Orient Express - Cheap Chinese Rims / Wheels / Forks / Frames / Cranks / Etc

I haven't seen anything like it but similar ish is the new Carbonda 1136 (or the heavier 1056). Stated 32mm clearance but people say they fit 38s. So not as much clearance as the Vitus and no mudguard mounts. There's a couple of them on the mtb-news forum.

I've been looking at the 1056 for a bit and it's seems as close as you can get. Not particularly similar, though. The new 1136 looks good too, thanks for letting me know about that.
Realistically, I'd probably only use up to 35mm anyway so possibly not too much of an issue.
I've enquired to Carbonda about prices and I think it comes out the same as my 696.
Not too keen on the intergrated stem and hidden cables which the 1136 seems designed for.

Pic. attatched is the 1056 which looks pretty good.

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What could go wrong?

Still need to add battery and cables?

Yes.

1 x Shimano 105 Di2 ST-R7170 2x12-speed STI Dual Control Set
2 x Shimano 105 BR-R7170 Flat-Mount Disc Brake Caliper
1 x Shimano 105 Di2 FD-R7150 2x12-speed Front Derailleur Braze On
1 x Shimano 105 Di2 RD-R7150 12-speed Rear Derailleur

7.2k items sold with 100% positive feedback.

Is it that much cheaper than https://fawkes-cycles.co.uk/shimano-105-di2-12-speed-disc-brake-groupset-p30624 when you add it all up

No, it’s not. You’re right. I just don’t need cranks, cheap rotors and that cassette.

It's a very tempting price point, if only it was 11s. Everything I have is 11s.

The description hints that you'll need to pay VAT on import so when you add that on top it's not that great a deal.

Out of stock at the moment but was £855 for the full groupset with a widely available 10% code here when I was looking a couple of months back

https://startfitness.co.uk/products/shimano-105-r7100-di2-disc-brake-12-speed-groupset

anyone with experience or feedback on the following cranksets from AliExpress, either square taper version or the Hollowtech?

SKEACE
Intro7

Also been looking at these. Might be keen on a group buy / shipping
split if it is a Carbonda etc

+1 on groupbuy interest for the Carbonda Venom-alike

https://www.velobuild.com/products/2020-vb-r-177-super-light-carbon-fiber-road-frame-disc-version-hidden-cables

Is this closer to the venon?

https://www.velobuild.com/products/2020-­vb-r-177-super-light-carbon-fiber-road-f­rame-disc-version-hidden-cables
Is this closer to the venon?

Interesting, but 32mm max tyre - the Venom is up to 45mm. Also that Velobuild frame is BB86, urgh...

Venon Evo looks to be in-house so no chance of finding a open mould version.
I'm still considering a 1056, if anyone has one and would like to give their thoughts.

1 x Shimano 105 Di2 ST-R7170 2x12-speed STI Dual Control Set
2 x Shimano 105 BR-R7170 Flat-Mount Disc Brake Caliper
1 x Shimano 105 Di2 FD-R7150 2x12-speed Front Derailleur Braze On
1 x Shimano 105 Di2 RD-R7150 12-speed Rear Derailleur

Not sure thats's such an amazing deal now, considering there's no cassette/chain, and you'll probably get hit by customs ordering from China. It's about £930 from Merlin.

It's nice to see groupsets in general coming down to some more reasonable prices. £1700 for 105 was insane.

Edit: see this has been covered. Ignore.

Clearly an Aspero copy but the Airwolf YFR068 might be worth a look. Geometry not a million miles away and official clearance 700x400mm but apparently 700x45mm fits easily. Some issues with headset bearing sizes on the Chinertown thread.

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Anyone have experience to share (good, bad, or otherwise) about Ali/Ebay carbon gravel forks? They can be had cheap, but which ones hit the quality/price sweetspot? After hefting my heavy bike around a cross course yesterday, I'm interested in losing some weight off of it. Dropping the overbuilt steel fork with all the rack mounts seems a good place to start and lose a good bit.

Thanks for whatever insight you guys have.

Does anyone know of decent quality jerseys/gilets etc similar to Spexcel that come without any logos or printing? A lot of the Spexcel stuff now comes plastered with logos or weird nonsensical slogans

How are you getting on with the hybrid hook, what sort of riding are you using them for? What tyres have you been using? Is compatibility an issue?
I’m between these and some AR35s or maybe even WR38s

I have already cracked a rim going over sharp metal where some local hooligans have cut of a gate.
Apart from that they were great, tyres are Tufo Speedero which were easy to set up.
Riding was mostly broken roads and a bit of gravely bit, the kind of surface along the Thames going east towards the Dartford crossing.

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Oh no!! Sorry to hear that. How are you feeling about them after that?
Want to jump on an order if I do?

I will need a replacement rim for sure but I don't know if I should wait till spring.

Ali/Ebay carbon gravel forks?

I bought the Carbonda ones, arrived very promptly and seemed good quality.

i don't think i'd buy a critical weight bearing cnc'd aluminum bike part from anyone ever.