Wait a year and save for a big brand, or build a Chinese carbon frame now? Also

[pierrez21]

Hey everyone, I'm a teenager and I'm trying to decide between two options for my next gravel bike.
Option 1: wait another year, work and save, then buy a bike from a big brand like Cannondale or Scott, with a warranty and a dealer network.
Option 2: order now a LightCarbon LCG072-D frame (aero gravel, 50mm tire clearance, integrated cockpit, UDH), with Serenade carbon wheels and a SRAM Rival XPLR groupset. I'd sell my current Cannondale Topstone Carbon 3 to pay for it. The whole build would be around €2,700.
What would you do? Is it worth waiting for a big brand, or is a Chinese frame a good choice for a first custom build? Also, do you know any other gravel frame kits under €1,500, with at least 50mm of tire clearance, that I should look at? Thanks!

[simonstucki]

How tall are you? Do you think you might want a 32" bike in the future? Then keep the Topstone 3 for now and wait until there are more 32" options.

If you want to win races now, you could probably benefit from a LCG072-D, but even more so you should upgrade the wheels and tires of your Topstone 3 (if you haven't already). But of course training is the most important aspect.

Do you want to build a custom bike because that's something in itself that you want to do? Then go for it.

Also your not necessarily going to get a better bike from cannondale or scott than building a custom bike with a good chinese brand frame (it might even come from the same factory as the cannondale or scott). If you know what you are doing you can build a better bike or less. So to be honest, I don't think your asking the right question.
If you don't really know how to build a custom bike or don't really want to, get a complete bike (chinese or western).

[pierrez21]

Hey, thanks for the honest answer! Fair point, my question wasn't great. I'd like to learn more about geometry and be sure of my choice before I order anything. 32 inch is a good point, but I don't think I'll go that way, I'm not a big fan of the look. I'm taking my time, because there are so many Chinese frames I like, and I'm still looking for frames or cockpits where I can mount aero extensions. Also, where can I find photos of real builds, not just renders? Or maybe I should make a new post for that? Cheers!

[rovescio]

What are you unsatisfied with on your current carbon Topstone?
What are you goals with the new frame?
What are the features you're looking for that the Topstone doesn't have?

If you're on stock Topstone 3, I suspect a solid set of carbon gravel wheels plus splurging on some G-Ones is going to make the biggest difference.

If you really want electronic shifting, you can just upgrade that. Selling GRX parts is going to be substantially easier than selling a frameset.

Otherwise, I doubt a negligibly lighter frame, aero cockpit+seatpost etc will make a huge difference unless you're racing.

[pierrez21]

What are you unsatisfied with on your current carbon Topstone?
What are you goals with the new frame?
What are the features you're looking for that the Topstone doesn't have?

If you're on stock Topstone 3, I suspect a solid set of carbon gravel wheels plus splurging on some G-Ones is going to make the biggest difference.

If you really want electronic shifting, you can just upgrade that. Selling GRX parts is going to be substantially easier than selling a frameset.

Otherwise, I doubt a negligibly lighter frame, aero cockpit+seatpost etc will make a huge difference unless you're racing.

*You're right, to be honest. But my base Topstone weighs over 10.7 kilos, and I'm totally torn on whether to sell it or keep it.

If I sell it, I could get a more up-to-date gravel bike, because 45mm of tire clearance just isn't cutting it for me. Especially since 45s clog up and pack with mud really fast. Plus, it's not UDH compatible, and there's no in-frame storage.

Unfortunately, it's a 2024 model, but at the same time it already feels dated, if you know what I mean.

[Nickvvliet]

Change the BB to BSA, put Wheeltop Gex on it, including a carbon crank and carbon wheels from Aliexpress. I did this for a friend of mine who has the same topstone. It changed his bike and easily saved more than 1kg of weight. Btw his frame cleared 50mm g-ones (who measure less in reality).