I bought the same wheel set three years ago from XMIPlay. In the time Peter was a co-worker there.
The actual weight was 1540gr. Still have the wheel set, but the Novatec didn't hold it. See somewhere in my topic. The hubs are now replaced with DT Swiss 350 hubs.
If I have to buy a new wheel set again, I certain go for this wheel set again, but with DT Swiss 350 hubs.

You can call them: JagWire cable frame protectors.

http://www.highonbikes.com/jagwire-4g-cable-tube-tops-outer-cable-silicon-frame-protector-black-x-4.html


https://www.google.nl/search?q=bike+cable+frame+protection+jagwire

Does anyone know where to buy bulk shifting cables and housing for cheap? Can't seem to find any on Aliexpress. Doesn't necessarily need to be from China.

Didn't you search on AliExpress ? https://www.aliexpress.com/af/bike-shifting-cable.html?blanktest=0&origin=n&jump=afs ( Search on: bike shifting cable)

Lighter = more expensive = flimsier = Much better chance of failure

Yes, yes, yes, no.
I'm riding my CS-256-SL now for almost three year. It's still as new, no failures after crashes.
If I had to replace my beloved IP/CS-256-SL, I would go for the CS-218, because I don't like the twig at the rear of the 256. My 256 weights 1040gr (19"). And I like the service and after-sales of Peter. No problem to spend a little extra bucks for this.

This is the RAC-2-A of Sobato:
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Cheap-2016-Di2-mechanical-SOBATO-carbon-Road-bike-frame-bicycle-frameset-52-54-56-58cm-aero/32771563870.html

thanks bxcc, I am 1,705 cm high and horse 0.81 I would like to try the horizontal tube from 59.8 but I'm afraid to go wrong. with customs fees and taxes do you know something?

Horse ? This means "cavallo" in Italian  But I understand you, you've an inseam of 81cm and you're 170,5cm tall.

My inseam is 89.8 cm (and 183cm tall) and I'm riding a 19" CS-256SL.
My daugther is 177cm tall and is riding a 18" CS-136.

I think a 17" will fit you the best.

Buying via AliExpress isn't bad. Bought multiple items (no frames) via AliExpress. But many AliExpress store where I bought the items are already gone. Many of the AliExpress store are one-day-flies, not all. Keep that in mind. Happily no warrant needed, but when you buy via AliExpress, except no warranty (at the end). If you've, you're happy.

It is indeed about 10% less expensive than Stan's !

Does it leave as much hard-to-clean junk in the tire?

Yes, but if you remove it after two refills, you've three layers and that's easy to pull out.

I had a set of Bitex hubs, the 401R rear hub had issues, replaced the freehub then after I sold the bike the owner broke the engagement points on the inner hub.  He ended up replacing the rear hub with a DT Swiss 350.   I'd stay away from the bitex hubs.  Otherwise, Novatech's are probably fine.  If it were my money, nothing beats the value and quality of a DT Swiss 350 hub.

Same here with a Novatec DS772SB hub. The inner hub ring is broken on 5 places. Still ride-able, but I decide to replace the Novatec hubs with Straight Pull DT Swiss 350 hub in both wheels.
Searched the internet and found more failures of the Novatec hubs. Lost my trust in Novatec. But still loving my XMCarbonSpeed rims!!!