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Messages - RBT

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Road Bike Frames, Wheels & Components / Re: QILEFU - Safe or avoid?
« on: March 24, 2026, 03:53:18 PM »
Quote from: Sebastian on March 24, 2026, 11:12:17 AM
Hey everyone... <SNIP>

Thanks for the feedback Sebastian, that's exactly what I was looking for!  I think the frame I'm looking at is almost identical to yours, just the rim version, so that gives me some confidence - much appreciated!


@jonathanf2 also responded to me by PM, and though he didn't actually get an Qilefu frame himself he put me onto this thread from @beemerchie who got one of these from RideLove, who are apparently part of the same group as Qilefu. Not certain it's exactly the same product, but seems quite likely.


Based on these various responses and reading the threads people suggested, these Qilefu frames do seem to be at least a fairly safe option - which was all I really wanted to confirm. They even seem to offer a fair performance for the rock-bottom price. I now also know to plan to replace the head bearings immediately, do something about corrosion protecting/replacing the steel parts and to do a *thorough* inspection of everything as soon as it arrives and before the AliExpress return period expires! So with all that, I think this is going to be worth a punt.

When bits start to arrive I'm considering making a thread on here detailing my experience, from my newbie, cost-cutting perspective, as I'm sure I'm not the only person looking for a nice carbon road bike at a price point under $1,000.

Thanks everyone for all your comments and insights! Wish me luck!

RBT.

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Road Bike Frames, Wheels & Components / Re: QILEFU - Safe or avoid?
« on: March 23, 2026, 01:46:26 PM »
Quote from: BigMold on March 22, 2026, 03:11:22 PM
Somewhere on this forum I read a review of this frame from that very company and the poster said he was very satisfied. I don't remember who posted it or which thread that was but I remember looking them up afterwards because of it, maybe that guy sees this thread. There's a chance this is actually a fine product, consensus on counterfeit frames in general is to stay away though. Lots of duds to be had even at 2-3x of that price and even if the frame is structurally safe it's often an inferior product (a lot heavier, bad ride quality).

The two people I've found on the site who have discussed QILEFU bikes previously seem to be @jonathanf2 (here) and @Sebastian (here). Not sure if the @<member> tag works here or not though :)

I should probably PM both and ask them what their experiences have been...

RBT

[EDIT: Corrected links and also PM'd both]

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Road Bike Frames, Wheels & Components / Re: QILEFU - Safe or avoid?
« on: March 21, 2026, 06:26:20 PM »
Quote from: Da11as on March 21, 2026, 04:28:39 PM
Why not take conventionally shaped OEM frame if you are tight on budget? There are plenty options out there. For instance https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005008125947180.html

Including shipping that's $588.91 vs $459.25 (I'm painting myself). That $129.66 difference I can either save, or use to get a better groupset.

There don't seem to be many frames that come significantly cheaper these days.

RBT.

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Road Bike Frames, Wheels & Components / QILEFU - Safe or avoid?
« on: March 20, 2026, 08:00:04 PM »
I'm still fairly new to Chinese bike builds, but I'm learning quick. I'm looking at a QILEFU JH034 : https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256810297711482.html

My budget is tight and won't stretch to any of the better Chinese brands like Yoho, but I can live without ultra low weight and impeccable paint, however I do want to have some confidence that it'll be safe in normal use.

I'm an amateur rider weighing 78kg and I'm just riding occasionally for fun & exercise on fairly well maintained flat roads - there are no climbs and no downhills here in East Florida! So potholes are my only real concern for "stressing" the frame.

So, is a cheap QILEFU frame something I would likely be safe to go with?

RBT.

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Road Bike Frames, Wheels & Components / Re: Rust Proof Brake Discs?
« on: March 18, 2024, 11:33:35 AM »
Well, the responses to that question went in an unexpected direction! :)

So disc brakes don't usually rust, eh? Are they usually made from stainless steel or something similar?

And a used CF bike would be a better approach? Hmmm. Interesting to hear that same thing from everyone who responded - thanks.   Checking ebay and craigslist there do seem to be quite a few options to choose from, some in my region too.

I'm going to pivot my plans and will heed your collective advice - thank you, all, for putting me on the better path!! Advice like this is precisely why community forums like this are so wonderful!

Cheers,

Ross.

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Road Bike Frames, Wheels & Components / Rust Proof Brake Discs?
« on: March 14, 2024, 10:58:53 AM »
Hello, I'm a newbie to the site and this is my first post here! I'm trying to get back into riding after far too many years away! I've lots of questions, but I'll just post one at a time :)

I need a new bike. My budget is US$ 800 all-in. Definitely not a lot!

I could buy a pre-built bike with alu frame with carbon forks and Claris 2x8sp group, which is fairly nice. But I'm a rocket engineer and I like building things! ;) So I'm also investigating the possibility of building an ultra-low-cost carbon bike using parts mostly from Ali.

I have my eye on a Ceccotti frame that I can get for $313 delivered, together with an LTWOO R7 10sp full group w/ rim brakes for $216. I should be able to get a used set of wheels (such as Shimano RS500) in good condition on ebay for about $120, which leaves $151 - enough to get some Continental GP 4 All Seasons tires to get the most out of the system, and still be able to pay for bars, cables, tape, pedals etc. without going over my budget limit.

So, my first question is about disc brakes: I live on the Space Coast of Florida and the really hot, humid, salt-laden air here rusts and corrodes EVERYTHING, horribly. I'd like to go for mechanical disc brakes instead of rim, but the rust issue holds me back. Can anyone suggest any disc suppliers who have rust proof products?

Cheers,

Ross.

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