Chinese Carbon MTB Forums
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Re: Best TPU tube brand
Offbondage for me. Had 4 sets of ThinkRider and all failed at the valve stem/tube interface. When you compare the Offbondage to ThinkRider at the point of failure, the Offbondage is manufactured much superior and that involves multiple layers or boundaries of ultrasonic welding to assure airtight fit. They had a sale and were 8.5 Eur for a pair.
March 25, 2024, 06:10:16 AM |
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Re: Are AliEx/open mold carbon bikes common in your area?
I frequently see unbranded carbon bikes around where I live in central North Carolina. Mostly hardtail 29ers and gravel/cross bikes.
July 27, 2025, 01:30:42 PM |
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Re: LTK266-D-SL Inside Pics
So I broke out the inspection camera and took some shots of the inside of the frame. Mostly they look like this:   Super clean walls. This is the area that leads to drive side dropout. The brake mount side is cleaner. This looks pretty nice to me.  There is a stray loose fiber by the hole for the FD cable and this one in the fork at the crown.  There is a tiny bit of stray resin where the DS chainstay meets the BB, those two loose fibers, and that's about it. I generally don't take anything away from this, but FWIW, this does suggest the frame is EPS molded and that it was made with care. August 07, 2025, 01:59:23 PM |
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Re: LTK266-D-SL, lightweight frame confirmed under 800g w/paint and accessories (M)
You might need a better reference before deciding if this is the bike for you. I suggest demoing or riding some road bikes to get a better feel if a bike fit is out of the question. My road "race" bike is 30mm lower stack with the same length reach as the gravel race bike I use for events like Unbound. However, my fit reflects the ability to fold myself into a relatively long and low position on both bikes, which is only sustainable as long as I remain very fit. This is typical for people who race both disciplines or at least race on gravel and train on the road. The difference lies mainly in the primary aero position being on the hoods on the road and more mixed between the hoods and the drops on gravel. I think it's more common for enthusiasts to go 20-30mm longer (including stem length) and 10-20mm lower on their "fast" road bikes vs. their gravel bikes. In addition to the stack and reach, the LTK266 might also be a problem for you in terms of saddle position. Both the M and the S have a much steeper seat tube angle and no option for a setback post, so it will position you further forward. Further forward and lower will likely make you much more aerodynamic but will also put more weight on your hands unless you are a fit rider who can sustain a relatively high power output for your weight. The LCR018 is an example of the "newer" endurance bike geometries that are super short, allowing the rider to sit upright and put most of their weight through the saddle. It's recycling the geometry that was used for women's bikes in the 2010s (like Pinarello's Easy Fit line) and is still used by Liv. If you can find a Giant/Liv dealer near you, the Liv Langma in a size L is the closest bike to the 540 LCR018, followed by the Giant Defy in Size ML. This type of bike is ideal for many people who want to undertake long rides and prefer a more upright riding position. Hope this helps! August 19, 2025, 10:57:41 PM |
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Re: Trade wars and Frame Delivery
Okay, The aliexpress being the "import agent" makes sense, but how does this work if you buy directly from the manufacturer for, lets say, a frame or some wheels? Then am I responsible to pay all import fees when it gets into the US? Does the shipping company send me a bill? If you use DHL, they send you a bill to pay before clearance. If you use UPS they send you a bill you can pay on delivery or online before delivery. UPS also operates a brokerage, and IME can get you a significantly better tariff rate. It's more, but not dramatically different than what you pay to AliX. My recent purchase from Long Teng took 2-3 days to arrive after dispatch. IMO, the cost of shipping was worth it. August 20, 2025, 11:32:05 AM |
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Re: Trade wars and Frame Delivery
I just ordered a frame and my quote and payment included shipping with will cover everything from what I am told. I have no idea who shipping will be with, but ordered from XM Carbon Speed.
August 20, 2025, 12:43:06 PM |
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Re: LTK266-D-SL, lightweight frame confirmed under 800g w/paint and accessories (M)
Looking forward to the ride report! I have some questions about the metal parts you got to replace what came with the frame: For the seatpost hardware, you were able to use the aftermarket ritchey-style clamp from Niu Ju? I'm trying to figure out exactly what to order to replace the hardware with something lighter than can also work with 7x9 oval carbon saddle rails. Also, do you know what the thread pitch of the thru-axles is? I did order thru axles with the frame but plan to replace... Thanks for the help! Will report on the Niu Ju clamp next week as I am about to receive it, but hardware looks the same and screw is the same length. You can ask Alisa for a 7x9 saddle clamp just in case. Thru axles are: M12xP1.0 168.5mm, measured by me: 18mm thread length M12xP1.5 116mm, measured by me: 10mm thread length Couldn’t find similar lightweight thru axles… let me know if you find some August 22, 2025, 07:44:30 AM |
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Re: LTK266-D-SL, lightweight frame confirmed under 800g w/paint and accessories (M)
Looking forward to the ride report! I have some questions about the metal parts you got to replace what came with the frame: For the seatpost hardware, you were able to use the aftermarket ritchey-style clamp from Niu Ju? I'm trying to figure out exactly what to order to replace the hardware with something lighter than can also work with 7x9 oval carbon saddle rails. Also, do you know what the thread pitch of the thru-axles is? I did order thru axles with the frame but plan to replace... Thanks for the help! I didn't order the Niu Ju clamp. Just went to look for it and it looks like its sold out on Taobao. My frame included hardware for both round and carbon saddles. I tested the seatpost with Ritchey hardware, and it does fit; it's also a lot less fiddly than the one that comes with the frame. Unfortunately, it is also heavier. Regarding the thru axle, it's 116mmx1.5 on the front and 168.5mmx1.0 on the rear. The rear is not a covered dropout, so basically, any UDH-compatible 1.0 pitch road/gravel thru axle should work. The Colnago thru axle won't work since you need a flat interface, not a tapered one. A Giant TCR-compatible thru axle should fit on the front, and if it's a bit long, you can get a 1mm flat spacer/washer. I had a set of thru axles from the Robert Axle project in my parts bin, and with a spacer it's not a problem, and the threaded portion is long enough. August 22, 2025, 05:03:33 PM |
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Re: Tideace NEW Gravel Frame: GR201
So today was the Maiden Sportive ride for my build. 125km with 1500m of climbing. Handled it all without any issue - and the most comfortable bike ride I’ve ever had. After the initial “test” build I decided to invest in some upgrades which were 100% worth it imo. The final components inc: Wheeltop EDS Tx GRX Cranks 48/31 4iii Single sided PM on crank arm. SRAM Cassette and Chain 11/36 (fits HG Hub) Redshift Suspension Saddle Post Redshift Suspension Stem Redshift Kitchen Sink + Grips 32mm Tyre on Front 40mm Tyre on Rear Shifting was flawless - it handled the front from 31 to 48 with ease - easily as good as the Di2 system I borrowed the cranks from And the rear cassette didn’t even need fine tuning after selecting 11s in the app. The brakes are similarly fantastic. No issue. Excellent gear range for my needs. Didn’t really feel I was spinning out on the flats, and I was holding the front group until first food stop, so not a Sunday spin. And obviously I had plenty for the climbs - the 36 is maybe unnecessary, but nice to have a bail out. The smoothness and comfort of the ride was insane. Redshift is really good, really. Those grips also make such a difference. So happy and proud of my build. I genuinely didn’t miss my Canyon Grail at any stage today - this build is on a par, and I dare even more comfortable. Thanks to all that helped here with your submissions and updates and to those that helped me out directly by answering my questions. It really made a difference. August 24, 2025, 02:37:15 PM |
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My new build Ceccotti DCMF07
just finished of the build, 11.4KG wet, with dropper and fox 34 all the parts except from the fork are from Aliexpress ceccotti mf07 frame Elite wheels ent (carbon) 25X30 Zrace M1 2 piston brakes ks 900i Dropper im 185cm and took the L size new fork sleath stikcers are yet to come August 25, 2025, 10:31:12 AM |
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