Community recommendations - what are your experiences

[Spongel]

Hey everyone,

I’m currently riding a Stevens Gavere 2024 in size 58 with a Shimano GRX 2x10 mechanical/hydraulic setup. I’m planning a budget-friendly Chinese carbon gravel / all-road build and would love to hear your recommendations.

I’m 185 cm / around 93 kg and mostly ride road, bike paths, hardpack gravel and forest roads. I’m not racing, but I want something that feels fast, modern and reliable.

What I’m looking for:

* Good bang-for-buck carbon gravel frameset
* 700C, ideally 45 mm+ tire clearance
* 12x100 / 12x142 thru axles
* Flat mount disc brakes
* Preferably BSA or T47 threaded BB
* Mechanical and/or electronic shifting compatibility
* Not too proprietary if possible
* Spare parts available
* Geometry suitable for ~185 cm rider

Frames I’ve looked at so far:

* BXT Gravel-135
* Carbonda CFR696 / CFR707
* ICAN gravel frames
* LightCarbon gravel frames
* TanTan / Seraph options

I found the BXT Gravel-135 on eBay for around €360, which seems like an insanely good price to me. That’s why I’m currently leaning towards it. However, I’d still like to keep the total frame budget below roughly €700–800, so I’m open to better options if they are worth the extra money.

Is there currently a “go-to” / ultimate bang-for-buck recommendation in the Chinese carbon gravel space?

I’m especially interested in real-world experience: build quality, tire clearance, headset routing, brake mount quality, seatpost issues, spare parts availability and which frame you would buy again today.

Thanks!

[Britton]

Hey man, I’m about to do the same. Sorry I don’t have direct experience but I’ve done PHd level research the last month. I really like Seraph GR201 aka Mondince FM296 aka Tideace Noah. Other honorable mentions are Mondince FM 336 and a new new not yet released Mondince FM346 with huge clearance and Chainstay /bottom bracket protectors on the frame.

I’m set on the Seraph gr201 frame. Just gotta find who of the Chinese vendors gives the best deal/support. Most likely will go with Seraph/TanTan directly. Wish you the best of luck on your build!  Keep us updated

[Spongel]

Hi there,

same here. Ive spent the last days and hours with measuring my body and my current bike and researching a lot. I mean a LOT. Thanks to AI and bikeinsights I am a lot smarter now.

I also thought a bit more about my riding style and the conclusion was that I may not need an ultra gravel monster with possibly up to 57 tire clearance. Since I mostly ride asphalt, bike roads and maybe light gravel sometimes I may should look for an all-road frame with a litte bit more tire clearance. I guess this is what is need..

When I searched for gravel frames I had this tierlist for me:

1) LightCarbon LCG071S-PRO 580 - when i want 45mm fast gravel
2) Carbonda CFR707 XL/530 - most rational price to value ratio
3) SPcycle G028 L — super cool Gravel-Project, but maybe too much gravelish

Right now I am thinking about the LightCarbon LCR018-D in 560 size. Would be the best match when riding 70-80% street. Think with 38 tires i would still be able to do some gravel trails. My current bike also only got 40 tires and i graveled single trails with it.


Does anybody know some other sporty but also quite relaxed/comfortable all-road frames which perform on the street aswell as in gravel?