the longer rear brake caliper bolts. I hope my detailed journey helps people. But from what I can see F-C puts out a legit frame, I would say better than a lot of the stuff we see here but you do pay a premium.
My final thoughts after using a endoscope on the frame was probably just the loose fibers where the BB goes that the other user had, mine had a few of those but other than that the v1 feels almost like a dead copy to my eye, and perhaps even ride quality as @Oralmaster said he test rode a real one and couldn't tell the difference.
So other than the super long delay on shipping due to the postal strike and the couple fibres inside the BB I'd give it a pre-ride rating of 9/10.
Thanks for the detailed write up! Very nice and a very good weight! I only did about 330 km on mine so far due to poor weather here, but everything has been perfect so far. The bike just wants to go fast.
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I just couldn't help myself, bought one of these too. I bought through the "RK Ultra Extreme Carbon Fiber Store". Overall good communication, polite, and easy to work with. Seems like they are just a dealer working with the factory. Received pictures of everything prior to shipment, and photos of other frames before ordering (for what its worth).
Paid $1100 CAD ($760 USD) all in for regular weight, passed on the lightweight version
Weights (size 56):
Frame: 1154g
Fork: 471g
We'll see how it goes, I have a set of custom Wheelsfar hypers on the way, a Lexon DUB crank, and an Ultegra Di2 group on the way.
(https://i.imgur.com/9ktTkYY.jpeg)
(https://i.imgur.com/rgMamWJ.jpeg)
(https://i.imgur.com/xZalCNF.jpeg)
(https://i.imgur.com/OkJRQLq.jpeg)
(https://i.imgur.com/A80HDMP.jpeg)
(https://i.imgur.com/ELVVVjU.jpeg)
(https://i.imgur.com/LsjVU7f.jpeg)
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Looks really good, the white one awesome! It's a small size frame so a 6.8 kg is quite solid. I have in the end here for a 56 size frame 6,9 kg so you can definitely save something with the wheels I guess.
and the black one with blue and pink also looks great. It has the same frame size as mine, only that yours looks more neat than mine. I've now ridden outside 500 km and indoors just over 1000 km and it feels fine. Need to replace the handlebar because I probably tighten it too tight, even though it didn't exceeded the 5nm but okay, I bought in the end the Tavelo Avro gen-1 (still needs to arrive).
Also got the Lexon Cranks, if the crank is not running smoothly, try it without spacers and the lockring.
These are/were my weights for a size 56:
Frame: 1069g
Fork: 432g
Handlebar fake black inc): 331g
seatpost incl clamp: 220g
Weights (size 56):
Frame: 1154g
Fork: 471g
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The inside of these frames look so good, honestly... I assume there's Factor staff looking at this forum, they'd have to be super incompetent not to know about it. I still dont endorse fakes, but there would have to be gallons of secret sauce to justify spending 5000 or 6000$ on a factor frame when you can get such a tight looking frame for 1k. In a wind tunnel, they ought to perform the same. So then, ride quality. Bearing in mind the actual geometry plays a key role in how a bike will feel, so, is the Factor layup worth paying 5x? I can see myself buying one and getting a custom Tractor logo in one of their paint jobs, because they make really nice paint jobs :)
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At this point now I'd probably order a replica Factor Ostro versus an SL8 clone from TanTan lol
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I'll have more to say about this in the next few days, but I want to get this out there for others who are interested in buying from First-Class Carbon Fiber Store (https://www.aliexpress.com/store/1102993497 (https://www.aliexpress.com/store/1102993497)) and associated storefronts, RF Ultra Extreme Carbon and Mirror Carbon, on AliExpress.
I bought a frame from First-Class Carbon 80 days ago and the frame has never been delivered. Since then, other buyers on this forum have purchased frames from F-C and they have received their frames, including another USA buyer who got his frame in only 30 days.
F-C has not (yet) taken any responsibility for my failed transaction but has spent significant energy telling me to 'just be patient' or trying to deflect responsibility.
Suffice it to say I cannot recommend First-Class Carbon Fiber Store at this time. Maybe F-C will still make things right for me, and if they do, I'll be sure to update the forum with that info.
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Final edit Feb-22-2025: My Ostro frame was eventually delivered after ~75 days in transit and 90 days after order. See page 19 for more info.
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I bought a frame from First-Class Carbon 80 days ago and the frame has never been delivered.
Has your frame shipped, according to the seller, and then no tracking update, or the seller is selling the frame still hasn't shipped and they're still "working" on it? option 1, i'd worry. option 2, i'd worry less, i'd simply be annoyed (tremendously).
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Has your frame shipped, according to the seller, and then no tracking update, or the seller is selling the frame still hasn't shipped and they're still "working" on it? option 1, i'd worry. option 2, i'd worry less, i'd simply be annoyed (tremendously).
Hello Serge,
Per the provided tracking number, F-C shipped on Dec 8. There have been no meaningful tracking updates since Dec 10. The last tracking entry came on Jan 2, but it was just a duplicate entry saying 'in transit'. On Jan 14, F-C told me it was on a ship, but that 'the weather was bad and would accordingly be further delayed'. Why was it on a ship at all (if it actually was), is an obvious question.
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Final edit Feb-22-2025: My Ostro frame was eventually delivered after ~75 days in transit and 90 days after order. See page 19 for more info.
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I just couldn't help myself, bought one of these too. I bought through the "RK Ultra Extreme Carbon Fiber Store". Overall good communication, polite, and easy to work with. Seems like they are just a dealer working with the factory. Received pictures of everything prior to shipment, and photos of other frames before ordering (for what its worth).
Paid $1100 CAD ($760 USD) all in for regular weight, passed on the lightweight version
Weights (size 56):
Frame: 1154g
Fork: 471g
We'll see how it goes, I have a set of custom Wheelsfar hypers on the way, a Lexon DUB crank, and an Ultegra Di2 group on the way
Very nice definitely looks like they source from the same factory or it's another store from for F-C. From the interior to the bag parts and quality it almost is identical.
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Hello Serge,
Per the provided tracking number, F-C shipped on Dec 8. There have been no meaningful tracking updates since Dec 10. The last tracking entry came on Jan 2, but it was just a duplicate entry saying 'in transit'. On Jan 14, F-C told me it was on a ship, but that 'the weather was bad and would accordingly be further delayed'. Why was it on a ship at all (if it actually was), is an obvious question.
Hopefully you're not in the USA as the tariffs are now in effect....
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Hopefully you're not in the USA as the tariffs are now in effect....
I am in USA, and this whole project kicked off in November as a race against the tariffs. It should have worked out if not for the problems caused by First Class' inability to deliver. When I bought the frame, I got a $45 discount on Ali for the 11/11 sale (or the like), which is now long-gone, and now a 10% pointless tax on Americans imposed by Trump. So, if I bought the same frame today it will cost approximately $130-150 more, for no additional value. :-\
-----------------------------
Final edit Feb-22-2025: My Ostro frame was eventually delivered after ~75 days in transit and 90 days after order. See page 19 for more info.
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I am in USA, and this whole project kicked off in November as a race against the tariffs. It should have worked out if not for the problems caused by First Class' inability to deliver. When I bought the frame, I got a $45 discount on Ali for the 11/11 sale (or the like), which is now long-gone, and now a 10% pointless tax on Americans imposed by Trump. So, if I bought the same frame today it will cost approximately $130-150 more, for no additional value. :-\
At this point at 80 days you should charge back and hope it shows up eventually. You are losing your protection you may even be close to or past the nuclear option of a bank charge back coverage.
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Hello Serge,
Per the provided tracking number, F-C shipped on Dec 8. There have been no meaningful tracking updates since Dec 10. The last tracking entry came on Jan 2, but it was just a duplicate entry saying 'in transit'. On Jan 14, F-C told me it was on a ship, but that 'the weather was bad and would accordingly be further delayed'. Why was it on a ship at all (if it actually was), is an obvious question.
My first batch of bikes went by train from xiamen to Europe, with an entry point in Poland. It took between forever and forever and a half.
If they shipped the box by boat, I can see how it would also take forever, especially in a trump context with tariffs, cracking down on imports and tralala. Ports routinely get overrun. Did you agree / know it would be shipped by boat? Tricky situation. There's a good chance the seller is being honest there. I mean I doubt you're getting scammed. AliExpress might have protection for you where if you don't get your parcel before whatever date, you can get a refund. Arguably if you're entitled to a refund, maybe you should get one. But then you have to order a frame again and start over. If the frame does arrive in the meantime, idk if it gets delivered to you or if the system will know to ship it back right away.
Freight shenanigans is one reason why the likes of Canyon always have inventory issues. If you're a brand you ship containers, not individual frames by plane, and shipping is such a shit show as an industry.
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I am in USA, and this whole project kicked off in November as a race against the tariffs. It should have worked out if not for the problems caused by First Class' inability to deliver. When I bought the frame, I got a $45 discount on Ali for the 11/11 sale (or the like), which is now long-gone, and now a 10% pointless tax on Americans imposed by Trump. So, if I bought the same frame today it will cost approximately $130-150 more, for no additional value. :-\
I'm afraid its worse than that. Its not just the 10%, the 10 is ON TOP of a preexisting 25% tariff imposed under Trump 1, plus processing and CBP fees. We never paid the 25% in the past because of the deminimus exception which is now gone. And, worse yet, tariffs are imposed date of entry, so you're going to get billed them even though you purchased before. Doesn't matter that your stuff is in transit. So its going to be like $400 more.
I feel your pain, ordered a complete tan/tan wheeltop bike for 2.5 k that's now going to be like 3.5. Would have done something else had I known. Sorry man.
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I'm afraid its worse than that. Its not just the 10%, the 10 is ON TOP of a preexisting 25% tariff imposed under Trump 1, plus processing and CBP fees. We never paid the 25% in the past because of the deminimus exception which is now gone. And, worse yet, tariffs are imposed date of entry, so you're going to get billed them even though you purchased before. Doesn't matter that your stuff is in transit. So its going to be like $400 more.
I feel your pain, ordered a complete tan/tan wheeltop bike for 2.5 k that's now going to be like 3.5. Would have done something else had I known. Sorry man.
Thanks for getting me up-to-speed glepore. News Flash: I'm just now reading (as of today, Feb 7) that Captain Chaos has delayed the termination of the deminimus exception by executive order. So, I guess that's good news... Wow, this is a mess!
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I am in a similar situation as A.V.G. My v1 frame shipped on Jan 12 and it has been at "arrived at linehaul office" since Jan 20. I have not received any update since. FC just told me it is on a ship. I am not sure he is just saying it because I keep asking him. I started a refund process but it was rejected. I may call my credit card company if I don't have any update by Feb 12.
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I am in a similar situation as A.V.G. My v1 frame shipped on Jan 12 and it has been at "arrived at linehaul office" since Jan 20. I have not received any update since. FC just told me it is on a ship. I am not sure he is just saying it because I keep asking him. I started a refund process but it was rejected. I may call my credit card company if I don't have any update by Feb 12.
I really don't understand this it's on a ship excuse, the cost they charge for shipping is already super high and from looking at my tracking it never was put on a boat nor should the frames be for the $100+ shipping they're asking for.
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I agree. I just don’t understand how they have no information about the shipment for so long. I hope A.V.G will get his frame soon. Hope I don’t have to wait for 80+ days to get my frame.
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Chinese new year, its a black hole until Feb 10 for many shippers.
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Thanks for getting me up-to-speed glepore. News Flash: I'm just now reading (as of today, Feb 7) that Captain Chaos has delayed the termination of the deminimus exception by executive order. So, I guess that's good news... Wow, this is a mess!
He's delayed it until USPS can figure out how to deal with the volume. Probably a month or so. Unless he forgets about it while he's turning off Medicare and Social security and firing our entire intelligence community...
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Fun thread, looking forward to seeing y'alls frames.
I have ordered frames, wheels, etc from China before and shipping is sllooowww for large items on boats. I don't know these sellers particularly but I think giving some more patience is worth it. I understand the anxiety though cause I've been through it too but its more than likely going to be ok :)
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I am so ordering V2 when the stores open up again. I just need to figure out the sizes. Is it similar to the real deal, and can I use the bike fitting service on the Factor website?
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I am so ordering V2 when the stores open up again. I just need to figure out the sizes. Is it similar to the real deal, and can I use the bike fitting service on the Factor website?
The sizes are 1:1 atleast on the highest tier. Should be the same on the lower tiers.
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As I spoke to a seller on AliExpress, it's only one factory in China currently producing this frame. So will it be the same if I buy it from Taiwanesen.cc or bigger chance of better quality somewhere else?
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As I spoke to a seller on AliExpress, it's only one factory in China currently producing this frame. So will it be the same if I buy it from Taiwanesen.cc or bigger chance of better quality somewhere else?
That sounds very suspicious. There are clearly at least two different types of Factor frames in this thread. One EPS molded with very smooth inside and the other one which looks a bit more rugged inside (I think it was from taiwan factory bike parts Store). I am not saying one is worse/dangerous whatever, but I find the statement above hard to believe.
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That sounds very suspicious. There are clearly at least two different types of Factor frames in this thread. One EPS molded with very smooth inside and the other one which looks a bit more rugged inside (I think it was from taiwan factory bike parts Store). I am not saying one is worse/dangerous whatever, but I find the statement above hard to believe.
Yeah you might be right, the seller I spoke with have the exact same pictures as http://taiwaneisen.cc . So I guess they at least are the same factory, and the AliExpress seller was more expensive aswell. Guess I will have to wait until the other sellers are back from vacation
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Is it btw worth to buy the wheelset these guys sell? Or should I just look for something else that's not a replica?
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Is it btw worth to buy the wheelset these guys sell? Or should I just look for something else that's not a replica?
I would buy from a reputable source. Wheels are so commoditized, i dont think it makes much sense to buy from people who sell fakes. Unless ofc you really want the fake logos on your wheels. Xiamen carbon speed, far sports, Elite, Yuanan, the usual suspects.
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I would buy from a reputable source. Wheels are so commoditized, i dont think it makes much sense to buy from people who sell fakes. Unless ofc you really want the fake logos on your wheels. Xiamen carbon speed, far sports, Elite, Yuanan, the usual suspects.
+1 for that. You will get better spec buying from reputable source. You can just order decals on Ali if you want to go full fake.
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I would buy from a reputable source. Wheels are so commoditized, i dont think it makes much sense to buy from people who sell fakes. Unless ofc you really want the fake logos on your wheels. Xiamen carbon speed, far sports, Elite, Yuanan, the usual suspects.
Yeah saw a post about Ace Sprint wheels to a very good price compared to what you get. Will look into it and hopefully I get to order a frame soon, if not I think I will go for a Hygge.
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I am so ordering V2 when the stores open up again. I just need to figure out the sizes. Is it similar to the real deal, and can I use the bike fitting service on the Factor website?
I would not buy an Ostro V2 from First Class Carbon unless I saw pics of the interior first. Just because the V1's that F-C sells (and occasionally delivers) are very high quality is no guarantee that the other frames they offer are of the same quality. Additionally, I think it's a bit fishy that F-C and RK are both still "on vacation" even though it's now Feb 11. There is now another Ali store that has the same V1 pics as F-C. Maybe this is their latest storefront: Polar Bicycle Store https://www.aliexpress.com/store/1104205453 (https://www.aliexpress.com/store/1104205453)
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For what its worth, i received a message from RK, they mentioned they are opening store again in March.
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For what its worth, i received a message from RK, they mentioned they are opening store again in March.
Well that’s a good way to get customers
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I would not buy an Ostro V2 from First Class Carbon unless I saw pics of the interior first. Just because the V1's that F-C sells (and occasionally delivers) are very high quality is no guarantee that the other frames they offer are of the same quality. Additionally, I think it's a bit fishy that F-C and RK are both still "on vacation" even though it's now Feb 11. There is now another Ali store that has the same V1 pics as F-C. Maybe this is their latest storefront: Polar Bicycle Store https://www.aliexpress.com/store/1104205453 (https://www.aliexpress.com/store/1104205453)
Which store will you recommand ?
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Which store will you recommand ?
I can only recommend the one i dealt with which is F-C who has shown to deliver reproducible quality, they also seem to only focus on two frames (the blurred out Pinarello TT frame and the Factor) soon to be the v2 Factor. Whereas Taiwan Eisen is selling every single high end frame copy, I'd trust the store/reseller who focuses on one specific thing over the one saying they can perfectly produce you a Colnago fake, Madone fake, SL8's etc.
After seeing the interior of the other frame in here there is definitely not just 1 factory pumping all these Ostro V1's out, they are very different quality interiors.
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Aren’t the black inc wheels an RD270-esque hub and commodity rim anyways? I say get some novelty logos on Wheelsfar or something from Peter.
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I would not buy an Ostro V2 from First Class Carbon unless I saw pics of the interior first. Just because the V1's that F-C sells (and occasionally delivers) are very high quality is no guarantee that the other frames they offer are of the same quality. Additionally, I think it's a bit fishy that F-C and RK are both still "on vacation" even though it's now Feb 11. There is now another Ali store that has the same V1 pics as F-C. Maybe this is their latest storefront: Polar Bicycle Store https://www.aliexpress.com/store/1104205453 (https://www.aliexpress.com/store/1104205453)
You can check the registration documents of every store in Aliexpress. If you see they are in the same address, you can be rather certain it's just the same people with a different store front.
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That sounds very suspicious. There are clearly at least two different types of Factor frames in this thread. One EPS molded with very smooth inside and the other one which looks a bit more rugged inside (I think it was from taiwan factory bike parts Store). I am not saying one is worse/dangerous whatever, but I find the statement above hard to believe.
Is that the same store as taiwan eisen?
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I can only recommend the one i dealt with which is F-C who has shown to deliver reproducible quality, they also seem to only focus on two frames (the blurred out Pinarello TT frame and the Factor) soon to be the v2 Factor. Whereas Taiwan Eisen is selling every single high end frame copy, I'd trust the store/reseller who focuses on one specific thing over the one saying they can perfectly produce you a Colnago fake, Madone fake, SL8's etc.
After seeing the interior of the other frame in here there is definitely not just 1 factory pumping all these Ostro V1's out, they are very different quality interiors.
But you said " I would not buy an Ostro V2 from First Class Carbon".
F-C is First class carbon, right ? I miss something :D.
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But you said " I would not buy an Ostro V2 from First Class Carbon".
F-C is First class carbon, right ? I miss something :D.
I don't see anything wrong with this, especially since the second part of his statement was "...unless I saw pics of the interior first". Just because F-C sells (so far) decent v1, it does not mean v2 will be the same. It could be from a different suppliers, there could be early manufacturing flaws/waeknesses etc. So I would not order v2 before I saw photos either. It's a Schrödinger frame at this point.
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After about a month, my V1 frame still shows "Arrived in linehaul office." F-C is not providing any additional information. One day, I was told it was on a ship, and the next day, I was informed it was in a US warehouse and would be shipped to me as soon as possible. I keep receiving basically the same message without any real update.
I filed a return/refund request with Aliexpress, but it was denied because F-C states it is still in transit. I finally called my credit card company and received a refund. I don't mind them charging me again if I finally get my frame. But for now, I am protected.
F-C is responsive to my communications, but the shipping method is unsatisfactory considering they charge us $130. I’m glad some of you received your frames. However, I won't recommend F-C unless you can find a way to use a reputable shipping company like FedEx, UPS, or DHL. Lastly, F-C is no longer listed on Aliexpress. They have been on vacation since the end of January. I don't feel confident buying another frame from them, even if they come back online.
As a comparison, I ordered my wheelset from Peter@Xiamen Carbon. They charged me about $100 for shipping and I received the package in less than 5 days.
I will wait another month or two to see if anyone has more information about the V2 frame. Who knows, maybe one day the V1 frame I ordered will show up.
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After about a month, my V1 frame still shows "Arrived in linehaul office." F-C is not providing any additional information. One day, I was told it was on a ship, and the next day, I was informed it was in a US warehouse and would be shipped to me as soon as possible. I keep receiving basically the same message without any real update.
I filed a return/refund request with Aliexpress, but it was denied because F-C states it is still in transit. I finally called my credit card company and received a refund. I don't mind them charging me again if I finally get my frame. But for now, I am protected.
F-C is responsive to my communications, but the shipping method is unsatisfactory considering they charge us $130. I’m glad some of you received your frames. However, I won't recommend F-C unless you can find a way to use a reputable shipping company like FedEx, UPS, or DHL. Lastly, F-C is no longer listed on Aliexpress. They have been on vacation since the end of January. I don't feel confident buying another frame from them, even if they come back online.
I will wait another month or two to see if anyone has more information about the V2 frame. Who knows, maybe one day the V1 frame I ordered will show up.
I think that they will come back on 20th february.
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After about a month, my V1 frame still shows "Arrived in linehaul office." F-C is not providing any additional information. One day, I was told it was on a ship, and the next day, I was informed it was in a US warehouse and would be shipped to me as soon as possible. I keep receiving basically the same message without any real update.
I filed a return/refund request with Aliexpress, but it was denied because F-C states it is still in transit. I finally called my credit card company and received a refund. I don't mind them charging me again if I finally get my frame. But for now, I am protected.
F-C is responsive to my communications, but the shipping method is unsatisfactory considering they charge us $130. I’m glad some of you received your frames. However, I won't recommend F-C unless you can find a way to use a reputable shipping company like FedEx, UPS, or DHL. Lastly, F-C is no longer listed on Aliexpress. They have been on vacation since the end of January. I don't feel confident buying another frame from them, even if they come back online.
As a comparison, I ordered my wheelset from Peter@Xiamen Carbon. They charged me about $100 for shipping and I received the package in less than 5 days.
I will wait another month or two to see if anyone has more information about the V2 frame. Who knows, maybe one day the V1 frame I ordered will show up.
It was Chinese new year.
Shipping method varies and depends on the delivery company, not on thr seller most of the times.
Tarifs are impacting customs transit. Especially in the US.
It's part of a China project. Get used to it eheh
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After about a month, my V1 frame still shows "Arrived in linehaul office." F-C is not providing any additional information. One day, I was told it was on a ship, and the next day, I was informed it was in a US warehouse and would be shipped to me as soon as possible. I keep receiving basically the same message without any real update.
I filed a return/refund request with Aliexpress, but it was denied because F-C states it is still in transit. I finally called my credit card company and received a refund. I don't mind them charging me again if I finally get my frame. But for now, I am protected.
F-C is responsive to my communications, but the shipping method is unsatisfactory considering they charge us $130. I’m glad some of you received your frames. However, I won't recommend F-C unless you can find a way to use a reputable shipping company like FedEx, UPS, or DHL. Lastly, F-C is no longer listed on Aliexpress. They have been on vacation since the end of January. I don't feel confident buying another frame from them, even if they come back online.
As a comparison, I ordered my wheelset from Peter@Xiamen Carbon. They charged me about $100 for shipping and I received the package in less than 5 days.
I will wait another month or two to see if anyone has more information about the V2 frame. Who knows, maybe one day the V1 frame I ordered will show up.
^^^ THIS!!! I got the same treatment from F-C, but mine has been 'in-transit' since Dec 7. I also bought a wheelset from Peter, which actually was a FIRST CLASS experience. I also bought a 105 Di2 groupset from a random store on Aliexpress and they shipped via UPS Expedited. That too, was a positive experience. I don't like the suggestion that Aliexpress sellers are just at the mercy of the platform's shady shipping methods - good Alexpress stores know WTF they're doing. F-C is not one of those sellers, IMHO. If you were lucky enough to have received your V1 Ostro from First Class Carbon (aka "F-C") or RK Ultra, you are golden!!!
I won't fault others here for rolling the dice with F-C for a V1 but you had better have a plan B in mind if/when your frame never shows up. And Serge_K warned all of us back in November that F-C was shady. I realized buying from F-C involved risk - risk that turned into reality. Now I'll likely have to waste money on tariffs. Even if I get my money back from F-C, I'm still out money and I'm pissed about F-C's incompetence.
At this point I'm reevaluating my options, and I'm leaning toward buying a V2 from Taiwan Eisen. I don't expect the quality will be as good as the F-C V1, but what difference does that make if I can't actually buy a V1 from F-C???
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Final edit Feb-22-2025: My Ostro frame was eventually delivered after ~75 days in transit and 90 days after order. See page 19 for more info.
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It was Chinese new year.
Shipping method varies and depends on the delivery company, not on thr seller most of the times.
Tarifs are impacting customs transit. Especially in the US.
It's part of a China project. Get used to it eheh
Yes, I understand there was a Chinese New Year holiday. However, according to the Aliexpress tracking information, it arrived in the U.S., cleared U.S. customs, and was handed over to a local delivery company on Jan. 23, which was almost a week before the Chinese New Year. The lack of movement for nearly a month now is unacceptable for a shipping charge of $132.
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Yes, I understand there was a Chinese New Year holiday. However, according to the Aliexpress tracking information, it arrived in the U.S., cleared U.S. customs, and was handed over to a local delivery company on Jan. 23, which was almost a week before the Chinese New Year. The lack of movement for nearly a month now is unacceptable for a shipping charge of $132.
Did you consider calling the local delivery company?
Is it just my impression or everyone who has not received their frame is in US? Is there anyone from US who successfully got a frame from FC or RK?
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Did you consider calling the local delivery company?
Is it just my impression or everyone who has not received their frame is in US? Is there anyone from US who successfully got a frame from FC or RK?
Yes - rhenders bought from F-C. Hopefully he'll chine in here. I don't want to speak for him.
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ttgolf - Did you try your tracking number on USPS.com?
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I don’t know what local shipping company AliExpress uses. USPS has no record of the tracking number. And yes I’m in the US.
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I don’t know what local shipping company AliExpress uses. USPS has no record of the tracking number. And yes I’m in the US.
Yeah, I figured you would have tried USPS. Sorry. A common thread here is Aliexpress tracking info that just trails off into the ether.
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So I just spoke to F-C.
60 days delivery time on 2.0, price will be 7000RMB and promised to be same quality as 1.0.
He said AliExpress delivery and logistics when asked about DPD delivery..
Also added som pictures he sent me
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Thanks for sharing the pictures of the v2 frame. The BB definitely looks like the V1 I ordered. One small difference I see from the picture is the Black handlebar bolts. I believe the V1 handlebar has one black and one titanium bolts. The picture you share has two titanium bolts. Maybe the real V2 uses 2 titanium bolts.
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I don’t know what local shipping company AliExpress uses. USPS has no record of the tracking number. And yes I’m in the US.
That's indeed quite odd. The global trackers showed the name of my local delivery service quite early on. Also the package got a different tracking number once it was taken over by the local service.
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Thanks for sharing the pictures of the v2 frame. The BB definitely looks like the V1 I ordered. One small difference I see from the picture is the Black handlebar bolts. I believe the V1 handlebar has one black and one titanium bolts. The picture you share has two titanium bolts. Maybe the real V2 uses 2 titanium bolts.
That's clearly not a black inc handlebar (neither old or new aero). Maybe the Avian Falcon?
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Yeah I am wondering if I am better off finding something else.
I just wanted a good and cheap Aero frame with good finish as cheap as possible. Is that to much to ask for?
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Those handlebars are a copy of the Darimo nexum drag. Quite a few companies are starting to sell these now
https://a.aliexpress.com/_EvRRleU
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Those handlebars are a copy of the Darimo nexum drag. Quite a few companies are starting to sell these now
https://a.aliexpress.com/_EvRRleU
LOL. The real nexum has a scary reputation. Crazy expensive but known to fail...
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Does anyone know if the V2 frame uses T47A or T47BB? The real V2 is T47A but all the Aliexpress sites selling V2 all state T47.
I am trying to figure out if I should return my T47A BB I purchased for my V1 frame before my return period expires. The next one I order will probably be V2.
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Yeah I am wondering if I am better off finding something else.
I just wanted a good and cheap Aero frame with good finish as cheap as possible. Is that to much to ask for?
My long teng 268 ticks all these boxes. And it's officially very fast, says me.
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My long teng 268 ticks all these boxes. And it's officially very fast, says me.
Honestly with anything I would listen to Serge here, never get the first iterations of something. I know everyone wants the "sexy" new v2 Ostro but it's the v1 that has been battle tested and proven by multiple purchasers.
Right now all we have is photos of a bare v2 with a fake Darimo bar and no reviews that needs a 60 day lead time. If anything if you want the Faketor get a v1 they are plenty sexy and you know what you are getting. Also agreed on the side note Darimo stuff is expensive for a reason....it's already extremely light. I would *never* buy faux Darimo parts. Save your thousands on the frame and splurge on the other parts if you want that type of thing....
Just my 2 cents.
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here are some pictures from taiwan eisen store that I received upon request:
(https://i.imgur.com/nWHPjlr.jpeg)
(https://i.imgur.com/EIitzvB.jpeg)
(https://i.imgur.com/ypLmFck.jpeg)
(https://i.imgur.com/RWz2enR.jpeg)
(https://i.imgur.com/6FszsRF.jpeg)
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received the same ones a month ago so im wondering if this is the showpiece frame and quality normally is below this -- im still trying to figure out how the general quality of this store's stock is ... they sell quite a few replica frames but i have not found definitive / first hand reviews in terms of quality
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received the same ones a month ago so im wondering if this is the showpiece frame and quality normally is below this -- im still trying to figure out how the general quality of this store's stock is ... they sell quite a few replica frames but i have not found definitive / first hand reviews in terms of quality
I would assume a store that pumps out every single top frame on the market is not going to be doing A1 quality consistently tbh. Someone else can chime in but the only differences I see from the photos are the checkered pattern weave that is on F-C's vs the standard looking carbon weave I see on Taiwan Esen's.
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So I just spoke to F-C.
60 days delivery time on 2.0, price will be 7000RMB and promised to be same quality as 1.0.
He said AliExpress delivery and logistics when asked about DPD delivery..
Also added som pictures he sent me
How do you contact with them? I'm trying to get through a link here to the Ali store and it's written that the store is on vacation.
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How do you contact with them? I'm trying to get through a link here to the Ali store and it's written that the store is on vacation.
If you already sent them a message before vacation, you can send them messages in your notification center.
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Thought I would throw this out there for anyone purchasing via F-C:
Tips:
They do not include the silicone seat post cover that sits at the bottom and in mine and the other user (Oralmaster?) opinion the 20mm transition head piece is kind of ass so you should order those parts. Anjoy cycling seems to have them, they even have the official Factor bar tape if you wanna go all the way. I am using F-C's spacers though.
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Hey Serge_K
I might have missed in all my reading of this site. What wheels are you running on your Tractor?
Do you ever build your own wheels
Rebel_Yell
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why f-c don't send with dpd? Has anyone from Europe bought one? did he pay taxes?
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Hey Serge_K
I might have missed in all my reading of this site. What wheels are you running on your Tractor?
Do you ever build your own wheels
Rebel_Yell
Wheels from Peter at Xiamen carbon speed. 50 to 58mm depth from memory. Wide rims. Very pleased.
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Thanks
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Thought I would throw this out there for anyone purchasing via F-C:
Tips:
They do not include the silicone seat post cover that sits at the bottom and in mine and the other user (Oralmaster?) opinion the 20mm transition head piece is kind of ass so you should order those parts. Anjoy cycling seems to have them, they even have the official Factor bar tape if you wanna go all the way. I am using F-C's spacers though.
my suggestion to anyone buying replica bikes is to always get the original spacers set, simply because the original are lighter and meshes well. the fake ones are injected molded and many flashings
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Hey Team.
Update on my Ostro frameset as purchased from F-C:
Last Saturday morning, I took one last desperate look at my tracking info only to discover that my frameset had been handed off to US Customs in L.A. California just after midnight early that same day.
On Thursday, I picked the frame up from the local USPS office. I thought they might ask for tariff $$$, but they didn't. The box was somewhat battered from 76 days in transit, but the contents seem to have survived the trip. The quality is what we've come to expect from F-C. The BB facing seems fine while the caliper mounts aren't pretty but I think they're workable. The quality of the bar/stem is o.k. - definitely not as good as the frame. In particular, I asked for 380/100 and they are marked as such, but I don't really see how they measures out as 380/100. Still, the bars will work for now at least.
Anyway, I wanted to update this thread. In the end, I got my F-C frame after approximately 90 days, from order to delivery. F-C certainly has areas to improve their customer service, and I think Aliexpress is equally to blame. The shipping is overpriced for absolute sh!t quality. I've never had a worse shipping experience, and I've purchased a lot of rare/odd auto and bike parts over the years.
I'll post pics of my build as it comes along. I won't be rushing through it and will likely need to ask some [dumb] questions.
Cheers
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Hey Team.
Update on my Ostro frameset as purchased from F-C:
Last Saturday morning, I took one last desperate look at my tracking info only to discover that my frameset had been handed off to US Customs in L.A. California just after midnight early that same day.
On Thursday, I picked the frame up from the local USPS office. I thought they might ask for tariff $$$, but they didn't. The box was somewhat battered from 76 days in transit, but the contents seem to have survived the trip. The quality is what we've come to expect from F-C. The BB facing seems fine while the caliper mounts aren't pretty but I think they're workable. The quality of the bar/stem is o.k. - definitely not as good as the frame. In particular, I asked for 380/100 and they are marked as such, but I don't really see how they measures out as 380/100. Still, the bars will work for now at least.
Anyway, I wanted to update this thread. In the end, I got my F-C frame after approximately 90 days, from order to delivery. F-C certainly has areas to improve their customer service, and I think Aliexpress is equally to blame. The shipping is overpriced for absolute sh!t quality. I've never had a worse shipping experience, and I've purchased a lot of rare/odd auto and bike parts over the years.
I'll post pics of my build as it comes along. I won't be rushing through it and will likely need to ask some [dumb] questions.
Cheers
Glad your frame actually showed up. I didn't see any issues with the handlebars right down to the matching v1 off color screws to match. Would be nice to see some photos of your 90 day adventure, at that point I think I woulda got a refund and if it showed up it showed up.
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Hey Team.
Update on my Ostro frameset as purchased from F-C:
Last Saturday morning, I took one last desperate look at my tracking info only to discover that my frameset had been handed off to US Customs in L.A. California just after midnight early that same day.
On Thursday, I picked the frame up from the local USPS office. I thought they might ask for tariff $$$, but they didn't. The box was somewhat battered from 76 days in transit, but the contents seem to have survived the trip. The quality is what we've come to expect from F-C. The BB facing seems fine while the caliper mounts aren't pretty but I think they're workable. The quality of the bar/stem is o.k. - definitely not as good as the frame. In particular, I asked for 380/100 and they are marked as such, but I don't really see how they measures out as 380/100. Still, the bars will work for now at least.
Anyway, I wanted to update this thread. In the end, I got my F-C frame after approximately 90 days, from order to delivery. F-C certainly has areas to improve their customer service, and I think Aliexpress is equally to blame. The shipping is overpriced for absolute sh!t quality. I've never had a worse shipping experience, and I've purchased a lot of rare/odd auto and bike parts over the years.
I'll post pics of my build as it comes along. I won't be rushing through it and will likely need to ask some [dumb] questions.
Cheers
Great news, happy for you. You may consider editing your previous posts on this thread with like at the bottom "edit: frame received after [90] days, see thread page 19", because i'm afraid some people may stop reading halfway through and assume that the seller sometimes scams people (which they may, to be fair, but at least they didnt scam you ;)
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Great news, happy for you. You may consider editing your previous posts on this thread with like at the bottom "edit: frame received after [90] days, see thread page 19" ...
Good point Serge, and I've done as you've suggested. My apologies to the forum for junking up this thread with all my shipping rants. Cheers
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Glad your frame actually showed up. I didn't see any issues with the handlebars right down to the matching v1 off color screws to match. ...
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?
And regarding rotor size: are you running a 160 or 140 on the rear? I'm assuming 160 on the front.
Thanks
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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?
And regarding rotor size: are you running a 160 or 140 on the rear? I'm assuming 160 on the front.
Thanks
Correct 160 front 140 rear that came with my groupset. I saw someone say they had sand a tiny but of the interior of the handlebar but other than that no issues. I definitely flexed on them and I'm not a small person to see if I needed to swap them for something else.
Few things I would not skimp on are like Patlien said, wheel set, handlebars/contact points.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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. 8) 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.
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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.
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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?
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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?
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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?
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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.
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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 :D
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confirmed same source from 1 factory/seller, I remember that familiar wood laminate as the backdrop. Also my frame was featured :D
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.
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Exactly! All these shops seems to be using the same photos. When asking for instock items, it's probably best to request at least one picture with a handwritten timestamp (or ask them to hold a household item or something else). You can also check for exif metadata (gps data, timestamps, etc.).
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Exactly! All these shops seems to be using the same photos. When asking for instock items, it's probably best to request at least one picture with a handwritten timestamp (or ask them to hold a household item or something else). You can also check for exif metadata (gps data, timestamps, etc.).
If you have to request any of this nonsense, you should immediately take your business elsewhere.
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If you have to request any of this nonsense, you should immediately take your business elsewhere.
Yep... And that goes back to my thread about not buying fakes because of how shady the whole thing gets the moment you start asking questions... If i spend 500$ on a frame, I ask questions. If i am asked to shell $1000, i ask even more questions :)
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Yep... And that goes back to my thread about not buying fakes because of how shady the whole thing gets the moment you start asking questions... If i spend 500$ on a frame, I ask questions. If i am asked to shell $1000, i ask even more questions :)
I see where you're coming from, and I understand why you hold that perspective.
You're likely looking for technical details, but that depends on whether the sellers are directly involved in manufacturing or just third-party resellers. For the same reason, my local seller probably couldn't answer detailed questions about frame production. Even with well-known Western brands, you'd likely not get more than, "that's proprietary information." I get that those brands have already built a certain level of trust. But when buying a frame from Asia, there’s always some degree of risk. You never really know if the answers you get are accurate or just what the seller thinks you want to hear anyway - and that applies not only to those selling fakes (e.g. Winspace telling the guy that the disgusting BB is ok is a good example)
My perspective is much more cynical - I am suspicious of the answers regardless of the seller. Perhaps it's the experimental scientist in me, but ultimately all we can rely on is empirical testing and first-hand experience with a reasonable sample size is what really matters imo. At the end of the day, it all comes down to how much of a gambler you are.
Edit: That is why people like Pat above are such a fantastic resource
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I asked RK Ultra Extreme Carbon Fiber Store about shipping to the EU/Germany, which isn't possible atm. They said that they're working on implementing DPD shipping "this year" and to wait patiently for a while.
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You're likely looking for technical details, but that depends on whether the sellers are directly involved in manufacturing or just third-party resellers. For the same reason, my local seller probably couldn't answer detailed questions about frame production. Even with well-known Western brands, you'd likely not get more than, "that's proprietary information." I get that those brands have already built a certain level of trust. But when buying a frame from Asia, there’s always some degree of risk. You never really know if the answers you get are accurate or just what the seller thinks you want to hear anyway - and that applies not only to those selling fakes (e.g. Winspace telling the guy that the disgusting BB is ok is a good example)
My perspective is much more cynical - I am suspicious of the answers regardless of the seller. Perhaps it's the experimental scientist in me, but ultimately all we can rely on is empirical testing and first-hand experience with a reasonable sample size is what really matters imo. At the end of the day, it all comes down to how much of a gambler you are.
I disagree because that line of reasoning is anti human and frankly just nihilistic, and ultimately puts on the same plane the worst criminals with the best operators. Or it ultimately implies that due diligence is useless.
I do agree that getting an answer to a question doesn't make it true, yes illusion of control is a thing, but you can't use that line of thought to say that nobody can't be trusted so it's just a gamble. It's not.
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I disagree because that line of reasoning is anti human and frankly just nihilistic, and ultimately puts on the same plane the worst criminals with the best operators. Or it ultimately implies that due diligence is useless.
I do agree that getting an answer to a question doesn't make it true, yes illusion of control is a thing, but you can't use that line of thought to say that nobody can't be trusted so it's just a gamble. It's not.
I do not think it is nihilistic. That is the consequence of virtually zero custom protection when purchasing through these channels. There is a reason why customer protection laws are established, or the situation would be very similar elsewhere. What good is an answer if you have no way of telling if it is accurate? Seller tells a buyer that the frame is 90% T800 and 10% T1100 - there is no way of knowing if its accurate (knowingly or unknowingly), but I understand why it can make the buyer more inclined to make the purchase. There are many motivations to give you a genuine answer, many motivations/reasons to not give you an answer at all - not necessarily due to malice or connected to quality of the product - and there are no repercussions either way whatsoever.
I did not say that nobody can be trusted, but that empirical evidence is all that matters. Whether we like it or not, it is a gamble - even established, tested Chinese brands sometimes ship a flop. All of us are just trying to improve our odds, either by asking questions or relying on (someone's) first-hand experience.
Edit: I don't know, perhaps it's just my job, where experimental evidence is the only thing that matters, manifesting...
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Maybe try reading it one more time, and the conversation that it is part of.
Because nobody is expecting or asking for any protection or guarantee.
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Maybe try reading it one more time, and the conversation that it is part of.
Because nobody is expecting or asking for any protection or guarantee.
Hows this:
Your message raises a valid point about the lack of consumer protection when purchasing through certain channels. I wouldn't necessarily call it nihilistic either—it's simply acknowledging the reality of an unregulated market. Consumer protection laws exist for a reason: to provide buyers with recourse in case of misleading claims or defective products. Without such safeguards, verifying a seller's claims—such as the exact carbon layup of a frame—becomes nearly impossible.
I agree that there are various motivations for sellers to be truthful or evasive, and that this isn’t always tied to malice or product quality. However, the absence of accountability means buyers have to rely on empirical evidence, personal experience, or trusted reviews to mitigate risk. Even well-established manufacturers occasionally produce flawed products, which reinforces the need for due diligence.
Your perspective, shaped by a reliance on experimental evidence, makes complete sense. In the end, purchasing from these sources is inherently a gamble—one that can be informed but never entirely risk-free. The best approach is to gather as much reliable information as possible and weigh the potential risks against the benefits.
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I asked RK Ultra Extreme Carbon Fiber Store about shipping to the EU/Germany, which isn't possible atm. They said that they're working on implementing DPD shipping "this year" and to wait patiently for a while.
i ask the same. and they want to help them to understand how dpd works. i sent them all info and told me that they send very soon
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Edit: I don't know, perhaps it's just my job, where experimental evidence is the only thing that matters, manifesting...
I had and lost a whole long response. My point was I spent most of my career in engineering and data analysis and have found that data alone isn't enough; you have to understand the data's completeness and relevance to the problem you are trying to solve. In terms of determining the quality/safety of a bike frame and its related company, to me the # of folks riding and reviewing them is prob the best data. Yes obviously there are going to be issues with every brand, but a more established + high volume brand usually handles them better and has a lower problem probability overall.
So I may be overly conservative, but I wouldnt bother with any fly by night pop up store/brand selling these replicas. Theres just not enough user/brand history to draw any meaningful conclusions on the quality or safety of the frame. And odds are you will be completely SOL if there are any issues. A lot of needless risk IMO. I just dont understand the replica thing. I mean I can understand an SLx clone from a big brand. But this shit here? Gambling with your life to make people think you bought a Factor just seems crazy to me.
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Very nice, keep us posted. Interested especially in that D shaped steerer that scares me.
The frame looks so much like my open mould Long Teng.
Yet another friend this weekend who thought Tractor was Factor and assumed I was riding a superbike :D wonderful trolling. I then told him how much it cost me and now he wants one.
Can I ask how you fitted this bike, approximate cost?
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Can I ask how you fitted this bike, approximate cost?
Hahaha, wonderful timing, this very friend literally wired me 2750 EUR last night to order him a bike. It includes super high end wheels (carbon spokes, T1000...). Basically the budgets have been 2500-2700 all in. Ltwoo er9, conti gp5000, carbon crankset, ultralight cassette, 36cm one piece cockpit, with pedals, bottle cages, Garmin mount, saddle bag, spare tpu tubes and so on. If you go ltwoo mechanical and humbler wheels, you can go sub 2000 easily.
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Hello - I have a ostro vam and it looks like the handlebars is developing a crack - any suggestions on where I can get a decent replacement - v1
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Hello - I have a ostro vam and it looks like the handlebars is developing a crack - any suggestions on where I can get a decent replacement - v1
Which seller was it ? Which version (cheap / normal / ultralight) ? How many kilometers ? No warranty ?
You can ask to F-C may be.
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Hello - I have a ostro vam and it looks like the handlebars is developing a crack - any suggestions on where I can get a decent replacement - v1
AliExpress is chock-full of one-piece CF cockpits. There are posts on this forum with recommendations (good and bad) on various brands. I'd say the replica Black Inc bars that came with my v1 frameset are of decent quality, but I haven't even built the bike yet, so take that with a whole shaker of salt. (See First Class Carbon store on AliExpress.)
Sorry this isn't much help but it would be good to know what exactly you're looking for.
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Hey Team,
Trying to get my ducks in a row to put my ostro together. Of the parts that F-C included with my frameset, this piece (red circled) was not included. I asked F-C about this and the response was "The front fork is a new model; this accessory is not needed."
Really??? Anyone here built your V1 without this 'spacer'?
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So I also dont have this part, but after looking at OEM Ostro forks I also dont think its required.
Here is a photo of the OEM Ostro fork, you see how its flat? its requires that wedge to provide support around the perimeter
(https://i.imgur.com/pYNzraI.png)
Here is a photo of the ALI Ostro fork, they have modified it, its almost like they incorporate the extended perimeter, thus not requiring the wedge
(https://i.imgur.com/itPCcH5.png)
I guess we get to find out if its a good design or not 8)
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It is the same design of fork stem that Ostro VAM v2 uses, check the official manual. Whether the execution is good remains to be seen.
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So I also dont have this part, but after looking at OEM Ostro forks I also dont think its required.
Here is a photo of the OEM Ostro fork, you see how its flat? its requires that wedge to provide support around the perimeter
(https://i.imgur.com/pYNzraI.png)
Here is a photo of the ALI Ostro fork, they have modified it, its almost like they incorporate the extended perimeter, thus not requiring the wedge
(https://i.imgur.com/itPCcH5.png)
I guess we get to find out if its a good design or not 8)
is that aliexpress sellers of fakes out-engineering Factor?
That's amazing.
I have very mixed feelings about these non round steerers. In most instances, when there's a catastrophic failure on a bike, it's around the steerer, with the specialized recall being a good reminder of that. I like that the non round design allows for a narrower head tube, but is it a risk worth taking is the question i haven't been able to answer yet. Vanity vs danger.
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It seems that it is the same as the genuine :
https://youtu.be/_HX_NKvlhL4
This part is no longer needed.
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Which seller was it ? Which version (cheap / normal / ultralight) ? How many kilometers ? No warranty ?
You can ask to F-C may be.
Rocking Cycling Store - bought in June 2023 - I actually rate the frame it’s great - Version 1 - I have not done a huge amount on miles on it - just checked on AliExpress a similar listing of theirs says 2years - will see if they will honour it - as I have not done a huge amount of miles on it - not even changed a chain.
I do break the occasional
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Rocking Cycling Store - bought in June 2023 - I actually rate the frame it’s great - Version 1 - I have not done a huge amount on miles on it - just checked on AliExpress a similar listing of theirs says 2years - will see if they will honour it - as I have not done a huge amount of miles on it - not even changed a chain.
I do break the occasional
Let us know for the warranty.
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I am still waiting to hear back from- they have read my messages
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Photo of bike
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The crack
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I am still waiting to hear back from- they have read my messages
I hope that they won't ghost you.
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Looks like yoho bikes or rocking bikes on AliExpress are doing just that - last chance is AliExpress admin - but don’t hold out any luck
Anyone know of any good sellers of handlebars?
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Looks like yoho bikes or rocking bikes on AliExpress are doing just that - last chance is AliExpress admin - but don’t hold out any luck
Anyone know of any good sellers of handlebars?
Maybe F-C ?
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Looks like yoho bikes or rocking bikes on AliExpress are doing just that - last chance is AliExpress admin - but don’t hold out any luck
Anyone know of any good sellers of handlebars?
It would be interesting to see if you can get the V2 version handlebars, they look like the updated design. I had my eyes peeled but cant seem to just buy the bars.
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This store has the last version :
https://www.aliexpress.com/store/1103561538
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Heard back for AliExpress - at 05 am
Dear Customer,
Thank you for contacting AliExpress regarding order 3024092939379884.
since the product was received and in use for over 6 months, according to EU laws and regulations, would you please provide a testing report in 24 hours by replying this email directly which shows the issue is caused by original quality of the goods. Only with this report, we can further communicate with seller for an solution.
Your understanding and cooperation is highly appreciated and we hope you have a great experience shopping with AliExpress.
Well as it’s Sunday morning 24th to get an official report - which I would assume they are alluding to will be a bit hard
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Well, I think this is gonna be a difficult one. Their answer is obviously bullshit, but on the other hand they can always claim it was a user error - e.g. overtorquing the bolts.
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Yes but I use a torque wrench - but your right its bullshit - can’t believe yohobikes / rocking ignored me - was just about to order a second frame through them - I see its business but hey it’s Crapola
I used to love AliExpress but they are coming to American
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Unfortunately, a lot of stores don't honor their warranty.
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Yes but I use a torque wrench - but your right its bullshit - can’t believe yohobikes / rocking ignored me - was just about to order a second frame through them - I see its business but hey it’s Crapola
I used to love AliExpress but they are coming to American
There is a facebook group 'Chinese bikes'. Yoho is active there, making some noise there triggered them for an issue I had.
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Yes but I use a torque wrench - but your right its bullshit - can’t believe yohobikes / rocking ignored me - was just about to order a second frame through them - I see its business but hey it’s Crapola
I used to love AliExpress but they are coming to American
Assuming that is you that posted on FB. I have replied!!
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There is a facebook group 'Chinese bikes'. Yoho is active there, making some noise there triggered them for an issue I had.
Not sure if this is same person as on Facebook but it seems to have helped. Yoho has responded to someone and seems like new bars are on the way.
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The crack
I have the same, but I overtorqued it. I did it with a Torq wrench as well, but I did it the wrong way around, first the 2 bolts then the compression plug (stupid I know, but first bike build, and not enough research or the lack of it). Anyway, it's a cheap handlebar. I upgraded it to a Tavelo AVRO Gen 1.
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Yes that was me on Facebook- don’t know for sure if it worked - Yohobikes said they would send out a replacement. I took the post down as there was a lot of negative discrimination- and I hate that. I actually think the frame is really good really good - the bar however just cracked - I tighten things in the right order when installing. Maybe because they were too long on the stem and too much force on shitty English roads - I don’t know .
Anyway if the handlebars arrive I will put nice photos up to show off the bike - rather than when things go wrong.
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Yes that was me on Facebook- don’t know for sure if it worked - Yohobikes said they would send out a replacement. I took the post down as there was a lot of negative discrimination- and I hate that. I actually think the frame is really good really good - the bar however just cracked - I tighten things in the right order when installing. Maybe because they were too long on the stem and too much force on shitty English roads - I don’t know .
Anyway if the handlebars arrive I will put nice photos up to show off the bike - rather than when things go wrong.
I hate that negative talk also and I do hope they make it right.
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Well boys after my long wait it looks like I may have messed up. This older body may not be made for race geometry. After putting about 200km or less on my F-C tier 3 Factor I've dealt with neck and back pain issues.
I guess going from endurance geometry to this was more than I bargained for. I thought I'd let people in this thread know I'll be posting it in classifieds and I'm super down as it rides like it just wants to go fast. Would come with a $400 BBinfinite BB already installed, the missing OEM factor silicone seatpost cover, real Black Inc computer mount, Factor bar ends and tape if I can salvage it. Both 0 and +25 seatposts were ordered with it.
Snow White with black lettering size 54 shipped from Canada.
You can DM me too if someone wants to bypass the long wait times and guarantee they get a good inspected F-C top end copy.
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Well boys after my long wait it looks like I may have messed up. This older body may not be made for race geometry. After putting about 200km or less on my F-C tier 3 Factor I've dealt with neck and back pain issues.
I guess going from endurance geometry to this was more than I bargained for. I thought I'd let people in this thread know I'll be posting it in classifieds and I'm super down as it rides like it just wants to go fast. Would come with a $400 BBinfinite BB already installed, the missing OEM factor silicone seatpost cover, real Black Inc computer mount, Factor bar ends and tape if I can salvage it. Both 0 and +25 seatposts were ordered with it.
Snow White with black lettering size 54 fork has been cut to maximum spacer height no slamming, shipped from Canada.
You can DM me too if someone wants to bypass the long wait times and guarantee they get a good inspected F-C top end copy.
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I have the same, but I overtorqued it. I did it with a Torq wrench as well, but I did it the wrong way around, first the 2 bolts then the compression plug (stupid I know, but first bike build, and not enough research or the lack of it). Anyway, it's a cheap handlebar. I upgraded it to a Tavelo AVRO Gen 1.
I had a small crack, but still as I said I over-torqued it, finally got the Tavelo in and I went from 420mm to 38mm, It's pretty easy and straightforward forward and I think it looks even better than the fake Black inc one.
For reference, I added some pictures: