Greetings... this is probably a long shot. I'm located in San Jose, California. LBS here does not feel comfortable working on any direct chinese frame/components/gears. Looking for local mechanics that's ok with working on buildup/maintain chinese gears? Thanks.

I guess the GR029 is considered more of a CX than a gravel frame so I'm posting this warning here.

You may purchase a GR029 from a seller than includes axles, but if you don't, you need the specific axles, particularly the front, that's made for this frame.

Seraph is clear that the price on their website doesn't include axles. That's fine. They're not clear that there's no chance that any other axle that you already have or might buy, will fit that front fork. That's not fine. I'm out weeks waiting for a second order for the axles because I didn't know that I had to have the axles they sell for this frame.

Come on Seraph, be clear...better still, just include them and raise the price $34. Better STILL, lose the proprietary bolt-on front axle and put a threaded insert into the fork.

If I knew then what I know now, I'd have ordered the axles...or some other frame, more likely.

Don't make the mistake I did and order a GR029 without buying the axles.

Does anyone have good experience with Evosid/Goldix/Zeroing GXP 2x chain rings? I am on my second (Goldix this time) after the first one Evosid came warped from factory. The large chainring was not true. Returned it and got Goldix and this one has even more warp to it basically there is no position on front derailleur where it doesn't rub. I can make it work on large chainring + smallest 3 cogs on cassette but pretty much any other combo results in chain rub where the ring warps. I am guessing even the small ring is out of true but not very noticeable. Back it goes and I have returned to Ultegra 6800 cranks/rings. I guess I need to pony up and get the Pass Quest rings - those have been great on my other bike.

Here are the rings in question -
https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256805884082490.html
https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256806059837660.html

Stay away from these I guess.

I know tracevelo recommended against aliexpress cleats as they are not fiberglass reinforced and don't last long, but does anyone have a positive experience with some? My cleats probably should have been replaced 2 years ago but I'm still too cheap to buy the real look ones

I’ll likely go down that route as well, Senicx paired with the Riro carbon cranks. HOWEVER, I’m a bit hesitant regarding the choice of the old 3 bolt system regarding availability of chainring replacement.
So far all I could find was senicx offering 30-46T chainrings in a 3 bolt spec. What happens if Senicx decommissions it I’m wondering… then you’re left with 1 by chainrings I guess? Or potentially using an adapter to a 4 arm chainring? The latter I only speculate, don’t have any experience.