Looking to buy - Chinese Carbon Frameset

[996]

Hi All,

First post here. I own a Specialized Roubaix SL4 Expert (2015 carbon) - great frame, but am growing out of it. I am looking to build up a frame, and have been exploring Chinese carbon frames for a while.

I have heard about Planet X, Velobuild, Yoeleo, DenFu and others.

My question is, what is the most reliable frame? Anyone have any experience with a particular brand they like? Looking to build an endurance frame for longer rides.

I know Yoeloe are known for their wheels (which I am considering for the build).

Thanks again!

Best,
996

[carbonazza]

Just to add two brands I rely on to my builds.

carbonda.com for the frames, handlebars, seatpost
Their frames are as beautiful outside as inside, very well finished.
The CFR505 frame is initially a gravel frame with wide tire clearance, but looks great as an endurance road bike too

And lightbicycle.com for the rims or wheels.
Excellent communication, advices and products.

[996]

Thank you for the suggestions! I have been looking at Carbonda as well. I am concerned about stiffness mainly. I’ve heard many times that these Chinese frames are not as stiff as a Specialized frame or a Canyon frame for example.

What is your experience with Carbonda and stiffness / reliability? What have you built up?

Appreciate the lightbycicle suggestion as well. Only heard good things.

[carbonazza]

I fixed my Ultimate CF-SLX( one seatstay had a tiny crack ), and rebuild it back as my road bike again.
And my CFR505 that I used as a road bike last year is my gravel again.

I do not feel any notable stiffness difference between the two.
Either going down the Alps cornering, or when sprinting against my friends on my club's rides.

[tripleDot]

Isn't Planet X a British bike company? The one making On-One bikes?

[lRaphl]

I've been using my Dengfu FM-098 frame since 2012 and it's been perfect so far. Some comments at the time I bought it were that it was a bit too stiff to be a good endurance bike. I never felt any flex on it even when standing up and hammering hard. I know there are better looking frames now but I see no reason to change.

My wheels are from Farsports built around Ed Hubs using ceramic bearings. Can't fault them either, they are still as true as new. Over the years, I bought carbon rims for my mountain bikes from Lightbicyles, Carbonspeed and carbonbicycle.cc. I always got a quality product.  Nextie seems to be a big player now but their price is higher most of the time.

[carbonazza]

Isn't Planet X a British bike company? The one making On-One bikes?

Probably the design of the stickers is British 

[996]

Thanks all for the recommendations. I may just bite the bullet and go with a Carbonda frame. As far as wheels go, either Yoeleo or lightbicycle.

Best
996