[Closed] Chinese carbon frames

I have bought 2 sets of wheels from Chinese sellers via eBay. Both sets of spokes came loose an had to be tightened but after that they’re great. A third the cost of zipp and the like. Obviously I’ve died three times because of using them but other than that no complaints. So I’m considering a gravel/winter bike frame.

Got the SPCycle one (or identical, at least) precisely for winter mud.

Top tube cracked on first ride, looked like a manufacturing flaw. I did an amateur repair and since have really enjoyed it. I expected to bin it after a few gentle winter rides but ended up racing it at Beastway this year, taking it on red/blacks at various trail centres and some long off road tours. So in the end it has worked out well for me. Having said I probably won't do Chinese Carbon thing again. Would definitely one of the more established suppliers (TanTan, Hong Fu etc- although even they have problems).

If you're in London or ride at Cannock Chase you can have a look if you want.

What's your budget for cheap Chinese carbon frames?

I'm close to buying one of these for my new commuter

I had a very quick price up a month or two ago and found that you they are not as cheap as they used to be. If you have a load of finishing kit lying around then yes, its a good option but for a full build you'll get something from Planet K or Ribble (or even CRC) for less money.

I have a budget of about 300 for the frame, headset and seatclamp.

I'd happily go for a steel or aluminium frame but like the idea of a plain looking frame. I know I could get it re sprayed but that's extra money.

I've got an Ican carbon xc frame. Raced it for 4 years.
Never missed a beat.

Also bought a 26" frame for my son, which is just as good and light.

Previously had carbon wheels but they werent Tubeless ready, so sold them. Apart from that they held up well and rolled quicky

@Rockhopper - yes (at least at the better quality end) and it's what I expect to do when my current drive train wears out.

Carbon Scott Scales (and similar) in end of season sales start around £1k with 12 speed NX and RS Judy's. Use cyclescheme (if possible). Keep the NX/forks/wheels for a winters worth of riding and then sell on eBay when you upgrade for race season in the spring.

The Chinese direct suppliers with better reviews are around $450 excl. tax (say $100 incl. fees)- I think you're looking at ballpark $550 for something you've got a hope of making a warranty claim on (if needed), i.e. >£400 at recent exchange rates. The latest quote I got from HongFu for a FM258 (full sus, similar to Spark) would have been around £650 excl. shock hardware.

i have an ican cx frame that i use as a road bike and an ican mtb frame my wife uses as a touring gravel bike.ridden constantly for 4-5 years now. both great light value for money frames. highly recommended !

How cheap you wanting to go?

I got a 2015 large Scott scale carbon that is possibly for sale.

Personally I’d not risk it especially after hearing the story above of one cracking in first ride.
The new Planet X scandal is well within that budget and would do what you want I suspect?

i've had a few frames, forks, wheels all be fine and ridden loads of miles. £300 is on the low side as depending which shipping method they use you will get taxed, XDB won't get taxed as goes via eastern europe but usually slower and more expensive. I'd buy through aliexpress or direct

I need a small. I was recommended the Scandal in another thread but would prefer a 27.5 setup as I already have some light wheels that I'm not using. I guess the scandal with rigid forks and 27.5 wheels would result in a way too low BB?

Apologies for the thread hijack but if anyone has a broken composite frame that they want rid of for some beer money, I'd be interested - send me a message. I don't fix them necessarily, just use certain sections in my homemade contraptions.