Wanted to share my build of the Lightcarbon LCR18, first post on Chinertown so hi everyone!!
For context: I came off a rim brake 2019 Supersix Evo. This build cost $3300 AUD, weighs just over 8kg with Ultegra Di2 and budget carbon wheels. I'm a weekend rider, ~4hrs/week, 3w/kg threshold, 900w sprint, just basically an average punter :'(
Ordering: Placed order with Carol at LC on Sept 7th, frame arrived Sept 23rd. Size 50, UD matte black, 110/38 bar. Skipped custom paint to avoid getting sad over inevitable paint chips ($1120 AUD)
Quality: No voids I could see (no endoscope though), brake mounts/BB faced properly, headset seats held on to bearings firmly, supplied BB threaded in by hand with no issue. Downtube storage doesn't rattle even without any brake liner. Handlebars are step up from my old Kocevlo ones definitely.
The build itself:
Cutting the fork was the scariest part, but luckily got it first try with a hacksaw, 32 TPI blade, and a guide.
Hose routing through the bar was fiddly, broke a tool but got there with some needle nose pliers.
Didn't torque the BB properly
Magene P515 crankset (280 AUD from Taobao) needed some spacers to remove play, no creaking 100km in. Paired fine with phone/computer via the Chinese Magene app.
Ultegra Di2 (1200 AUD off Taobao) is nice but not life-changing coming from Dura Ace 9100 rim brake. Honestly think I prefer the tactile feedback on mechanical and slamming up and down the cassette but I appreciate that this needs less maintenance (fingers crossed!)
Brake bleeding was a pain, my funnel cup kept leaked, contaminated a pad/rotor, but I've got new ones on the way.
Superteam Classic wheels are fine and do the job. I wanted Tagoola Cure but they were out of stock at the time.
On the road: Very stable thanks to longer wheelbase/trail, definitely not as twitchy as the Supersix, but this is reasonable for an endurance frame. Can't really judge speed difference yet, but the aero tuck with 90 degree elbows is easier with the higher stack/shorter cranks. Chipseal transmits more vibration up front than the supersix I think because of the bigger tubing so fat tyres are a must. I bought 30c but regret not going 32 or 34. The bar's 8mm rise pushes your shoulders inward when resting hands on the flats because of the curve. Not a huge issue but not the biggest fan of this design choice. At least it looks pretty cool. Rear end is noticeably more compliant than the front (maybe from dropped seat stays?)
Annoyances: Downtube storage doesn't fit my pump so I still need a saddle bag, thru axles need allen key (does anyone know if I can get thru axles with a handle anywhere that fit?), seatpost bolts hard to torque. Seatpost slippage was a non-issue with some carbon paste though.
Overall: Way smoother build than expected. Get a bike stand if you're doing this solo but I had help balancing the frame around and still recommend one. Value is insane, cheapest comparable brand new bike here in Aus (Polygon Strattos with Ultegra) is $700 more and comes with no power meter, wrong saddle, one-piece bar/stem, and wrong crank length. Carol from LC was responsive daily. No obvious frame defects to the naked eye, very happy with it, would buy from them again - maybe the LCR20!!
