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

I know that Smallfurry has built up what sound to be a great set of wheels using Straight-from-China carbon rims, and looking through eBay there are lots of inexpensive parts, from rims through bars and seatposts to complete frames.

Has anyone else taken the plunge and ordered any of these parts?

If one put together a bike with No-Logo Chinese Carbon what would you end up with, and how much would you have spent versus something comparable from "Name" manufacturers?

BIN £169

£313, has BB30 bottom bracket which is a nice modern touch.

i think the gigantex rims are good (seeing as they make rims for shimano amongst others) especially the carbon/alloy ones dunno if they are the same as ebay ones?

That's rather what I am wondering- is the only way to answer that question to order some?

Yes. Be the first, let Ed have them for testing.

Dammit I'm thinking exactly the same as you, it's going to be a long term project as my next bike. A fully chinese plastic bike. Apart from the groupset and probably saddle.

er...Shimano is.

They're on my eBay watch list.

If not for the fact, that I wanted something quickly, I'd go for them.

I was also thinking about a carbon road bike straight from China. It can be worse than the Plantet X one. I'm sure it's all about branding.

Henry, they have nang carbon saddles too.

er...Shimano is.

thought it was jap.

I know they do saddles, but I'm not going to ride one.

They have liquorice railings.

Yes. Be the first, let Ed have them for testing.

carbon?* me?*

er...Shimano is.

50mm tubular carbon rims currently being run by Senor Bear on the track: http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Tubular-Rims-50mm-Brand-New-Full-Carbon-Wheel-Rims-/300526642983?pt=UK_sportsleisure_cycling_bikeparts_SR&hash=item45f8c8a727

£119 BIN plus £40 shipping.

Hopefully a review to come.

I'm curious to read about people's experience with Chinese cycling goods on eBay as I've been avoiding them like SARS. Anything I've ever gotten has gone tits up in very short order, admittedly that's all been electronics items, but I've been afraid to rely on them for something carrying me at speed in traffic.

If it's a case of items being made in the same sweatshops without the branding then I'm intrigued but I don't know enough to ensure that I wouldn't be buying the ones made by the melamine milk co™.

On your Plug? The Jamaica Road TT has clearly become more competitive since I moved.

I'm curious about to read about people's experience with Chinese cycling goods on eBay as I've been avoiding them like SARS. Anything I've ever gotten has gone tits up in very short order, admittedly that's all been electronics items, but I've been afraid to rely on them for something carrying me at speed in traffic.

If it's a case of items being made in the same sweatshops without the branding then I'm intrigued but I don't know enough to ensure that I wouldn't be buying the ones made by the melamine milk co™.

It would be nice if people who are brave enough to take the risk (such as Yogi) report back- if we can ascertain that these parts are safe then happy days.

I too want carbon fairies.

50mm deep carbon rims, for tubs, novatec hubs, £290 delivered (although you may get hit for tax and VAT) http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/50mm-700C-Carbon-Road-TT-bike-Tubular-Wheels-Wheelsets-/170615429058?pt=Cycling_Parts_Accessories&hash=item27b978d7c2

Seller is carbonzone, who seem to have a solid reputation.

50mm deep carbon rims, for tubs, novatec hubs, £290 delivered (although you may get hit for tax and VAT) http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/50mm-700C-Carbon-Road-TT-bike-Tubular-Wheels-Wheelsets-/170615429058?pt=Cycling_Parts_Accessories&hash=item27b978d7c2

Seller is carbonzone, who seem to have a cracking reputation.

Indeed.

What have you heard of them Mick?

Oh I haven't heard anything about them, it's just everytime I hear carbon I automatically think of snapping, same as everytime I think of belt drives I think of stretching. Despite the fact that both of those are bollocks. I don't see why they shouldn't be up to standard though.

McCharthy, I've been test riding this carbon fibre Niner today;

All I can says is that it's fucking ace, as light as a road bike give it a very floaty feeling.

Loved jumping off ramp on the trails on it.

no way I'm paying the £4000+ tags for the frame though.

Anyone seen any 1" crabon forks? Was thinking of taking the plunge on some wound ups but would be interesting to see if theres anything available OEM