Quote from: Mint Julep on September 18, 2026, 06:04:00 AM
Thanks, that's useful to know.

We're looking for handlebars that provide additional rise, either with a positive stem angle, or gull-wing.  Unfortunately Toseek doesn't have this (yet?).

Theres a cracking looking Rpanthi set of handlebars due for release in the next few weeks (I think they are called the Air Rise).
Not a lot of info so far, but the promo shots look like they've nailed the design for a riser bar - check their instagram page for photos.

Quote from: Mint Julep on September 18, 2026, 02:50:02 AM
I'm also considering different bars.

The main challenge seems to be compatible spacer shape.  If neither LightCarbon nor the handlebar maker have a bridge spacer I'll probably design and 3D print one.

I have a Toseek integrated bar setup from Aliexpress on my LCR018-D.

Here's a link to the exact bars:
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005010180480208.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.main.3.6e7e7c43PHF6pY&algo_pvid=9baa6c25-67a8-47bf-bded-656edb92f89a&algo_exp_id=9baa6c25-67a8-47bf-bded-656edb92f89a-2&pdp_ext_f=%7B%22order%22%3A%222233%22%2C%22spu_best_type%22%3A%22price%22%2C%22eval%22%3A%221%22%2C%22fromPage%22%3A%22search%22%7D&pdp_npi=6%40dis%21GBP%21201.63%2186.69%21%21%211751.78%21753.18%21%400b884a9917897192279653100e0e59%2112000051439141658%21sea%21UK%210%21ABX%211%210%21n_tag%3A-29910%3Bd%3A1445fbf9%3Bm03_new_user%3A-29895%3BpisId%3A5000000211438706&curPageLogUid=VtpuOaUZJCkm&utparam-url=scene%3Asearch%7Cquery_from%3A%7Cx_object_id%3A1005010180480208%7C_p_origin_prod%3A

Spacers that come with it fit no problem.

Order just arrived from AliExpress.
Despite ordering the H496 tyres, I have received Arisun C2 Ultras.
Not sure if this is an upgrade or a similar tyre, will have to give them a go and hope for the best.

Quote from: flax on August 25, 2026, 06:33:28 AM
Did you ask LC about the new upgraded seatpost clamp?

I haven't heard about a new clamp - has this been confirmed?
They already have an upgraded v2 seatpost, but ive never heard the clamp mentioned until now.

Quote from: brembilla on August 25, 2026, 04:22:58 AM
If you don't mind answering, how does Chaoyang tier their tires? They also have the Arisun, which I believe to be a high performance tire that tiers above the Merlin/Cobra.

Yes, that would be interesting to know. The Arisuns were a few pounds dearer and I could find zero information on them, whereas at least the H496 had some positive feedback to go on.

Here's what chatgpt had to say on the difference between the 2:

Chaoyang's own specification actually makes them look almost identical underneath: the premium H-498 Woven option uses 120 TPI + Dino Skin + Silica-Maxx + folding bead, exactly the combination we liked in the Merlin.
A separate retailer lists the 30c tube-type H-498 Woven at about 265g, which is still a very respectable weight for a 30c tyre with a dedicated puncture layer.
So what are you getting for the extra money?
Primarily the H-498 Woven tread/shoulder design.
Chaoyang has designed the Woven with a textured woven-style shoulder and narrow grooves. Their Japanese distributor specifically describes that shoulder pattern as being intended to give smooth, predictable cornering in both dry and wet conditions.
The newer H-498 line is also being positioned by Chaoyang distributors as their higher-end all-round racing/endurance tyre, sitting between a pure race tyre and a heavy durability tyre. The recent H-498TR launch material specifically targets riders wanting speed plus durability, rough-road tolerance and long-distance reliability.

Quote from: Serge_K on August 24, 2026, 02:15:51 AM
As of right now and for reference, shipped to Europe, i could get a pair of NON TLR, 30C, H496, for 65 EUR shipped.
On bike-components.de, 2x Michelin pro5 TLR in 28C (not 30C) would be 69 eur incl. shipping. The 30C costs 20 EUR more a pair. A pair of GP5000 costs 85, depending on websites in EU you can get that w free shipping.
I'm curious to try the H496, but not until they make a 32C. If not a 35...

Just for reference, they cost me £45 total for 2x H496 Merlin 30c tyres from Aliexpress (im based in the UK).

There were a few good offers on some tyres from UK sites, but all 28s. Once you clicked 30 or 32 the price shot up to a crazy level altogether (as if they're not bad enough already!).

The local price of the tyres in China is kind if irrelevant I guess as theres no chance of them ever being this cheap when buying from abroad - if they are available from a source other than Aliexpress at a cheaper price I would certainly look into purchasing more (assuming I get on well with the first set).

Quote from: BFBS on August 21, 2026, 09:41:52 AM
Here https://www.bike-components.de/de/Michelin/PRO5-TS-TLR-28-Faltreifen-p212519/?o=1001006878-schwarz-transparent-28-mm-28-622.
Granted it is the 28-622 and not the 30-622, but the price difference is pretty minor.
And I wouldn't bother with Tubetype tires, but everyone is different.

Yep 28mm is out, I want 30mm minimum, plus bike-components have a €165 minimum order to the UK, so definitely out!
Thanks for suggesting though - it is appreciated.

I think these Chaoyangs are well worth a shot - theres enough positive evidence around the company as a whole and now a few positive reviews to make less of a pure punt.
I wish Trace Velo had released his video as no doubt he's already tested them, but I can't wait any longer so they are now on order.

Quote from: BFBS on August 21, 2026, 06:32:45 AM
A set of Michelin Pro 5 TLR cost 60€ for a pair and is very close to the GP5000 according to bicyclerollingresistance. Why boter with H496 if a good alternative dosen't cost way more?

Don't know where you're seeing them that cheap, they are £39 each here, plus I don't want any sort of tubleless ready tyre that makes it any harder to mount.
Plus... this is Chinertown after all, where we try to find good alternatives to overpriced bike gear!!

I think these are worth a punt, will report back after 1000km or so with the good or bad news.

Quote from: tysta on August 21, 2026, 03:41:24 AM
Coming from a GP5000 I've actually ran 28c H496 for a couple of kilometers and I'm running the 30c version now and I can say that aren't as good as a GP5000 but they are not far behind honestly.
I've also ran the 28c Grandprix and for me the H496 were a lot better, I ran all of them with TPU tubes by the way.
I was able to get the H496 for around 40/50€ per pair on Aliexpress and compared to the 80/90€ that the GP5000 costs I think they are worth the price.

Thanks very much for the review - thats exactly the sort of reassurance I needed!
Definitely not expecting them to match GP5000, but just a good solid all rounder that will offer some level of protection on crappy roads.
Getting fed up with the crazy prices of everything, so these seem like they're worth taking a chance on.
Thanks again.

Im currently running GP5000, they're good, but the bike is now becoming a dedicated training bike for the everyday slog - ill keep GP5000 on the "best" bike.

These H496 Merlins are literally half the price of standard GP5000 (£48 for a pair delivered), spec looks good and they have a "Dino Skin anti stab protection layer" - what this performs like in real life is anyones guess, but given that Chaoyang is a huge and proven tyre manufacturer, I thought these might be worth a punt. Was hoping someone else might have tried.

I know Trace Velo is planning a video reviewing Chinese tyres soon, but ive had 3 punctures in the last 3 rides so can't wait too long!

Need new tyres for my Lightcarbon LCR018 and can't stomach the price of GP5000AS.

Has anyone tried the Chaoyang H496 Merlin Tyres?
Available in 30c at a great price and specs look good - would just love some real world feedback before taking the plunge.

Planning on running the tube version with Vittoria latex tubes.

Quote from: casper.f on August 19, 2026, 05:32:20 AM
So 300USD extra for UD glossy?
Uh okay ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

There still seems to be a lot of confusion as to what's going on here - Carol confirmed to me 3 days ago that I could have the frame in raw carbon, glossy finish complete with laser silver logos for $799 including handlebar.

I am not in the market for the LCR020 anymore as ive just picked up a used S-Works Tarmac SL7 frameset for only a few hundred pounds more, so grabbed it while I could.

Quote from: pandaman on August 17, 2026, 07:08:58 AM
Anyone ordered spares at a later date from their original bike order and what postage did you pay?

I thought it might be sensible to order another set of through axles and seatpost expander with them being custom and worried they may get lost or damaged in the future.

the cost of the parts themselves are quite reasonable (30USD in total) but the cost for postage to send them to the UK is $33USD! They will only send them via DPD express and I asked whether a cheaper slower option was available and was told this wasnt.

Hi Pandaman,

I wouldn't mind picking up a set of thru axles as well - would be happy to split the cost with you (and cover the forwarding post to me).
Send me a message if you'd be interested!

Yeah, the way they are going about this isn't going to help them at all.
I get it - they are new to dealing with the public and quickly realising all the hassle that that entails compared to B2B.
It would have been far better to increase the price of the frame by $200 and offer simple paint schemes in the price - it's still a crazy cheap frame considering their quality.

The way they are going about it is all wrong - feels like a trick and would honestly put me off, even though I still think the frame is worth the money.

I've reached out to Carol for clarification.

Quote from: JensenMacD on August 14, 2026, 09:46:53 AM
LC sent me the v3 for free. I paid nothing.

LC have been great, I've already received the v2 door and a new seatpost from them, so don't want to push it, I'm more than happy to wait. Let me know how it goes with the install - never riveted anything before so always good to try something new!