Replica Factor Ostro VAM

[Serge_K]

The inside of these frames look so good, honestly... I assume there's Factor staff looking at this forum, they'd have to be super incompetent not to know about it. I still dont endorse fakes, but there would have to be gallons of secret sauce to justify spending 5000 or 6000$ on a factor frame when you can get such a tight looking frame for 1k. In a wind tunnel, they ought to perform the same. So then, ride quality. Bearing in mind the actual geometry plays a key role in how a bike will feel, so, is the Factor layup worth paying 5x? I can see myself buying one and getting a custom Tractor logo in one of their paint jobs, because they make really nice paint jobs

[patliean1]

At this point now I'd probably order a replica Factor Ostro versus an SL8 clone from TanTan lol

[A.V.G]

I'll have more to say about this in the next few days, but I want to get this out there for others who are interested in buying from First-Class Carbon Fiber Store (https://www.aliexpress.com/store/1102993497) and associated storefronts, RF Ultra Extreme Carbon and Mirror Carbon, on AliExpress.

I bought a frame from First-Class Carbon 80 days ago and the frame has never been delivered.  Since then, other buyers on this forum have purchased frames from F-C and they have received their frames, including another USA buyer who got his frame in only 30 days. 

F-C has not (yet) taken any responsibility for my failed transaction but has spent significant energy telling me to 'just be patient' or trying to deflect responsibility.   

Suffice it to say I cannot recommend First-Class Carbon Fiber Store at this time. Maybe F-C will still make things right for me, and if they do, I'll be sure to update the forum with that info.

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Final edit Feb-22-2025:  My Ostro frame was eventually delivered after ~75 days in transit and 90 days after order. See page 19 for more info.

[Serge_K]

I bought a frame from First-Class Carbon 80 days ago and the frame has never been delivered.

Has your frame shipped, according to the seller, and then no tracking update, or the seller is selling the frame still hasn't shipped and they're still "working" on it? option 1, i'd worry. option 2, i'd worry less, i'd simply be annoyed (tremendously).

[A.V.G]

Has your frame shipped, according to the seller, and then no tracking update, or the seller is selling the frame still hasn't shipped and they're still "working" on it? option 1, i'd worry. option 2, i'd worry less, i'd simply be annoyed (tremendously).

Hello Serge,
Per the provided tracking number, F-C shipped on Dec 8.  There have been no meaningful tracking updates since Dec 10.  The last tracking entry came on Jan 2, but it was just a duplicate entry saying 'in transit'.  On Jan 14, F-C told me it was on a ship, but that 'the weather was bad and would accordingly be further delayed'.  Why was it on a ship at all (if it actually was), is an obvious question.

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Final edit Feb-22-2025:  My Ostro frame was eventually delivered after ~75 days in transit and 90 days after order. See page 19 for more info.

[jerozilla]

I just couldn't help myself, bought one of these too. I bought through the "RK Ultra Extreme Carbon Fiber Store". Overall good communication, polite, and easy to work with. Seems like they are just a dealer working with the factory. Received pictures of everything prior to shipment, and photos of other frames before ordering (for what its worth).

Paid $1100 CAD ($760 USD) all in for regular weight, passed on the lightweight version

Weights (size 56):
Frame: 1154g
Fork: 471g

We'll see how it goes, I have a set of custom Wheelsfar hypers on the way, a Lexon DUB crank, and an Ultegra Di2 group on the way

Very nice definitely looks like they source from the same factory or it's another store from for F-C. From the interior to the bag parts and quality it almost is identical.

[glepore]

Hello Serge,
Per the provided tracking number, F-C shipped on Dec 8.  There have been no meaningful tracking updates since Dec 10.  The last tracking entry came on Jan 2, but it was just a duplicate entry saying 'in transit'.  On Jan 14, F-C told me it was on a ship, but that 'the weather was bad and would accordingly be further delayed'.  Why was it on a ship at all (if it actually was), is an obvious question.

Hopefully you're not in the USA as the tariffs are now in effect....

[A.V.G]

Hopefully you're not in the USA as the tariffs are now in effect....

I am in USA, and this whole project kicked off in November as a race against the tariffs.  It should have worked out if not for the problems caused by First Class' inability to deliver.  When I bought the frame, I got a $45 discount on Ali for the 11/11 sale (or the like), which is now long-gone, and now a 10% pointless tax on Americans imposed by Trump.  So, if I bought the same frame today it will cost approximately $130-150 more, for no additional value.   

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Final edit Feb-22-2025:  My Ostro frame was eventually delivered after ~75 days in transit and 90 days after order. See page 19 for more info.

[jerozilla]

I am in USA, and this whole project kicked off in November as a race against the tariffs.  It should have worked out if not for the problems caused by First Class' inability to deliver.  When I bought the frame, I got a $45 discount on Ali for the 11/11 sale (or the like), which is now long-gone, and now a 10% pointless tax on Americans imposed by Trump.  So, if I bought the same frame today it will cost approximately $130-150 more, for no additional value.   

At this point at 80 days you should charge back and hope it shows up eventually. You are losing your protection you may even be close to or past the nuclear option of a bank charge back coverage.

[Serge_K]

Hello Serge,
Per the provided tracking number, F-C shipped on Dec 8.  There have been no meaningful tracking updates since Dec 10.  The last tracking entry came on Jan 2, but it was just a duplicate entry saying 'in transit'.  On Jan 14, F-C told me it was on a ship, but that 'the weather was bad and would accordingly be further delayed'.  Why was it on a ship at all (if it actually was), is an obvious question.

My first batch of bikes went by train from xiamen to Europe, with an entry point in Poland. It took between forever and forever and a half.
If they shipped the box by boat, I can see how it would also take forever, especially in a trump context with tariffs, cracking down on imports and tralala. Ports routinely get overrun. Did you agree / know it would be shipped by boat? Tricky situation. There's a good chance the seller is being honest there. I mean I doubt you're getting scammed. AliExpress might have protection for you where if you don't get your parcel before whatever date, you can get a refund. Arguably if you're entitled to a refund, maybe you should get one. But then you have to order a frame again and start over. If the frame does arrive in the meantime, idk if it gets delivered to you or if the system will know to ship it back right away.
Freight shenanigans is one reason why the likes of Canyon always have inventory issues. If you're a brand you ship containers, not individual frames by plane, and shipping is such a shit show as an industry.

[glepore]

I am in USA, and this whole project kicked off in November as a race against the tariffs.  It should have worked out if not for the problems caused by First Class' inability to deliver.  When I bought the frame, I got a $45 discount on Ali for the 11/11 sale (or the like), which is now long-gone, and now a 10% pointless tax on Americans imposed by Trump.  So, if I bought the same frame today it will cost approximately $130-150 more, for no additional value.   

I'm afraid its worse than that. Its not just the 10%, the 10 is ON TOP of a preexisting 25% tariff imposed under Trump 1, plus processing and CBP fees. We never paid the 25% in the past because of the deminimus exception which is now gone. And, worse yet, tariffs are imposed date of entry, so you're going to get billed them even though you purchased before. Doesn't matter that your stuff is in transit. So its going to be like $400 more.
I feel your pain, ordered a complete tan/tan wheeltop bike for 2.5 k that's now going to be like 3.5. Would have done something else had I known. Sorry man.

[A.V.G]

I'm afraid its worse than that. Its not just the 10%, the 10 is ON TOP of a preexisting 25% tariff imposed under Trump 1, plus processing and CBP fees. We never paid the 25% in the past because of the deminimus exception which is now gone. And, worse yet, tariffs are imposed date of entry, so you're going to get billed them even though you purchased before. Doesn't matter that your stuff is in transit. So its going to be like $400 more.
I feel your pain, ordered a complete tan/tan wheeltop bike for 2.5 k that's now going to be like 3.5. Would have done something else had I known. Sorry man.

Thanks for getting me up-to-speed glepore.  News Flash: I'm just now reading (as of today, Feb 7) that Captain Chaos has delayed the termination of the deminimus exception by executive order.  So, I guess that's good news...  Wow, this is a mess! 

[ttgolf]

I am in a similar situation as A.V.G. My v1 frame shipped on Jan 12 and it has been at "arrived at linehaul office" since Jan 20. I have not received any update since. FC just told me it is on a ship. I am not sure he is just saying it because I keep asking him. I started a refund process but it was rejected. I may call my credit card company if I don't have any update by Feb 12. 

[jerozilla]

I am in a similar situation as A.V.G. My v1 frame shipped on Jan 12 and it has been at "arrived at linehaul office" since Jan 20. I have not received any update since. FC just told me it is on a ship. I am not sure he is just saying it because I keep asking him. I started a refund process but it was rejected. I may call my credit card company if I don't have any update by Feb 12.

I really don't understand this it's on a ship excuse, the cost they charge for shipping is already super high and from looking at my tracking it never was put on a boat nor should the frames be for the $100+ shipping they're asking for.

[ttgolf]

I agree. I just don’t understand how they have no information about the shipment for so long. I hope A.V.G will get his frame soon. Hope I don’t have to wait for 80+ days to get my frame.