Chinertown
Chinese Carbon Road Bikes => Road Bike Frames, Wheels & Components => Topic started by: Guilherme_ on January 19, 2026, 02:24:47 PM
-
Hello everyone, I am looking for somebody with a bit more knowledge that could eventually rate my future bike build, Im sorry but i have few contacts so just keep reading if you would be interested and possibly say some things I could change, Thank you very much! ;D
Frameset: LightCarbon lcr017-D with the integrated handlebar hbr17 that comes with the set
Wheels: EliteWheels Drive II Mixed Depth Wheelset (Front 50mm and rear 65mm)
Groupset: Shimano Di2 R7170
Saddle: LightCarbon 3D Printed Carbon Saddle SD02
I am paying for everything around 3300€, is it good?
This are the main things but if anyone wants I can share the rest of things I have in mind :)
Have a blessed day and thank you for any help given! ;D ;D
-
everything incluiding tires and all of that, not just those things
-
Go ahead and share everything, and include prices so we can advise on whether you are overpaying for anything.
-
Go ahead and share everything, and include prices so we can advise on whether you are overpaying for anything.
Ofc! Thank you so much for helping me, I will put everything
Frameset: LightCarbon lcr017-D- 890€ with shipping and custom paint
Wheels: EliteWheels Drive II Mixed Depth Wheelset- 963€ with discount code
Groupset: Shimano Di2 R7170- 945€
Saddle: LightCarbon 3D Printed Carbon Saddle SD02- 56€ discount with frame
tires-continental gp5000 folding tire 30x622- 45 each
inner tube- pirelli o zero smartube- 21€ each
bar tape- supacaz super sticky bar tape- 31€
I dont think i am forgetting anything so please tell me if something is missing, thank you so much for the help :D
-
inner tube- pirelli o zero smartube- 21€ each
Imho you could save quite some money swapping these for RideNow TPU tubes. :-)
-
RidenowTPU +1
I live also in Europe (Switzerland...) and I can compare the costs of shipping.
I bought a BXT SL 115 including Seat Post and Handlebar: CHF 520.-
Elite Wheels Edge 40 mm: CHF 520.-
Used Ultegra Di2 11-speed: CHF 600.-
my total build was < CHF 2'000.-
Have fun
-
I would suggest writing to Zen or Serenade (or any other manufacturer popular here on the forum) and getting a quote for their wheels. You might get a better price or lighter wheels that way. I ordered from Serenade a while back and paid around 550€ including shipping for 1100g 45mm deep wheelset.
The saddle you suggest seems similar to this one: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005010400282535.html (https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005010400282535.html). You might be able to get a larger discount on AliExpress. I have the same one, but EVA padded and I like it a lot. Don't know whether the 3D printed one is as good though.
I suspect you are buying the groupset on AliExpress? If not, it might be good if you check there as some people report getting all the parts really cheaply this way. Also, if you are not committed to the Shimano crankset, you might be able to save some weight by opting for a Chinese carbon one.
Finally, I have learned with my first build that it pays off to buy headset bearings separately, as the ones that came with the frameset corroded really quickly (less than 2 years; I didn't ride much in rain, and I don't live in a humid area). It is unnecessary work that I really didn't want to do when I had to replace them. I don't know what kind of bearings LightCarbon supplies, but stainless steel ones should hold up much longer. Same goes for all the metal screws on the frame (bottle cage and seat / seatpost screws being the most important imo), as they corroded within months of being on the bike. With my latest build I bought titanium screws, but I am sure stainless steel is good enough, especially if you don't care about weight.
-
105 Di2 for better price, depending on where you are in Europe, at Bike Discount, is around 900 EUR:
https://www.bike-discount.de/en/shimano-105-di2-r7170-2x12-speed-group-disc-140/160mm-1 (https://www.bike-discount.de/en/shimano-105-di2-r7170-2x12-speed-group-disc-140/160mm-1)
You can also save 2 EUR per tire if you buy the GP5000’s there as well haha: https://www.bike-discount.de/en/continental-grand-prix-5000-folding-tyre-20067135-40162855 (https://www.bike-discount.de/en/continental-grand-prix-5000-folding-tyre-20067135-40162855)
-
I would suggest writing to Zen or Serenade (or any other manufacturer popular here on the forum) and getting a quote for their wheels. You might get a better price or lighter wheels that way. I ordered from Serenade a while back and paid around 550€ including shipping for 1100g 45mm deep wheelset.
I suspect you are buying the groupset on AliExpress? If not, it might be good if you check there as some people report getting all the parts really cheaply this way. Also, if you are not committed to the Shimano crankset, you might be able to save some weight by opting for a Chinese carbon one.
Finally, I have learned with my first build that it pays off to buy headset bearings separately, as the ones that came with the frameset corroded really quickly (less than 2 years; I didn't ride much in rain, and I don't live in a humid area). It is unnecessary work that I really didn't want to do when I had to replace them. I don't know what kind of bearings LightCarbon supplies, but stainless steel ones should hold up much longer. Same goes for all the metal screws on the frame (bottle cage and seat / seatpost screws being the most important imo), as they corroded within months of being on the bike. With my latest build I bought titanium screws, but I am sure stainless steel is good enough, especially if you don't care about weight.
Firstly, where can i find Zen or Serenade? And do I message them to know or I can see somewhere what they sell?
Second, no, i was getting my groupset from probikeshop, i was now looking at used ones because that can make it cheaper, what parts can i rely on the chinese side, not just for lighter, but that can do the same as a shimano 105 or the groupset oficial that i am picking?
Thirdly, do you enjoy your saddle? is it confortable? I might get that if so
Forth, I will look for headset bearings, what measures should i considerate? I will buy some titanium screws at side thank you for the suggestion
-
105 Di2 for better price, depending on where you are in Europe, at Bike Discount, is around 900 EUR:
https://www.bike-discount.de/en/shimano-105-di2-r7170-2x12-speed-group-disc-140/160mm-1 (https://www.bike-discount.de/en/shimano-105-di2-r7170-2x12-speed-group-disc-140/160mm-1)
You can also save 2 EUR per tire if you buy the GP5000’s there as well haha: https://www.bike-discount.de/en/continental-grand-prix-5000-folding-tyre-20067135-40162855 (https://www.bike-discount.de/en/continental-grand-prix-5000-folding-tyre-20067135-40162855)
thank you sir, great thing ;D ;D
-
Firstly, where can i find Zen or Serenade? And do I message them to know or I can see somewhere what they sell?
Second, no, i was getting my groupset from probikeshop, i was now looking at used ones because that can make it cheaper, what parts can i rely on the chinese side, not just for lighter, but that can do the same as a shimano 105 or the groupset oficial that i am picking?
Thirdly, do you enjoy your saddle? is it confortable? I might get that if so
Forth, I will look for headset bearings, what measures should i considerate? I will buy some titanium screws at side thank you for the suggestion
First:
You can check the threads on this forum (under Road Bike Frames, Wheels & Components) where you will find more information on their offerings and how to contact them. There are also other threads for other manufacturers. You can go really deep and optimize price / performance, if you really want to.
Second:
I don't have experience with them, but people around here are quite happy with ordering Shimano parts from Anrancee: https://www.aliexpress.com/store/1954042 (https://www.aliexpress.com/store/1954042) (if you will consider buying from AliExpress). I am not sure about additional taxes to EU though, best you search this forum or ask the store directly.
I personally went with the CRUZBIKE carbon crankset from AliExpress and it has been ok so far (I have only used it on the trainer though). There are also some other popular and cheap Chinese brands like Leese or BigRock. You don't have to go with the carbon crankset though, as this is one of my personal priorities since I am a little bit of a weight weenie.
Third:
I am very happy with it. As far as objective characteristics go, it is well made, the top material is not slippery, and the padding is fair. Again, I have no idea, if the 3D printed version is as good. I think I got used to all the saddles I had in the past (all were different shapes, and one of them without any padding), but this was the first time I didn't feel like I needed an adjustment period. That being said, I think by far the biggest part of the saddle comfort is your fit on the bike, so it might not be the most important choice whether you go with EVA padded, 3D printed, or raw carbon. The preferences are also very subjective, as everyone has different physiology and needs in this regard. If anything, I would say it is the safest to go with something similar you already know suits you, or perhaps experiment only slightly in this regard. There is a whole thread dedicated to saddles on this forum, if you will search for it.
Fourth:
It is best to ask LightCarbon about what kind of bearings they use in the first place. The frameset is not the cheapest, so maybe they already include something higher quality.
-
Have you looked at the LCR-018D instead? It's not properly on their website curently but it's the newer version of the one you're looking at and there's a massive thread on the subject on this forum. I've just taken delivery of one and built it up - it's excellent.
-
Fourth:
It is best to ask LightCarbon about what kind of bearings they use in the first place. The frameset is not the cheapest, so maybe they already include something higher quality.
I am buying the "premium option" of them, its a ceramic bearing that will cost 85usd, i will show you a picture
-
Have you looked at the LCR-018D instead? It's not properly on their website curently but it's the newer version of the one you're looking at and there's a massive thread on the subject on this forum. I've just taken delivery of one and built it up - it's excellent.
I did and i got the impression this one was more aero focused, however those couple bucks can do me in customization of the frame and iam settled with it already :-*
-
I am buying the "premium option" of them, its a ceramic bearing that will cost 85usd, i will show you a picture
Its good to invest in good bottom bracket bearings as well, but just to be clear, I am talking about headset bearings. If thats included in your "premium" option, then you are all set.
Edit: In a previous post I referred to the Anrancee store, but I am not sure that the linked store is actually the right one. This is another one that has "anrancee" in the url: https://anrancee.aliexpress.com/store/1735445 (https://anrancee.aliexpress.com/store/1735445). This one I actually ordered from recently (got a 12-speed mechanical 105), it was cheap and I assembled it without any major problems. A minor thing was that not all bits were included (barbs, for example), but I easily sourced them from a local bike shop.
For example, they have a full Di2 105 available for fairly cheap: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005005024569017.html (https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005005024569017.html)
You can also use coupons on AliExpress, which is going to make this even cheaper.
-
Its good to invest in good bottom bracket bearings as well, but just to be clear, I am talking about headset bearings. If thats included in your "premium" option, then you are all set.
what is the difference? sorry im new i really have no idea
-
what is the difference? sorry im new i really have no idea
Bottom bracket ones make your crankset go around, and the headset ones allow you to steer.
-
Bottom bracket ones make your crankset go around, and the headset ones allow you to steer.
what is a good headset bearing you would advise me to buy?
-
what is a good headset bearing you would advise me to buy?
There’s plenty, eg. Enduro bearings, CEMA is pretty good as well.
-
what is a good headset bearing you would advise me to buy?
I have no idea how good they are long term, but I recently went with these: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32866452267.html (https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32866452267.html). All I wanted is something that has good reviews and is stainless steel, and these ones tick both boxes. Note though, that you might need bearings with different dimensions from mine for your frame.
I don't know much about bearings though, so it might be a good idea to follow advice from a previous post to make sure you buy quality.
-
I have no idea how good they are long term, but I recently went with these: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32866452267.html (https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32866452267.html). All I wanted is something that has good reviews and is stainless steel, and these ones tick both boxes. Note though, that you might need bearings with different dimensions from mine for your frame.
I don't know much about bearings though, so it might be a good idea to follow advice from a previous post to make sure you buy quality.
how can i know the size? sorry
-
For example, they have a full Di2 105 available for fairly cheap: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005005024569017.html (https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005005024569017.html)
You can also use coupons on AliExpress, which is going to make this even cheaper.
For me that groupset is around 900€ with shipping, i found in One shop for 900 and in another for 950, are they prices that high that is not worth it?
-
For me that groupset is around 900€ with shipping, i found in One shop for 900 and in another for 950, are they prices that high that is not worth it?
If you are in the EU, I think buying Shimano from AliX is not worth it most of the time. Just buy local so you also have warranty.
-
what is a good headset bearing you would advise me to buy?
I can recommend this one as a headset: https://www.kugellager-shop.net/mh-p16-ss-45-45-edelstahl-lenkkopf-kugellager-52x40x7mm.html (https://www.kugellager-shop.net/mh-p16-ss-45-45-edelstahl-lenkkopf-kugellager-52x40x7mm.html) . They are made of stainless steel, not specifically bike branded, and therefore a little cheaper.
When it comes to bottom brackets, I would be careful with premium ceramic ones costing 85€ from china. I would also go for something robust and reliable, without ceramic bearings, which may be better and cheaper. Take a look at Bikone, which Pogi also uses, so it must be good.
-
Hello again guys, I am building my bike sjnce the last time I wrote here I researched a lot and changed a lot of things and I am strongly considering being my final build, please take a look and let me know
For the frame I have chosen the Elves Falath Evo+, I took advantage of the bundle that they had and will buy the saddle of 145mm and the handlebar for around 1122€.
For the wheels I chose the Xm Carbon Speed T1100, 26 mm internal with the front wheel being 50mm and the rear 65mm for 783€ with the Big Bore Lite Tubeless Valves for around 45€.
For the groupset I will go for the Shimano 105 DI2 for 840+/- thanks to the Elves promotion of buying a groupset with the frame.
For the tires I opt to go tubeless with the GP5000S TR 30" and use the sealent from muc off
For handlebar tape I chose the Supacaz Super Sticky Kush Star Fade Bar Tape to match the design of the frame
For acessories I will buy for now a Jagwire so the cables dont make a lot of noise, the Shimano brake fluid(ofc)
This build will cost me around 3100€, which I think is a pretty solid number for the type of bike.
What do you guys think?🤩🤩🤩
-
I used this Aliexpress store for my Shimano Ultrgra DI2 and it has been great!
DG Riding Bike Store
https://a.aliexpress.com/_mrjpusl
-
Hello again guys, I am building my bike sjnce the last time I wrote here I researched a lot and changed a lot of things and I am strongly considering being my final build, please take a look and let me know
For the frame I have chosen the Elves Falath Evo+, I took advantage of the bundle that they had and will buy the saddle of 145mm and the handlebar for around 1122€.
For the wheels I chose the Xm Carbon Speed T1100, 26 mm internal with the front wheel being 50mm and the rear 65mm for 783€ with the Big Bore Lite Tubeless Valves for around 45€.
For the groupset I will go for the Shimano 105 DI2 for 840+/- thanks to the Elves promotion of buying a groupset with the frame.
For the tires I opt to go tubeless with the GP5000S TR 30" and use the sealent from muc off
For handlebar tape I chose the Supacaz Super Sticky Kush Star Fade Bar Tape to match the design of the frame
For acessories I will buy for now a Jagwire so the cables dont make a lot of noise, the Shimano brake fluid(ofc)
This build will cost me around 3100€, which I think is a pretty solid number for the type of bike.
What do you guys think?🤩🤩🤩
What's the outcome ? are you happy with the bike? I order a EVO+ with the 105 DI2 groupset as well :) Any tips or suggestions for when I will assemble it ? Thanks !