Chinertown
Chinese Carbon Road Bikes => Road Bike Frames, Wheels & Components => Topic started by: BeR on February 03, 2025, 12:12:46 PM
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As there is a topic on the SL 8 from Tantan but many people are talking about other sellers, I decided (as suggested by Serge) to create another topic which will allow us to talk about other sellers.
For my part, I bought the frame in size 54 from CarbonCycleGear store on Aliexpress:
https://fr.aliexpress.com/store/1103601241
The frame weighs 869g (white paint included) and the fork 355g.
Communication with the seller is really perfect. He answers all questions even after receiving the frame.
I haven't been able to ride the bike yet but the quality looks really excellent as shown in the photos.
If you want other photos, don't hesitate to ask.
In short, there are certainly plenty of good sellers (and many less good ones) but I highly recommend this one.
I will keep you informed of the progress of the bike construction.
Feel free to ask anything.
DIsclaimer : I am not a expert of carbon nor a pro rider :D.
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Pictures of the weight.
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wow,wow,wow,wow, you got the best carbon. fact12 ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
top.
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Pictures of the weight.
The attention to detail with all the decals is beyond me haha
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The frame and paint job looks fantastic, wait for the first test rides!
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I will make a full review (probably next week).
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Nice frame and good weights for a white frame! awesome will follow your build, curious what you will use for components and how your final creation will look like..
Have fun with the build!
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As there is a topic on the SL 8 from Tantan but many people are talking about other sellers, I decided (as suggested by Serge) to create another topic which will allow us to talk about other sellers.
For my part, I bought the frame in size 54 from CarbonCycleGear store on Aliexpress:
https://fr.aliexpress.com/store/1103601241
The frame weighs 869g (white paint included) and the fork 355g.
Communication with the seller is really perfect. He answers all questions even after receiving the frame.
I haven't been able to ride the bike yet but the quality looks really excellent as shown in the photos.
If you want other photos, don't hesitate to ask.
In short, there are certainly plenty of good sellers (and many less good ones) but I highly recommend this one.
I will keep you informed of the progress of the bike construction.
Feel free to ask anything.
DIsclaimer : I am not a expert of carbon nor a pro rider :D.
Did they push you to WhatsApp to talk? I messaged them on AliEx and they said to message them on WhatsApp.
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I will make a full review (probably next week).
Keen to hear your review. Pictures look good. Weights look like the Pro layup instead of S-Works but that’s expected. Finish looks really nice. Curious how it rides.
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Did they push you to WhatsApp to talk? I messaged them on AliEx and they said to message them on WhatsApp.
Yes, They answer very quickly on WhatsApp.
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Nice frame and good weights for a white frame! awesome will follow your build, curious what you will use for components and how your final creation will look like..
Have fun with the build!
Ultegra Di2 and 45 mm depth wheels from Carbon Speed (DT 240 exp hub).
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Looks really well made inside, and that low weight is hard to ignore. well done, and let us know how it rides.
China keeps upping its game: a few years ago, frames that looked so neat inside at our price points simply didnt exist. i built a few velobuild bikes (GF 002, 003, and 168), they looked NOTHING like that inside.
Does a frame need to be pretty inside? no. but a carbon frame is a resin matrix of carbon fiber strands, so the fact it looks well compacted and neat inside can only be a positive.
The only caveat being not using enough material to meet weight targets. That, i guess you'd have to cut up a frame in 20 different places to measure wall thicknesses, unfortunately. So the vanity of being heavy and wanting to ride a super lightweight frame may be a bad idea.
I will make a review. Full build will be done in one week. Today, I "clean" the bottom bracket shell with a toothbrush and I was able to screw the BB only by the hand. I insert the crankset and It was without any difficulty.
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Headset bearings seat perfectly.
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WhatsApp number : +44 7935 640721
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Ultegra Di2 and 45 mm depth wheels from Carbon Speed (DT 240 exp hub).
Seems like a very good build you are up for!
How did you decide on the seller, the quality definately looks good but did you go through the process of checking different stores and ended up with "the one you had the best feeling?"
Also for the Wheelset - did you order from a specific re-seller or directly via CSC.
Thank you.
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Seems like a very good build you are up for!
How did you decide on the seller, the quality definately looks good but did you go through the process of checking different stores and ended up with "the one you had the best feeling?"
Also for the Wheelset - did you order from a specific re-seller or directly via CSC.
Thank you.
I can't wait to build the bike. My groupset should arrive tomorrow. I find that communication with Xiamen Carbon Speed is better than Farsports/ Wheelsfar. Their products are also high quality. I believe that everybody are happy with Xiamen Carbon Speed. Don't get me wrong, Farsports is also a high quality manufacturer.
But deal with Peter/Allen is wonderful.
For the saddle, I chose the Mixed 5D. The only update for my build will be GP 5000 tires. I have only classic GP.
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Beautiful build. Thanks for the detailed post and looking forward to your ride report but I'm pretty sure you'll be very happy. I still am since 8/2024!!
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I just ordered a frame from the same store!
Looking forward to getting it!
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Has anyone ever ordered directly from taiwaneisen.cc or directly from their store via Ali?
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Sorry where is everyone buying there frames from?
The original link BeR posted well the store shows nothing on it available so obviously closed down.
Messaged Tan Tan and they said that they manufacture there frame
So
Tan Tan
Taiwaneisen
Yoho Bike?
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Sorry where is everyone buying there frames from?
The original link BeR posted well the store shows nothing on it available so obviously closed down.
Messaged Tan Tan and they said that they manufacture there frame
So
Tan Tan
Taiwaneisen
Yoho Bike?
I just paid for a frame on the store originally linked in the first post here yesterday. Thankfully through AliExpress, so if it turns out to be a scam I am sorta protected.
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Has anyone ever ordered directly from taiwaneisen.cc or directly from their store via Ali?
Ordered mine direct from taiwaneisen last year and have been more than pleased.
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Sorry where is everyone buying there frames from?
The original link BeR posted well the store shows nothing on it available so obviously closed down.
Messaged Tan Tan and they said that they manufacture there frame
So
Tan Tan
Taiwaneisen
Yoho Bike?
I checked on my Aliexpress account and it is still available :
https://a.aliexpress.com/_Ey51kxi
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I checked on my Aliexpress account and it is still available :
https://a.aliexpress.com/_Ey51kxi
I can get to Aliexpress using the link on their page, but I can't see any frames/items here
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I can get to Aliexpress using the link on their page, but I can't see any frames/items here
Try a different browser.
I have the same problem in Chrome, but its fine in Firefox.
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I can get to Aliexpress using the link on their page, but I can't see any frames/items here
Yeah, same here, empty store.... (in firefox)
Maybe this is not a surprise since they are seller counterfeit frames.... I guess they will just close one store and start another when there are complaints...
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I contact now Taiwan Eisen Bike Store on AliExpress, waiting for response.
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Has anyone ever ordered directly from taiwaneisen.cc or directly from their store via Ali?
I did. After some emails with Peter, he guided me through Aliexpress order, it was fine
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Yeah, same here, empty store.... (in firefox)
Maybe this is not a surprise since they are seller counterfeit frames.... I guess they will just close one store and start another when there are complaints...
That is correct (for one month). Their store is this one :
https://www.aliexpress.com/store/1103561538
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Build is finished.
~7,1 kg.
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how did you find about stiffness ? i believe is very flexy bicycle. i don't know if original is stiffness but this is very soft
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Build is finished.
~7,1 kg.
Great build!
Might you pls share the headset bearings measures ?
Are they 49 or 52 ?
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how did you find about stiffness ? i believe is very flexy bicycle. i don't know if original is stiffness but this is very soft
How do you know that this one is flexible ? I have not tried it yet.
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Great build!
Might you pls share the headset bearings measures ?
Are they 49 or 52 ?
Same as original : 40.5 x 49.5 x 6.5
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How do you know that this one is flexible ? I have not tried it yet.
i have one too
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i have one too
From the same seller ? Power is not well transfered ? How is average speed ?
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More pictures.
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More pictures.
The bike looks absolutely fantastic, very good job! I don't know if this has already been asked, with what height or inside leg length do you ride the frame size 54?
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More pictures.
Amazing, looking forward to get mine!
Let me know how it rides.
Excited to see how my 58 looks compared to your 54
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From the same seller ? Power is not well transfered ? How is average speed ?
i make only one ride.
rear tail and bottom bracket looks very flexi for me.
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i make only one ride.
rear tail and bottom bracket looks very flexi for me.
and do you mean this flexibility positively or negatively?
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I wonder if the specialized anti fraud guy featured on that recent GCN video has any jurisdiction here. Between fake SL8 and fake Ostro threads, this forum has been seeing a massive increase in the promotion of counterfeit products.
For anyone reading, i think the consensus on this forum is still that buying fakes is cringe, but that we're all pretty much fine with clones (ie, no fake logos). But with an increasing number of posts about blatant fakes, it might not be so obvious anymore.
I also have a thread about why not to buy fakes, but one shop in particular that i had a bad interaction with has apparently been shipping very good frames to people in recent months, so the topic seems increasingly nuanced.
And another aspect to notice is the quantity of newcomers because of that. There's the good, the bad and the ugly. In any case no wonder the market is now flooded with fakes... honestly today, in second hand, not sure what one can trust anymore.
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First ride of 40 km with the bike.
As another user said, the frame is quite statically flexible at the bottom bracket, rear stay and front side fork.
However, when I rode the bike, I didn't feel this flexibility. I've only done 40 km but I'm looking forward to doing longer rides.
My weight is 76 kg and my maximum power is around 1000 W (low much, I know) and it met my expectations perfectly.
Honestly, I'm amazed by the frame for a first ride and I will keep you informed of my next rides.
The 38 cm cockpit is very nice and stiff, I sit perfectly on the bike and it makes you want to pusj the pedals.
My top speed was 55 km/h and it was very stable.
During sprints, it happens that the front disc can rub slightly on the caliper but it is light.
In short, I highly recommend the frame and look forward to ride it again.
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And another aspect to notice is the quantity of newcomers because of that. There's the good, the bad and the ugly. In any case no wonder the market is now flooded with fakes... honestly today, in second hand, not sure what one can trust anymore.
You can check the frame number and ask for the invoice.
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First ride of 40 km with the bike.
As another user said, the frame is quite statically flexible at the bottom bracket, rear stay and front side fork.
However, when I rode the bike, I didn't feel this flexibility. I've only done 40 km but I'm looking forward to doing longer rides.
My weight is 76 kg and my maximum power is around 1000 W (low much, I know) and it met my expectations perfectly.
Honestly, I'm amazed by the frame for a first ride and I will keep you informed of my next rides.
The 38 cm cockpit is very nice and stiff, I sit perfectly on the bike and it makes you want to pusj the pedals.
My top speed was 55 km/h and it was very stable.
During sprints, it happens that the front disc can rub slightly on the caliper but it is light.
In short, I highly recommend the frame and look forward to ride it again.
i made my second ride and the seatpost is so flexible. probably i ll by original
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Hi
3rd ride with Taiwanesen frame, 260km overall.
The frame simply “sails”, from 30km/h you can check this very easily.
I have set the presure at 3.8psi front and 3.9 rear (internal rim width 23mm) and this makes the bike very comfortable.
I do not know how to objectively assess the fork and bottom bracket stiffness, apart from during some sprints. Any ideas ?
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Hi
3rd ride with Taiwanesen frame, 260km overall.
The frame simply “sails”, from 30km/h you can check this very easily.
I have set the presure at 3.8psi front and 3.9 rear (internal rim width 23mm) and this makes the bike very comfortable.
I do not know how to objectively assess the fork and bottom bracket stiffness, apart from during some sprints. Any ideas ?
You can do something like this :
https://youtu.be/JpEFU4bsl_c
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Second ride of 60 km. I really like it. No problem at all (no seatpost slipping, ...). It speeds up very quickly. I will do a longer ride this weekend.
The ride is not harsh with a 28 mm tire.
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Great!
Have you applied the grease for carbon parts on the seatpost ?
I had to because during the first ride it went down despite the right strenght on the bolt.
Btw, on the seatpost - which seems identical to the original - it is written not apply grease it on but I had to..
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Great!
Have you applied the grease for carbon parts on the seatpost ?
I had to because during the first ride it went down despite the right strenght on the bolt.
Btw, on the seatpost - which seems identical to the original - it is written not apply grease it on but I had to..
That's because carbon paste is not grease...
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Great!
Have you applied the grease for carbon parts on the seatpost ?
I had to because during the first ride it went down despite the right strenght on the bolt.
Btw, on the seatpost - which seems identical to the original - it is written not apply grease it on but I had to..
Carbon paste is mandatory (pictures).
I applied carbon paste and torque to only 4,5 N.m.
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Thanks but this is the original manual instruction! ;D
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Thanks but this is the original manual instruction! ;D
It says grease, not carbon paste as said TidyDinosaur. It is different.
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Are there any other review for this frame? I think the store is called Apextorm now in aliexpress. Still considering this one or tantan x68. Could this be from the same mold or tantan actually make their own?
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Are there any other review for this frame? I think the store is called Apextorm now in aliexpress. Still considering this one or tantan x68. Could this be from the same mold or tantan actually make their own?
o be honest, nobody really knows. Apparently, there are multiple manufacturers potentially producing this frame, but what we have on here is largely guesswork. Yes, it could be coming from the same mold, but that’s not certain. Have you read the X68 thread I appreciate it is long but it is worth the read
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I have received a frame from Apexstorm and will list up some pros and cons for you guys below.
Cons:
1. I feel like the look of the frame is off, compared to a real SL8. Might be because of the paintwork and that it is size 58. Especially the front part. See attached picture.
2. The rear thru axle + derailleur hanger was so badly done that it stripped my thru axle bolt. Had to get it retapped and had to order a new Thru axle bolt.
3. The screws for front derailleur hanger is loose and I had a night mare to fasten it to the frame.
4. There was some extra carbon down the seat post insert, so I had to file some away to get space to place the seat post + DI2 battery.
Pros:
1. The paintwork is really well done!
2. The headset and cabling went really smooth when the above kinks had been sorted out.
3. The frame feels good and is responsive. Only done 650km/450 miles on it.
https://imgur.com/a/sweXrAZ
Over to something that has blown my mind is the Wheels from Xiamen Carbon Speed. They feel so amazing, weigh 1260g without tires.
50mm front and 60mm back wheel.
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I have received a frame from Apexstorm and will list up some pros and cons for you guys below.
Cons:
1. I feel like the look of the frame is off, compared to a real SL8. Might be because of the paintwork and that it is size 58. Especially the front part. See attached picture.
2. The rear thru axle + derailleur hanger was so badly done that it stripped my thru axle bolt. Had to get it retapped and had to order a new Thru axle bolt.
3. The screws for front derailleur hanger is loose and I had a night mare to fasten it to the frame.
4. There was some extra carbon down the seat post insert, so I had to file some away to get space to place the seat post + DI2 battery.
Pros:
1. The paintwork is really well done!
2. The headset and cabling went really smooth when the above kinks had been sorted out.
3. The frame feels good and is responsive. Only done 650km/450 miles on it.
https://imgur.com/a/sweXrAZ
Over to something that has blown my mind is the Wheels from Xiamen Carbon Speed. They feel so amazing, weigh 1260g without tires.
50mm front and 60mm back wheel.
Which wheels did you get? I'm slowly debating cancelling my 9velo wheels
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Which wheels did you get? I'm slowly debating cancelling my 9velo wheels
9Velo wheels look nice, no question — but realistically, you can get a very similar spec for $700 to even $1,000 less. I don’t really see the value unless there’s something very specific you’re after, like branding or a unique finish.
For example, Zen Carbon offers a 50/50 set with carbon spokes and 20/20 hubs for around $585 to $685 USD, depending on rider weight limit and final build weight. Add about $100 USD for shipping and taxes to the UK, and you’re still coming in way under what 9Velo is charging. Even something like XM Carbon Speed lands around $1,000 USD delivered — again, very competitive
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+1
There's no secret sauce to wheels anymore, every test points towards the same rules of thumb. Also, peak torque basically stopped testing wheels because he spent countless hours testing them and never found any outlier. Deeper is better, blablabla, the usual stuff.
Now, if Hambini is shilling for it, you probably dont want to buy it. If influencers have discount codes for it, you're paying extra to feed them and the girl in the marketing department that organized the marketing campaign.
You are NOT getting more wheel for your money.
And so, 9velo, yeoleo, winspace and the likes just sell marked up stuff you can get for less, without the cringe branding.
And if you want to feed your influencer, send him straight up money and buy OEM wheels.
What about buying OEM wheels and putting stickers on it ?
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What about buying OEM wheels and putting stickers on it ?
Well I have decal on my x68 but might actually re I’ve them to be honest.
Wheel no I like having my wheels blank was never a fan of decals even on my branded wheels
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Well I have decal on my x68 but might actually re I’ve them to be honest.
Wheel no I like having my wheels blank was never a fan of decals even on my branded wheels
I should remove them from Peter’s D50C33U wheels then
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I should remove them from Peter’s D50C33U wheels then
No it’s my opinion thats all.
You do what make you happy mate you like the decals leave them on
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Good morning everyone. I'm interested in buying one or more SL8 replicas for myself and some friends, but I need to know of a reliable manufacturer. I contacted Tantan to see if they could make S-W handlebars and paint, but they said no. Now I have a lot of contacts on AliExpress, but I don't know which one to choose. I've also seen the Yohoo option. So I'm still undecided.
Can anyone recommend a manufacturer that does good work with carbon fiber?
Thanks a lot.
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Good morning everyone. I'm interested in buying one or more SL8 replicas for myself and some friends, but I need to know of a reliable manufacturer. I contacted Tantan to see if they could make S-W handlebars and paint, but they said no. Now I have a lot of contacts on AliExpress, but I don't know which one to choose. I've also seen the Yohoo option. So I'm still undecided.
Can anyone recommend a manufacturer that does good work with carbon fiber?
Thanks a lot.
Buying counterfeits causes erectile dysfunction. Don't do it.
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Buying counterfeits causes erectile dysfunction. Don't do it.
As soon as you are sitting on the bike, you are getting a flat ... and I am not talking about the wheels ;D
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Good morning everyone. I'm interested in buying one or more SL8 replicas for myself and some friends, but I need to know of a reliable manufacturer. I contacted Tantan to see if they could make S-W handlebars and paint, but they said no. Now I have a lot of contacts on AliExpress, but I don't know which one to choose. I've also seen the Yohoo option. So I'm still undecided.
Can anyone recommend a manufacturer that does good work with carbon fiber?
Thanks a lot.
Can anyone recommend a manufacturer that does good work with carbon fiber?
Now… let’s think about that sentence for a moment. ;D
“Can I recommend criminals selling counterfeit frames who do good work with carbon fibre?” ;D
I can tell you who sells them, sure — that part is easy.
The “good work” part is where it all falls apart. They’re counterfeit frames at the end of the day, with all the risks that come with that.
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Can anyone recommend a manufacturer that does good work with carbon fiber?
Now… let’s think about that sentence for a moment. ;D
“Can I recommend criminals selling counterfeit frames who do good work with carbon fibre?” ;D
I can tell you who sells them, sure — that part is easy.
The “good work” part is where it all falls apart. They’re counterfeit frames at the end of the day, with all the risks that come with that.
Well your X68 is in the gray zone
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The reason we're writing in this section of the forum is to share common ground, etc. It's clear that buying replicas isn't legal, but for me, paying 6k for a carbon frame isn't either. On that note, not all replica carbon frame manufacturers work with carbon fiber in the same way. I know many people who have been racing with replica frames for several years; they all get them from a guy here who has a contact with a manufacturer who's proven to be very good, but he takes a commission (as is normal). Therefore, I'd like to find a contact like that. I respect the opinion of everyone who thinks it's not legal, but I'm not asking for your opinion; I'm asking for a reliable contact. Thanks a lot, guys.
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Well your X68 is in the gray zone
I wont disagree but I went in eyes wide open when I bought that one
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The reason we're writing in this section of the forum is to share common ground, etc. It's clear that buying replicas isn't legal, but for me, paying 6k for a carbon frame isn't either. On that note, not all replica carbon frame manufacturers work with carbon fiber in the same way. I know many people who have been racing with replica frames for several years; they all get them from a guy here who has a contact with a manufacturer who's proven to be very good, but he takes a commission (as is normal). Therefore, I'd like to find a contact like that. I respect the opinion of everyone who thinks it's not legal, but I'm not asking for your opinion; I'm asking for a reliable contact. Thanks a lot, guys.
Taiwan Eisen used to be considered reliable, but he was reportedly arrested last year and a lot of people were left without support after placing orders. I’ve been riding an X68 since last year; TanTan won’t apply brand decals, but for around $795 USD it has performed well so far.
Some riders have been buying from RK and Polar. Their frames cost a bit more—around $1,000 USD—but they’re offering weights comparable to high‑end models. The finishing quality is noticeably better too, and the bottom bracket and brake mounts come properly faced, much like the genuine branded frames.
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Taiwan Eisen used to be considered reliable, but he was reportedly arrested last year and a lot of people were left without support after placing orders. I’ve been riding an X68 since last year; TanTan won’t apply brand decals, but for around $795 USD it has performed well so far.
Some riders have been buying from RK and Polar. Their frames cost a bit more—around $1,000 USD—but they’re offering weights comparable to high‑end models. The finishing quality is noticeably better too, and the bottom bracket and brake mounts come properly faced, much like the genuine branded frames.
Thank you so much, friend! This comment has been very helpful. Tantan continues to really catch my attention. If you have any links for Polar or RK, I would greatly appreciate it. I need to evaluate both, and if not, I'll join your group with Tantan x68. ❤️
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Buying counterfeits causes erectile dysfunction. Don't do it.
Ereptile dysfunction is what made dinosaurs die actually
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BeR ... do you happen to have a link to the store you purchased the frame from and where did you get your Di2 Ultegra group set ?
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BeR ... do you happen to have a link to the store you purchased the frame from and where did you get your Di2 Ultegra group set ?
All of my groupsets come from :
https://cyclegears.net/
Good price, fast shipping, tax free, well packaged.
RK is :
https://www.aliexpress.com/store/home.html?shopId=1103853735&pagePath=index.htm
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^^ Thx !!!
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That store is closed. Does somebody have a link to the Taiwan eisen AliExpress store?
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That store is closed. Does somebody have a link to the Taiwan eisen AliExpress store?
PM
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didn't receive a PM