clubber

"Here I go again on my own...going down the only road Ive ever known. Like a drifter" Ok that's enough

Well its been approx 3 years and about 17K miles since I started the last thread (some would call it going number 2) and I'm getting the itch to put together a new build. I would like to thank some of the folks like noodle soup, repenmanparker and Maelocks to name a few that gave their guidance and suggestions to help me assemble my last bike that I initially planned to make a video of but was so disappointed I only put a single crappy video up on YouTube.

My intentions are to build a new bike using a an aero disc break frame,and use the same Ultegra groupset (with new calipers and rotors of course) that I used on my last build and I have just started back into researching frame manufacturers. My last build for those of you who haven't seen the last DIY builders thread was a Workswell WCB R 066 v-brake frame which btw literally got HIT BY A BUS with me on it AND went down in a relatively high speed accident and only suffered some scuffs. I on the other hand fractured my femur in 3 places and added a new rod and pins to the collection of hardware residing in my left leg. WTF you got only 1 body and you cant take it with you.

So Im looking forward to reconnecting with some of you folks and gathering info on the new stuff. Regards,

Clubber

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clubber

So I'm trying to find out who can share any info and pics on recent builds you have done within the last year or so using Chinese aero frames particularly with integrated stems and cable routing. Lets see if we can stir this topic up again.

MidTNBrad

I got nothin' to help you out but I'm gonig to subscribe to this thread. Interested in what other people are doing.

clubber

Yeah, I have been looking at Workswell since I had such a great experience the first time with their WCB-R-066 frame and carbon clincher wheels. I have also been looking at Yeoleo, Winspace, and Pardus to name a few Chinese mfrs specifically the Yeoleo r9 and the Pardus Virus. I dont think that Pardus has released the Virus yet but its a sweet aero CF disc bike with intergated cockpit.

I would really like to hear from other DIY bulders to find out what mfrs folks are using for aero frames. Also considering going with a tubeless wheelset this go round.

Lmk

MidTNBrad

Is that their Cervelo R5 "influenced" model?

clubber

My whip!

You r correct sir! Again I have to thank my guys like rpenmanparker, Maelochs, and noodle soup for their guidance and suggestions regarding frame selection and other parts.
ICYMI in my previous thread my build consist of a Ultegra 6800 grouset on the Workswell R5 type frame and wheels. Just added the Easton decals for a little flare.

This horse has over 17k on it been hit by a transit bus AND been down in a 25 mph crash when I had to avoid a head on collision with an A HOLE txting on his bike who btw didnt even break stride after I went down and fracture my femur in 3 places. This bike has been rock solid! Wish I could say the same for my old leg.

WhyFi

Integrated cockpits with completely internal wire/cables/hoses get me all lathered up. Last time I looked at these consumer-direct brands, they didn't offer anything along those lines, so I'll be interested to see what's on the scene now.

MidTNBrad

Yep, that looks like my R3, right down to the seat post collar with the bolt facing the front. Does it have a BBRight BB?

Sorry to get off topic by looking to the past rather than the future. It seems like I looked that model up a while back and it looks like they don't make it anymore.

clubber

Oh yeah... me too. Checkout the Workswell WCB-R-136, the Yeoleo R9 and the Pardus Virus. All factory direct and all with integrated cockpits although the Pardus is not yet in production to my knowledge.

clubber

No worries...it did come with a bbright BB but Im using a Wheels Mfg PF30. Again it has been through quite a lot after 17k plus miles and is still my number 1.

WhyFi

I checked them out with your previous mention.

But hey - I just came across something potentially interesting: Fuji Transonic 1.1, which is available as a frameset for $2k. I haven't seen the specifics on the frameset, but the complete build is fully internal/integrated. If the seatpost, stem/bars are all included with the frameset at that price, and they all look proprietary, so you think they would... yeah, interesting.

clubber

Well judging from last years TDF with just about all the major mfrs going to the integrated cockpits it doesn't surprise me that the Chinese direct mfrs would follow suit. Again I'm anxious to get some feedback from those who either have or intend on completing new builds using IC frames. I'm still on the fence whether or not to go with disc or rim brakes and a tubular or tubeless wheelset. Hmmmmm...

cat0020

I have built a few bikes out of Chinese carbon frames since 2016, some for myself, some sold to fellow experienced riders that I've ridden together for years.
None of us are currently racing or training for races, only regular group rides 3-4 times a week, all of us have multiple road bikes that we have ridden for multiple years and well aware of the general limitations and quality of Chinese carbon frames purchased from the internet.

Internal cable routing are always PITA, especially in tight spaces between brake levers & stem, frame routing are usually easier since there is more room to work with.

My first Chinese carbon frame build was in 2016, frame purchased on eBay with rebates it cost me less than $300 for the frame/fork/seatpost/BB/headset to be shipped to me. However the seller shipped me the wrong size frame and after 2 months of back & forth on eBay, I was refunded the purchase price by eBay and get to keep the frame.
I completed the build with misc. parts I have avail. in my basement, complete bike probably less than $1200.

I put about 5-600 miles on it and determined that it was too small for my liking and sold it to a neighbor of mine who has been riding with me on this bike, he has put over 4k miles on the bike since 2017. The usual complaint is the seatpost slipping and front derailleur mount slipping... beyond that the shifting noise with hollow carbon frame, tends to amplify.

My second build was little easier, but cable routing through the handlebar still required much patience.



Completed bike was a very nice ride, comfortable yet efficient, I have put about 3k miles on it since 2018.
Good enough for under $2k build.
Similar problems as the previous bike, seatpost slippage & front derailleur slippage.


My third was the replacement frame from the original seller of the wrong sized frame that was shipped to me.
I received it late in the season 2018, so I have not spent much time working on it, but recently I've put more effort into finishing it.

As before, cable routing through the handlebar still PITA even with much practice.


Also working on a Chinese TT carbon bike.. bought in 2018.. trying to decide whether to go 1x10 or double.

swifty

Hi Clubber, I've just started a similar project, with a WorkWell frame as it happens (WCB-R-268). I too was looking for a modern frame with all the "in trend" features like disc brakes and fully integrated cabling through the handlebar/headset. It's the first time I am dealing with a Chinese OEM directly, and up to now I am pretty impressed by the quick replies and professional service. Here's a photo WorksWell sent for me to approve the custom paint scheme design mock up, which is Trek Madone-inspired. The second picture an example of this frame built up, showing the integrated cables. Note however that my frame will be disc brake and that the example is the rim brake version.

jadocs

Very interesting thread

tagaproject6

Nice frames. Are you doing a custom color?

Maelochs

I looked hard at all of Workswell's aero frames back before a whole load of crap happened and I had to stop riding so much and couldn't justify another bike. I was going disc-brake CF wheels (bought an off-brand set which have been excellent on my Fuji, but what a waste, in a way.) I have routed cables through aero bars, never an integrated bar/stem .... but i figure it can only be about ten times worse, right? And once it's done, it's done. So ... worth it.

I suggest asking over on Weightweenies, too.

Glad you like the 066 and really not glad to hear about your leg .... but super that once the leg healed you could start riding again.

I don't have direct experience to share (besides buying a couple WW frames) , but i will be watching this one with interest.

swifty

​​​​​​
Yes. To me that's one of the charms of going this route instead of just buying a Canyon or similar.

cat0020

Completed the build from 2018, took it out for its first ride for 15 miles in near freezing temperature & 15 mph wind.
It feels much lighter than my other Chinese carbon aero frame.

noodle soup

nice work on the bar wrap.

what frameset is that?

cat0020

Chinese Cervelo S5 copy.. replacement frameset from eBay seller that shipped me the wrong size frame back in 2018.

Frame, fork, seatpost, headset, bottom bracket all came as a package, I think I paid under $400 including shipping.



Complete bike with 10 speed Ultegra & cheap $300 Chinese carbon wheels... probably under $1.5k for the complete bike.



Front derailleur mounting plate came with round headed bolts that get in the way,
had to replace them with my own flat headed cleat bolts in order to allow front derailleur to shift into small ring.

That's mainly the problem with these Chinese vendors: when you need replacement parts like seatpost, mounting hardware/bolts, derailleur hanger, etc..
they are slow to respond and difficult to communicate to get the correct replacement parts.

clubber

Well,
After being a little discouraged not hearing any replies for a while, I want to first say thanks to cat0020 for giving life back to a dormant thread. When I do decide to start into my new build you will be one of the first ones I call.Also want to thank Maelocks and Soup for their help with my build back in 2016 in the DIY builders #2 thread.

I did get off track of my intended build over the last couple of months and even with the $ I got yesterday from old Uncle Sam Im not quite ready to start the disc bike buiild just yet.
I would however like to get a recommendation on a stem to replace my Thomson Elite X2 Stem Black 1 1/8" 10 degree Rise 90mm. I just want to go with a more conventional horizonal angled stem to drop the bar height a little.

noodle soup

Flip it.

Maelochs

Flip the Thompson and add a spacer underneath----fifty-cent solution.

clubber

Yeah, its what I initially intended to do but being that it has a 10 degree rise I think it will look kinda bizzare even with spacers. An important factor is that clearly it still has to look cool. Would you not agree?