As I said before, I’m considering getting one of these frames and having it independently tested — WITH a CT scan or carbon layup analysis by a composite expert who operate close to me. Just to actually see what’s going on under the paint.
People are clearly interested — even if the thread replies are low, there are lukers
as these are the ones asking where to buy these frame from and asking me about the quality!!. Feel free to DM if you’ve got questions, or want to share experiences anonymously.
Thanks to the people who have said they are willing to contribute, there have been 1383 people view maybe people who have dipped in and out but enough people to maybe buy two frames as suggested the X68 and a decaled copy.
Here’s the link for anyone interested:
paypal.me/sanderson2177
Not sure how it’ll go, but I’ll keep everyone updated on the balance.
If we don’t raise enough, it could take a while to refund everyone — just being honest 😄
Open to other suggestions too, so feel free to share your thoughts if you have a better idea!
And here is some more information below!
Replica Frames: Layups, Factory Realities, and the T1100-T1000 Myth — More from Inside the IndustryAfter my last post I have still be gathering more information and apologies if I am repeating anything. I know this is a divisive topic, but interest is clearly there — I’ve had quite a few DMs from people who are lurking but curious. A lot of the info below may seem casual, but it’s the kind of stuff that rarely gets said out loud.
Here’s a deeper look into what they’ve shared with me recently:
1. Drawings ≠ LayupsYes, they’re using CAD model drawings sourced from original factories — but those don’t include carbon fiber layup data.
“In reality, it’s just a very precise 3D model — it doesn’t include the actual carbon fiber layering or fiber orientations.”
That means two frames made from the same model drawing can perform very differently, depending entirely on how the layup is handled.
2. The Real Art: Fiber OrientationThis is where real frame performance comes from.
“By adjusting the fiber orientation (0°, ±45°, 90°), we can achieve anisotropic mechanical properties. In areas that require stiffness (like the bottom bracket and head tube), we increase longitudinal layup. In areas meant to absorb shock (like the seat stays), we use angled layups.”
Each factory does this differently. There is no standard layup across replica frames, even if they come from similar drawings. And the material choice matters too.
“We use M30 material from Korea, which is second only to Toray. Those so-called ‘T1100 & T1000’ claims are just trying to fool you.”
So when you see a seller claiming “T1100 & T1000” — be wary. According to this seller, no one in the replica world is using it.
3.How Frames Are Really MadeMost sellers aren’t frame builders. They’re intermediaries.
“Yes, most people don’t actually own a factory — they just get hold of the design drawings and then look for an OEM factory to produce the frames. We’re the same.”
There’s even a recent case where the factory got the drawings themselves and just started producing (an S5 replica), selling to distributors directly. But:
“I don’t think a factory developing and producing on its own (just from drawings) will do a good job — because they don’t understand bicycles. They make all sorts of things — carbon fiber badminton rackets, carbon fiber car bumpers. 😂”
Without a seller pushing the factory through repeated testing and iteration, the result might look like a bike frame but not perform like one.
4. The Factory Goods Era Is Over
There was a time when (defective or leftover factory goods) were sneaking out of original production lines.
“In the past, some people did take defective products from the original factory and sell them — we called those ‘factory goods.’ But now that kind of thing no longer exists, as control has become much stricter.”
Raids and enforcement are real:
“We only hear bits and pieces, like ‘so-and-so got caught by the police,’ or ‘their factory got raided and over 50 SL8 frames were confiscated.’”
5. Matching Originals — Not 1:1, But CloseThey do buy genuine frames — for comparison, for paint matching, and to check component tolerances.
“We don’t dare guarantee a 1:1 replica; we can only say we try to get as close to the official version as possible.”
When it comes to paint and finish:
“We need genuine frames to match the colour tones and improve the level of accuracy.”
So if you’ve ever wondered why some replica paint jobs look dead-on and others look like knockoffs, this is why — some are actually colour-matched using real frames.
6. Spotting Low-Quality SellersThis bit is gold:
“Just ask them if it’s ‘T1000’ — if they say ‘yes’, then it’s definitely low-quality, no doubt about it 😉. They love to exaggerate.”
“Or, if you see T1000 or T1100 in the product title on their shop, no need to think twice — block them and run away fast 🤣”
Real materials? T800 & Korean M30. Consistent QC? Factory-dependent. Grand claims? Usually fake.
7. SL8: At Least Three Groups Making ItAs for the SL8, which a lot of people have asked me about — at least three separate groups are manufacturing it. According to the seller:
“A few of them are actually using the same carbon fiber factory. So the quality of the products they sell should be about the same.”
That said, branding and pricing varies — and some groups are even positioning themselves as “premium” sellers now
What’s Next?
