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Chinese Carbon Frame Build?

Nsylver

Warming-Up
Mar 20, 2012
41
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Looking forward to assembling my first road bike ever, was thinking something like this:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/DIY-Road-Bi...70759614969?pt=Road_Bikes&hash=item27c210f1f9.

Should I get it with an integrated seatpost, or don't bother? I'll be getting wheels, drop bars, stem and frame + fork shipped, and I'll be doing a Shimano Sora group set at my local bike shop and have them assemble/build it.

Thoughts/comments/concerns? I'm willing to take the risk on an ebay frame.
 
I know these frames and factory - they're in Shenzhen. My main suggestion would be to contact them directly and see what they actually have on the rack - as if you wait for a production cycle it could take as long as 4mo. Also - forego the integrated seatpost and the squiggly fork. At the end of the day, you may end up paying a hundred dollars more - but, may be more suitable deal. These molds are based on 2008-ish frames and still pretty popular, if dated , in terms of design, weight and performance. Fabric might be Toray, but the resin is not. However - these are not 'heirloom' framesets - so if you get 3yrs - 5yrs lifespan - its fine. I do have the proper headsets , derailer hangers, etc for most of these bikes - so if you need any help , let me know. Sometimes the cheaper frames come shipped with a bit of funkiness you need to take care.

For our cheapest 'openmold' frames, we basically cherry pick the molds then specify exactly the layup (resin / fabric / schedule) and also upgrade on the finish materials. Plus any frames that don't pass a rigorous alignment and stress test are not accepted. Plus we guarantee (and insure) them in Japan. All that adds more cost to the frame, but it reduces risk across the board.

By and large most Chinese 'cheap carbon' frames have a wide variety of quality - read the thread I contributed to. We rep both the more economical , Shenzhen factory gear AND the higher end Northern China / Taiwan gear that produces alot of 'name brand' - so I know what's up with almost all the factory's offerings across the board.
 
GSAuto, this would be my first road bike ever, and I just dropped 120k yen on a new kendo Bogu set (stuff sucks yen right out of you). How much would the cheapest open mold carbon frame with low end wheels and Shimano Sora cost with assembly? I'm a first yeAr student at Ritsumeikan APU, so lasting 4 years is just perfect for me. Thank you for the responses so far.

In all honestly I don't mind an oldy off of yahoo auctions to get me started on road cycling. I'd sure myeslf but I only barely understand the kana syllabries and some spoken Japanese so far. I wouldn't mind dropping a small finder's fee if anyone would be able to assist in a search/ordering of one.
 
GSAuto, this would be my first road bike ever, and I just dropped 120k yen on a new kendo Bogu set (stuff sucks yen right out of you). How much would the cheapest open mold carbon frame with low end wheels and Shimano Sora cost with assembly? I'm a first yeAr student at Ritsumeikan APU, so lasting 4 years is just perfect for me. Thank you for the responses so far.

In all honestly I don't mind an oldy off of yahoo auctions to get me started on road cycling. I'd sure myeslf but I only barely understand the kana syllabries and some spoken Japanese so far. I wouldn't mind dropping a small finder's fee if anyone would be able to assist in a search/ordering of one.

While I don't want to necesarily dissuade you from procuring your frame yourself directly from China, I wouldn't advise it. It's challenging enough if you are experienced and know what you are doing. You are not, and don't. If you go that route, it's highly likely that in the end, you'll end up spending significantly more than you expected and receiving less.

As Alan alluded to, you'd do well to pursue things with Tim Smith of GSAstuto. He takes the guesswork out of the process, and IMHO you'll be able to get the highest quality setup for the least amount of money. Of course, at the end of the day it's your decision, but I'd highly recommend taking advantage of his expertise!
 
Thanks for the reply, I just shot a PM off to GSAuto, hopefully something will work out in the end.

-Nsylver
 
I know you will get the best bang for your buck from Tim at GS Astuto, that is the way I'd go if you want to go carbon.

Cheers!
 
Thanks Stu, though my best bet is probably to find an older bike on japan yahoo auctions. But even that's a stretch without and knowledge except for beginners logic with hiragana/katakana. I wouldn't mind paying someone to help me search/buy a bike on their.
 
Here are a bunch of frames NOS (New Old Stock) I think from the same guy I bought mine from.....

http://page4.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/d124457926

http://page6.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/f104267845

http://page18.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/w62884730

http://page5.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/e124560263

http://page4.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/d124458012

http://page7.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/g104770380

http://page13.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/r85329006

http://page13.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/r85328930

http://page8.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/h159703900

http://page2.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/b128410702

I think you get the idea :D

Some of them have the Bottom Bracket installed, this is not needed, and they look like the very old school taper fit BBs, so I'd want to upgrade that.

Basically all you will need to do is pick a color :D

Once you are established here in Japan this is a good option for a first road bike, it is basically what I did, and I'm very happy with my bike, but, I'm pushing 48 and no speed demon, so this bike might not be what you want. Why put a bunch of money into a bike that by the fall you are going to be wanting to upgrade from?

All questions that you have to answer yourself :D
 
Thanks for the reply, Yeah that's much better. I'll work something out somehow.
 
I often steer people to these NOS steelies. They are pretty decent roadframes made from decent cro-mo and sized well. The only downside is that they are setup for old school parts - like long reach brakes and threaded steerer. But, there are plenty of these parts around. And BB is no issue. LOTS of square taper stuff is out there. So - for the 1man - 2man for a cool frame, plus scavanger hunt items, you actually end up with a darn decent ride. Incidentally, I'm bringing back some of my old tools and stuff including the coveted Campy headtube reamer. Then fitting headset to these old beasts is just that much easier. Plus I have the headtube alignment rod for cold setting.

I'll give a shout to your PM regarding the carbon option. But , honestly, the cro-mo frames are 3man - 4man cheaper which you can put into wheels, which, at the end of the day is gonna make alot more difference in your ride - especially as a novice.
 
I often steer people to these NOS steelies. They are pretty decent roadframes made from decent cro-mo and sized well. The only downside is that they are setup for old school parts - like long reach brakes and threaded steerer. But, there are plenty of these parts around. And BB is no issue. LOTS of square taper stuff is out there. So - for the 1man - 2man for a cool frame, plus scavanger hunt items, you actually end up with a darn decent ride.
I'll give a shout to your PM regarding the carbon option. But , honestly, the cro-mo frames are 3man - 4man cheaper which you can put into wheels, which, at the end of the day is gonna make alot more difference in your ride - especially as a novice.

This thread is full of good advice.
 
I just pulled some specialized body geometry saddle off my old mountain bike, also took the brake components out ala Allan wrench. Would I be able to set those on a NOS steelie? If so, can I bring them in a suitcase through customs on Delta? Mountain bike had shimano accera shifters + brake levers, and a 7 speed suntour setup on it, to bring or not to bring?

Thanks.
 
Yup, noticed that :(. I'll probably just grab some help for one on yahoo auctions japan somehow.

Also had found this earlier: but it doesn't look like you can select frame size:

http://rinya-bun.com/progressive/11rrx263.html

Shot an email off to rinya-bun. Wondering if they even have an English speaker on staff, does anyone have an email or contact info for any shops in Japan with english speaking staff?

Thanks in advance.
 
Yup, noticed that :(. I'll probably just grab some help for one on yahoo auctions japan somehow.

Also had found this earlier: but it doesn't look like you can select frame size:

http://rinya-bun.com/progressive/11rrx263.html

Shot an email off to rinya-bun. Wondering if they even have an English speaker on staff, does anyone have an email or contact info for any shops in Japan with english speaking staff?

Thanks in advance.

That bike has 650C wheels and is intended for junior riders, guessing it is probably not what you are looking for.
 
Yup, noticed that :(. I'll probably just grab some help for one on yahoo auctions japan somehow.

Also had found this earlier: but it doesn't look like you can select frame size:

http://rinya-bun.com/progressive/11rrx263.html

Shot an email off to rinya-bun. Wondering if they even have an English speaker on staff, does anyone have an email or contact info for any shops in Japan with english speaking staff?

Thanks in advance.

Have you checked the TCC calssified? This bike is available:https://tokyocycle.com/classifieds/...e=carbon-fiber-verenti-rhigos-04-medium&cat=1
 
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