Building a Super Light Bike from AliExpress - UNDER £2600!

[@Cade_Media]

FWIW, I ended up putting a regular inner tube with massive long valve in the front tyre as road tubolito only goes up to 28mm. With a narrower tyre and tubolito this would've saved a bit more weight and been less than 6kg

[@CristoffelBonorand]

Pirelli has basically the same inner tubes like Tubolito and they go up to 32. They are also slightly cheaper. However, there are super light super cheap inner tubes on AliExpress, this would have completed the build…

[@ianhaigh9786]

Aliexpresss Ridenow TPU tubes have an 85mm valve option, and cheaper than Tubilitos

[@sam8m8]

get the ridenow tubes - they're awesome

[@guystevens311]

@@AdrianWells He's talking about the rim width, not the depth. RideNow are the way to go - lots of sizes and valve lengths available.

[@falklevien]

Just imagine how light it will be once you sand down those brake pads.

[@Cade_Media]

Wafer thin, one ride per set of pads

[@falklevien]

That’s all you need, innit? Brakes only slow you down, anyway.

[@alg3n320]

@@falklevien you don't need brakes at all

[@malcontent_1]

@@Cade_Media haha "wafer thin" - that reminds me of an infamous Monty Python skit

[@go2yanks]

@@malcontent_1 one more wafer thin mint

[@thebikepackingadventurer]

I am seeing more and more of these Elves bikes around. As many KZbin reviewers of Chinese frames show, the quality is seemingly better than some huge branded frames that are over £10k builds! Be good to see this in action and see how it feels

[@thebespokecyclist3624]

They are. Check my video on them.

[@mrichards55]

I would feel very guilty riding an illegal bike on my amateur training rides and probably report myself to the UCI.

[@nathantoddy13456]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@ff2e]

Wow 6.08. Big bike brands act like that isn't even possible for less than 10k. Recently built an ali express xc bike and I have it at 9.5 kg and I could knock one kg off of the fork if I bought a SID fork. The bike has been brilliant so far.

[@extravaganza69]

The big brand bikes are actually reliable.

[@mstvir]

I have built Ali Express XC hardtail 2 years ago, sitting around 10kg, with a suntour fork and a 120mm dropper post. What model did you go with?

[@honzakrcil7454]

@@extravaganza69 no, they are not. They are actually made in the same factory, there is no conspiracy or anything like that. Specialized just goes to a chinese company a says "we want 500 of these frames"

[@extravaganza69]

@@honzakrcil7454 so how they are not reliable? Not all frames are equal. The companies pay a premium and are responsible for the quality control. There are expensive frames and cheap frames and I'd not feel comfortable during a long descent on a cheap frame, certainly not one being counterfeit. Light means material should be super strong and double checked. Light and cheap equals trouble.

[@Cade_Media]

@@extravaganza69 as you say, you're paying for QC and warranty, usually better design and better customer service too.

[@Ai.Specter]

South East Asian pro cycling teams are sponsored by Elves! I've built a handful of those on my former shop. Light, stiff, good bang for your buck frames!

[@BikesandMusic]

After buying Winspace frame and wheelset I'm never looking back at those mainstream brands..

[@JourdainColeman]

Great video!! With my Elves Falath Pro 2022, I bought it directly from Elves which allowed me to choose custom paint. They can send you loads of different options/examples and you choose what you want. There wasn't an additional cost for this either. So it's better to go directly through Elves for the custom touch. I enjoy watching these Ali Express videos, It's like you are showing the consumer the other side of the coin. 👌🏼

[@gaidenlee]

Elves Vanyar's a big name here in the philippines. Everyone loves it cuz its cheap but does the trick to make a light weight bike...

[@chasc301]

Thanks guys. Always enjoy a Jimmy collaboration. It’s like I’m almost there, doing bike stuff. Cheered my flat day👍🏽🚴🏽

[@ricachuuuu]

That's my dream build right there but with Elves Falath Pro frameset. It's pretty popular here in Asia and where I live, Philippines.

[@TheTrev53]

Got my Elves direct from the company. Custom painted Eglath Pro disc with integrated bars and it has a better finish than my daughter’s Trek Emonda Project One that cost £8k

[@TheTrev53]

@Kim Rechelle They’re probably building Specialized in the same factory

[@TheTrev53]

@Kim Rechelle I would say 95% of carbon frames are now coming out of China along with many other parts, that’s why there’s a global shortage at the moment

[@davidlenneberg4303]

Carbon brake pads from prime through wiggle will fit as their lower.

[@davidgarza2267]

I'm a cyclist and a massive Tolkien nerd. Its been a real struggle not pulling the trigger on one of these despite not needing one at all! All the frame and wheel names are from Tolkiens Silmarillion. I'm hoping they come up with a gravel frame in the near future.

[@wufler28]

I love these builds. I have a Cannondale superx that is a little too big and after back problems, it's a problem. So I'm looking at the different bike frame to see if i can find something i like and then swap it out. This frameset is definitely on my list. The chameleon paint looks amazing

[@kevinlyon9501]

Gust of wind and it'll get blown away it's so light. Has built into a nice bike, hope you get the brakes sorted and see how it feels on the road.👍

[@frankcastora8348]

Great to see Jimmy again!

[@Jimmidoesstuff]

Love you

[@velokicks312]

"Two words...that are not me 'AEROPRO' ". Solid Jimmy! ha

[@Jimmidoesstuff]

You knows it.

[@joshuamarts]

I had this frame and turned its paint into naked carbon. Then built it with SRAM Rival 22 with cane creek ee brakes and 38mm carbon wheels. Surprisingly, it has a much smoother ride and accelerate faster compared to my Ridley Fenix SL. My current build for my Elves Vanyar right now is 6.6kgs

[@jackbecker4866]

A customer at my shop had me build up one of these frames. I’m actually very impressed by the quality. He did the disc brake version, but from the video they look pretty much identical.

[@TraceVelo]

6kg's, that's crazy dude. Nice looking bike tho! Also yeah those calipers, I've been using a set for a few months now. My rims are 26mm external and they _only just_ fit. Sanding pads might be the only way to get them to work, either that or find some slimmer line brake pad shoes. I had a play around, and I think if you use some regular brake shoes and find a way to remove the washers, that might buy you a few extra mm either side. Also did you manage to get a 12 speed cassette on those Elite hubs???? I tried with my set and it was a no go for me...

[@Cade_Media]

Yeah xd cassette went straight on, same on the MTB!

[@chrisjames1924]

Ali express can be fun. I remember Cycling Mavern (remember him?) ordering fake Oakleys from AE then having the lenses professionally tested only to discover they exceeded that of the real thing. That’s what convinced me to dip my toe. Also, don’t forget second hand market. Before lockdown I was picking up previous generation SRAM Red cranks and shifters for very little money. One BNIB Red crankset I bought was just 45 quid! Surprisingly it’s quite a bit lighter than today’s equivalent. Subjectively they also look sleeker as well. 10 spd cranks work with 11 spd drivetrains too plus SRAM works just fine with Shimano. As for wheels, mint Bora 30/50 tubular wheelsets from 2018 can be had for 400 quid. Previous generation stuff is so good in fact that manufacturers might soon start seeing that as a problem. Something the guitar manufacturers are constantly grappling with. I would bet, if you put in a bit of effort, you could build a sub 6kg bike for under £1000.

[@grahambell9831]

6.08 kgs without pedals & cages, is a stealthy low weight 👌. Chapeau gents 👏Looks the biz Jimmi 👍. Great bike build Francis 👏

[@sooryanandanans236]

Wow Just shows how much the main bike brands are overcharging the costomers😮😮

[@homerj1640]

Random comment. I was so excited to see an Attacus kit on Zwift the other day. I spent the pace partner ride trying to get a decent screenshot of it. It helped pass the time.

[@christianalboroto7574]

Absolutely stunning looking bike. Blacked out and look so super clean.

[@saveriofollador7217]

My man Jimmy rocking a Grand Seiko

[@Jimmidoesstuff]

My man! 🙌🏼

[@Jimmidoesstuff]

How did you even clock it? I just watched the video and can’t see it clean. You must be a mega watch geek. 😂

[@chrisjames1924]

He’s an Urban Gentry student.

[@Jimmidoesstuff]

@@chrisjames1924 a whoo??

[@chrisjames1924]

@@JimmidoesstuffThe Urban Gentry is a well known horology KZbinr.

[@cb6866]

Crazy light , eh ?...thanks Francis and Jimi

[@cervelo9465]

Looking forward to watch more, as this channel, first impressions, it has impressed me a lot.

[@Cade_Media]

Thanks for watching 👍

[@sundayvacation505]

In the next video on this build, I'd love to hear more on the quality of the cockpit. Tempted to buy this instead of the Black Inc integrated stem and handlebar cockpit

[@lollypoofy]

I'm actually so excited about this series

[@biggertree7063]

Got myself a chinese gravel bike. A medium at 49. A touch cramped for my 5'9 frame.

[@kellybumatay]

Good brands decisions. I just got myself an elves falath and probably one of the fastest and comfortable frame ive ever ridden and ive ridden the new s5 before and roughly almost the same but falath has more comfort. And cant go wrong with elite wheel for sure.

[@andrewlcs542]

Hi dudes, I bought those spongy carbon caliper brakes and received 2 different calipers. One was definitely wider than the other. You may have received the 'narrower' one. I shaved down all 4 brake pads and ended up installing EE brakes. Vanyar 46cm, 38mm wheels, SRAM Force shifters & single chainring, 11s, 11-32 cassette, EE, carbon this & that, Aliexpress stuff, GP5000, RideNow : 5.7kg.

[@snowyedgar]

I bought that frame a couple years ago because bit was the first monocoque (single mould) Chinese frame available. Requested that they supply it in bare carbon so I could inspect it etc and its been great since 👍👍

[@MyFloridaSRTcom]

Have the same Bike size 3XL (56) with everything on it (Pedals,Bottle Cages & Garmin Mount) sits at 14.15lb (6.4kg), currently with 1500+ miles and love the bike 👍

[@guystevens311]

So the medium is a 48 and the large a 56? What is in between?

[@MyFloridaSRTcom]

@@guystevens311 I edited my post .. their sizes are S/46, M/48, L/50, XL52, 2XL54, 3XL56... I ride a 3XL-56.... I am 6'1

[@chucktalks63]

Enve brake pads are thinner and allow for more clearance. You could try that to solve the brake issue.

[@TrickyTree84]

Yep I've had that problem with Easton Rims and Shimano 6800 calipers. I had to sand the pads down to get them to fit

[@1sigmabikes]

Awesome video. The AliX / Chinese D2C opens up cycling options for so many riders. Especially if you are handy around bike tools. I mean, it’s still a good chunk of change, but it’s not £5000 I have a similar-ish build. Empire Pro set up 1X 11-34, 48T. Elite Drive wheels. Everything is from AliX or direct from the manufacturer (except shift housing and tires) Showroom weight came in at 7.1kg. 7.3 with pedals, mount, and bottle cages. Also used that saddle. Let me know if it cracks at the thinnest point by the cutout after a few potholes!

[@1sigmabikes]

Also, you should have used the RideNow! TPU tubes if you were shooting for a 100% AliX build!

[@rodcosta3603]

Really enjoyed this! You guys do this so naturally. 👌🏻💫

[@aneczka2114]

Can't wait to hear how it rides....I'm buying those disk brake elite wheels for my current bike built.

[@thebespokecyclist3624]

I took mine to many all road fondo events and it survived with flying colors which is surprising given it's Elves climbing bike not the endurance or the aero. Come to think of it, it has become my grab and go bike when unsure what to bring.

[@pscoop]

Great video and pretty impressive results weight wise. Looking forward to Jimmy’s build video with mood music and dark lighting 😂 and the follow up where you actually get to ride it!

[@romanpramuka2703]

I have exactly same wheels, they are wery wide externally. My Campy Chorus callipers are on the limit, I tried to use 28c tires, but the callipers can't be opened more to fit the wheel, so I stick with 25c tires which are a bit narrower than rim, but because I'm riding veloflex cotton tires, they are very comfy even in this size.

[@mrichards55]

I’ve been looking for carbon rim brake wheels suited to 28s, so will check these out.

[@juliuslamong4448]

ELVES bikes are popular here in the philippines, it is considered as a high end bike here in our country. frameset itself cost about 50,000 ph currency (900$) if im correct.

[@WWNSX]

Trace Velo on youtube has a really good and detailed video review on those ZTTO calipers with tips and tricks on them; after seeing that video i wouldn't use these just in the interest of safety.

[@willparsons9551]

A very fun and funny video. The dirt weight thing was hilarious.

[@jonathancrew5811]

The neatness is due to them using a low amount of lamination. I don't 100% know, but I speculate the amount of layers the higher end teams use, when the press the carbon panels into the molds for the frame, the inner most panels, some threads come loose and what not, but it probably isn't structurally compromising so they let it go.

[@drewstreet4178]

4:06 loud hubs on road bikes 100%, quiet on mtbs

[@DP-PhD]

Looking forward to the test ride!

[@timothycas5951]

We've been dreaming of this brands.

[@kerbodynamicx472]

I hope that one day, the Tour de France can be won on an Aliexpress bike...

[@JakeMay]

Rides of Japan man will be very happy with that weight

[@starvin-marvin-the-martian]

I was intrigued! It would be nice if there were frame sizes larger than 56cm. All I want is a cheap 61cm carbon frame.

[@crnkspinnr3342]

I had to shave the pads on my Zero Gravity brakes to fit a fat set of zipp 404's, lighter and still stops well.

[@carloadrianreyes6552]

some underestimate elves because its from aliexpress, but here in the philippines its a very well known brand that even sponsors local cycling content creators

[@bernardo9202]

Is the elgath a good frame? i realy like the look of it

[@carloadrianreyes6552]

@@bernardo9202 it probably is, no experience with it tho as its too expensive for me

[@brauljo]

How's the chainline on that chainring? I have that same crankset and I replaced the chainring with a Wolf Tooth one. The stock chainring has no offset, but 3-bolt direct mount road chainrings are supposed to have 6 mm of offset.

[@sesompower113]

that frame is commonly use here in the Philippines 👌🏾

[@alejandro.shot5]

Hey I have that very saddle! It's stupidly confortable but I'm not using it anymore since it worn down my cycling bibs very quickly.

[@ProffessorSeen1]

Check that there aren’t thinner washers between the brake arm and the pad shoe. That’s how the aero brakes on my argon16 nitrogen work.

[@thelastkimyerim18]

That's actually my dream frame in disc brake

[@lahyessam9725]

If Jimmy let his beard grow really long (like the musician from ZZ Top) he could be a bike builder extraordinair 😜🚲🇨🇦

[@8rk]

swiss stop black prince has a model of brake pads that are much, much skinnier. Those dark red ones you showed in the video look massive.

[@barryherron5351]

Elves now have a UK supplier. they've got frameset and bars up for £900. I've got a set of Prime RR-50 wheels to go with this build and was thinking about going budget on a Shimano 105 groupset from wiggle for £300, adding all the weights together it was looking like just over 6kg for the complete bike, would love to see a long term review of Jimmys bike.

[@StrapAnuva1]

hey Barry. Did you ever go through wit this build? If so please let me know how it went. I am very keen to build one myself. Thanks

[@babyrabies]

i build up a caad12 using china parts with a 1x drive train and could easily hit 6.3kg bare, without pedals. The value is just unbeatable.

[@mickchaganis6607]

Swiss Stop do thinner pads for those with clearance problems. Oh and get your wallet out again.....L Twoo have just released their disk brake hydraulic groupset.

[@abedfo88]

Link ?

[@TundralTV]

Definitely can't find fully hydraulic on their website or on AliE

[@mickchaganis6607]

@@abedfo88 check out their KZbin channel, latest video

[@mickchaganis6607]

@@TundralTV check out their KZbin channel, it's the latest video

[@abedfo88]

@@mickchaganis6607 omfg hype ! That looks awesome

[@mitch9294]

Oooooh I reckon Elves are gonna be getting some angry letters from Cervelo’s legal department very soon 😂 😂

[@SteveKimbo]

I've not heard the word 'skanky' for a long time. It made me laugh out loud 😂

[@dirkhunt9425]

I just ordered the Elite SLT rim brake wheels with the WING20 spokes not as light as the DRIVE wheels but less than $600 US.

[@TheTrev53]

They also make frames for a few top brands

[@beanfaded]

a lot of pro teams in southeast Asia are actually using elves bike

[@arkreborn5961]

Elves is a nice bike brand actually Its popular here in the Philippines

[@leonschumann2361]

l do hope you'll talk about the cable routing and bars

[@TonInter]

Great video! I'd definitely want to see a followup with a testride. Just an idea. :D

[@leonschumann2361]

my custom painted elves falath disc and elitewheels marvels are on their way

[@pierrex3226]

Definitely expect to sand the pads down. Nothing too extravagant there. Very curious to hear about ride quality and all.

[@ehrenfull]

I'd love a review of the tan wall Challenger tires! Was thinking of buying a pair on my bike, since my "fast" Italian tan wall tires died after 1k km

[@Avioto]

Did you already forget Francis? Tan walls make tires a lot heavier😁

[@srdfcgvhbn]

if you order from OEM factor, will only costs £180 for T800 carbon frame

[@martinmalloy5997]

Nice, I wish I had a friend who would make me a bike, in XL 😁

[@martinmalloy5997]

Francis, I've had a reply today from an inbox of yours referring to a a prize for me, is it legit?

[@Yazevo]

As I weigh 160 lbs, or about 72.5 kg that saddle weighs about .1% of my weight, i really know how I could trust something so light to support me.

[@foxesonthebeach102]

Could you do a full review on the saddle?

[@janfreddelacruz8909]

Elves Brand Is very Famous in the Philippines and Filipino's love it and the 7/11 Pro Cycling, and Team Excellent noodes Pro Cyling Team uses that Bike Elves Vanyar.

[@paolobuan4025]

Wow! very light indeed

[@thedahe11]

i work at an elves retailer in malaysia, i also ride a vanyar love the vids

[@thedahe11]

we distribute elves bikes

[@lemonshire1]

very interesting to see more aliexpress stuff on the channel holy shit, almost 6 kg for that price, sick

[@johndavelibertino3110]

Yeah, some of the pros here in the philippines used that brand of frame

[@cervelo9465]

I thought that was a brilliant video. I thought that was far superior than was GCN are putting out. 6.08kg is/was an excellent result. And without spending silly money.

[@johnnyboy4711]

Frame image of tarmac sl6, Delihea rest also use tarmac as a base.

[@cwli1]

Buying from aliexpress: I bought computer parts from aliexpress and 20% is added to the total at checkout to cover the UK's import taxes. It arrived in 2 weeks.

[@lilth501]

I have heard they manufacturer elves bikes in the same factory as Cervelo

[@yanikmueller5757]

PLEASE do a build on the same bike as Harry Mac, ELVES Falath Pro

[@justthatek7992]

Reviews on aliexpress say max tyre clearance on the frame is 25mm.

[@Cade_Media]

28mm fits fine on the back, might have to use a 25mm on the front though, will test

[@jorgeeduardozamoraacosta8627]

I wouldn't trust on those brake calipers. But, the other components looks pretty well.

[@kpsig]

I am in search of Carbon Wheels - I am really confused by the various low cost brands and so many KZbin videos which are kind of … biased… I don’t care about tubeless. Opinions?

[@gabriel.trainer]

4:27 Proof that Elves makes Cervelo bikes.

[@marvinsmall5002]

I think I have seen in previous reviews of this frame, that it won't take a 28 tyre.

[@dainiusvysniauskas2049]

It should take a 28mm tire that measures 28mm wide. Something like 28mm GP4000 on a 21mm inner width wheel probably won't fit because it will measure around 30mm wide.

[@lyndajones1133]

are there any bike frames similar in quality there to the elves? have long suspected it was like you spotted, and these are places that actually manufacturer big name brands, so seeking which one aligns with needs, being keen to spot differences, and nuanced aethetic and qc things - or design that matches etc, so there would probably most likely have to be other brands doing things similarly...so. i mean i spoze time to hunt out what i mean. or if theres other brands that maybe make canyon specifically, or ya. cheers.

[@felixjackson2670]

Great stuff. YES in spite of GCN ..there IS LIFE outside Shimano or SRAM disc brake,heavy race bikes.!

[@yizchaklazarus8637]

Hi Francis can you test indoor turbo trainers