Chinertown
Chinese Carbon Road Bikes => Road Bike Frames, Wheels & Components => Topic started by: teichs42 on October 08, 2025, 09:38:09 PM
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I've just started diving into the world of Chinese products. I've been away from triathlon for 6 years and I'm thinking of getting back into the sport and figure an update to my 2012 rim brake Fuji D6 might help!
Which frame do you suggest and why?
I've been looking at the Velobuild VB-TT-023 and the Winow TT119. Just an hour ago I found the new Winow TT129 and I really like the look of that, especially with the stem. The stem on the VB23 and TT119 are just ugly. I read on the TT129 thread that people think the geometry is more like a road bike but it has the same reach as my Fuji and 20mm more stack, but I've got 45mm of spacers under my stem so the TT129 wouldn't be far off (although the seat tube angle is 73.5 vs 76). The VB23 would be slightly longer and lower and the TT119 would be nearly identical. I don't love the 28c clearance on the TT129 though.
I really like the look of the Winow HB052/ARB02 cockpit and obviously that would come stock on those bikes vs having to swap out on the VB, leading to the Winows being quite a bit more affordable.
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My choice: ICAN TT17 - if I only would get it shipped to Germany! Thanks to Stevens Bikes it is not possible. If you are not from Germany take a look at this frame set.
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I've just started diving into the world of Chinese products. I've been away from triathlon for 6 years and I'm thinking of getting back into the sport and figure an update to my 2012 rim brake Fuji D6 might help!
Which frame do you suggest and why?
I've been looking at the Velobuild VB-TT-023 and the Winow TT119. Just an hour ago I found the new Winow TT129 and I really like the look of that, especially with the stem. The stem on the VB23 and TT119 are just ugly. I read on the TT129 thread that people think the geometry is more like a road bike but it has the same reach as my Fuji and 20mm more stack, but I've got 45mm of spacers under my stem so the TT129 wouldn't be far off (although the seat tube angle is 73.5 vs 76). The VB23 would be slightly longer and lower and the TT119 would be nearly identical. I don't love the 28c clearance on the TT129 though.
I really like the look of the Winow HB052/ARB02 cockpit and obviously that would come stock on those bikes vs having to swap out on the VB, leading to the Winows being quite a bit more affordable.
Hello,
I have the VB and I’ve also built two more for friends, and so far we haven’t had any issues. It’s basically a clone of the Trek, so in terms of aerodynamics I think you could consider Trek’s results as a reference.
Positive points that led me to this choice: when I picked this model, it was (in my view) the one that came the most complete for long-distance triathlon use. The front end (aerobars) is above average compared to other models that only come with a simple tube. That said, it’s not as nice-looking as this new Winnow model (which didn’t exist back then). It also comes with a bottle cage mount on the seatpost.
Negative points: it doesn’t have and doesn’t come with a toptube box for gels, and the stem feels a bit weak—although in my case I’ve had no problems with it.
The Winnow 117 does come with the gel box, and at the time it only had a very basic front end (just tubes), but now it comes with a better-finished version. As for the frame design, I personally didn’t like it much, but that’s more of an aesthetic matter. In other threads, I’ve seen some people reporting issues with this brand regarding support, warranty, etc. Velobuild, on the other hand, always replied and helped whenever I contacted them, so on that front I can’t say anything bad.
At the end of the day, I think that since the TT bike market is much smaller than road bikes, we still don’t have that one product you can say: “This is THE bike!!”—good quality, low weight, and with all the components and accessories that tick every box we want in a TT bike. For now, you just have to choose the one that best fits you.
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My choice: ICAN TT17 - if I only would get it shipped to Germany! Thanks to Stevens Bikes it is not possible. If you are not from Germany take a look at this frame set.
Thank you for bringing this to my attention! I hadn't come across it yet and it looks very nice, especially around the stem. I do think the monoriser aerobars is cool, not sure how easily the Winow aerobars could mount to this based on something I read in a different thread.
Any idea on price? I can't find that anwhere.
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Thank you for bringing this to my attention! I hadn't come across it yet and it looks very nice, especially around the stem. I do think the monoriser aerobars is cool, not sure how easily the Winow aerobars could mount to this based on something I read in a different thread.
Any idea on price? I can't find that anwhere.
I think that instead of those two plates in the photo, you could screw in the Winow aerobars. However, notice that the metal piece underneath, where you insert the tubes of this set, will still remain there. Another solution would be to have a new piece made, either with 3D printing or CNC.
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There's also the Hongfu Avenger TM7 (there are threads of this frame here and slowtwitch forum with some interesting informations). Price is $2500 much more expensive than VB, Winow and Ican frames...
https://avengerbikes.com/collections/triathlon/products/2025-new-triathlon-carbon-tt-bike-frame-tm7-%E5%89%AF%E6%9C%AC2
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Since we are talking about triathlon bikes in this topic, which wheelset would you recommend considering a tri-spoke on the front and a disc on the rear? I’ve seen some from ICAN, and also from Elite...
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Hello,
I have the VB and I’ve also built two more for friends, and so far we haven’t had any issues. It’s basically a clone of the Trek, so in terms of aerodynamics I think you could consider Trek’s results as a reference.
Positive points that led me to this choice: when I picked this model, it was (in my view) the one that came the most complete for long-distance triathlon use. The front end (aerobars) is above average compared to other models that only come with a simple tube. That said, it’s not as nice-looking as this new Winnow model (which didn’t exist back then). It also comes with a bottle cage mount on the seatpost.
Negative points: it doesn’t have and doesn’t come with a toptube box for gels, and the stem feels a bit weak—although in my case I’ve had no problems with it.
The Winnow 117 does come with the gel box, and at the time it only had a very basic front end (just tubes), but now it comes with a better-finished version. As for the frame design, I personally didn’t like it much, but that’s more of an aesthetic matter. In other threads, I’ve seen some people reporting issues with this brand regarding support, warranty, etc. Velobuild, on the other hand, always replied and helped whenever I contacted them, so on that front I can’t say anything bad.
At the end of the day, I think that since the TT bike market is much smaller than road bikes, we still don’t have that one product you can say: “This is THE bike!!”—good quality, low weight, and with all the components and accessories that tick every box we want in a TT bike. For now, you just have to choose the one that best fits you.
I've seen your bike in another thread and what a beautiful paint job! Yours and the guy with the gray frame/black rear triangle, really make me want to get the VB. And the Trek Speed Concept is my dream bike, so it all adds up to the VB leading the pack. I will say, it seems everyone has to run the bars with a lot of spacers, which worries me. Especially since the stack is already 10mm lower than my current bike. I feel like I'd have to have a huge stack of spacers under the bars.
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I think that instead of those two plates in the photo, you could screw in the Winow aerobars. However, notice that the metal piece underneath, where you insert the tubes of this set, will still remain there. Another solution would be to have a new piece made, either with 3D printing or CNC.
Yeah, I see what you mean. I'm wondering if that base plate could be taken off the spacer stack and replaced with a baseplate from another company? That way you could get rid of the extension mounts.
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There's also the Hongfu Avenger TM7 (there are threads of this frame here and slowtwitch forum with some interesting informations). Price is $2500 much more expensive than VB, Winow and Ican frames...
https://avengerbikes.com/collections/triathlon/products/2025-new-triathlon-carbon-tt-bike-frame-tm7-%E5%89%AF%E6%9C%AC2
This frame doesn't excite me at all. Especially for that price!
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IMO the ican tt017 frame is dated and there isn't a ton you can do with the extensions unless you replace the whole base plate with a custom one to mount something like the winow or vb extensions.
The VB-tt-023 geo matches the speed concept GEO and is pretty good but the sizes offered do not go large enough for a tall guy like me.
The winnow tt119 is good, I don't love the stem, but the base bar and extensions are modern. It clears 32mm tires and has a large enough size for me... I think/hope.
The winnow tt129 looks like an upgrade at the front end but sucks for only clearing 28mm tires and has a 73.5 deg STA, like why the backtrack on that.
the tt912 mold that is offered by a few brands seems pretty good as well. The pricing on it seems high and the cockpits most stock it with is just basic.
there is the an elves frame that is one of those mono leaf designs, and too expensive for me and doesn't even come with a cockpit. I've seen pictures of a standard looking TT frame but no listing on the US site.
The hongfu/avenger TM7 is really fancy, but for 2500 is a no go for me.
java makes a TT bike that looks pretty cool but the overall aero of the frame looks questionable.
I'm sure there are more but these seem to be the main contenders.
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This frame doesn't excite me at all. Especially for that price!
https://forum.slowtwitch.com/t/hongfu-avenger-tribike-2025/1288609/8
I don't like the lack of paint options. The designer and collaboration for the cockpit seem to have made some good choices for the frame. It even has good storage/hydration integration. Just too expensive for me. It would fit me better than any of the other options though...
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IMO the ican tt017 frame is dated and there isn't a ton you can do with the extensions unless you replace the whole base plate with a custom one to mount something like the winow or vb extensions.
The VB-tt-023 geo matches the speed concept GEO and is pretty good but the sizes offered do not go large enough for a tall guy like me.
The winnow tt119 is good, I don't love the stem, but the base bar and extensions are modern. It clears 32mm tires and has a large enough size for me... I think/hope.
The winnow tt129 looks like an upgrade at the front end but sucks for only clearing 28mm tires and has a 73.5 deg STA, like why the backtrack on that.
the tt912 mold that is offered by a few brands seems pretty good as well. The pricing on it seems high and the cockpits most stock it with is just basic.
there is the an elves frame that is one of those mono leaf designs, and too expensive for me and doesn't even come with a cockpit. I've seen pictures of a standard looking TT frame but no listing on the US site.
The hongfu/avenger TM7 is really fancy, but for 2500 is a no go for me.
java makes a TT bike that looks pretty cool but the overall aero of the frame looks questionable.
I'm sure there are more but these seem to be the main contenders.
I definitely think I like the VB the most aesthetically, but I think the Winow TT119 may fit me slightly better and obviously has the better looking cockpit. And it's cheaper!
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Yeah, I see what you mean. I'm wondering if that base plate could be taken off the spacer stack and replaced with a baseplate from another company? That way you could get rid of the extension mounts.
Did you ever tried https://tririg.com/
they have a lot of custon made stuff for tri bikes .. but it cost a lot
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Did you ever tried https://tririg.com/
they have a lot of custon made stuff for tri bikes .. but it cost a lot
Yeah, I've known about their stuff for years. Can't afford it! Definitely trying to keep this as cheap as possible. Can't even imagine shipping costs to get a frame to the US or what the tariffs will be >:(
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This type of plate, I think is very easy to design and have it made in CNC factory. Just need all the Measurements.
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This type of plate, I think is very easy to design and have it made in CNC factory. Just need all the Measurements.
What basebar and mount is that?
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https://chinertown.com/index.php/topic,5867.0.html
I don't have experience with other Chinese bikes but this is going well so far. The front end could be better or easier to attach after market aero bars.
The ability for custom paint job is appealing too. I wish I had gone for something different to black
I will see how it goes at Marbella 70.3 WC in 4 weeks time.
I have a friend who does 3D printing and is working on storage box design that will fit in the corner of the frame near the crank. Once it is designed I can post a link.
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IMO the ican tt017 frame is dated and there isn't a ton you can do with the extensions unless you replace the whole base plate with a custom one to mount something like the winow or vb extensions.
Can’t really say it’s a dated design since it’s the only one with a UDH hanger (besides the TM7, but that one is way too expensive).
I understand your point on extensions, but I personally don’t see a problem there. Just go for a custom plate/adapter, you’ll need to design it yourself, and that is a personal quest, best to be able to use custom extensions out of the box right?
there’s not a single frame that gets everything right (cost being one of the aspects)
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What basebar and mount is that?
from https://tririg.com/ website.
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https://chinertown.com/index.php/topic,5867.0.html
I don't have experience with other Chinese bikes but this is going well so far. The front end could be better or easier to attach after market aero bars.
The ability for custom paint job is appealing too. I wish I had gone for something different to black
I will see how it goes at Marbella 70.3 WC in 4 weeks time.
I have a friend who does 3D printing and is working on storage box design that will fit in the corner of the frame near the crank. Once it is designed I can post a link.
I've actually read through your post and that's how I found out about this frame. I'm really liking it and honestly, might be my front runner, due to the stem and cockpit (minus the extensions). Those just look so much better than the VB-023 or Winow TT119. But I can't get past the Winow cockpit, those bars are awesome! And the VB-023/Trek Speed Concept has always been my dream bike.
Have you come across anything about the frame that you don't like? I think I saw in your thread that you were able to get different extensions on with a FastTT plate?
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I have had the bike I think 6 months or more and doing around 6hrs a week on the road and indoor trainer with no issues. I would like to be stretched out further with my arms when in the TT position but this is not really an issue with the bike but the set up at the front.
The Fast TT plate was something I adapted to fit the stem and the winow bars and angle adapters. I had to drill new holes to make this fit. I have made more mods to have a double stack bottle holder and now Im thinking of getting a custom plate made to replace the modified Fast TT plate.
My mate has a 3D scanner so I was thinking of scanning the original mounting plate and get one made by a machinist so that the groves line up and lock in place as the original. I would modify the 3D drawing to remove the spouts for the poles and would probably modify the areobar fixing locations to suit the angle adapters im using and extend the plate out so that I am stretched out further.
If I go down this path and get one made, I may share the file or could get another one made.
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Btw, the ICAN is just a Quick Pro TT:One
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Btw, the ICAN is just a Quick Pro TT:One
Yes, but double the price!
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Btw, the ICAN is just a Quick Pro TT:One
Does ICAN make this for them or do they have the same moulding? Quick Pro website says they make their own carbon frames and do their own R&D. Did Quick Pro design this frame or did ICAN?
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It's an open mould frame, not sure who designed it, but MMR (Spanish brand sponsoring ProTeam Caja Rural) has it as well now - not for sale yet I think, but ridden by their team. I'm pretty sure several other European brands will have it as well next year, so must be one of the "usual" larger manufacturers behind it.
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Yes, but double the price!
The Quick Pro is a much lighter layup by like 400g. I think both ICAN and Quick Pro are selling Flybike frames (same with Carbonda and Hong Fu). I think Carbonda has the most access to different models though; as they appear to be tied more closely with the Flybike as the reps have flybike email addresses.