LTK266-D-SL, race frame, 680g, <800g w/paint & metal parts (M), fits 35mm+ tires

[Sakizashi]

I don't think there is a thread for this frame yet. I spotted it earlier today, and while conservative in terms of design, it ticks a lot of boxes for someone looking for a frame that can handle a bit of cross, light gravel, and road riding.

Things I like:

• 35mm Tire clearance This is conservative. I expected 4mm of clearance with 35mm tires. I have measured ~8mm of clearance with 33WAM tires and ~6mm of clearance with 37mm WAM tires
  
• Pretty standard road geometry--chain stays at 410mm are a little longer than I would like, but still plenty short Yes. It handles and climbs like a very good road bike. Very TCR like.
  
• Designed to mimic the Giant TCR in terms of stiffness numbers and feel (per the information listed on the website for the Permeants St-09 version)
• UDH
• T47i (85.5mm)
• Weight, they are claiming 760g frame and 325g fork including metal parts for a matte painted bare frame and like 20g more for a transparent green Time style paint. The seatpost weighs 98g and appears to use Ritchey-style hardware. This is likely >250g lighter than something like the SP cycle R088. EDIT: Given the weights posted here, S and M frames should be sub 800g with accessories and lighter-weight paint jobs. These weights have been verified and are realistic. The 680g marketing weight for the bare frame is also likely a very real number. Frame seems to match up well numbers wise with the Seka Spear RDC and the Elilee Blize XXE. Absolutely bonkers at this price.
  
• Claimed T1100, T1000, M65 blend. If true this is a nice high-end blend of medium-mod / high-strength and high-mod fibers
• Standard 1.5in headset Based on what we have seen so far, your best option is probably to buy a FSA No55R (40x51.8x8mm 36°/45°) headset separately and look for a FSA compatible stem / one-piece barstem
  

Things I don't like:

• Only one fork offset across the range, they should have a 50mm offset for the smallest 2 sizes IMO
• Stacks are a little high for a true race bike in the L, XL, and XXL.
• I personally think a few more MM BB drop would be nice, assuming a 30mm or 32mm tire size rather than 28mm will be run with this frame.
• Does not come with good rubber accessories. There are no rubber plugs to block the holes for unused mechanical cables for the FD or for the RD routing if wireless. The seatpost clamp cover looks like it was inspired by a napkin. See the notes below in the "Things to consider when ordering this frame" section for alternatives.
  

I have no idea about the price, but overall this looks like really nice option for a build. The price for the bare frame (no headset or thru-axles) with clear coat is currently $610/unit. We should expect this to fluctuate based on demand, availability, and currency conversion as we are dealing with a factory here.

https://www.ltbikes.com/index/products/view/id/421.html

EDIT: Now that these bikes are out in the wild, I have added comments in red

EDIT2: Adding content to this post to reflect some build hints and purchase configurations.

Things to consider when ordering this frame:

• Sizes S, M, L, XL, and XXL are now available to order and appear to be shipping to customers. This is an expansion of the range, as originally only S, M, and L sizes were offered. Alisa at LTK indicated that they needed to see demand before they expanded the offering, so it seems like we were successful.
• Speaking of Alisa, her contact is: longtengalisa@163.com. You can also contact her through the contact fork at LTbikes.com.
• You can also find a similar site Longtengbike.com, which leads you to Rex who is active on this forum.
• The frame is also available from Permants as the ST-09, Tideace as the CR266-D, and Haideli bikes as the CR266-D. Eddy from Haideli is also here on the forum.
• Per above, it seems like sourcing an FSA ACR No 55R LS headset is probably something you should do. FSA also sells the following headsets that are similar; FSA ACR No 55R STD (compatible but uses a different upper bearing, has slightly less internal space than the LS and cant quite do as tight of a hose bend as the LS), FSA no. 69 SRS (Compatible), FSA no 69/DUAL/56 SRS (not compatible, i think).
• LTK does sell an integrated barstem, but given current reviews, you are strongly advised to purchase a different bar. The LTK integrated barstem appears to use a proprietary spacer stack (poorly made and heavy). The barstem is also ~100g heavier than competitors in similar sizes, and there are doubts regarding the supplied bearing and C ring. Alternatives in this thread include the Tavelo Avro (@klrdd's build) and the XMCS one-piece (@BeeMC's build). The latter might be attractive because it does not require an adapter to interface with the FSA ACR headsets.
• My own build uses a two-piece bar and stem. The obvious choice here is the FSA SMR stem, but it is a bit heavy for a build like this. There are custom options available to integrate in lighter stems, incl. the Kalloy Uno, with this frame.
• Based on the contents of the thread so far, it seems prudent to order from LTK, the frameset + thru axles. This will come with one SL UDH hanger, an FD mount, both 7mm and 9mm saddle mount hardware, and an integrated seat post wedge.
• The standard clear appears to be tinted dark to hide some of the rough areas. On request it appears you can order a "clear clear" vs. the standard "black clear." Not sure what to make of this, but its likely informative to folks who want to get that "raw carbon" look.
• This frame does NOT include a Di2 battery mount. @Oker_s as a 3D printed solution and he as offered the .stl file to interested folks. I also believe the larger size Shimano one should work.
• An alternative seatpost clamp cover that fits aesthetically well is the one for the 2021 Giant Defy. Part No. 1724-SPSHIM-901. The cover looks great on the front, but it has additional overhang on the rear. Most people would consider this to be a significant upgrade over the original. Credit to @Oker_s for the find. A second alternative is to print one out of TPU. An STL file with my design is attached to this post.
• If you need to block up holes in the frame (e.g., the mechanical FD cable opening), I strongly recommend Tesa's Sugru. It's cheap, easy to mold into a plug that looks good, and removable with a pick or a set of tweezers.
• While some of the supplied accessories and rubber parts are low quality, the overall frame is high quality, and the few that are built have very impressed owners. Hopefully, more will be built and ridden, so we can see if this frame really belongs in the conversation for the best open-mold road frames available.

Build Inspo from this thread:
"Official" build from @Eddy-haideli. Size S


@bedampft DuraAce Di2, "Mixtape" vinyl wrap, and Giant Contact SLR Bar + Stem. Size L


@sakizashi SRAM 1x Rival E1/D1 mix all-road build w/ kalloy uno stem and Hope RX2 calipers. Size M


@klrdd Sram Force E1 AXS roadbuild w/Tavelo barstem. Size L


@BeeMC Lightweight Sram mix w/ XMCS barstem. Size S


@TidyDinosaur Flyweight sub-6.2kg build with Avian barstem. Size S


u/sundayvacation from r/chinesecarbon. AXS mix, LB Aria wheelset, Tavelo barstem, Pantone Warm Grey 8C paint. Size M


@Halfshark Di2 build w/ riser barstem. Size M


@MARIOVL Permeants St-09 Di2 build. Size S


@alexgaignard Di2 build with LTK barstem and AeroRaptor Wheels. Size M


@OGLuka, Di2, Magene TEO carbon crankset, Light Carbon HBR17 barstem. Size XL

[SkylarRnD]

I just sent Alisa a message about this frame so I'll report back if I get info.

[SkylarRnD]

I need everyone to send her an email and ask them when they are gonna make them in XL sizing please!!! Lol they only have S/M/L sizes and I would LOVE an XL. This frame fits all my needs! The transparent green is super pretty also.

[pavlo.k]

I need everyone to send her an email and ask them when they are gonna make them in XL sizing please!!! Lol they only have S/M/L sizes and I would LOVE an XL. This frame fits all my needs! The transparent green is super pretty also.

That's typical unfortunately. As a tall guy myself I came across multiple vendors that despite having larger sizes on their geometry charts never actually manufactured a single frame. I don't want to be a doomer here but I'm afraid they simply don't have the mold for XL. Hope I'm wrong, though, geo looks pretty good in XL

[Tpower59]

Hum the geometry table on their page displays size XL ?

[SkylarRnD]

Hum the geometry table on their page displays size XL ?

It sure does...however it's 'not being made unless consumer demands it'. That was the response I got from them.

[Tpower59]

I will e-mail them then I want one

[SkylarRnD]

Long Teng being themselves, launching new frames in complete anonymity At least you know you're not paying for the marketing department...
Looks very nice, it ticks a LOT of boxes for anyone who doesn't want an aero bike.
Someone please ask Alisa for a quote, i'm very curious. My 268 was about 400$, but doesn't use fancy fibers. So, curious how much that one costs.
It's probably fair to assume this is another open mould.

Price quote from Alisa

 For the model LTK266-SL , it's our new super light road frame set ,  it's full integrated mold without any joints , with UDH rear hanger , T47[86mm] BB and the max tire is 35C . The available size are S/M/L  .

   The price of the frame set is $610/set (Frame+Fork+Seat post) in UD Black matte or glossy finish . We can also provide you with the matched axle $25/Pair (Front and Rear) and rear hanger for spare $6/pcs .

         Yes , we can do translucent green frame and a white fork for you . For the painting , you need to pay extra $85 for it .

         Now ,we have the model in size S/M/L in raw finish in stock .

[Dr J]

This is an interesting frame. i think price might drop over time a little. I do still think that the R088 from SPcycle is a better deal for the money right now.

[neobiker]

Thank you for that. They're getting expensive. It's way, way more than their previous models. Higher quality stuff, sure, but it's still unclear to me whether one can feel the difference irl, especially once you've put tyres that measure 34+mm on it.
I got to find a friend who wants one in my size so i can try it and see what the T1100 fuss is about
The tube shapes are also super minimalist. The fork is super skinny, the down tube looks bland, the rear has very little character. I wish they'd make that more aero looking like Peter's GT frame.
Basically, it looks much slower than my 268. For a lot more money.
But 35C, cheaper than Peter's GT, with high end materials, which makes a LOT of other frames look overpriced AF (such as the entire inventory of panda podium). Although, to be fair, the ER:One looks a lot gangsterer (yes i made that up) than the 266. But the specs are "the same" and the price difference is staggering.

It depends on your home currency. The dollar lost 10% of its value since the start of the year, and 15%-20% since 3. Adding inflation and you see they are not unreasonable.

[INSVNX]

I received this frame about a month ago. Alisa is great at answering detailed questions. She seems very professional and was always helpful. I placed my order on the 17th of May and received it around the 13th or 14th of June.

I ordered size S, and as far as I can tell, the frame is almost perfect. There's a small gap that looks like a void or chip, but it’s nothing to worry about. It’s so small that I didn’t even notice it at first glance. Everything else looks great. The inside of the frame is ultra smooth. I need to clean the T47 threads because they look dirty — it seems like some stuff got in there. But again, that’s nothing unusual; you kind of expect to do some minor maintenance with OEM frames. For around $700–750, it’s hard to find a better frame, and if the T1000 + T1100 carbon info is true, then that’s an amazing deal.

As for the weight — my frame in size S, including both hangers, weighs around 730–740g. I’m happy with that.

I'll try to post some photos of the frame later. Here's how it looks, very minimalistic and I like Scott Addict RC 2025 paintjob so got inspired by that as a base. I will be adding some small details myself.

[jonathanf2]

It's like a high end version of the SPcycle R088. It weighs less and has a more flexible T47 bottom bracket. It's frames like this that make going the Chinese carbon route far more interesting. I don't see the point going for a knock-off like the X68! 

[Sakizashi]

I received this frame about a month ago. Alisa is great at answering detailed questions. She seems very professional and was always helpful. I placed my order on the 17th of May and received it around the 13th or 14th of June.

I ordered size S, and as far as I can tell, the frame is almost perfect. There's a small gap that looks like a void or chip, but it’s nothing to worry about. It’s so small that I didn’t even notice it at first glance. Everything else looks great. The inside of the frame is ultra smooth. I need to clean the T47 threads because they look dirty — it seems like some stuff got in there. But again, that’s nothing unusual; you kind of expect to do some minor maintenance with OEM frames. For around $700–750, it’s hard to find a better frame, and if the T1000 + T1100 carbon info is true, then that’s an amazing deal.

As for the weight — my frame in size S, including both hangers, weighs around 730–740g. I’m happy with that.

I'll try to post some photos of the frame later. Here's how it looks, very minimalistic and I like Scott Addict RC 2025 paintjob so got inspired by that as a base. I will be adding some small details myself.

Thanks for the photos. I am currently working through the order process. I've been full up on bikes for a while, needing to let one go to make room for another build, but I think this is worth getting. The order process is a little too complicated in the sense that I wish Alisa would send me a form with options, allowing me to review the list, and then provide a quote. That said, she has been great so far.

Regarding pricing, it's pretty fair. There aren't many options like it on the market, and their costs have likely increased as well due to trade politics and currency fluctuations, among other factors. According to Alisa, the 35mm clearance is also 6mm, not 4mm, of clearance, so the clearance spec is more similar to what Trek does rather than some brands that use the ISO 4210 carve-out for road-only bikes. For example this frame should have more clearance than an Enve Melee and similar to a Time ADHX.

Thank you for that. They're getting expensive. It's way, way more than their previous models. Higher quality stuff, sure, but it's still unclear to me whether one can feel the difference irl, especially once you've put tyres that measure 34+mm on it.
I got to find a friend who wants one in my size so i can try it and see what the T1100 fuss is about
The tube shapes are also super minimalist. The fork is super skinny, the down tube looks bland, the rear has very little character. I wish they'd make that more aero looking like Peter's GT frame.
Basically, it looks much slower than my 268. For a lot more money.
But 35C, cheaper than Peter's GT, with high end materials, which makes a LOT of other frames look overpriced AF (such as the entire inventory of panda podium). Although, to be fair, the ER:One looks a lot gangsterer (yes i made that up) than the 266. But the specs are "the same" and the price difference is staggering.

We have a different wish list, lol. The aero difference between an aero stylized frame and one like this is tough to measure. If you conduct your testing on a velodrome or out-and-back loop without a sensor, you end up testing only shallow yaw angles, and there is essentially no measurable difference. Meanwhile, changing your helmet can be a measurable improvement. I'm not saying that frame aero doesn't matter at all, but it's not going to be a reason for me to buy or not buy an open mold frame, especially since I suspect nothing beyond basic CFD is being done on frames at this price point. However, I also love XMCarbonspeed's aesthetic. Clearly inspired by Pinarello, but with straighter lines.

This bike also isnt going to replace my custom road bike as my go-fast bike; this will be setup more as a cross bike / allroad commuter type. It likely won't have the gearing to try and drop anyone at 48km/h+

[Lotnik]

I've asked about XL frame and when it will be ready. Here's the answer:
It's hard to say , because now there's no much demand in size XL in the market . If there's order 30-50 sets , we can condsider to make the XL mold .

    Thanks for your understanding !

That's pitty, because it's standard 56/57 cm frame for western world.

[Rapha]

Hi everyone,

I am a newly registered user after I've been following several threads for quite some time. I got interested in Chinese carbon frames and components during a recent business trip to Shenzhen where I spotted some interesting builds. During my research, I also came across LTBIKE and their LTK266-D-SL frameset looks very promising. The headtube is a bit bulky for my taste but the overall design and specs look great.

Has anyone seen/assembled a complete build and if yes, could you please post some pictures? It's nice to see different images of an actual frame but only a full build makes the picture complete ;-)

Thanks in advance and happy to be part of the community and to exchange with you guys!