SL 8 clone

[MTB-Addicted]

Hi
3rd ride with Taiwanesen frame, 260km overall.
The frame simply “sails”, from 30km/h you can check this very easily.
I have set the presure at 3.8psi front and 3.9 rear (internal rim width 23mm) and this makes the bike very comfortable.
I do not know how to objectively assess the fork and bottom bracket stiffness, apart from during some sprints. Any ideas ?

[BeR]

Hi
3rd ride with Taiwanesen frame, 260km overall.
The frame simply “sails”, from 30km/h you can check this very easily.
I have set the presure at 3.8psi front and 3.9 rear (internal rim width 23mm) and this makes the bike very comfortable.
I do not know how to objectively assess the fork and bottom bracket stiffness, apart from during some sprints. Any ideas ?

You can do something like this :

[BeR]

Second ride of 60 km. I really like it. No problem at all (no seatpost slipping, ...). It speeds up very quickly. I will do a longer ride this weekend.

The ride is not harsh with a 28 mm tire.

[MTB-Addicted]

Great!
Have you applied the grease for carbon parts on the seatpost ?

I had to because during the first ride it went down despite the right strenght on the bolt.
Btw, on the seatpost - which seems identical to the original - it is written not apply grease it on but I had to..

[TidyDinosaur]

Great!
Have you applied the grease for carbon parts on the seatpost ?

I had to because during the first ride it went down despite the right strenght on the bolt.
Btw, on the seatpost - which seems identical to the original - it is written not apply grease it on but I had to..

That's because carbon paste is not grease...

[BeR]

Great!
Have you applied the grease for carbon parts on the seatpost ?

I had to because during the first ride it went down despite the right strenght on the bolt.
Btw, on the seatpost - which seems identical to the original - it is written not apply grease it on but I had to..

Carbon paste is mandatory (pictures).

I applied carbon paste and torque to only 4,5 N.m.

[MTB-Addicted]

Thanks but this is the original manual instruction! 

[BeR]

Thanks but this is the original manual instruction! 

It says grease, not carbon paste as said TidyDinosaur. It is different.

[lesdesirables]

Are there any other review for this frame? I think the store is called Apextorm now in aliexpress. Still considering this one or tantan x68.  Could this be from the same mold or tantan actually make their own?

[Sander2177]

Are there any other review for this frame? I think the store is called Apextorm now in aliexpress. Still considering this one or tantan x68.  Could this be from the same mold or tantan actually make their own?

o be honest, nobody really knows. Apparently, there are multiple manufacturers potentially producing this frame, but what we have on here is largely guesswork. Yes, it could be coming from the same mold, but that’s not certain. Have you read the X68 thread I appreciate it is long but it is worth the read

[Chriasp]

I have received a frame from Apexstorm and will list up some pros and cons for you guys below.

Cons:
1. I feel like the look of the frame is off, compared to a real SL8. Might be because of the paintwork and that it is size 58. Especially the front part. See attached picture.
2. The rear thru axle + derailleur hanger was so badly done that it stripped my thru axle bolt. Had to get it retapped and had to order a new Thru axle bolt.
3. The screws for front derailleur hanger is loose and I had a night mare to fasten it to the frame.
4. There was some extra carbon down the seat post insert, so I had to file some away to get space to place the seat post + DI2 battery.

Pros:
1. The paintwork is really well done!
2. The headset and cabling went really smooth when the above kinks had been sorted out.
3. The frame feels good and is responsive. Only done 650km/450 miles on it.


https://imgur.com/a/sweXrAZ


Over to something that has blown my mind is the Wheels from Xiamen Carbon Speed. They feel so amazing, weigh 1260g without tires.
50mm front and 60mm back wheel.

[SkylarRnD]

I have received a frame from Apexstorm and will list up some pros and cons for you guys below.

Cons:
1. I feel like the look of the frame is off, compared to a real SL8. Might be because of the paintwork and that it is size 58. Especially the front part. See attached picture.
2. The rear thru axle + derailleur hanger was so badly done that it stripped my thru axle bolt. Had to get it retapped and had to order a new Thru axle bolt.
3. The screws for front derailleur hanger is loose and I had a night mare to fasten it to the frame.
4. There was some extra carbon down the seat post insert, so I had to file some away to get space to place the seat post + DI2 battery.

Pros:
1. The paintwork is really well done!
2. The headset and cabling went really smooth when the above kinks had been sorted out.
3. The frame feels good and is responsive. Only done 650km/450 miles on it.


https://imgur.com/a/sweXrAZ


Over to something that has blown my mind is the Wheels from Xiamen Carbon Speed. They feel so amazing, weigh 1260g without tires.
50mm front and 60mm back wheel.

Which wheels did you get? I'm slowly debating cancelling my 9velo wheels

[Sander2177]

Which wheels did you get? I'm slowly debating cancelling my 9velo wheels

9Velo wheels look nice, no question — but realistically, you can get a very similar spec for $700 to even $1,000 less. I don’t really see the value unless there’s something very specific you’re after, like branding or a unique finish.

For example, Zen Carbon offers a 50/50 set with carbon spokes and 20/20 hubs for around $585 to $685 USD, depending on rider weight limit and final build weight. Add about $100 USD for shipping and taxes to the UK, and you’re still coming in way under what 9Velo is charging. Even something like XM Carbon Speed lands around $1,000 USD delivered — again, very competitive

[Tpower59]

+1
There's no secret sauce to wheels anymore, every test points towards the same rules of thumb. Also, peak torque basically stopped testing wheels because he spent countless hours testing them and never found any outlier. Deeper is better, blablabla, the usual stuff.

Now, if Hambini is shilling for it, you probably dont want to buy it. If influencers have discount codes for it, you're paying extra to feed them and the girl in the marketing department that organized the marketing campaign.
You are NOT getting more wheel for your money.

And so, 9velo, yeoleo, winspace and the likes just sell marked up stuff you can get for less, without the cringe branding.

And if you want to feed your influencer, send him straight up money and buy OEM wheels.

What about buying OEM wheels and putting stickers on it ?

[Sander2177]

What about buying OEM wheels and putting stickers on it ?

Well I have decal on my x68 but might actually re I’ve them to be honest.
Wheel no I like having my wheels blank was never a fan of decals even on my branded wheels