Trustworthy and decent producers for endurance and aero frames

[Hoyda]

Hi everyone!

New member here. Thank God I came across this forum because I am in need of some serious help and advice. To keep things short, here's where I'm at and what I am trying to achieve: I own a local bike shop with some A-list brand dealerships. But over the past few years I’ve been yearning to be more unique, creative, and personal with my customers, so I am considering building my own little brand on the side.

After scouring the internet for a while, I’ve gotten really confused about who’s who and who’s producing what. The usual places all seem very sketchy (Alibaba), and many vendors have bad reviews either on the internet or on this forum.

I plan to start with 2 to 4 frames, but I expect to build about 50–100 bikes per year if things take off, with most of the frame sizes on the larger end (55cm up to 62cm) (Western Europe). To help keep things simple, I’m considering building 1 or 2 types of bikes at most: one endurance model and maybe an aero model. All models should be Di2 or AXS spec ready.

At Lightcarbon I found the model LCR017-D https://www.lightcarbon.com/lightcarbon-super-light-disc-brake-road-carbon-frameset-with-integrated-handlebar_p240.html, which looks very promising: UCI approved, T47, and 32mm max tire clearance. I’ve had some talks and seen some reviews, so I have a good feeling about this one. On the aero side I haven’t really had a breakthrough yet, but I do have my eye on the CFR-VT02 model from Carbonda https://carbonda.com/road/cfr-vt02.html. Neither seems to have a UDH as far as I can tell. Also, I can’t seem to find anyone offering alloy road bike frames with carbon forks?

Because I am a retailer, I may be able to achieve a bit more since I’m buying as an OEM. On the other hand, I do want to be fully compliant with EU regulations and safety standards. Above all, I want to offer my customers a trustworthy and obviously safe bike.

Is there anyone here who can help me out with this? Got some recommendations, tips, or tricks for me to consider? Any help would be massively appreciated.

– Joe

[Dark17]

There's a thread here regarding LCR017D. Yes there might be some issues but customer support is superb. Though of course, some members don't like the design of the down tube but most members have positive experience. Here's the thread if you want to read some reviews.

[Rebel_Yell]

I have ordered and am waiting on delivery of XM Carbon Speed R01 in a large.  Went with Peter and XMCS due to his reputation with products and the fit of the frame for me.

[Hoyda]

There's a thread here regarding LCR017D. Yes there might be some issues but customer support is superb. Though of course, some members don't like the design of the down tube but most members have positive experience. Here's the thread if you want to read some reviews.

Thank you, I did some reading in that thread and it seems pretty decent. Thanks!

I have ordered and am waiting on delivery of XM Carbon Speed R01 in a large.  Went with Peter and XMCS due to his reputation with products and the fit of the frame for me.

I'm going to look into that one, thank you!

[Dark17]

You may also try to look at Speeder/Adapt. They seem to be solid frame manufacturers. Also try to get in touch with LongTeng.

[Hoyda]

You may also try to look at Speeder/Adapt. They seem to be solid frame manufacturers. Also try to get in touch with LongTeng.

That Adapt DP-B02 looks pretty sweet for an aero model

I have ordered and am waiting on delivery of XM Carbon Speed R01 in a large.  Went with Peter and XMCS due to his reputation with products and the fit of the frame for me.

I've seen Peter being mentioned a few times, I assume its the Peter from XMCS. Good to know hes quite reputable.

[Hoyda]

Are Carbonda and QuickPro the same?

[Sakizashi]

Adapt would be interesting, and then you would be able to offer something that people would have a harder time giving you a hard time on price for.

I still haven't ridden it, but the LTK 266 D SL looks really impressive in person and is very light--though its not either an endurance or aero frame but a lightweight race bike that clears 35s. They would also need to open an extra-large mold for you, but I am guessing the bulk pricing on this frame would be very good.

One potential business angle for you with the LTK 266 D SL is to use the frame as a canvas for truly custom builds that are bundled with a bike fit. Because it's got really good headset compatibility, parts you already likely carry in your shop, like Token / Chris King / Enve, Deda, and FSA headsets, stems, and bars can all be made to fit. You can replace their saddle hardware with Ritchey hardware. Creating molds for custom bars or even seat posts may also be an investment you can make to further differentiate the frame, rather than owning the frame mold.

Are Carbonda and QuickPro the same?

Yes. I think a smaller B2B customer Carbonda is probably the right channel.

[Hoyda]

Adapt would be interesting, and then you would be able to offer something that people would have a harder time giving you a hard time on price for.

I still haven't ridden it, but the LTK 266 D SL looks really impressive in person and is very light--though its not either an endurance or aero frame but a lightweight race bike that clears 35s. They would also need to open an extra-large mold for you, but I am guessing the bulk pricing on this frame would be very good.

One potential business angle for you with the LTK 266 D SL is to use the frame as a canvas for truly custom builds that are bundled with a bike fit. Because it's got really good headset compatibility, parts you already likely carry in your shop, like Token / Chris King / Enve, Deda, and FSA headsets, stems, and bars can all be made to fit. You can replace their saddle hardware with Ritchey hardware. Creating molds for custom bars or even seat posts may also be an investment you can make to further differentiate the frame, rather than owning the frame mold.

Yes. I think a smaller B2B customer Carbonda is probably the right channel.

Wil take a deep dive into LTK 266 D SL. If indeed it's true what you say, it may be a very interesting model.

[Jeager]

You may also try to look at Speeder/Adapt. They seem to be solid frame manufacturers. Also try to get in touch with LongTeng.

Sorry for the off topic but do you know which wheels are on DP-02 model ? http://www.adapt-bikes.com/Products-detail?product_id=95 (I found nothing on their website)

[Sakizashi]

Sorry for the off topic but do you know which wheels are on DP-02 model ? http://www.adapt-bikes.com/Products-detail?product_id=95 (I found nothing on their website)

In addition to Tavelo, they run a wheel brand called Pertual. Pretty sure these are the Pertual Sharp 5258s. I still question why anyone would pay Enve / Roval wheel money for wheels not raced at the highest level, but that is what these are.