elmir028

Hi Guys,

As I know, most of frames of bicycle brands are made in Taiwan and supplied to factories for assembling. That's why I tried to find carbon frame for myself directly from Taiwan's factories. After some searches in Internet, I found web-site cycletaiwan.com. Online bike parts shop. There are such frames like Matrix, Velocite, Author, Kashima, Grampus, Roxycle... Apart of frames on cycletaiwan.com, I found out frame factories such as Kinesis, MaxWay, Bevato, Carbotec

Does anybody has an idea, which of them is a good quality? Maybe anybody bought frame from Taiwan and can give and advise!?

Much appreciated for assistance

Maelochs

I believe all of Nashbar's frames are from Taiwan ... and just about everyone else's frames are either from Taiwan or made in China for companies based in Taiwan (so your "frame from Taiwan" is pretty likely actually from a factory in China.)

Of all that you listed, only Kinesis is familiar ... but so long as you are buying from an actual company with a factory, a website, and a history, you are likely getting a solid frame.

Pretty much the only way to get the latest cutting-edge technology is to buy from a major manufacturer--they do the R&D and patent their latest stuff. The rather generic frames you buy from those other companies are likely two years' ago's tech (or the same level of tech you'd get in low-to-midrange frames from those major manufacturers)... and absolutely excellent, light, strong, and wroth the price and more.

I purchased a Chinese CF frame based on advice from many people here and over at Weight Weenies and am completely satisfied. I am sure whichever frame you buy from whichever Taiwan company will be just as good ... and maybe identical. Just do a little research to make sure the company has been in business for more than a couple years.

ARPRINCE

First post for a bike website. Makes me go.......hmmmm......

mpath

Yup.

franswa

Wildwood 

Buy from an American craftsman. Best quality for a product that your life may depend upon.

PepeM

I like the Assplossive 3.2 I got from Taiwan. Transforms every pedal stroke into forward motion, slices through wind, spins up super fast, holds speed forever, rides like a dream, fits like a glove, it's super stiff, it's smooth as butter, etc.

Forgot to mention it is both bomb and bullet proof.

joejack951

Can it handle SLAM DANCING through TURNS?

ptempel

A lot of factories may not sell to you directly. Many are probably tooled up for high quantity contract work. But if I were looking, I'd check Hong Fu, Deng Fu, Workswell, Planet-X, Nashbar, Performance and Pedal Force. Those are the ones I recall others liking. I have no experience with any of them except Performance and Nashbar for other items. They both stand behind what they sell.

Edit: But I wouldn't limit myself to carbon only. You can get good deals on aluminum framesets like Cannondale CAAD 10/12, Specialized Allez, Trek Emonda ALR, and even the Kinesis you mentioned in your OP, etc.

PepeM

The reason I bought it in the first place as I tend to outwork all tools I use. I wanted something for EXTREME riding conditions.

joejack951

I've heard BAD things about the Taiwan Assplossive 3.0.01 which is WHY I asked. Sounds like they've SORTED OUT the LAYUP issues they had EARLY on.

howheels

I've got ~3,000 miles on my Nashbar CR4. When I received it, it appeared to have been drop-shipped straight from the Taiwanese factory. I've had zero issues with it, and it's been an all-round fantastic ride. I regularly exceed 50 MPH down hills without assplosions, and I pass MAMILS on Colnagos and Pinarellos every day which were probably made in the same factory.

Sometimes I do lust for a frameset with a $4,000 paint job though.

noodle soup

This from a man that owns 10 bikes, and only one is American made.

Wildwood 

WRONG !!! Plus sig list is incomplete.
My newest roadie purchases Co-Motion tandem, Calfee Tetra Pro, Macalu Ti and Tallerico were all crafted frames in the USA. I have a thing for vintage Euro bikes.


Looking for an early 80s Spanish or German (or both) quality lightweight. 60ish cm. PM me.


edit: I try to walk the walk, not just talk.

Maelochs

If you are willing to pay the difference between Chinese and American craftsmen's wages, i will buy whatever you like. As far as risking my life ... the biggest risk is being on the road on a bike, not where the bike was made.

After all, 90 percent of all riders are on bikes made in China or Taiwan ... I don't see them dying daily because of that.

Wildwood 

I never stated or implied Taiwanese or Chinese frames are inferior. Please don't start a flaming war. I simply advised buying from an American craftsman.

Maelochs

You directly implied that all other frames were not safe, and in fact one would be risking one's life to ride them. Don't bother lying, we can both scroll up and read what you wrote.

(Emphasis added.)

Also, where is your proof that American craftsmen are superior to all others?

I don't have a problem with "Buy American," but I also don't have a problem with buying anything well made.

shafter

Chill

fietsbob

Maxway Ltd. is making steel frames for many Brands Importers ..

Wildwood 

[QUOTE=Maelochs;19247197]Also, where is your proof that American craftsmen are superior to all others? /QUOTE]


Quite right.
I too often consider this an American forum, which it certainly is not.
People are encouraged to list their location so members can make intelligent responses.


I should have stated, "Buy from your LOCAL craftsman!" And by craftsman I mean = framebuilder with a reputation (maybe his/her name on the frame) not lowly paid assembly line worker.


A Baum from Down Under, or Pellizoli from Italy would be fine for a local to purchase. The list is endless, maybe you should consult with a reliable LOCAL framebuilder before a next buy. You just might like what you learn.

rpenmanparker 

[QUOTE=Wildwood;19247567]I wonder how those assembly line workers would feel about being called lowly. Why is it that a person who hangs out a shingle is so automatically more of a craftsman than someone who works in another's factory? There is no rational basis for that prejudice. Pure snobbery.

Wildwood 

[QUOTE=rpenmanparker;19247623]
Not snobbery.
We obviously have a different definition of craftsman, that's why I clarified by using the term framebuilder. And I further called out a framebuilder with a reputation, not a shingle.


You should visit a LOCAL reputable framebuilder and talk about what's important to you. These guys can walk the walk.

rpenmanparker 

[QUOTE=Wildwood;19247667]"Local framebuilder" isn't the automatic qualification for craftsman. There are better and there are worse. I started with a local builder in the early '80s and became good friends with him. I know what I am talking about. There is no reason whatsoever to believe a certain factory worker doesn't build just as good a frame as a custom builder. Believing so is simply an affectation, a pretense.

Wildwood 

Why do people argue against finding reputable local framebuilders to learn about bikes and fit and alternative approaches to solving concerns. It doesn't have to be custom, even Vanilla Workshop with years long wait for custom, more work than they need, offers a 'standard' line of bikes.

Doge

Frame and rims made in Taiwan.
I'd stick with a brand you trust. Good stuff and bad stuff is made everywhere. Some places seem to sell more bad stuff.
Venge Birthday.jpg

My scooter - is made by PGO in Taiwan, sold as a Genuine out of Chicago.

If you met buy from Taiwan - never done that.