It's Better Than a Factor 02 VAM (for half the price)

Elilee Blize: elilee.com.au/...
Channel Subscription: bit.ly/2NViYKI
Timestamps
0:33 - Sponsorship agreement
1:00 - Bold claim
3:34 - Build, weight and price
5:06 - Geometry & design
7:53 - Ride experience with rating system
14:25 - XCadey power meter
In this video we will be reviewing the Elilee Blize XXE road bike, which comes with Shimano Dura Ace Di2 and the Elilee carbon cranks and XXE 46mm wheels. As this is in that lightweight climbing bike category, I will be comparing it to the Factor 02 VAM.
#cycling #review
Outdoor ride: analyze.dcrain...
Indoor ride 1:analyze.dcrain...
Indoor ride 2: analyze.dcrain...

[@CamNicholls]

Quick note - When you see Neill riding the BLIZE, the set up at the time was at my saddle height. Hence why the saddle looks low. Just letting everyone know, so there's no one thinking Neill doesn't know how to fit himself LOL.

[@gethinap]

"OMG Neill doesn't know what he's talking about!" Old Hat, probably 😂

[@jelbic]

So is Neill's part of the review based on him riding a bike that was not fitted for him? Or is it just the "b-roll" (as I have learned it is called by watching too much youtube).

[@kubackjeee]

@@jelbic it was just for shooting video for the review, not the actual riding shots. Something like Kelly Rowland typing Nelly in Microsoft excel in the clip back in the day kek

[@grantbeerling4396]

As a lightweight rider (61-64KG) in the past, I had many problems with tank slappers (oscillation). Also, as a former motorbike racer (Production and GP bikes), we hang off on fast, high-lean bends but pivot around to the front of the bike to load the front tyre. This effect reduces understeer and lightens the rear, so if the bike starts to let go, it will be the rear which can be saved (plus the bonus of black lines on the exit, which freaks other riders out). So, I've increased the stem length of all my bikes; I use the pivot on fast bend loading up the front. Suddenly, all issues are gone, and descending with the confidence of a motorbike racer, i.e. tend to drop people on the bends on a fast descent. Oh, and also the golden rule; go in deep before you turn, then turn hard, leaving plenty of exit room; also, remember turning hard scrubs speed, so once you understand how much speed, you don't upset the flow by breaking too hard on entry. I love mountain descents and climbing. I like the look of this bike, I've been on 165s for 11 years, and it's no slower, but for me, it's less fatigue on long rides, ie small circles when rolling at 180 watts.

[@axelmogr]

front loading a roadbike while descending sounds like a crash waiting to happen. I often find myself planting my bum as far back as possible on the saddle to get more weight on the rear wheel for better grip around tight bends at speed since the dropbars naturally transfer most of your weight to the front going down

[@grantbeerling4396]

​@@axelmogr Not sure you understand. Braking on a descent in a straight line, yep, over the back as the front loads, once off the brakes, looking for the apex, the small counter steer to load the front and turn with the weight transference means the rear is unloaded and if anything lets go, it'll be the rear. Head up looking for the exit. Looking for where you want to go. This is not an on-off manoeuvre. It takes practice and feel. If you hang off the back of the bike in a corner, you will understeer, ending up in the gutter or on the wrong side of the road. Practice, and feel.

[@U.s.e.r.3493]

Love these vids. My wife has given me no leeway for n+1 but i like window shopping

[@boc-tonysyklist2145]

How is AUD $13000 "sharp pricing"?! Ok, the Factor bike isnt´t cheap, but the Elilee Blize isn´t either. I would in fact say they are both way overpriced.

[@EddieCdeejay]

Love the reviews!! It is because of you and this channel, I ended up purchasing a 2024 Merida Reacto 8000 a few months ago.

[@CamNicholls]

Nice bike!

[@marcbryant8482]

Good review lads, been looking forward to this one. Hard to deliver a review when the product is that good and not sound bias etc. But I think you managed it and kept your style of what the average cyclist would be like. Hope Neil brings it on the Grind ride soon

[@paulskinner599]

Hi Cam, you’re doing some great content ATM which I’m really enjoying and find really informative. As a former bike fitter I’m surprised Neill didn’t mention the potential issues with such a steep seat tube and low layback on the seat post. The main issue with this is it will move the riders Center of Gravity forward placing more weight on the hands and Potentially creating sketchy handling. Definitely less of an issue for you super fit lads, but anyone who is alittle heavier should take note of this.

[@joeldurbridge2718]

Hurting my eyes with the sock shoe combo Neil, cmon mate, haha. Great vid though guys 🤙🏻

[@pierrex3226]

Ouch, that price point stings! For that money I can buy 4 or 5x my existing OEM frame. That said, very compelling bike. I like the design, the wind tunnel testing admitting it's slower than the sl7, the stiffness tests, it should cost more than my factory made open mould frame in t800. Now I got to find a dentist to buy it, regret his previous aero bike, buy a new canyon aeroad, and sell that one :p

[@WayneCouyon]

The problem is, if I don't live in Australia, and go to their international website, what I see is an absolute mess. Full of spelling errors, a different product catalog to the one that the Australian website has, zero info on the company etc. It just destroys all trust right from the start when you can't take care of even the most basic stuff as your shop window.

[@CamNicholls]

Yeah I totally agree. I made mention of this in the first look video. I suggested to them they should clean things up and have a proper about us, but nothing. All my trust comes through Michael, who’s the Aussie distribution

[@zozolione]

So the conclusion is get a cheap good Chinese frame and build your own may the same risk but quarter the price 😅

[@FT__Bicycling_____-sc7yv]

​@@zozolione only "quarter price" if you compare it to a totally absurd product. Compared to more reasonable framesets the discount of the Elilee is much smaller

[@petersouthernboy6327]

Agreed from the USA. Not confidence inspiring at all. The Soloist at $2700 has its merits for me.

[@bingbing3464]

@@petersouthernboy6327when saw into 2 halves, they're just both identical chinese frames. Because youre in the US, it's so much easier to rip you off because of the logistics by a middleman and also language barrier. 😁

[@jaytronzero]

I love Cam's laughs at Neil's snarky comments 🤣

[@JFomo]

Nice, great review.

[@SaschaRissling]

Awesome review, thanks! Still waiting for some high quality reviews from people like you about the Hygge Model S. THe internet claims it is a worthy SL7 clone for less than 25% of the price.

[@melbournecyclingsegments7510]

Sounds like a great bike. Baran Cycles here in Melbourne sells them

[@rodcosta2345]

Great video boys!

[@jjfalk]

Nice video! Also... Where the seat stays meet the top tube... Strong Canyon vibes...

[@edgerat]

wasn't expecting this

[@andrew30703]

Baffles me that with a 75 degree seattube angle they wouldnt atleast offer a 25mm offset post.😢 As Neill said, i’m sure 75 degrees would prove problematic for a tonne of people

[@cyc00000]

Neill needs to get a bike fit and some white shoes to match his white socks.

[@genersay1037]

Sponsorship really makes your bike good.. He he

[@CamNicholls]

Haha! But I could also argue it makes you hold back on rating too high. What if the bike is genuinely very good? This is the best Chinese branded bike I’ve ridden along side the SEKA. But saying that, people will automatically see that as ‘it’s because you’re getting paid’, which I also appreciate. It’s tricky. Learning here

[@MaxwellPowers666]

Without sponsorship you wouldn't be able to make your stupid and snarky remark. I've an idea. Buy the bike and then send it Cam for a non-sponsored review. What's this? No deal? Then shut the fuck up.

[@PaulCoetserBalie]

Look into the polygon helios a9x. 9k aud for full durace. I think it is very underrated.

[@CamNicholls]

agree kzbin.info/www/bejne/maSzk5eKdt6SmMUsi=TYiaQPoOYwkygPz5

[@durianriders]

Get a s-works sl2/6 tarmac rim brake bike if you want insane stifness AND the lightest set up money can buy BUT you will be spending MAX 1500AUD to get that set up lol. I use my s-works tarmac SL8 with flat pedals now as my dumpster diving bike. I use my s-works rim brake models when speed matters.

[@christophertan3195]

sure you do

[@MichaelDavid-p1i]

If you know you know

[@BennyHubba]

Great video.

[@Hard_Work_Is_Rewarding]

This or Merida Reacto for all around racing?

[@earicm40]

I agree with almost everything the site sucks I got mine on Ali express. I had issue with the fork they sent me a new one with in 3 days from china express shipping straight to my bike shop where it was being build. Any issues they addressed them fast even mistakes I made rounding the seat post bolts . The t15 sucks I swapped those out.

[@MrIanD1]

On a tangent were you responsible for Windspace changing their logo? Followed you for a long time.

[@jonoharper4729]

After the Raygun phenomenon....I'm struggling to take any content coming out of Aus seriously 😅

[@CamNicholls]

🤣 I’m actually with you.

[@claudiovecchiatto3260]

Cube litening x68 air slx 10000$ in au. Full ultegra di2+shimano power meter. New 50mm wheels with carbon spokes 22mm internal (1300g). One piece cockpit bla bla bla.. 6.9kg Everything from a well known brand famous to make solid stuff for years. All these youtuber comparing this stuff from brands nobody knows and comparing them with pinarellos and company.. compare them with the cube and then we talk

[@daviddjerassi]

Love the review yes its a great bike however my daughter needs to move up to carbon from her Specelized Dolce how about some reviews on cheaper carbon Girls road bikes please love RCA its tops in my book.

[@MaxwellPowers666]

Been watching Cam for years. He's always been an honest broker. If you're a grifter, people see right through that shit. It's why his channel has grown not stagnated.

[@thedownunderverse]

😂😂😂

[@Quivivravelo]

200k. SOON !!!

[@franctomsic7744]

If the wheels have an internal of 19mm what width of tyres did you use and would recommend.

[@TESTA-CC]

Nice Bike 🤙🤙

[@Hard_Work_Is_Rewarding]

This is the Blize Paradox: they position it as a racing bike (high weight to stiffness, aero etc) but the geometry is far from racing. In my height, if I was to get L the stack may be fine, but the reach is way too short, but in XL the stack is way to high with a good reach... I would argue that a spot on geometry is the most important for the racing frame, and everything else comes second. But Chinese brands traditionally focus on features and technologies, sometimes without getting the basics (geometry and bearing cups) right. This is why I would argue that Merida if you are on a budget or a Specialised if you are not makes a more logical choice.

[@hellodisdat]

The beefcake and the beanpole ahahahahaha

[@TheChindoboi]

is it worth splashing out for the XXE or is the normal Blize ok as well?

[@cosbro5389]

TCR SL1 $9500 under 7kg(M) still hard to beat

[@sapiens7821]

A DB bike with the weight and stiffness of a top end rim brake bike. It’s Rare to see a sub 7kg DB bike let alone 6.2kg 😮Plus one that feels planted, stiff, comfortable. I wonder how it goes in cross winds. Its likely so nimble and responsive you wont notice

[@kostaspapazoglou2851]

Any prospective buyer should realize and rest assured that dealing with Micheal is the best possible form of warrantee! Cheers.

[@KevinDepault]

hey guys, looking at the stack, if I'm 183cm it seems absurd to go for size L, the isnt the stack way too low?

[@Dali6266]

Definitely not cheap for a Chinese frame 😮 I’ve heard Winspace are soon to release an update of their top climbing frame, the SLC3 .. looks 🔥

[@tyee6018]

Was waiting for this before I committed

[@soundrkappa7763]

I like how the cranks fit perfectly with the powermeter, although I am not sure I would trust it as the last powermeter I bought from china did not work and I could not get a new one (Magene) ...

[@CamNicholls]

Thanks for sharing on the thread. Sorry to hear about your warranty experience.

[@ronitdebnath]

My God Neill's knee extension at 5:10-5:30 seems so so low by the standards of whats generic. Not questioning what works for him. But just stating.

[@musclelessfitness2045]

Come on man ! I was expecting a review about your new rim brake bike, not another add ...

[@CamNicholls]

Coming...too much rain and wind to test.

[@musclelessfitness2045]

@@CamNicholls cool ... can't wait heheh

[@thedownunderverse]

Its all adds now, sold out years ago

[@CamNicholls]

@@thedownunderverse It's 'ads'

[@thedownunderverse]

@@CamNicholls thanks for pulling me up on that Cam, please continue to do so, I hope to be better

[@christosandreev6392]

Good video. Now regarding the powermeter it is quite frustrating how much of a difference there is from one powermeter to another. I have stages gen 3 and powertap p2 pedals. The pedals read always like 20w more than the stages while my turbo trainer (wahoo kickr core) reads about somewhere in between these two powermeters. This is a total shit and you don't know what to believe in.

[@tattooedyogi]

3:16 Factor is a Chinese brand!! they've only just become 'mainstream' because a world tour team decided to ride them.

[@danielakerman8241]

Factor was started in Norfolk, England as an offshoot of BF1 systems. Their frames may be manufactured in China or Taiwan, but that’s the case for every single major manufacturer today.

[@olivercarpenter7563]

American owned, built at their own bespoke facility in Taiwan.

[@TheCyclesport]

Seat looked way too low at @6:00 into the clip 😉

[@Incaensio]

Badass bike

[@dylanliu6758]

If everything you said were true, Neil should keep the bike. It seems perfect for him.

[@MikeHunt-en7fo]

hi cam what's your height and inseam? you and neil are the same?

[@CamNicholls]

I don’t know my inseam, Neill has never measured it but I’m stumpy in the legs. Both Neill and I are circa 179cm

[@MoreMiles2Go]

Ty! lol first too

[@robertwhyte3435]

they probably made it a t15 to keep people from being able to over torque it.

[@Hard_Work_Is_Rewarding]

Also, looks awfully similar to the Lapierre Xelius...

[@Jaxon_chickenjoe9]

Yeah but was it stiff?

[@Willyw0nka1]

This channel is soooo much better than chris miller cycling. Better transparency, objective factual content and you understand your audiences. Also you're not precious like the other two.

[@derekhobbs1102]

$4k, that's what I paid for my 07 Kia Carnival in January.

[@aaronjacobtrent]

Do you take the Kia on group rides?

[@thedownunderverse]

The whole group fits in the Kia, all bikes on the roof

[@derekhobbs1102]

I bought it to take my kids and their bikes places too far them to ride .

[@aaronjacobtrent]

That’s great. What does it have to do with this video, though?

[@thedownunderverse]

@@aaronjacobtrent really? Try watching it again - you got this

[@Trek-om3dg]

And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire. (Revelation 20:11-15)

[@silverburn55]

That saddle though... surely this is trolling.

[@djayr1soulfulhouse838]

Would you say now is the time to take Chinese frames seriously especially with the money saved over buying a name brand bike?

[@TheAcfallejoseph]

Personally, I would rather have no bike or buy a used bike.

[@gregkane8635]

Nero lads with the tavelo and now you guys with this…. Aussies getting wee backhanders all over the place…… 😂😂😂

[@kubackjeee]

Neil I love you bro but black shoes/white socks combo is a no go! C'mon mate :)

[@CamNicholls]

He’s been told. Can’t help himself 🤣

[@kubackjeee]

@@CamNicholls call the fashion police !

[@DanTuber]

The controversial cyclist is going to love this video.

[@CamNicholls]

You spend too much time on KZbin mate 🤣 I like to refer to him as the Coward Cyclist though. A man who throws punches but never shows his face. Sad behaviour

[@pierrex3226]

That man is an absolute moron.

[@endtimeslips4660]

ah SMP saddle.

[@floam11]

No 3d printed shoes for free 5% performance increase?

[@floam11]

Err… not free 2k usd, but you don’t have to make an effort to.

[@benbwaite9858]

Boo we want the rim vs disc video

[@CamNicholls]

🤣 haven’t been able to do the tests. Blame the weather gods

[@benbwaite9858]

@@CamNicholls Haha fair enough! Test them at the velodrome then outside when it's good conditions 👌🏻

[@hhansen3551]

Well the Factor that they compared to was a rim break 😉

[@zymphad7377]

ShillNicholls :D

[@Terrathrax]

Too expensive.

[@JosephNieto-o8r]

God what a dumb name lmao sorry but that kinda thing matters as much as anything else imo

[@Popcorn_Rider]

Is this an ad?

[@fernandod2865]

Yes, if you keep watching at 0:26

[@CamNicholls]

This is explained in the video. There's even a timestamp associated with this + a pop up for you at the start indicating "Includes Paid Promotion". For reference this was the complete bike split between Neill and I. When we sell it.

[@jreddin4488]

It’s not better than a factor 02….. it’s just not

[@CamNicholls]

As I said, I’m just one dickhead with an opinion.

[@valmorell]

This is what you get when manufacturers stop using carbon fibre to create fashion items and concentrate on using the material strengths to create a better bicycle frame. Not much use to Americans as there is very little to talk bull about. Position of seat stay cluster should allow for a more accurate seat post insertion point.

[@WayneCouyon]

Mm, kinda thought the same when I jumped on my newly arrived Time ADHX, which is relatively heavy compared to my previous climbing frames, and the power transfer still feels better. But, that's also an engineering-driven product :).

[@Jasperomhoog]

A review with a paid sponsorship is no review...