Are Chinese Carbon Bike Frames Any Good? DEEEP DIVE

Are Chinese Carbon Bike Frames Any Good? DEEEP DIVE - XC Bike Build (Ep.1)

Рет қаралды 28,944

Күн бұрын

Should you buy a carbon frame made in China? The truth is, most carbon products are already made in China. So why bother and pay a premium for some fancy decals instead of buying from the factory?
In this video, we will discuss the ordering process and customer support of the Airwolf frame, unbox the package and discuss my choice. In the end, we will take the carbon frame to the lab and test the alignment of the bottom bracket and the head tube and look at the carbon layup with a clinical CT scanner.
The Airwolf M057 is a super lightweight frame with only 1205g on the scale and is equipped with seatpost, rear through axle, rear derailleur hanger and a seatpost clamp. Costing 531$, the frame is not cheap, but compared to other brands like Specialized, Scott, Trek, Cannondale, Santa Cruz or Yeti, the value is just incredible.
What are your experiences with Chinese carbon products or do you have questions regarding Airwolf or the frame? Please let me know in the comments down below!
Disclaimer:
I bought all presented products with my own money and I did not get any compensation. This allows me to share my honest opinion.
Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
01:46 Ordering process
04:04 Unboxing
08:17 First impressions
08:37 Frame weight
14:11 Frame geometry
17:28 Frame alignment
20:46 CT scan
36:12 Summary
Hambinis chanel:
/ nrgizerbunny
#carbon #hardtail #bikeframe
Music:
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Music Title: JOURNEY TO MARS • JOURNEY TO MARS - RELA...
Released by: Free Music / fm_freemusic
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• Ahxello - Frisbee | Ai...
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Пікірлер: 107

@dbikeprod 3 жыл бұрын

Would you ever buy a Chinese carbon bike frame? Did you already make some experiences with unknown brands?

@dbikeprod 3 жыл бұрын

@Anthony Duncalf Cool, thanks for sharing! Glad to hear that you haven‘t had any issues. Hopefully, it will be the same here… My road bike is from Dengfu, also with the raw carbon finish, and I love it too how the people are confused about it.

@Maker3d380 2 жыл бұрын

Looks like an epic spz frame... am I correct? Tks

@dbikeprod 2 жыл бұрын

@@Maker3d380 Yes, it is quite similar to the Epic HT with respect to the geometry. Would be interesting to put an S-Works Epic HT into the CT scanner and compare them with each other.. :) Maybe I get my hands once at an Epic and put them side-by-side.

@pantherv5 2 жыл бұрын

I purchased a BXT road frame last year. It is holding up pretty good so far. In the beginning I was so worried when i hit the road bumps. I was afraid the frame would crack and fall apart. But after a few rides, it held up good, even after a few decent bumps on the road. I checked the frame for any sign of crack and/or damage but didn't see any.

@compt3ck 2 жыл бұрын

@@dbikeprod A comparison with a S-Works would be awesome! I think you have a good thing going with the idea of scanning bikes and I find it very interesting. It could gain traction on KZfaq if you start putting out more videos like this.

@jimb4549 Жыл бұрын

I sincerely hope you can do more videos analyzing the carbon quality of different brands of lower-priced Chinese frames. This is such an insanely useful resource!

@charlesblithfield6182 2 жыл бұрын

You, Hambini and Peak Torque have all the gear and knowledge to do some pretty serious analysis of carbon frames forks wheels and components . You should contact H and PT. I would watch that collaboration, particularly analysis of the new ridiculously expensive carbon stuff coming out.

@jaggedsphere 2 жыл бұрын

As long as there is a powerpoint.

@pierre-yveslaurent3367 2 жыл бұрын

It Would be interesting to scan Specialized or Scott or other premium carbone frame to see the Real quality advantage , or not

@dbikeprod 2 жыл бұрын

Yes, would be interested too! Once I get my hands on a premium brand frame, I'll certainly do a comparison...

@dchan328 2 жыл бұрын

Just saw your video, I took a chance last September and bought a Chinese Pinarello F12 knockoff - to date, rode 5000 kms with no problems. Thank you for your presentation 👍👍👍

@anyonecanbicycle4438 2 жыл бұрын

I would love to do a CT scan for my TT-X21 (VB-R-099) frame set. Awesome content. Thanks for sharing.

@jamdoney4210 Жыл бұрын

Wow,good job,that's a really distinct way to show us how the quality of a carbon frame.Appreciate it dude.

@fabvonboug 6 ай бұрын

Built my gf a hardtail with this exact frame for bikepacking!! Its sweet to see the whole in depth breakdown. It is a really light frame and I like some features that it has to go from quick release to through axle. Probably upgrade the wheels eventually but all do due time.

@mrnobody9821 2 жыл бұрын

Hello Dominic, I like deep dives, I've got my popcorn ready :)

@TeamCykelhold 2 жыл бұрын

this was SO good. Thanks!

@saschastrauss5334 2 жыл бұрын

Very good video.... Interesting.... I drive frames from China after 3 years.... Lot off 12/24 h race's single..... Very good frame from BXT.... This year , June,new frame from Tideace fm-030... I'm testing and it's a good frame... Next tests and training ist coming.... 👌🏻👍🏻

@janzugic6798 2 жыл бұрын

insane analysis, well done.

@inyourears2596 2 жыл бұрын

Mine is toseek carbon mtb(150$) almost 2 years now and no problem at all. Although i used it only for roads not in trail.

@edwardlow667 10 ай бұрын

Thanks for your effort...I just bought an Airwolf Gravel Frame myself. Looks a bit rough around the edges, but still ok.

@AntiDEDok 2 жыл бұрын

very interesting to watch! that diagnostics are cool. it would be nice some reference, how does looks like some good brand frames, and how poor made perform. thank you for your job!

@alexanderniesporek2627 2 жыл бұрын

Great video! Would be great you you do more videos like this of other Chinese carbon frames...

@dbikeprod 2 жыл бұрын

I recently released a video of my road bike frame from Dengfu, if you‘re interested :)

@briancole6550 Жыл бұрын

I just ordered this same frame today. Seems to have decent reviews. Building with some high end components.. Industry 9 hubs, Sram xx1 derailleur, Sram carbon cranks, etc. Will see how it goes. This is a winter project.

@dbikeprod Жыл бұрын

Nice! I'm not disappointed, hope you won't be too..

@chrisfoster3772 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks little buddy

@gtranquilla 2 жыл бұрын

Excellent information........

@bossbetsa 3 жыл бұрын

I'm planning to buy one, and it's nice if we could see the full bike build using that frame.

@dbikeprod 3 жыл бұрын

Nice! I hope you get all the components. How ill your build look like? Yes, I will show the full bike build once I have all the parts needed. Stay tuned.. ;)

@sholehan Жыл бұрын

Brill this. Strongly considering the Airwolf YFM-053 frame to build a race bike for this year. Has anyone bought this version?

@fabvonboug 6 ай бұрын

Very informative, curious do you have a video like this with a more reputable frame brand? Would be curious how it compares!

@carljuan 2 жыл бұрын

This is very interesting information. Well done👍🏻 How about full sus frame, can you do some review on it? ( ICAN, Lexon brand. I see this product leading on Asia, Europe market ) Hopefully you can share it in the future.

@dbikeprod 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks! Yes, good idea! I‘m definitely planning to review some other frames when I get my hands on it…

@STUDIO388_ 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the input, realy cool to see this as choosing a bike now a days in this crazy indutry is such crazy experience and so PRICED OUT OF THIS WOLRD. ANd Discs why all discs every wehere ? I dont want to make maintenance like a moto or motocross. Willier Garda is the only bike i found with rims and pads. Keep it up.

@dbikeprod 2 жыл бұрын

Indeed, for road bikes I don't get the disc hype either. Never had any problems with rim breaks so far. In my opinion this is just marketing hype so that they can sell new wheels, frames and tech...

@STUDIO388_ 2 жыл бұрын

@@dbikeprod good point i think so to. I found some refurbish bikes internet sites that are pretty neet. Prices are not that lower though for top end bikes still. Then there is the stress on frame that was done , but it is inspected and approved with parts changed that dont pass the test. Anyhow i am almost to the point of not buying anything. Now my friend through me the grave bike Thing that i didnt think of as all around bike....justto make more complicated lol ....Keep up the good work.

@johnnystoka6625 Жыл бұрын

Would really really appreciate if you do this for the BXT-MTB-117 the Santa Cruz Bronson copy .

@philtobin9510 2 жыл бұрын

I have owned some expensive branded bikes and I wanted a cheap bike for winter road use so bought a cheaper frame from another supplier also on AliEx. Having built the bike up with middle of the range groupset and carbon wheels I really wanted to be disappointed, mainly to justify the expense spent on my other bikes. I now have a Pin F8 and F12 with Elite carbon wheels, I build the bikes myself and have had no issues with frames, bars or wheels. I'm 16.5st, 6'1" tall and Ave 250W max 1100 to 1250w. These are road stats of course so they may translate to something else in the XC world but I'm not a small guy and I've clocked up thousands of miles on both bikes. As long as they're regularly services I doubt you would have any issues. Needless to say, The other branded bikes have long gone.

@dbikeprod 2 жыл бұрын

I totally feel you, thanks for sharing your thoughts! I only max out at around 1000W but my Dengfu road bike never let me down in the past 5 years, even though I've spent quite some time in its saddle...

@philipsimmonds1103 2 жыл бұрын

Similar experience.. 👍🏼

@STUDIO388_ 2 жыл бұрын

Thansk for the info , i m happy to ear thsi as i watch so much review , Cam NIchols to gives and tries a lot of models and chineese bikes. Anyhow i m 49 years old great shape, going back to cycling of witch i won a championnship....35 years ago ! On a peugeot ! MAN i have been for weeks studying and trying to find a bike in this FOKIN CRZY indutriy that it became. IT s nuts... prices are mindblowing for one and the only bike i found with NO DISK is Willier Garda. AM looking at SEKA wich seems to be good and price more decent , but your statement makes me leaning towards the Chineese bikes. IF i never assemble a bike before , would it THAT much of a assle to order frame and pieces a want on it ? ...thanks again , have some good riding.

@headofmyself5663 Жыл бұрын

Your NDT approach is really the right way of thinking. Personally i would have scanned the bottom bracket area to run the analysis based on point clouds. This way you can run proper GD&T analysis on it for runout, concentrity and so on. The touch probe data does not give you enough form data. But since you are using a system from GOM this is pretty straight foward;-). What i would love to see is a direct comparison between a real brand frame and a good fake. Wouldn't that be fun?

@dbikeprod Жыл бұрын

Yes, indeed, these are good points! When I get a branded frame I will certainly compare it again and refine the measurement methodology.

@theephemeralglade1935 Жыл бұрын

Yeah, but that can only really do so much. There is nothing like getting back to basics. A good hand sledge can break that frame down enough so you can examine every individual piece. Guy's like you are always looking for the easy way out.

@germanbeer2466 2 жыл бұрын

Some are good. Not all are bad.

@jaggedsphere 2 жыл бұрын

Is there a similar ct scan of a western brand we can compare with? I'd be willing to bet that the void count would be similar! Awesome analysis and video.

@dbikeprod 2 жыл бұрын

@Richard Cooke Thanks for watching! So far, I only have access to this scan. However, my plan is to scan other frames too to compare them...

@vincevillanueva5518 2 жыл бұрын

I have this one, sworks epic hardtail copy by the way.

@dbikeprod 2 жыл бұрын

Yes, the geometry is indeed the same as the sworks epic HT.

@JatinSingh-fr1xl 2 жыл бұрын

hey bro i also want to buiy this hows it going ? how long its been ? ??

@dbikeprod 2 жыл бұрын

An update after 3 months is coming soon. ;)

@timjames4562 2 жыл бұрын

A lot of the top branded frames like Canyon, Cervelo, Specialized etc all have similar or worse voids in the carbon lay ups. There is a big hang up with Chinese frames, but quite honestly after building up a Seraph and Vyce road bikes with top end campagnolo groupsets, I can say with confidence that they are on par if not better than the big named brands. I have a Cannondale supersix Evo hi mod road bike the frame costing £2500 . The paint finish was terrible and chips very easy, and I had all sorts of problems with creaking bottom bracket. Never had these problems with the Chinese frames. Clever marketing and advertising and you can charge thousands for a frame that cost penny's to make. I'll now stick with paying a lot less for a Chinese frame and paying more for a better groupset.

@Mal4de 2 жыл бұрын

This is precisely why I am going with "charbon" frames.

@malikit8264 2 жыл бұрын

Hello. After a long time, I decided to assemble a bike and I was most interested in carbon assemblies, but premium ones are obviously overpriced. And I'm thinking about buying a track frame from Seraph (tr013). Could you tell us about the quality of the work of this company or advise something better. If not difficult, give contacts for communication Thanks

@werbinich3939 11 ай бұрын

@timjamew4562 which company do you recommed?

@TheOracle1994 25 күн бұрын

would you recommend this frame for a 200Lb 6'4" rider?

@chriscross5689 2 жыл бұрын

@tracevelo has a trifox frame.. seems OK..

@tayloranderson456 2 жыл бұрын

I did that with a road bike years ago. The bike has held up great, it cost a grand total of about $2k, has the same geometry as an orbea orca, and it's usually at least 2lbs lighter than the lightest bikes in any shop I visit, and mind you those bikes are like 5-6k

@dbikeprod 2 жыл бұрын

Nice! What components did you put on your road bike?

@tayloranderson456 2 жыл бұрын

@@dbikeprod a mix of sram red/force, specialized cranks, cane creek brakes, bicycle wheel warehouse wheels, and generic carbon seat post/handlebars, Keo pedals, w/ pedals and a toolkit it's a smidge over 15lbs.

@torskurdal2721 2 жыл бұрын

What frame did you use?

@tayloranderson456 2 жыл бұрын

@@torskurdal2721 It was called Element6 I think, similar to the pedalfroce frames

@epoapo8146 2 жыл бұрын

I have my second chinese frame 29" from 2014 , (9 years) the first one was from 2010, 26" , now im planning to buy this model witch is a replica for S****ZeD e**c HT they have the exact same colours as on the official site, but of course not branded, they said can be on demand, by the way, im racing to, so they last.

@BlackyBrownDestruction9337 Жыл бұрын

Press fit will damage the frame if the frame is low quality, threaded is more reliable and solid.

@chriscross5689 2 жыл бұрын

I had a Cube gtc sl disc.. after months of trips to bike shop with new bearings, discs etc.. it finally got sent back to Cube with full refund after finding the whole frame was misaligned.

@dbikeprod 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing! What did you end up doing? Did you buy a bike from a different brand or did you go with another Cube?

@chriscross5689 2 жыл бұрын

@@dbikeprod I used the refund to buy a Mekk Pogio 2.8.from the same bike shop. was on offer £1400 at the time (as I'm very tall, they were trying to get rid of that sized bike.. back in 2019 with full 50mm saturae carbon wheels.. Which in hindsight was too racy for me.... now moved on to a Giant tcr.. rim brake.. lovely bike.

@dbikeprod 2 жыл бұрын

@@chriscross5689 Good choice! Rim breaks only on a road bike! What wheels do you ride now? 35 mm deep ones?

@henrib4481 2 жыл бұрын

Hi Can you please recommand chinese riad bike? With rim brakes and tyres 28 clearance ?

@GokkunGuru 2 жыл бұрын

So is the frame by Airwolf has a lot of air pockets. No good then? The frame has 3 ports, what’s the center port for?

@dbikeprod 2 жыл бұрын

It actually doesn’t look too bad to me, but I need to compare it first with other frames to get a feel about the different quality standards. The third port can be used i.e. for a dropper post.

@GokkunGuru 2 жыл бұрын

@@dbikeprod does the 3rd port route from head tube to down tube and UP the seat tube? Looking fwd to your comparison videos man.

@dbikeprod 2 жыл бұрын

@Bigsheesh yes, it does.

@GokkunGuru 2 жыл бұрын

@@dbikeprod I have a feeling this Airwolf frame is identical to the one sold by Rinasclta, a Polish company. Same factory perhaps? The former sells it at a higher price. Maybe same quality or maybe a tier better in terms of QC?

@dbikeprod 2 жыл бұрын

@Bigsheesh I don‘t know this company but the geometry is nearly identical with the S-Works Epic HT. So clearly „inspired“ by Specialized ;)

@MrSzwarz 2 жыл бұрын

90% of carbon frames, made in traditional layup technology would have voids and misalignments, only quality-orientated brands like LOOK and TIME would have a small percentage of faulty frames.

@dbikeprod 2 жыл бұрын

From where do you have this number? Would be interested.. But you are probably right. That's why I wanted to check the frame thoroughly to see if this is the case. However, it looks better than I anticipated tbh.

@manoftheroad55 2 жыл бұрын

2 Deg misalignment bottom bracket seems extremely unlikely..Frame would be bored mounted in a gig...as carbon frame cannot be aligned after making alignment would be via boring BB ..axal mounting points fork tube...perhaps as carbon is hand laid in manufacture discrepancies occure on the outside surface of frame ...Very accurate measurement and alignment is achieved by using straight edges...rear axel mount eyed up with bottom bracket straight edge 2 degrees would be obvious...cycling no handed would check fork tube alignment.. Why would any factory spend millions to setup carbon frame manufacturer then bore BB and headtube and rear axel out of alignment...Unless you measure the frame in an alignment gig your measurements are likely at fault ???

@HansensUniverseT-A 2 жыл бұрын

The only frames i trust is a well built steel frame, anything else is out of the question.

@stuartdryer1352 2 жыл бұрын

I'm not sure one can generalize. Not all Chinese companies would necessarily be the same.

@dbikeprod 2 жыл бұрын

True, my sample size so far is only 2. It can be hit and miss for sure, but with a little bit of research before you can filter out quite many companies.

@chriscross5689 2 жыл бұрын

All bikes are made In China.. Ask all those SL7 owners how safe they feel riding their bikes after the 'no ride' was sent out due to fork steerer tube issues..

@chriscross5689 2 жыл бұрын

I'd happily buy a frame from Ali express.. as long as its a branded one.. not a non branded one that gives you an copy sticker.

@dbikeprod 2 жыл бұрын

Fully agree here! I'm really against Aliexpress frames and components with stickers from well-known brands on them.

@marceloduran6924 Жыл бұрын

👊😠👊🇧🇷 # NÃO MATA O PORTUGUÊS # .

@neletg 2 жыл бұрын

90% of all carbon frames are Chinese or Taiwanese.

@limedwin825 2 жыл бұрын

Should you not use the Chinese word as this is a form of lack of communication knowledge

@mikehonda7672 2 жыл бұрын

@zdravo4 Жыл бұрын

WOW you have some cool technology there. I suggest you to search fro Hambini on YT, he is one very interesting guy, aside his specific sense of humor ha is really good in measuring bike parts, frames and bottom brackets and very honest about that.