Chinertown

Chinese Carbon Road Bikes => Road Bike Frames, Wheels & Components => Topic started by: BeR on February 03, 2025, 12:12:46 PM

Title: SL 8 clone
Post by: BeR on February 03, 2025, 12:12:46 PM
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.
Title: Re: SL 8 clone
Post by: BeR on February 05, 2025, 03:18:08 AM
Pictures of the weight.
Title: Re: SL 8 clone
Post by: pandinoyoung on February 05, 2025, 03:45:10 AM
wow,wow,wow,wow, you got the best carbon. fact12 ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
top.
Title: Re: SL 8 clone
Post by: Dan S. on February 05, 2025, 04:29:31 AM
Pictures of the weight.

The attention to detail with all the decals is beyond me haha
Title: Re: SL 8 clone
Post by: planet_sammy on February 05, 2025, 07:40:53 AM
The frame and paint job looks fantastic, wait for the first test rides!
Title: Re: SL 8 clone
Post by: BeR on February 05, 2025, 10:00:57 AM
I will make a full review (probably next week).
Title: Re: SL 8 clone
Post by: estingo on February 06, 2025, 08:53:05 AM
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!
Title: Re: SL 8 clone
Post by: Serge_K on February 06, 2025, 09:26:26 AM
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.
Title: Re: SL 8 clone
Post by: Eddy_Twerckx on February 06, 2025, 06:13:26 PM
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.
Title: Re: SL 8 clone
Post by: Eddy_Twerckx on February 07, 2025, 05:57:28 AM
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.
Title: Re: SL 8 clone
Post by: BeR on February 07, 2025, 07:58:14 AM
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.
Title: Re: SL 8 clone
Post by: BeR on February 07, 2025, 07:59:14 AM
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).
Title: Re: SL 8 clone
Post by: BeR on February 07, 2025, 08:01:34 AM
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.
Title: Re: SL 8 clone
Post by: BeR on February 07, 2025, 08:06:26 AM
Headset bearings seat perfectly.
Title: Re: SL 8 clone
Post by: BeR on February 07, 2025, 08:51:57 AM
WhatsApp number : +44 7935 640721
Title: Re: SL 8 clone
Post by: TheController on February 12, 2025, 04:43:35 PM
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.
Title: Re: SL 8 clone
Post by: BeR on February 13, 2025, 12:51:02 AM
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.
Title: Re: SL 8 clone
Post by: nis240sxt on February 16, 2025, 12:38:06 PM
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!!
Title: Re: SL 8 clone
Post by: Chriasp on February 16, 2025, 01:16:14 PM
I just ordered a frame from the same store!

Looking forward to getting it!
Title: Re: SL 8 clone
Post by: planet_sammy on February 17, 2025, 02:39:58 AM
Has anyone ever ordered directly from taiwaneisen.cc or directly from their store via Ali?
Title: Re: SL 8 clone
Post by: Sander2177 on February 17, 2025, 08:38:28 AM
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?
Title: Re: SL 8 clone
Post by: Chriasp on February 17, 2025, 09:57:02 AM
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.
Title: Re: SL 8 clone
Post by: nis240sxt on February 17, 2025, 05:15:31 PM
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.
Title: Re: SL 8 clone
Post by: BeR on February 17, 2025, 07:16:06 PM
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
Title: Re: SL 8 clone
Post by: planet_sammy on February 18, 2025, 01:13:13 AM
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
Title: Re: SL 8 clone
Post by: Sovi on February 18, 2025, 01:19:58 AM
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.
Title: Re: SL 8 clone
Post by: TidyDinosaur on February 18, 2025, 01:21:28 AM
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...
Title: Re: SL 8 clone
Post by: planet_sammy on February 18, 2025, 01:52:48 AM
I contact now Taiwan Eisen Bike Store on AliExpress, waiting for response.
Title: Re: SL 8 clone
Post by: MTB-Addicted on February 18, 2025, 02:15:55 AM
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
Title: Re: SL 8 clone
Post by: BeR on February 18, 2025, 10:38:17 PM
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
Title: Re: SL 8 clone
Post by: BeR on February 22, 2025, 02:59:08 AM
Build is finished.
~7,1 kg.
Title: Re: SL 8 clone
Post by: mozart on February 22, 2025, 05:30:55 AM
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
Title: Re: SL 8 clone
Post by: MTB-Addicted on February 22, 2025, 06:23:02 AM
Build is finished.
~7,1 kg.

Great build!
Might you pls share the headset bearings measures ?
Are they 49 or 52 ?
Title: Re: SL 8 clone
Post by: BeR on February 22, 2025, 06:58:27 AM
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.
Title: Re: SL 8 clone
Post by: BeR on February 22, 2025, 06:59:55 AM
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
Title: Re: SL 8 clone
Post by: mozart on February 22, 2025, 10:34:12 AM
How do you know that this one is flexible ? I have not tried it yet.
i have one too
Title: Re: SL 8 clone
Post by: BeR on February 22, 2025, 01:18:01 PM
i have one too

From the same seller ? Power is not well transfered ? How is average speed ?
Title: Re: SL 8 clone
Post by: BeR on February 23, 2025, 10:51:26 AM
More pictures.
Title: Re: SL 8 clone
Post by: planet_sammy on February 24, 2025, 01:54:23 AM
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?
Title: Re: SL 8 clone
Post by: Chriasp on February 24, 2025, 02:01:54 AM
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
Title: Re: SL 8 clone
Post by: mozart on February 24, 2025, 02:41:02 AM
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.
Title: Re: SL 8 clone
Post by: Serge_K on February 24, 2025, 04:25:24 AM
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.


Title: Re: SL 8 clone
Post by: momento on February 24, 2025, 07:42:17 AM
i make only one ride.
rear tail and bottom bracket looks very flexi for me.
and do you mean this flexibility positively or negatively?
Title: Re: SL 8 clone
Post by: rasch on February 24, 2025, 12:00:18 PM
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.
Title: Re: SL 8 clone
Post by: BeR on March 02, 2025, 08:23:38 AM
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.
Title: Re: SL 8 clone
Post by: BeR on March 02, 2025, 08:25:25 AM
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.
Title: Re: SL 8 clone
Post by: mozart on March 02, 2025, 12:45:53 PM
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
Title: Re: SL 8 clone
Post by: MTB-Addicted on March 02, 2025, 01:54:54 PM
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 ?
Title: Re: SL 8 clone
Post by: BeR on March 02, 2025, 02:29:18 PM
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
Title: Re: SL 8 clone
Post by: BeR on March 04, 2025, 04:11:16 AM
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.
Title: Re: SL 8 clone
Post by: MTB-Addicted on March 05, 2025, 04:28:25 AM
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..

Title: Re: SL 8 clone
Post by: TidyDinosaur on March 05, 2025, 05:15:57 AM
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...
Title: Re: SL 8 clone
Post by: BeR on March 05, 2025, 05:45:05 AM
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.
Title: Re: SL 8 clone
Post by: MTB-Addicted on March 05, 2025, 07:12:45 AM
Thanks but this is the original manual instruction!  ;D
Title: Re: SL 8 clone
Post by: BeR on March 05, 2025, 02:54:03 PM
Thanks but this is the original manual instruction!  ;D

It says grease, not carbon paste as said TidyDinosaur. It is different.