Quote from: toxin on October 08, 2026, 02:50:06 PMNo worries there, its what I've spent most of my free time on this year and my interest has not diminished. But I set myself the challenge of creating a near production ready CAD model, which has required A LOT of learning to get my skills to the required level and the final V4 iteration is in the works now (pics).

For the topic of this discussion though, getting a carbon frame made from scratch is EXPENSIVE. I'm sure Sakizashi can tell you just what the challenges of getting your own carbon fiber product mass produced overseas are. Never mind the logistics of actually getting it out into people's hands.

Isn't this just the latest Merida Reacto with a shallower downtube?

Quote from: frenzen on March 19, 2026, 01:45:05 PM
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005009092545996.html

this might be the supposedly the cheapest EI pads, although they arent advertising them as such.

He made a video about it, and I saw one picture of them on reviews. They could be fake EI Paris HP tho.

It's a fake Paris HP that Spexcel put in their bibs last year. Source: I have a pair in Spexcel bib tights - decent for an outdoor training ride under 40mi but not as comfortable as a legitimate pad. EI must've sent cease and desists because most of the bigger Ali brands aren't doing fake EI pads anymore, with some using legit EI pads and some shifting to mediocre alternative pads (i.e. Spexcel). I'd recommend bib shorts with legit EI pads.

I just got a bike fit and the bike fitter threw a Selle Italia Flite on and it felt perfect. Did y'all land on anything? I ordered the Ryet Nago to try but contemplating just sucking it up and buying the Flite.

Quote from: Icyseanfitz on February 06, 2026, 06:17:46 AM
The problem with going close to the 2k usd mark is you are then competing with a different level of competition (winspace, Tavelo etc.) which will all have a higher level of resale value and high quality control. Not for one second saying that Xmcs isn't at the same quality level (I'm very very happy with my bike)

Totally agree. Additionally, Winspace, Tavelo, Quick Pro all sponsor Conti/WT-level teams and are proven viable race frames. Also Winspace does wind tunnel testing (can't recall if Tavelo Arow or QP ER completed wind tunnel testing). We know Peter puts out good wheels but frames are a big question mark at that price and likely DOA, with the exception of XMCS followers. To summarize, the onus will be on XMCS to prove they justify the price in an already competitive market.

Looping back, I received my order to the US without paying additional tariffs, so the higher shipping cost was to cover prepaid taxes, as someone already mentioned. I got the newly released Shimano RC503 shoes for quite a bit cheaper than US MSRP. Re: Shimano warranty discussion , maybe it's best to only buy wear items like shoes or non-electronic parts like cassettes.

Looks like anrancee and other Ali sellers stopped shipping to the US as of today.. My anrancee order from a week or so ago has shipped but is still in China. Unsure if it will make it over here due to the de minimus removal. Will follow up in this thread.

Quote from: Rapac on June 24, 2025, 01:26:37 AM
499$ with handlebar and seatpost, 200$ for two frames shipping.

Weight without paint for the frame in 45 is 758g, with paint, 928 with paint, derailleur hanger, screws and the horrible metal thingy at the back

Will be following your thoughts closely. Strongly considering this frameset or the TanTan X70 for a new build.