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Chinese Carbon MTB Forums
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32
Vendor Discussion & Reviews / Chinese vendors and their shipping times
« on: March 18, 2016, 10:59:59 AM »
So far I have made a bunch of purchases from Chinese vendors. Not all of them have been carbon but they have all been bike related. I have had great luck so far with pretty quick shipping. My first purchase was from Nextie a few years back and it took roughly 2 weeks to ship but I was informed before ordering that they were not in stock and it would take a couple of weeks. After that, they arrived in less than 2 weeks. Both of my Workswell frames have arrived within 2 weeks of ordering, they did forget to include a fork but that was at my door a week later. Handlebars from Workswell on a separate order took about 2 weeks to ship and 3 weeks to arrive. I think those got hung up in customs according to the tracking locations. All of my other smaller purchases like aluminum stems and handlebars for my daughter’s bikes have always shown up within 3 weeks or so. Not all of them were tracked so it is hard to tell when they were actually shipped. So overall I have been happy with the shipping times.
But now I am getting a little concerned. I first contacted the seller just before the Chinese new year and I said I would wait until after the holiday. The following Friday that they were back to work, I placed my order. That was on Feb 26th and the items still haven’t shipped. I waited 12 days and then contacted the seller on March 9th which was a Wednesday. I was told that they just moved to a new office and they would be shipped on Monday or Tuesday. So I waited until Wednesday to contact the seller again. This time I was told “Sorry, too busy, your rims will be ready today and ship tomorrow” (this was 9am their local time on Thursday). I asked for a tracking number when they were shipped and he agreed. Come Friday morning at 9 (9pm their time) I sent another message asking if they had any luck getting it shipped. And, no response. This is all via FB messenger so I can see that the message was read shortly after sending it.
So all of that being said, how would you forum members proceed with this and what have you been experiencing with shipping times?
But now I am getting a little concerned. I first contacted the seller just before the Chinese new year and I said I would wait until after the holiday. The following Friday that they were back to work, I placed my order. That was on Feb 26th and the items still haven’t shipped. I waited 12 days and then contacted the seller on March 9th which was a Wednesday. I was told that they just moved to a new office and they would be shipped on Monday or Tuesday. So I waited until Wednesday to contact the seller again. This time I was told “Sorry, too busy, your rims will be ready today and ship tomorrow” (this was 9am their local time on Thursday). I asked for a tracking number when they were shipped and he agreed. Come Friday morning at 9 (9pm their time) I sent another message asking if they had any luck getting it shipped. And, no response. This is all via FB messenger so I can see that the message was read shortly after sending it.
So all of that being said, how would you forum members proceed with this and what have you been experiencing with shipping times?
33
Component Deals & Selection / DT Swiss 180 hubs for a smoking deal
« on: March 15, 2016, 11:23:02 AM »
Gear Rush on eBay has some smoking prices on 180 hubs right now. I was buying some DT Aerolite spokes for my plus bike wheelset for $.99 each and came across these. I really wish I had something that need some new wheels. Maybe for the SS........ 
http://www.ebay.com/sch/Hubs-/177820/i.html?_saslop=1&_sasl=thegearrushstore&_from=R40&_nkw=dt+swiss+180&_sop=15
http://www.ebay.com/sch/Hubs-/177820/i.html?_saslop=1&_sasl=thegearrushstore&_from=R40&_nkw=dt+swiss+180&_sop=15
34
Component Deals & Selection / Seat post guidance
« on: March 02, 2016, 08:50:40 AM »
So I need a couple of seat posts in the 27.2 setback flavor. I purchased a carbon from eBay last year but it was slightly undersized so I had a hard time getting to stay put. Right now I'm thinking about this Nasbar one as I like te head design which has plenty of support for carbon rails. With their 20% coupons, $40 seems pretty good but the weight isn't very light at 250 grams. Are there any other suggestions you folks might have? I would like to keep it under $50.
http://www.nashbar.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/mProductDisplayView?catalogId=10052&storeId=10053&pgGrp=shoppingcart&productId=580541&itemId=580542
http://www.nashbar.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/mProductDisplayView?catalogId=10052&storeId=10053&pgGrp=shoppingcart&productId=580541&itemId=580542
35
29+ & 27+ / Workswell WCB-M-078 Plus frame
« on: January 17, 2016, 09:20:50 AM »
So here is the Workswell / Sobato WCB-M-078 Plus frame. I will be building it as a 29+ so it's in the 29er section. And since all bikes need a name, and "my chubby bike" wasn't quite cutting it, I thought "Muffin Top" would be appropriate.
I ordered the frame from Sobato Bikes on Amazon for $579. The listing stated the frame came with the fork and an email to the seller confirmed this. After placing the order, the seller asked if I was interested in ordering the fork too.
So I sent another email asking why the change and included the original email stating it was included, the responded that night (12 hour time difference) informing me that "their partner" made a mistake but they will honor the email and send the fork. I ordered it on December 18th, it shipped on the 22nd, and I received it on the 30th. Pretty quick shipping.
But there was a problem. The box was pretty rough on one end and looked like it was torn open then taped shut. So I took some pictures and set up my phone to take a video while I opened it. I'm glad I did because when I opened it, there was NO fork in the box. Talk about a WTF moment. So off to the computer I go to send an email asking about my fork. Since no one likes to be accused of things, and I have no idea what happened, I asked about a shipping insurance claims on their end and mentioned I could provide pictures and a video if it would help the claim. They responded that night with "the packager must have made a mistake, we will send a new fork out to you". A couple hours later I got a second email with a tracking number and the fork arrived 9 days. So they took care of the issues, great, it's all I can ask for.
On to the building, everything was going very smooth and appeared to be on par with their 062 frame I have. Fit and finish is 100% but nothing a little clean up won't take care of. Maybe 95% perfect. And then I start to route the rear brake hose through the chainstay. It did not want to go through. It was a dead stop so I knew it wasn't just a tight fit. I take it to work and peak in with a borescope and find some bag or resin residue. Luckily I was able to get in there with a 12" long bit and open it up enough to get the line routed. Yes it's irritating but not nearly as much as sending it back and waiting for another one.
So now the cables are all routed, brakes are installed, and so are the handlebars, fork, rear derailleur, and shifter. I have decided to add some color to this one. I haven't decided on the accent color yet, either orange or purple. I prefer orange so I will go that route unless it just looks off. I apologize for being long winded but I wanted to share the experience. Now for the pictures.
http://postimg.org/image/gtbly1pez/
http://postimg.org/image/7slnv8nol/
I ordered the frame from Sobato Bikes on Amazon for $579. The listing stated the frame came with the fork and an email to the seller confirmed this. After placing the order, the seller asked if I was interested in ordering the fork too.
So I sent another email asking why the change and included the original email stating it was included, the responded that night (12 hour time difference) informing me that "their partner" made a mistake but they will honor the email and send the fork. I ordered it on December 18th, it shipped on the 22nd, and I received it on the 30th. Pretty quick shipping.But there was a problem. The box was pretty rough on one end and looked like it was torn open then taped shut. So I took some pictures and set up my phone to take a video while I opened it. I'm glad I did because when I opened it, there was NO fork in the box. Talk about a WTF moment. So off to the computer I go to send an email asking about my fork. Since no one likes to be accused of things, and I have no idea what happened, I asked about a shipping insurance claims on their end and mentioned I could provide pictures and a video if it would help the claim. They responded that night with "the packager must have made a mistake, we will send a new fork out to you". A couple hours later I got a second email with a tracking number and the fork arrived 9 days. So they took care of the issues, great, it's all I can ask for.
On to the building, everything was going very smooth and appeared to be on par with their 062 frame I have. Fit and finish is 100% but nothing a little clean up won't take care of. Maybe 95% perfect. And then I start to route the rear brake hose through the chainstay. It did not want to go through. It was a dead stop so I knew it wasn't just a tight fit. I take it to work and peak in with a borescope and find some bag or resin residue. Luckily I was able to get in there with a 12" long bit and open it up enough to get the line routed. Yes it's irritating but not nearly as much as sending it back and waiting for another one.
So now the cables are all routed, brakes are installed, and so are the handlebars, fork, rear derailleur, and shifter. I have decided to add some color to this one. I haven't decided on the accent color yet, either orange or purple. I prefer orange so I will go that route unless it just looks off. I apologize for being long winded but I wanted to share the experience. Now for the pictures.
http://postimg.org/image/gtbly1pez/
http://postimg.org/image/7slnv8nol/
36
Component Deals & Selection / XTR brakes at Merlin cycles and other Shimano brakes.
« on: December 04, 2015, 07:11:09 PM »
Merlin Cycles has XTR M9000 and M9020 brakes for $249 a pair shipped. $115 for SLX pairs and $137 for XT. Tempted to buy some XTR brakes for a build that I don't even know about yet. Just wanted to share.
https://www.merlincycles.com/disc-brakes-81175/
https://www.merlincycles.com/disc-brakes-81175/
37
Component Deals & Selection / DT Swiss X1700 wheelsets for $299
« on: October 16, 2015, 08:39:38 PM »
http://www.backcountry.com/dt-swiss-x-1700-spline-29in-wheelset?CMP_SKU=DTS000W&MER=0406&skid=DTS000W-S1512X142-HGBOD&CMP_ID=PLA_GMm001&mv_pc=r101&utm_source=Google&utm_medium=PLA&mr:trackingCode=92EAEA13-196D-E511-80F3-005056944E17&mr:referralID=NA&mr:device=m&mr:adType=plaonline&mr:ad=79923400117&mr:keyword&mr:match&mr:tid=aud-112578408019:kwd-151123465237&mr:ploc=9002691&mr:iloc=1018982&mr:store&mr:filter=151123465237&gclid=Cj0KEQjwwIKxBRDKhOz7ytT30vkBEiQAT1NaPTqwyTMJrK3mpnVFqB2RcqW-I6fi6IyU0f-7qjrZ_ZEaAv9z8P8HAQ&gclsrc=aw.ds
Use activejunky.com and get 10% back too. I know, I know. They aren't chiner carbon but they are affordable and sort of light. Narrow though.
Use activejunky.com and get 10% back too. I know, I know. They aren't chiner carbon but they are affordable and sort of light. Narrow though.
38
29er / Internal cable routing in 6 easy steps
« on: September 08, 2015, 05:16:46 PM »
So I think I found a simple trick for routing the internal cables. I run a 1x system so I had to run a new housing for the RD and a new hydraulic brake hose in my Workswell 062 hardtail frame. This process may or may not work with other frames but it took me roughly 30 minutes start to finish to run both (fork and BB were already removed). For what it's worth, I am mechanically inclined but this was my first try at internal housings.
What I needed:
1 - 6 feet of 4mm cable housing
1 - Shimano SM-BH90 SB brake hose kit
1 - Spool of .041" safety wire
1 - needle nose pliers
1 - long thin flat blade screwdriver
Here are the steps
1) remove the caps from the housing holes (if your frame has them)
2) run safety wire from hole near head tube down to chainstay exit holes
3) fold over roughly .125" of wire, crimp tight, flare end to make a barb
4) insert barbed end into appropriate housing approximately .5"
5) carefully pull safety wire while pushing housing. If it gets caught, slightly back off pressure, rotate hose, try again. Flat blade helps to guide it out of the exit hole
6) snip off hose / housing to remove safety wire
7) repeat steps 1 - 6 as necessary
Here are a couple pictures to help visualize the process. Thankfully this turned out to be a fairly simple job. I hope this helps.
What I needed:
1 - 6 feet of 4mm cable housing
1 - Shimano SM-BH90 SB brake hose kit
1 - Spool of .041" safety wire
1 - needle nose pliers
1 - long thin flat blade screwdriver
Here are the steps
1) remove the caps from the housing holes (if your frame has them)
2) run safety wire from hole near head tube down to chainstay exit holes
3) fold over roughly .125" of wire, crimp tight, flare end to make a barb
4) insert barbed end into appropriate housing approximately .5"
5) carefully pull safety wire while pushing housing. If it gets caught, slightly back off pressure, rotate hose, try again. Flat blade helps to guide it out of the exit hole
6) snip off hose / housing to remove safety wire
7) repeat steps 1 - 6 as necessary
Here are a couple pictures to help visualize the process. Thankfully this turned out to be a fairly simple job. I hope this helps.
39
Component Deals & Selection / Easton Havoc 35 carbon bars $79
« on: September 08, 2015, 07:38:45 AM »
not chiner cheap but pretty good for a wide name brand bar. Enjoy
Easton Havoc 35 Carbon Handlebar, Low-Riser 35 800mm https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0095D494G/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_FqT7vbNZFA5V2
Easton Havoc 35 Carbon Handlebar, Low-Riser 35 800mm https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0095D494G/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_FqT7vbNZFA5V2
40
Component Deals & Selection / Circus Monkey stems or any other cheap anodized ones
« on: August 19, 2015, 04:57:38 PM »
So I am looking for parts for my inbound Workswell 062 frame. I'm going with blue and yellow parts as those are the favorite colors of my daughters. Blue or gold name brand stems under $50 are hard to find. So I'm looking at the Circus Monkey stems on eBay. They are in the $30 range and seem to be pretty light. Anybody on here used them before? Are there other options I am missing? They need to be blue or gold/yellow and under $50.
41
29er / Help me spend $$$! Building a new carbon HT.
« on: June 18, 2015, 09:02:04 AM »
So I am starting to acquire parts and pieces for bike #2. I'm going to try and keep it as close to $1000 as possible with a limit of $1500 (not including dedicated 29er wheels) and would like it rideable by the end of the year.
I am having a hard time picking out a frame so some help with that would be greatly appreciated. I want a 29er HT with the option of running a 27.5 x 2.8 WTB Trailblazer tire on my existing Nextie 35mm rims. I know the 256 frame will work with that rim/tire setup, but does anyone know if the clearance is the same or greater on other frames? Particularly the FR202 as that one can be had for around $350 on eBay. My frame wish list would include - 19" or 20" (I'm 71" tall), slacker than 70 degree HT angle when running a 120mm fork, plenty of clearance to run 27.5+ options, BSA bb, 142x12 rear end, 12k weave matte finish, and under $400. Is that doable?
As far as parts go, I'm pretty open as what to run as long as it fits in the budget. Here is what I have planned so far.
Fork - 2014 Rock Shox Reba RL 120mm 15mm axle (ordering this weekend)
Handlebars - EC70 riser bars
Stem - Stylo 90mm
Grips - ESI chunky
Headset - CC 40
Brakes - SLX f / XT r
Rotors - XT RT86 180f / 160r
Crankset - ?? (preferably a Sram GXP for BSA bb's)
Seatpost - ??
Saddle - ??
Rear Der - Shimano Saint M820
Cassette - XT M771 11-36t
Chain - ??
Shifter - M820 Saint
29er wheels - 35mm wide carbon hoops on Hope hubs when the budget allows (not anytime soon)
The parts that are listed are already (or soon to be) in my parts bin. I haven't ordered the fork yet but will be this weekend unless some one can change my mind. It's a new Reba RL for $300. Pretty hard to beat I'm figuring.
Thanks for the help and guidance. Will post pictures as things come in. Which means this thread may go awhile with out being updated.
I am having a hard time picking out a frame so some help with that would be greatly appreciated. I want a 29er HT with the option of running a 27.5 x 2.8 WTB Trailblazer tire on my existing Nextie 35mm rims. I know the 256 frame will work with that rim/tire setup, but does anyone know if the clearance is the same or greater on other frames? Particularly the FR202 as that one can be had for around $350 on eBay. My frame wish list would include - 19" or 20" (I'm 71" tall), slacker than 70 degree HT angle when running a 120mm fork, plenty of clearance to run 27.5+ options, BSA bb, 142x12 rear end, 12k weave matte finish, and under $400. Is that doable?
As far as parts go, I'm pretty open as what to run as long as it fits in the budget. Here is what I have planned so far.
Fork - 2014 Rock Shox Reba RL 120mm 15mm axle (ordering this weekend)
Handlebars - EC70 riser bars
Stem - Stylo 90mm
Grips - ESI chunky
Headset - CC 40
Brakes - SLX f / XT r
Rotors - XT RT86 180f / 160r
Crankset - ?? (preferably a Sram GXP for BSA bb's)
Seatpost - ??
Saddle - ??
Rear Der - Shimano Saint M820
Cassette - XT M771 11-36t
Chain - ??
Shifter - M820 Saint
29er wheels - 35mm wide carbon hoops on Hope hubs when the budget allows (not anytime soon)
The parts that are listed are already (or soon to be) in my parts bin. I haven't ordered the fork yet but will be this weekend unless some one can change my mind. It's a new Reba RL for $300. Pretty hard to beat I'm figuring.
Thanks for the help and guidance. Will post pictures as things come in. Which means this thread may go awhile with out being updated.
42
Component Deals & Selection / Shimano deals on Steep & Cheap
« on: June 07, 2015, 11:12:57 AM »
there are some pretty good deals on S&C right now. They are also offering an extra 10% off. XT brakes for $81 and for us carbon junkies, the new carbon levered XTR trail M9020 for $165! 11spd XTR shifters for "cheap" too. Enjoy!