I've seen some Youtube reviews for integrated carbon stem/handlebar units from China, and some were pretty easy to bend. That gor me worried.

I'm not a small guy at well over 1,80 m and can put some force on my handlebar when I go out of the saddle. I'm tempted to try an integrated stem/handlebar unit, but it only makes sense for me if it's stiffer or more comfortable than the (already good!) stock unit on my Giant TCR. I'm thankful for any experiences or pointers to specific units.

Regarding carbon wheels, it is of course tempting to find a replacement for the sturdy, but heavy Giant PR-2 wheels. They are said to weigh 1900 g. If I go down that road, tubeless ready rims are a given for me, and I would also opt for a rather deep profile (in the range of 45 mm or more). Wide profile rims (up to 28 mm) with U shape and disc only design (no braking surface) are also on my wishlist. And I do believe that hookless wheels are to be preferred over conventional hooked rims. A wheelset weight of 1500-1600 g seems fair.

How about an asymmetric rim profile? Does this offer significant advantages with rather narrow road rims?
(I do have asymmetric rims on my XC mountain bike wheelset, but these rims are 38 mm wide. Quite a step up from road rims with not more than 25..28 mm width.)

Happy New Year to you all!

I'm considering to replace my 14 year old road bike, and been checking the Chinese carbon makers' websites for quite some time now. But I haven't yet found the frame that gives me a "that's what I want" feeling. Maybe you guys can help...

I'm coming from a 2004 Giant OCR Zero, size XL (60 cm). 120 mm stem, slammed to lowest position. I've gotten used to an aero position and aim for a frame with a stack to reach ratio well under 1,50, preferably 1,45 or even lower at the front.

What else is important? Thru axles. Mounts for hydraulic disc brakes. Enough clearance to mount beefy 28 mm tires, because I do encounter dirt roads on a regular basis (no need for a "gravel bike" though, 28 mm slicks are just fine).

I don't care about frame weight. Aero design is a nice to have, but definitely not mandatory. I prefer a long and stable geometry over short and nimble.

Thank you!

Hey, guys!

I've been enquiring a few of the better known Chinese suppliers, and after some comparison I'm pretty tempted to pull the trigger on some offers from Workswellbikes. They offer at considerably lower prices, but I understand that they are a trusted source. Would you recommend to go with them?

My current favourites are:

WCB-M-062 or 096 with rigid fork (15x100)
and a matching carbon wheelset: 35 mm wide rims and Novatec hubs

as a winter project to be finished next year:
WCB-R-115
with this wheelset: like WWC-R-60-26.5c, but built with WWC-R-56-27.25c in a 18/21 spokes setup with Powerway hubs

What do you think?

Hey!

I'm happy I've finally found this forum. I've been contemplating Chinese carbon parts for quite a while now, and what I read so far supports that plan.

However, there seem to be not many reviews around for carbon rims/wheels in more gravity orientated biking.

My stats: I ride a Specialized Enduro Comp (29"), my current weight is 85 kg and I live not too far from the Alpes mountains. So pretty demanding terrain is within reach. I'd describe my riding style as rather smooth and not too brutal, but I have to admit that the Enduro encourages you to just point the bike into the target direction and open the brakes.

I'm considering 35 mm wide rims, or even 40 mm rims. My preferred tires are 2,35" Schwalbes, like Hans Dampf or Magic Mary (tubeless of course), but I'd also be ok to test the Conti 2,4" models.

I'm looking forward to reading your experiences, opinions and recommendations. :-)