Thanks! I cut the tube 4mm below the top. I’m hoping I can reposition the compression bung before I need to recut the steerer. Even using a small spacer will be preferable to this. I think the lower SPC cover / spacer sits directly on top of the bearing. The split ring I received as part of the kit didn’t seem to fit :think

On aliexpress you can source many flat carbon headset covers. I'm plannig to buy one of it too, becuase they look much better and they are also flat, so in case your fork tube is just a bit too long you can compensate it

These are exactly the CSC wheels I'm considering. The look really nice for the price. Are you sure the can be cheaper through their website. On Ali there is always the VAT cut when you purchase the order which I haven't ever seen though producers website.
About the size, how is the clearance on the r088 frame? I'm not yet sure if ordering a 28 or 30 outer width.

I am attaching a few images of the complete bike. The handlebars seem really well-made, they are lightweight, and much stiffer compared to the handlebars I got with the Velobuild VB-R-177 (previous bike). Ergonomically, I went with 38cm width, which is narrower than what I had before and I like it so far, but there is no difference in feel compared to normal flat handlebars with an extra headset spacer. Aesthetically, I find them interesting as well and fast-looking, but I wouldn't buy them just for the looks... The minimalism of the regular non-raised design still has a place in my heart.

It looks like a relatively relaxed fit, but at the same time I am not an expert so I don't have much to say. I got to my current fit with similar tools that you used, but also through trial and error on the trainer and experience from my previous frame. My very general recommendation would be to i) copy and tweak the existing fit from your current road bike, if you have any, and ii) whenever you are unsure, try going with a conservative and average setup first (which I think you are already doing).

thank you for your detailed feedback. Actually this is going to be my first road bike. Of course I can borrow friend's bike and visit a shop to try as many bike as possibile, but I wanted to have the point of view of people who bought the same frame. I'm a XC rider and the riding postion is very different. For sure for my road bike Iìm not looking for an extreme postion, I'm not going to race it, but I wanna have it dialed the proper way. I'm sure 56 is the right size now and I'm going to order a 0 offeset seatport. The oly open point is stem lenght 90 or 100 mm.

I am 185cm with 86cm inseam, and I went with size 56 as well. I am using 100mm LightCarbon HBR17 handlebar and the WheelTop electronic groupset, which is known to have relatively short shifter hoods. I was coming from a larger (longer) frame, and this feels refreshingly short. My setback is slightly larger on R088, which was desired as I wanted to put less strain on my hands. I was debating sizing up to size 58, but I am happy I haven't.

I would guess size 56 is the right one, although if you have any special preferences regarding you fit, you might want to take that into consideration. For a baseline fit you can also put your measurements into the Specialized's online fitting tool for SL8 -- it has the same dimensions as R088. Then, depending on how forward/backward you would like to sit, you can choose the right stem length.

Thank you. According Specialized website I should shop for a 56, just wondering if people with same measurments as me made the same choice.

hello everyone, just a question for who bought the frame in matte finish . Can you tell if the matte finish has a top coat or not? For sure a bright mettalic frame has a clear top coat, but I'm wondering if the same finish is also on the matte, probably with a different type of top coat. This would be useful to know before purchasing. I just believe that a top coat makes the paint way more resistant to scratches and also over time.

I have finished my 54 cm build (177cm height)) and it fits like a glove. I have had none of the issues mentioned in this thread. Build went smooth and easy. I have chosen for a separate stem and handlebar from Kocevlo as I was not sure an integrated cockpit would suit me. Added Elite wheels ENT 2.0 en an ER7 electronic groupset. I have done a few hundred km now as I am in the winter season, but very very pleased with the bike.. None of the flex GCN showed.. Spent less than € 1.500 on the whole build...

Although interesting to watch YT content on Chinese bike stuff, you should take it with a pinch of salt

Hi, I'm considering a build based on this frame, how did you manage your complete build with just 1500 euros? I wanna make it supercheap yet reliable, so I'm keen to go for a 105 mechanic sourced on aliexpress for about 300 euros. Weels elite ent or, may be better, Aeroraptor whch are really goodlooking either.
Any advise on sourcing and cost cutting is well accepted