On the 301 and LC 17, the tyre clearance and vibe of the bikes are pretty different. Hygge is not on my radar, starting with the ugly paintjobs. Hygge would have to pay me to ride a frame that says Hygge on it. Would be like somehow having to ride a bike that says wallmart on it and be expected to be psyched about it.
I know that these 3 frames are different from each other, but that doesn't mean they cannot serve the same purpose. Frame for me should be:
- Pretty stiff, but nothing crazy. My current bike is uber stiff and yet I could live with that,
- Fit at least 30c tires - 32c would be even better and more future-proof, but since I'm light and even 28c (measuring 28mm on rim) is pretty comfy for me 30c is more than fine,
- Modern looking (that's very subjective),
- Fully internal routing (SMR on handlebar is fine),
- Geometry that fits me,
- Fit the 105 11sp mechanical group with hydraulic brakes (I already have that ready to fit on new bike).
All of these frames actually meets my requirements. Now it comes to the price and how easy the process of getting the frame shipped will be. I live in EU so I'll have to pay at least 100$ for shipping for all of the mentioned frames. All of the frames are around 650-700$ shipped. I'm looking forward to order the RD301 (size 50) because the geometry is almost identical to SL8 size 52 and that fits me very well. That downtube man... The thing is so freaking thick, I don't know if it's only on pictures and videos but that looks so wide and massive. I find it funny, not a dealbreaker tho.
When it comes down to LightCarbon it is what it is, there's a lot of weird things going on with the LCR017 rn. I just want to wait and see what they say about the voids in the carbon and all of that jazz. Not looking to order a frame and then fight 1v1 with a company that says "Our expert says it's fine, if you crash we'll send you new one" because I'm not on a YouTube. I'd rather have that Aliexpress "protection" when it comes to them. Aliexpress is dodgy and all but sometimes they could solve some problems. The ST height is also kinda meh for me, it's just okay - it'll fit anyways. Also, that downtube bus ahh type thing smh, at least it looks skinny.
I have a lot experience with Chinese brands like Hygge, not specifically around bikes but I understand their thought process. They have okay product, pack money into marketing and say yes to everything even if you have to pay extra for something (they will inform you after the fact - obviously). Gotta be careful. You just have to ask questions one by one, be patient and ask the same questions few times in a different way. I like the painting they offer, that's subjective. The funny thing is - this is the cheapest option out of the bunch when I sum everything up and I could get it on AliX in around a month. The Winow frame is also on AliX, almost the same price matte black.
It's 60/40 with RD301 and Hygge. With Longteng I have to pay the invoice and pray that they send me the frame, on AliX (Hygge) I 'm not worried about anything because I could use pay after 30 days method and even stretch that possibly to 45 days - if something goes wrong I just cancel the order. I'm looking forward to Ahodesu build and what he has to say about the frame