Chinarello build (dhgate)
08-08-17, 12:13 PM
#151
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That is still a gorgeous bike, and it still hasn't asploded .... I thought buy now it would have turned ugly and also killed its owner and all his family.
Not sure about the white tape, though ... because it gets dirty so easily. I got white hoods and I face that issue.
Not sure about the white tape, though ... because it gets dirty so easily. I got white hoods and I face that issue.
08-08-17, 12:33 PM
#152
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I've seen people wrap their hoods/bars in plastic bags for transport, and carry ziplocs with hand wipes in their jerseys to keep their hoods and bar tape clean.
I want to scoff at this, but white tape looks SO GOOD....
I want to scoff at this, but white tape looks SO GOOD....
08-08-17, 12:36 PM
#153
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Nobody has told them about Fizik bar tape.
08-08-17, 12:36 PM
#154
I see you over there
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Tbh i struggled with the white tape as well. I wanted to match the saddle...and it does look good. Ultimately i do regret the decision though.
08-08-17, 02:04 PM
#155
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Surprise, a Pinarelllo dealers is telling you not to buy a fake....how convenient. I am not saying the information is true or not but I would like to see an independent or third party make that analysis. It is in the best interest of the dealers to discourage you. They would never come out and say they are structurally safe.
Even if a frame was tested to be ok, there is no known company or QC regime that can be verified to show that all the frames will be up to the same standard.
08-08-17, 02:14 PM
#156
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I think a lot of paranoia and fear has been spread deliberately to discourage counterfeit. I have no issue with a knock-off as long it is clearly indicated that it's not the real thing. They probably just as good as the real thing in terms of frame. It's the component or badly setup I would worry about. Nothing a guy with a few tool can fix. They are probably better than most bike you see at the big box store. My buddy bought a wal-mart special bike for 100$ and the shifter broke down after 20km. He's brake almost gave out soon after. You tell me that is safer ?
If you want to buy the real thing and you can afford it, good for you. I think for most recreational rider, these bike are good enough. I would still like to see a third party study of "china" bike and really see if they are "unsafe" as some claim to say. I bet that most frame will be as good or better than some of the know brand out there.
08-09-17, 01:29 AM
#157
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The way that I see it, even if some knock-off frames are made in the same factory and by the same people as the originals (highly unlikely and impossible to ascertain for any particular frame), they still aren't made using the same moulds (geometry and aerodynamics are suspect), same materials (weight vs stiffness vs strength is suspect), or same QC (even if the people making them are capable of top
quality work, there is no incentive to spend the time and effort when you gain more by churning out as many mediocre products as quickly as you can). I believe the average knock-off is no worse than the entry-level branded models, but it's always a lottery and the probability that you'll get a bad one is higher. I do not believe that even the best knock-off you can possibly get is as good as the original "in terms of frame".
quality work, there is no incentive to spend the time and effort when you gain more by churning out as many mediocre products as quickly as you can). I believe the average knock-off is no worse than the entry-level branded models, but it's always a lottery and the probability that you'll get a bad one is higher. I do not believe that even the best knock-off you can possibly get is as good as the original "in terms of frame".
08-09-17, 06:25 AM
#158
I see you over there
Thread Starter
That's the point of this thread...to show that these frames can last. Besides me, there are two other members in this thread alone that have plenty of happy, problem-free miles on knockoffs. Another guy on here has built two "chinabombs" with no issues at all (and you guys inexplicably praised him while throwing me under the bus but whatevs).
The morality question is up to you but there seems to be more and more real world data of these frames surviving. They're inexpensive but not cheap.
The morality question is up to you but there seems to be more and more real world data of these frames surviving. They're inexpensive but not cheap.
08-09-17, 06:42 AM
#159
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That's the point of this thread...to show that these frames can last. Besides me, there are two other members in this thread alone that have plenty of happy, problem-free miles on knockoffs. Another guy on here has built two "chinabombs" with no issues at all (and you guys inexplicably praised him while throwing me under the bus but whatevs).
The morality question is up to you but there seems to be more and more real world data of these frames surviving. They're inexpensive but not cheap.
The morality question is up to you but there seems to be more and more real world data of these frames surviving. They're inexpensive but not cheap.
08-09-17, 08:11 AM
#160
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That's the point of this thread...to show that these frames can last. Besides me, there are two other members in this thread alone that have plenty of happy, problem-free miles on knockoffs. Another guy on here has built two "chinabombs" with no issues at all (and you guys inexplicably praised him while throwing me under the bus but whatevs).
Seems probable that two things happen: First, major outlets hire Flyxii—to either build or supply frames. Since a lot of the companies seem to offer similar frames .... hard to tell which are built to order and which are built on spec and sold.
Second, either excess production is sold off at the factory or from the outlets or small groups of businessmen combine to order frames.
Seems likely to me that a few different small, admittedly fly-by-night companies combine resources and buy some popular frames —Pinnarello F8 seems popular because it is distinctive—and risk their investment cash, hoping to recoup by selling at a smaller profit margin on EBay. Since they have lower overhead, they can still make money selling at a lower price.
If the first few sales work ... they do several more ... and more ... and eventually become another Workswell or DHGate.
While it is true, you are taking more risk with a start-up .... once a vendor has been in operation for a while they are probably a completely safe bet, no more risky than buying from any other source.
As this thread shows, Real people who actually build Real bikes based on these frames seem to be absolutely satisfied.
When I first started looking at Workswell, a lot of posters here told the same horror stories about imminent fatal asplosion, pointing out the thousands of completely imaginary and invented instances where this happened.
Now people use Workswell and Deng Fu as the benchmarks of the cheap Chinese CF industry .... the only thing that has been changed is the attitudes of the ignorant.
@espi-JG you probably offended everybody with your decals ... people are afraid they will tell you how hot your bike is, and then feel dumb when you tell them it is a copy. To protect their own self-images they need to crap on you.
You know ... people .....
Last edited by Maelochs; 08-09-17 at 08:35 AM.
08-09-17, 08:30 AM
#161
I see you over there
Thread Starter
08-09-17, 08:36 AM
#162
I see you over there
Thread Starter
let me also point out that as far as most people seem to be able to say, Flyxii makes CF frames for all kinds of companies ... including Workswell, and Hong Fu and possibly Deng Fu ... in other words, the retailers people have finally, after several years, come to accept as “good” Chinese CF sources.
Seems probable that two things happen: First, major outlets hire Flyxii—to either build or supply frames. Since a lot of the companies seem to offer similar frames .... hard to tell which are built to order and which are built on spec and sold.
Second, either excess production is sold off at the factory or from the outlets or small groups of businessmen combine to order frames.
Seems likely to me that a few different small, admittedly fly-by-night companies combine resources and buy some popular frames —Pinnarello F8 seems popular because it is distinctive—and risk their investment cash, hoping to recoup by selling at a smaller profit margin on EBay. Since they have lower overhead, they can still make money selling at a lower price.
If the first few sales work ... they do several more ... and more ... and eventually become another Workswell or DHGate.
While it is true, you are taking more risk with a start-up .... once a vendor has been in operation for a while they are probably a completely safe bet, no more risky than buying from any other source.
As this thread shows, Real people who actually build Real bikes based on these frames seem to be absolutely satisfied.
When I first started looking at Workswell, a lot of posters here told the same horror stories about imminent fatal asplosion, pointing out the thousands of completely imaginary and invented instances where this happened.
Now people use Workswell and Deng Fu as the benchmarks of the cheap Chinese CF industry .... the only thing that has been changed is the attitudes of the ignorant.
@espi-JG you probably offended everybody with your decals ... people are afraid they will tell you how hot our bike is, and then feel dumb when you tell them it is a copy. To protect their own self-images they need to crap on you.
You know ... people .....
Seems probable that two things happen: First, major outlets hire Flyxii—to either build or supply frames. Since a lot of the companies seem to offer similar frames .... hard to tell which are built to order and which are built on spec and sold.
Second, either excess production is sold off at the factory or from the outlets or small groups of businessmen combine to order frames.
Seems likely to me that a few different small, admittedly fly-by-night companies combine resources and buy some popular frames —Pinnarello F8 seems popular because it is distinctive—and risk their investment cash, hoping to recoup by selling at a smaller profit margin on EBay. Since they have lower overhead, they can still make money selling at a lower price.
If the first few sales work ... they do several more ... and more ... and eventually become another Workswell or DHGate.
While it is true, you are taking more risk with a start-up .... once a vendor has been in operation for a while they are probably a completely safe bet, no more risky than buying from any other source.
As this thread shows, Real people who actually build Real bikes based on these frames seem to be absolutely satisfied.
When I first started looking at Workswell, a lot of posters here told the same horror stories about imminent fatal asplosion, pointing out the thousands of completely imaginary and invented instances where this happened.
Now people use Workswell and Deng Fu as the benchmarks of the cheap Chinese CF industry .... the only thing that has been changed is the attitudes of the ignorant.
@espi-JG you probably offended everybody with your decals ... people are afraid they will tell you how hot our bike is, and then feel dumb when you tell them it is a copy. To protect their own self-images they need to crap on you.
You know ... people .....
08-09-17, 12:08 PM
#163
Senior Member
Back when I retook road riding, about 6 years ago, I had two Chinese frames. The second one I used for almost two years and back then I was putting 300 mile weeks pretty regularly. None of them asploded 
I won't go back that route since now I can actually afford original frames like the Look 675 I built up, or the two steel bikes I'm currently putting together but there's nothing wrong with Chinese frames as far as quality. I personally know 3 more people that have them and have ridden them for years without issues. These scare tactics are just that; go out and ride what you like and don't worry about what anyone says because in the end it's your money and your bike.
I won't go back that route since now I can actually afford original frames like the Look 675 I built up, or the two steel bikes I'm currently putting together but there's nothing wrong with Chinese frames as far as quality. I personally know 3 more people that have them and have ridden them for years without issues. These scare tactics are just that; go out and ride what you like and don't worry about what anyone says because in the end it's your money and your bike.
09-14-17, 01:09 PM
#164
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Thinking of building up a bike to advance from 'someone who adjusts and tinkers with bikes' to 'someone who's built a bike'.
Seems like an inexpensive frame would be a cost-effective way to get the experience. Right now I'm not even sure how to order stuff like group sets when the frames come in choices of BB... Again, just tinkering with 'already-built' machines, this sort of decision has already been addressed.
As it happens, I'm in Florida too, and everybody seemed to advise me against buying a Stradalli about 4 years ago... "Chinese death-trap junk!" I kept hearing. When I inspected the bike it seemed pretty decent, and I ended up buying it. -Not only did it stand up to 3 years of triathlon rough handling, it even survived being dropped from the roof rack of my car. -On the Interstate. -At 60MPH. (both wheels were destroyed, the saddle was toast, the front brake caliper was borked, brake levers mangled) but both the LBS and the local carbon frame repair specialist went all over the frame very carefully, and nobody could find anything wrong with the frame. -I was -quite frankly-astonished.
For me, the valid issues are safety and deception. I have NO intention of ever deceiving anyone, every hope to learn from the process, and -If I really felt I wanted "the real thing", I would be perfectly willing to build the bike a second time using a genuine article frame, and go through the entire process a second time. -It's all learning.
As for safety, I accept that I am at the mercy of my own judgment. I always am though.
Curious if the OP is anywhere nearby? Would love to see his build in person if so.
Seems like an inexpensive frame would be a cost-effective way to get the experience. Right now I'm not even sure how to order stuff like group sets when the frames come in choices of BB... Again, just tinkering with 'already-built' machines, this sort of decision has already been addressed.
As it happens, I'm in Florida too, and everybody seemed to advise me against buying a Stradalli about 4 years ago... "Chinese death-trap junk!" I kept hearing. When I inspected the bike it seemed pretty decent, and I ended up buying it. -Not only did it stand up to 3 years of triathlon rough handling, it even survived being dropped from the roof rack of my car. -On the Interstate. -At 60MPH. (both wheels were destroyed, the saddle was toast, the front brake caliper was borked, brake levers mangled) but both the LBS and the local carbon frame repair specialist went all over the frame very carefully, and nobody could find anything wrong with the frame. -I was -quite frankly-astonished.
For me, the valid issues are safety and deception. I have NO intention of ever deceiving anyone, every hope to learn from the process, and -If I really felt I wanted "the real thing", I would be perfectly willing to build the bike a second time using a genuine article frame, and go through the entire process a second time. -It's all learning.
As for safety, I accept that I am at the mercy of my own judgment. I always am though.
Curious if the OP is anywhere nearby? Would love to see his build in person if so.
03-03-20, 10:54 AM
#165
I see you over there
Thread Starter
Added:
6800 Ultegra RD
Supacaz bartape
zero setback seatpost
went from 23c Gator Hardshells to 25c Corsa G2.0.
6800 Ultegra RD
Supacaz bartape
zero setback seatpost
went from 23c Gator Hardshells to 25c Corsa G2.0.
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03-03-20, 01:30 PM
#166
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Came for pics of a delicious Chinarello Dogpoo.
Instead I will be haunted by the position of that stem for the rest of my days
Instead I will be haunted by the position of that stem for the rest of my days
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03-03-20, 09:32 PM
#167
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Another bike about two sizes too small for the rider! Not sure where the trend has come from having people purchase expensive bikes much too small.
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03-04-20, 04:37 AM
#168
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That bike really needs claris to give the full wind up to the lads at the coffee shop.
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03-04-20, 01:23 PM
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03-04-20, 03:54 PM
#172
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03-04-20, 04:05 PM
#173
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If our when I buy a generic frame, I'd have some nice personal custom stickers, not something that is fake.
Jmho of course. I hope that answers your question.