Road Cycling

[#Chri5#]

I've been looking around at handle bars and generally horrified at the cost of carbon bars to the point I was thinking I'd just tidy up the cabling on my existing bars.

Who would take an eBay punt on a set of 3T bars from Taiwan which look to be a bargain? Now normally I'd be in the "too good to be true" camp but the seller does have some positive feedback from somebody else buying the same item...

3T Superergo LTD Carbon Road Handlebar 31.8 x 380/400/420/440mm - Stealth Black | eBay UK

For 3T, the LTD component range maximizes an ultralight carbon material into a premium lay-up for the lightest weight versions. Only the center of the Superergo LTD carries over from the Ergonova series, though with a special surprise for Di2-equipped bikes.

www.ebay.co.uk

 

[Martynt74]

I've been looking around at handle bars and generally horrified at the cost of carbon bars to the point I was thinking I'd just tidy up the cabling on my existing bars.

Who would take an eBay punt on a set of 3T bars from Taiwan which look to be a bargain? Now normally I'd be in the "too good to be true" camp but the seller does have some positive feedback from somebody else buying the same item...

3T Superergo LTD Carbon Road Handlebar 31.8 x 380/400/420/440mm - Stealth Black | eBay UK

For 3T, the LTD component range maximizes an ultralight carbon material into a premium lay-up for the lightest weight versions. Only the center of the Superergo LTD carries over from the Ergonova series, though with a special surprise for Di2-equipped bikes.

www.ebay.co.uk

Yeah, absolutely terrifying.

My approach to chinese carbon is don't get something that's a fake knockoff of a western brand. Get something that's chinese branded like this. I've had a few carbon ali express bars now and none have failed on me.

TOSEEK Carbon Handlebar Road Carbon handlebar T800 Carbon Integrated Handlebar Di2 Bicycle Accessories Carbon Drop bar - AliExpress

Smarter Shopping, Better Living! Aliexpress.com

es.aliexpress.com

TOSEEK Carbon Handlebar Road Carbon handlebar Drop bar T800 Carbon Integrated Handlebar Di2 Bicycle Accessories Carbon Drop bar - AliExpress 18

Smarter Shopping, Better Living! Aliexpress.com

es.aliexpress.com

 

[#Chri5#]

Good point - the potential risk of a knockoff (which fails) is bigger than the risk of it not turning up (which is probably mitigated buying through eBay / Paypal).

 

[grudas]

Yeah, absolutely terrifying.

My approach to chinese carbon is don't get something that's a fake knockoff of a western brand. Get something that's chinese branded like this. I've had a few carbon ali express bars now and none have failed on me.

TOSEEK Carbon Handlebar Road Carbon handlebar T800 Carbon Integrated Handlebar Di2 Bicycle Accessories Carbon Drop bar - AliExpress

Smarter Shopping, Better Living! Aliexpress.com

es.aliexpress.com

TOSEEK Carbon Handlebar Road Carbon handlebar Drop bar T800 Carbon Integrated Handlebar Di2 Bicycle Accessories Carbon Drop bar - AliExpress 18

Smarter Shopping, Better Living! Aliexpress.com

es.aliexpress.com

100% this. Do not buy anything with blurred logo or fake/same shape etc.

buy things that are branded.

 

[AndyCr15]

Yeah, when I was looking for a cheap Chinese carbon seat post, a little research gave me unbiased (I think) views on some well thought of Chinese brands. I would assume handlebars would be the same.

 

[fez]

Yep, theres still a huge amount of utter crap coming out of china but there is also a lot of really good stuff. A lot of the good stuff isn't cheap but its not remotely approaching western brand prices.

 

[Vandle]

Agree with above. I've done quite a bit of research on the Chinese stuff and it is getting so much better. There's still some knock of rubbish around that'll copy an SL8 frame with inferior carbon but there are some genuine companies out there who are doing proper R&D and are starting to produce stuff at the higher end that rivals or betters the western stuff.
I am giving serious consideration to a Seka Spear as my next bike. Even loading it up with high end components there are massive savings to be made against an equivalent Ostro or Sworks SL8. They are both $20k here. Allowing to pay someone to build it I reckon I can do a DA 9200 Di2 build on a Spear frame for $13k with carbon spoked wheels.
Chronos colour is the one though

Spear RDC Frameset

More details on SPEAR "Wind Eye" is our groundbreaking innovation for Spear!Air Drag ±6 WATTS, Frame Weight +685 GRAMS.Vertical Compliance Increased by 23%.5+2 Non-linear Geometry. True-One-Piece Molding Technology.Now you won't find a faster all-around road bike than the Spear. Learn more

www.shopsekabikes.com

 

[grudas]

Agree with above. I've done quite a bit of research on the Chinese stuff and it is getting so much better. There's still some knock of rubbish around that'll copy an SL8 frame with inferior carbon but there are some genuine companies out there who are doing proper R&D and are starting to produce stuff at the higher end that rivals or betters the western stuff.
I am giving serious consideration to a Seka Spear as my next bike. Even loading it up with high end components there are massive savings to be made against an equivalent Ostro or Sworks SL8. They are both $20k here. Allowing to pay someone to build it I reckon I can do a DA 9200 Di2 build on a Spear frame for $13k with carbon spoked wheels.
Chronos colour is the one though

Spear RDC Frameset

More details on SPEAR "Wind Eye" is our groundbreaking innovation for Spear!Air Drag ±6 WATTS, Frame Weight +685 GRAMS.Vertical Compliance Increased by 23%.5+2 Non-linear Geometry. True-One-Piece Molding Technology.Now you won't find a faster all-around road bike than the Spear. Learn more

www.shopsekabikes.com

some very cool colours. Chronos is a bit boring, want my bike to pop in sun! Thorian Purple tho.. or meteor pink.

 

[Martynt74]

That is a very cool looking bike. Chronos looks good i think.

PandaPodium is also worth checking out at the higher end. Seems they work to compile the high quality chinese brands and try and offer confidence to buyers who are nervous of other platforms.

The paint/customisation coming from China is a massive win i think. The paint on my Ican is leaps above my Trek mtb which scratches off at the slightest touch. I fell onto tarmac on my Ican and barely saw a scratch!

 

[Martynt74]

Had a moment of panic. I've always wanted to try Kostume bib shorts, and finally decided to go for it. Then got the shipping notice and thought "crap, i'm gonna get stung with about €90 of import fees on top of the existing high price", reached out to see if i could at least reclaim the UK vat part, but luckily it seems they handle all the customs/import fees on their side

 

[grudas]

talking about clothing, rockbros jersey

ROCKBROS Cycling Jersey Spring Autumn Lightweight High Elasticity Long Sleeve Bicycle Jersey Wicking Breathable MTB Bike Jersey - AliExpress 18

Smarter Shopping, Better Living! Aliexpress.com

www.aliexpress.com

is actually very good quality and nice fit. I did have to XXL(my usual is XL for non race fit) but it fits quite well, is comfy and material is nice. The material used on arms is a bit kinky looking but actually is very nice to wear. I did pay £15 for it a few months ago but I'd buy another. - It is very much a summer jersey, thin breatable fabric.

 

[Martynt74]

Decent. I got some bike shorts from Inbike which were "ok", but these are really good for the price

LA PASSIONE Cycling Bib Shorts Men black high density Sponge pa Shockproof Brethable Korea Lycra 6 Hours Ride Bike Bib Shorts - AliExpress 18

Smarter Shopping, Better Living! Aliexpress.com

es.aliexpress.com

 

[Junglist]

I've been looking around at handle bars and generally horrified at the cost of carbon bars to the point I was thinking I'd just tidy up the cabling on my existing bars.

Who would take an eBay punt on a set of 3T bars from Taiwan which look to be a bargain? Now normally I'd be in the "too good to be true" camp but the seller does have some positive feedback from somebody else buying the same item...

3T Superergo LTD Carbon Road Handlebar 31.8 x 380/400/420/440mm - Stealth Black | eBay UK

For 3T, the LTD component range maximizes an ultralight carbon material into a premium lay-up for the lightest weight versions. Only the center of the Superergo LTD carries over from the Ergonova series, though with a special surprise for Di2-equipped bikes.

www.ebay.co.uk

I'd look at Panda Podium as Martyn pointed out. But I know the EXS Aerover bars are highly rated but they're not exactly 'cheap' but I guess cheap compared to the Roval Rapide and ENVE alternatives.

Agree with above. I've done quite a bit of research on the Chinese stuff and it is getting so much better. There's still some knock of rubbish around that'll copy an SL8 frame with inferior carbon but there are some genuine companies out there who are doing proper R&D and are starting to produce stuff at the higher end that rivals or betters the western stuff.
I am giving serious consideration to a Seka Spear as my next bike. Even loading it up with high end components there are massive savings to be made against an equivalent Ostro or Sworks SL8. They are both $20k here. Allowing to pay someone to build it I reckon I can do a DA 9200 Di2 build on a Spear frame for $13k with carbon spoked wheels.
Chronos colour is the one though

Spear RDC Frameset

More details on SPEAR "Wind Eye" is our groundbreaking innovation for Spear!Air Drag ±6 WATTS, Frame Weight +685 GRAMS.Vertical Compliance Increased by 23%.5+2 Non-linear Geometry. True-One-Piece Molding Technology.Now you won't find a faster all-around road bike than the Spear. Learn more

www.shopsekabikes.com

Yep! Some of the brands are mega. Some have questionable names but in terms of the actual bike, they're up there. I really love the Spear but I still have my heart set on the Evolve Cima. I know the QuickPro ER One is the current one people are raving about.

By my maths, adding up pretty fancy parts, I could build up a Cima with power-meter pedals, carbon spoked 50mm wheels, Dura Ace groupset, Carbon crankset and fancy saddle which would weigh 6.3kg including all the accessories for about £7000, assuming retail prices and no discounts. That's ignoring selling parts not needed/replacing so would make the real cost £6.5 which is significantly cheaper than a middle of the road Tarmac.

Really hard to ignore them. Granted there is a lot of rubbish stuff coming out of China but there is a lot of good too.

The Spear thread on the WW has some nice builds

Had a moment of panic. I've always wanted to try Kostume bib shorts, and finally decided to go for it. Then got the shipping notice and thought "crap, i'm gonna get stung with about €90 of import fees on top of the existing high price", reached out to see if i could at least reclaim the UK vat part, but luckily it seems they handle all the customs/import fees on their side

An old neighbour of mine who used used to randonneuring for fun swears by that brand. Bit too rich for my blood but they seem to be worth every penny!

talking about clothing, rockbros jersey

ROCKBROS Cycling Jersey Spring Autumn Lightweight High Elasticity Long Sleeve Bicycle Jersey Wicking Breathable MTB Bike Jersey - AliExpress 18

Smarter Shopping, Better Living! Aliexpress.com

www.aliexpress.com

is actually very good quality and nice fit. I did have to XXL(my usual is XL for non race fit) but it fits quite well, is comfy and material is nice. The material used on arms is a bit kinky looking but actually is very nice to wear. I did pay £15 for it a few months ago but I'd buy another. - It is very much a summer jersey, thin breatable fabric.

I haven't tried any but I've heard another brand YNKNY or something like that is supposed to be really good value too.

 

[Martynt74]

By my maths, adding up pretty fancy parts, I could build up a Cima with power-meter pedals, carbon spoked 50mm wheels, Dura Ace groupset, Carbon crankset and fancy saddle which would weigh 6.3kg including all the accessories for about £7000, assuming retail prices and no discounts. That's ignoring selling parts not needed/replacing so would make the real cost £6.5 which is significantly cheaper than a middle of the road Tarmac.

Bargain for something that'll never leave the house

An old neighbour of mine who used used to randonneuring for fun swears by that brand. Bit too rich for my blood but they seem to be worth every penny!

Yeah, i think they're fantastically reviewed. Massive money and it's taken me a long time to hit that button

 

[Junglist]

Bargain for something that'll never leave the house



Yeah, i think they're fantastically reviewed. Massive money and it's taken me a long time to hit that button

It'll get used on dry days! So I guess maybe 2-3 times a year at this rate! If nothing else having a 'nice' bike will make me much more inclined to even go out on wet days on my current bike. Illogical logic.

 

[fez]

It'll get used on dry days! So I guess maybe 2-3 times a year at this rate! If nothing else having a 'nice' bike will make me much more inclined to even go out on wet days on my current bike. Illogical logic.

Will you want to get it wet though!

I've come to the conclusion that bikes are generally robust as hell and maintenance is the most important thing. I ride the same bike in the summer and winter. I rode my fancy bike in the ******* rain the other day to get the 25km home and It just needed washing afterwards.

 

[grudas]

Will you want to get it wet though!

I've come to the conclusion that bikes are generally robust as hell and maintenance is the most important thing. I ride the same bike in the summer and winter. I rode my fancy bike in the ******* rain the other day to get the 25km home and It just needed washing afterwards.

I used to commute on a £300 triban if you remember those from decathlon. I did 5000 miles first year, all weathers.

Maintenance wise it got lube dribbled on once in a while when chain got noisy and new tires. It had a cheap sora groupset and just took mile after mile without issues. Consumables of course pads and so on but very little actual maintenance.

First year wheel bearings failed
Year 2 chain got replaced.. don’t remember doing much else.

 

[Junglist]

Will you want to get it wet though!

I've come to the conclusion that bikes are generally robust as hell and maintenance is the most important thing. I ride the same bike in the summer and winter. I rode my fancy bike in the ******* rain the other day to get the 25km home and It just needed washing afterwards.

Really the main thing stopping me from riding in the wet/damp now (other than the bike being on the turbo) is cleaning up and bringing a wet bike through the house. Once we can afford to get what we want in the garden built just hosing it down and cleaning wouldn’t be as big of an issue

 

[SoliD]

Good service from SRAM & Canyon, well on one of my dodgy batteries, which seem to have got too cold over Christmas and didn't want to hold a significant charge, fired off email to canyon, who within 2 hours said all approved by SRAM for a replacement, once we get it we'll send it on to you.

Have purchased one of the aftermarket larger capacity batteries by Bigrock as well to see what they're like, as I need something that I know isn't going to die on me for my winter CX racing, which I can't trust with the SRAM batteries based upon their performance over the last few months.

@Shadowness no harm dropping them a mail and see what they say once you get a diagnosis, might get a bit of goodwill from them.

slightly excessive box size...

 

[Shadowness]

Dense battery for 1kg!