Chinese Carbon MTB Forums
News:
Happy Holidays!
See likes
See likes given/taken
| Post info | No. of Likes |
|---|---|
|
Re: Onirii One
I'm interested to hear more about your experience further down the line! Going with the Avian Canary sounds like a much better idea than using Onirii's bar/stem. Final update on my Onirii One: It actually really grew on me, I got more used to the fit, it was still never quite right, but I was liking the bike more and more regardless. Loved the low bottom bracket's effect on handling. Every new bike takes some time for me to build up trust with but I did finally get to the point where I was trusting the One for just about anything, even full on sprints (I am much more of a sprinter than a climber). Dealing with Onirii was fine to begin with, they were very responsive and helpful but when it came to the whole bar/stem length and labeling issues, it got a lot more difficult and I am trying to get Paypal to refund me for the second barstem. I'm fairly certain they are mislabeling the reach, stem length, and drop on all their bars. Last week I sold the bike. It was a fun project, fun bike, and good learning experience. Now I am planning to take that experience into a new bike build  With a 5/10 being totally neutral I would say: Building the bike: 4/10 - some challenges, I needed to file some holes. The angle of the holes you use to route the rear brake line around the bottom bracket were awkward, hard to route through. The alignment features on the first handlebar were misaligned and I had to cut off one of the two nubs to allow the top spacer to nest with the stem. Riding the bike: 8/10 - it was good fun. Dealing with customer support: 4/10 - it was good until it wasn't. March 11, 2024, 11:44:15 AM |
1 |
Re: Lightcarbon: New LCR017-D (or Yishun R1058-D)
I emailed LC last night regarding the super light version in size 56. They replied within 3 hours, which was a welcomed surprise. The sales rep was polite, detailed, and it was obvious she was well-informed. All the molds for each frame size are finished, however current production time for a size 56 is one month. I had the same experience with them I dealt with Wendy. Very helpful and patience selecting the parts. I ordered a 56 2 weeks ago. She said back then 54 was also available March 13, 2024, 01:32:52 PM |
1 |
|
Re: VeloBuild VB-R-268 frame
Good night After 500 km with the bike, I can say that I am very satisfied. I leave some photos of the final assembly March 13, 2024, 05:35:54 PM |
1 |
|
Re: TPU vs Latex innertube
Offbondage tpu tubes are my go-to now, mainly due to the alloy valve. The plastic valve stems can crack if you're not careful. Though if you want the cheapest tpu tubes, ThinkRider are decent with a semi alloy/plastic stem valve. Plus I prefer 25c tires and it's hard to beat the lower cost/weight ratio of clincher tires+tpu tubes and ease of tire changes due to flats. You can also pack several tpu tubes and glueless patch kits in the saddle bag with minimal weight. With road tubeless you have to make sure you have tape that can handle higher pressures (if you have spoke holes), use heavier tires and carry more items (bacon strips, co2 cartridge, plus a tube for emergencies). Unless you're a 100kg ogre, for nimble riders it's tpu all the way.
March 15, 2024, 11:47:00 AM |
1 |
|
Re: TPU vs Latex innertube
TPU user here, almost a year that I've moved completely to chinese TPU (mainly RideNow and Thinkrider, but also tried Offbondage) the rolling is for sure better than butyl, but I don't have experience with Latex so cannot compare them. about puncture resistance, my impression is similar to Pat's above, I think the tire and the road conditions are the main factors. When changing from butyl to TPU I honestly didn't feel any change in punctures. In this 1yr, around 7.000km ridden, only 2 punctures in my TPU tubes they're a bit more difficult to setup, especially with tight tires, but after you get the hang it's pretty ok and of course, using as spare tubes is a no brainer, they take little to no space in your pocket/bag what I think the main issues are: - Reliability, the batches vary a lot and some tubes are better finished than others. I've had all brands fail on the valve stem to tube connection, small leaks that first just deflate over days but then start leaking more and more. - Patching is more difficult and uncertain. I've used self-adhesive patches, and some worked well but others started leaking after some time. Seems the adhesive starts to fail, maybe temperature variation and stuff like that. I've seen some tips on using vinyl glue to patch, I bought it but still have to try - Setup is tricky, since the tube is very thin it may be pressed between the tire and rim, and ends up blowing up. I've had this happen to me 2 times now, fortunately, I was standing still with my bike but was mid ride so got me a bit scarred. Upon investigation, it was my fault, it's important to check every bit after getting the tire seated, pushing it from side to side, so it doesn't 'bite' on the tube. As I mentioned, when you get the hang it's ok. I've thought of going back to butyl after some of these valve stem fails, but honestly these TPU tubes on the '3 items for...' of Aliexpress are around 1/3 the price I'll pay for one butyl tube here in Brazil. So as long as the tpu tube don't fail me mid-ride (which is rare to happen) I'll continue using them About brands, RideNow seems to be the best quality, especially after the last generations and improvements. Offbondage is also a very good option, their stem-tube connection is very nicely done and reinforced. Thinkrider has the best cost, and the alloy/plastic stem was a nice improvement, but it's still the one that failed the most with me so I'm a bit skeptic. March 15, 2024, 12:05:36 PM |
1 |
|
Re: TPU vs Latex innertube
Latex tubes roll the best and give the most compliant road feel in my experience. Vittoria latex tubes are also basically as cheap as Chinese TPU tubes. In Germany at least. (In fact, Cotton sidewall tubulars with latex inners to me are still the best feeling combo ever) However, TPU tubes are so close to latex tubes these days, that I choose them over anything else. Easy to handle. Reliable. Hold air forever. Easily packable so you can take two or three of them in your saddle bag easily. No brainer, really.
March 15, 2024, 01:10:39 PM |
1 |
|
Re: CarbonSpeedCycle CSC wheels - avoid them
So I just bought a new set of CSC wheels - Disc, 45mm / 28mm wide with their OEM DT Like hub. The wheels came dead true and evenly tensioned. I took the hub apart and it was well greased. Shipping was 3 weeks to Chicago. This would be my fourth experience with CSC over the last 5 years. I have had a very good experience with them so far. I'm sad to see you have had issues. I do agree there is little technical support from them But, I have not needed any. My riding buddy has had his 50mm CSC Disc wheelset w/ novatec hubs for 3 years (8k miles a year on mixed, flat terrain -160lb rider) and his wheels have needed zero maintenance. I serviced them once a year for him and the original bearings are still in good shape and the wheels have needed zero truing. There is a little cassette bite on the freehub but that is really a novatec issue and not a CSC thing. I rode a borrowed pair a few years back and my brother has a 2 yr old set as well with the same result. Just my honest feedback and experience. Hope that helps anyone out there giving them a look. I'm interested to see how the OEM hub performs long term. Initial look appears to be good quality. I am prepared for the bearings to be rather short lived (they are un branded black seal non contact bearings - smooth out of the box) but I can replace them easily if they get gritty. March 15, 2024, 09:44:18 PM |
1 |
Re: TPU vs Latex innertube
From Bicycle Rolling Resistance: First of all : Everytime you answer to a post, it is like God is talking to me  .This Electronic pump is pretty expensive and I think that the price will be cheaper in the future. Moreover, you have to don't forget to charge it regularly (picture). March 17, 2024, 12:04:58 AM |
1 |
|
Re: TPU vs Latex innertube
I've setup numerous gravel tires for tubeless with no issues, but setting up 25c tubeless tires was problematic for me. I don't see myself sizing up my tires for road. I just said f**k it, and went back to TPU tubes and clinchers. I can toss several TPU tubes in the saddle bag and carry an electric pump. Sure you're still prone to flats, but you can easily swap out your clincher tires depending on terrain. I prefer having that flexibility if I want to go with a sub-200g slick or a more durable road tire. March 17, 2024, 12:51:01 PM |
1 |
|
Re: Lightcarbon: New LCR017-D (or Yishun R1058-D)
Hello everyone, a short update on my experiences with the LCR017-D in combination with the Elite Edge 45 mm. I have just returned from my 1-week training camp in Mallorca and after almost 1,000 km and thousands of meters of altitude, I am more than happy to have built this bike. It just feels right and is a true all-rounder. At the front in the wind in the group on the flat - up the mountains - down the mountains. There is nothing to complain about. Here are a few pictures from Mallorca. March 21, 2024, 02:58:18 AM |
1 |