Five Chinese Carbon Bikes - What's Changed?

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Ever wondered how to build Chinese carbon bikes or pondered, 'Are Chinese carbon frames any good?' Well, you're in the right place. In this video, we're diving deep into the world of my Chinese carbon bike build projects.
Join me as I take you through the journey of building and riding five unique bikes, starting from a budget carbon bike build to a high-end performance model. We'll talk about everything from the Chinese carbon road bike, the Elves Falath Evo 2022, and the Elves Falath Evo 2023, to the versatile Lightcarbon Gravel Bike, and the reliable, though not exactly a Chinese carbon frame, the Giant Defy Advanced 1.
Each of these bikes has a story to tell, reflecting their evolution from cheap Chinese carbon frames to fully-fledged road and gravel warriors. You'll see first-hand my reviews on these Chinese carbon bikes, and hopefully, it'll help answer the question that's on everybody's mind - 'is buying cheap Chinese carbon bikes worth it?'
So whether you're curious about Chinese carbon bikes, are an expert cyclist, or just getting started, this video will definitely satisfy your curiosity.
Follow me here
🎥 / jourdaincoleman
PS. When I provide a link here to gear or equipment I sometimes get a kickback from it. But I NEVER link to something that I haven't used or did use and didn't like! 👍

[@brianboschma]

I built up a Falath with Shimano Ultegra group, 11 speed, nothing electric - no batteries required. WIth about 1000 miles of climbing the hills of Nor. Calif I find it a very pleasing ride with 28 mm tires and running a pressure of around 75 lbs. With the Valar carbon wheels from Elves, and their DT Swiss like rear hub, the speedy descents through the redwoods are much safer as the deer run in all directions as the ratchet noise pierces the forest canopy.

[@JourdainColeman]

Glad you are enjoying your bike. The wheels are super loud so I'm not surprised the deer can hear you coming 👌🏼

[@Minkjedi333]

MORE PLEASE! Binged like 8 vids today so get more content out. Keep it up

[@JourdainColeman]

Glad you enjoying the content my friend!!

[@martinbichler7089]

My Sensah empire pro brifter has a cable guide on the hood that allows routing the brake housing from the outside to the inside of the brifter on top of the hood. This worked nice with compressionless housing, at least it looks like this when comparing it to your setup.

[@pskonejott2568]

Wana see you try yoeleo r12!! 😊😊 Ive ridden mine for 2yrs

[@rascal1234]

The Avid BB5 brakes are heavy, but work very well. I used to have them on my all-mountain mtb bike (which I used to take on DH Parks), now are on my CX bike. I’d replace them, but it is hard to find brakes that work so well.

[@quintennn]

You could turn the defy into a dedicated indoor bike? Being an indoor bike you could make it fit, upwards angle stem, short stem, etc. Until it fits perfectly (will probably look a bit odd and handle weirdly but since it's an indoor bike that doesn't matter. Also no issues with the weight anymore since it's indoor only.

[@JourdainColeman]

Thats a good idea actually 🤔 Thanks for the comment

[@typicaltuber8727]

Just found your channel; love your videos. What are the exact names of the bikes? Might have to get one of them myself, which one would you say is the fastest most reliable?

[@PhantomMs1]

I'd like to know what your opinion is on how on structurally stiff or compliant these bikes are. You mentioned the 32mm tires helping with some compliance on rougher roads, how do the rest compare in the compliance territory? Keep the good videos coming!

[@edgarf7335]

Thank you.

[@scherzo0o]

I'd love to have that black&white Giant for an update on transmission. I happen to have some XT calipers from an MTB ... I'd combine them with the new LTwoo electronic transmission 🎉❤ and some lighter wilz, obviouzly.

[@prinzenrollenkeks]

Would be very interested in you taking a look at the ICAN A22.

[@Flexo_l]

My next bike will probably be Elves Falath EVO. The only thing that bothers me is the size and which costume colour should I pick 😅

[@JourdainColeman]

hahah... colours are endless! As for sizing... it's a journey. A bike fit for me changed everything. Then you get your measurements and setup your bike up to the exact measurements.

[@Flexo_l]

@@JourdainColeman I have bike fit but my bike is endurance geometry and falath have such a high top tube so I'm afraid my private parts will touch it 😅Many riders are downsizing the frame from recommended size.

[@MrUltimatePCgamer]

What’s climbing like on the Falath Evo? I know in Cam Nicholl’s video he said his knee hit the top tube quite a bit due to the flush stem design. Also does it feel heavy? I really want the flushed stem look, but I spend all my time in the hills and don’t really need an aero bike lol

[@JourdainColeman]

I've watched Cams video as well, when I do my full review I'll try to explain fully what I think about the bike a s a whole. Climbing feels all good to me!

[@dainiusvysniauskas2049]

Hoping to see a build with Elves Eglath frame

[@sebastianh5929]

yes i need to see one to, please jourdain

[@JourdainColeman]

I'll see what I can do 👀

[@joshuaelliot2020]

How tall are you mate and what’s your inseam? Wondering as I am after the light carbon but also struggling to work out 49/52 from their geo. Thanks & love the videos!

[@SuperSpruit]

Hi Jourdain, how are the Elves wheels on your new bike holding up? I bought them as well but I am curious how they are holding up after a few rides 😊. Greetings from Luit of the Netherlands.

[@CNExplore]

What size bar did you end up going with on the Elves Falath Evo?

[@thejuampi]

In your opinion, what is the best saddle in terms of comfort/weight ?

[@user-qk6gp4rl3h]

is the new frame from elves the new disc vanyar which came out recently

[@ronfeldman4386]

Jourdain, I like the Elves frames, I ride a 58cm Specialized frame, Can you suggest a frame size for me in the Elves frames ? The question I have is; The Chinese made group sets look nice, But are they going to be reliable for long rides ? Will bike shops be able to service these group sets ? Thanks for your honest view.

[@wte100]

Falath evo: did i see a break adapter for the 160 also in the front? Or only at the back? It says only 'up to 160' in the deceiption...

[@WioWio-sf5pc]

bravoooo

[@KNURKonesur]

I see you're useing Juin Tech brakes on many of your frames, have you had any experience with the 4-piston Juin Tech GT ones?

[@JourdainColeman]

I've only use the Juin tech F1 brakes and I have bene very happy with them. They are definitely better than fully mechanical disc brakes but not as good as full hydraulic (as expected). 👌🏼

[@KNURKonesur]

@@JourdainColeman that's what I keep seeing/hearing from people who reviewed them but inevitably somewhere in the comment section there's someone who says the brakes worked well upto a point and then they decided to live back to some more premium mechanical brakes and they don't notice a big difference. My issue is I'm quite heavy and running budget mechanical brakes has put me in some slightly gangerous corners where the brakes didnt have enough stopping power so I'm looking for an upgrade without.ganging the whole drivetrain. And I'm wondering if going for the F1 is going to make a big enough difference in stopping power over my stock Promax ones, or should I invest more and get a 4 piston variant instead.

[@Boonen007Tom]

And do you know anything about TRP hybrid mec/hydro brakes?

[@StornofuerKasse3]

Seeing the immense travel in the 105 brake I remember that there was an issue with not as crisp as the back brake if I'm right? 🤔 Any updates on that front or will it be part of the big review? Than forget that I've asked 😁

[@JourdainColeman]

Over time the front brake has improved. I'm going to give it another bleed and hopefully some more air comes out not that over used it for a while. 👍🏼

[@thereal_deo]

Hi, i just wanted to does the light carbon sizing come up a little bit too big, and what’s the tyre clearance for the all road frame?

[@JourdainColeman]

it will depend on the frame that you are looking at. The match the measurements that they give in the geometry charts. The hard part is knowing what size is right for you!

[@SamuelBlackMetalRider]

Mate srsly put some GP5000 clinchers in 32 with cream or transparent sidewalls. Your Falath will fly even more

[@jonsteinhauser1573]

Wondering how tall you are for a comparison on the gravel bike size. Thanks!

[@JourdainColeman]

I'm 176cm (5 foot 9")

[@user-jy5gb7oq6n]

Pretty new to the road bike scene Started with an old trek sl And now im considering the falath evo but the geometry doesn’t worry me that much probably going to go to a 52 size but the bb the pf30 is it a good bottom bracket i get pretty confused with the 1 million types of bottom brackets what is your experience with it Perhaps I guess that when its pressed. Correctly it wont creak and everything is going to be smooth

[@markdurdle7710]

PF30 should be fine, as long as you get a bottom bracket for it that screws together. e.g. the Token Ninja PF30 Thread Fit Bottom Bracket.

[@JourdainColeman]

My BB has all been good thanks... it's just a simple press fit. If you watch the full build video Johnny explained that pressing one side in at a time is the best way 👍🏽

[@scottmccann4509]

I have a question! How much faster would your bikes be if you cleaned them? 😜. In all seriousness i've always enjoyed watching your videos and really happy you're doing well now (one video is close to a million views) 👏, getting to create interesting content that you enjoy doing yourself but staying true and independent in your reviews.

[@JourdainColeman]

I reckon at least 10 watts per bike... I like to make it hard for myself! Extra training 😂 - The bike fit video is nearly there, hopefully it keeps getting views over time. What even better is the channel as a whole is around 500,000 views a month, give or take, which is very rewarding. Cheers for commenting and following the channel from the start 👍🏽

[@scottmccann4509]

@@JourdainColeman amazing, well done you deserve it 👏

[@calvincrane]

My first bike is too far in reach for me. So I need that fixed mostly in my next. Which was going to be the green gravel perhaps but your comments made me stop. So a gravel replacement frame needed. Thank you. Also as a sidenote think I should go for 105. Was very much sold on the ltwoo.

[@JourdainColeman]

I would go for 105 hydraulic if you can. i just feels like a better product. When the LTWOO groupsets are more refined, I'll go for them then. Good luck with the build

[@calvincrane]

@@JourdainColeman thanks you inspired me. Might not go cordless with the build though 🤣

[@mattskalicky]

I'm very confused and torn over the Elves frame. Cam Nicholl's put a very in-depth review of the Falath Evo on his channel and rated it the lowest of all the similar bike's he has reviewed. He didn't like the geometry, found that they used fibreglass in place of carbon in the fork and bottom bracket and after sampling several frames found their manufacturing quality was variable and below average for a decent bike frame. He has the bikes built up in a bike shop. Every video I find where someone builds the bike up themselves (like you) the owner loves it. Is it just because ignorance is bliss?

[@dainiusvysniauskas2049]

Geometry is a very personal thing, the fiber glass being used in the fork is a common practice in bike industry. Variable quality isn't great, but the same goes to many brands as well

[@petef15]

Clearly a case of someone with no manufacturing knowledge pulling on a thread as it turned out a lot of companies use fibreglass in forks. Regardless of the quality. The customer service is excellent. If your frame is defective, you will get a new frame no doubt. My frame was supplied with on out of spec. C-ring for the headset. This caused the paint on the headtube to slightly chip. I was only aware of this after they sent me an email to check for it. After confirming my paint was chipping slightly, they sent me a new frame and a new C-ring. As one of the more premium chinese carbon brands - this is what the extra you pay for gets you.

[@willspower3]

Be mindful of perspectives and experience. Cam prefers crits and bro group rides with sprinting, so the longer wheelbase and stable handling characteristics are not valuable. Living with dry climate, nice roads, and not doing particularly long rides, large tires are also not valuable (similar to GC Performance). Thus, the low handling score and cumbersome label. Many riders would find the stable handling superior and the tire clearance a requirement. Practicality losses were due to the chunky seat post (easy to work around) and design aesthetic pushing for a slammed stem. For my context and interpreting our different riding contexts, that last point is the only actual downside from his video, so I can tell the Falath would be my best choice of his 5 midrange bikes if a slammed stem fit me well. It wouldn't fit well, and the headset cable routing looks problematic for cable rub on the steerer, which as been unaddressed by anyone. Jourdain seems to do commuting, riding for fun, and some group rides. He's relatively new to the sport, and past experience is plenty of miles on budget bikes that don't fit well. Just having a well fitting, nice looking, light-ish bike with 105 r7000 is going to feel awesome, and the handling suits his riding conditions well. His experience will also more authentically mirror that of others who may actually buy the bike. They can have different opinions and both be correct, but context is needed.

[@jamesmckenzie3532]

​@willspower3 Actually, another YT creator just brought up the topic of hose rub and made a recommendation. I'll add that all casings, regardless of location, should be inspected every season and before/after every event. The last thing you need is for a hose to burst.

[@mattskalicky]

@@willspower3 I think your point is entirely valid. My point wasn't about the suitability of the bike for an owner's use. It was about the fact that Cam raised quality issues with its manufacturing, and I believe another issue has been raised about internal cable rubbing of the hydraulic hoses.

[@jamesmckenzie3532]

It's interesting that you have both a gravel and road bike. I decided to go gravel only with a set of road wheels that can accommodate up to 32mm tires. My previous bicycles woild be considered endurance bikes (2013/2018 Specialized Roubaix). I like the Elves bikes though and hope your love of them doesn't diminish over time.

[@txcolnago]

Now a video on how to clean Five Chinese Carbon Bikes

[@nielsfn1131]

die you neef to want a long time on The wheelset and frame of The Elves bike. I recently bought a pair of wheels from them and want to now how long it Will take for them to arrive

[@petef15]

To the eu can be around 2 months at the moment. The shipping is actually very fast if it doesn't get held in customs.

[@johnnyboy4711]

looking for CX bike me!!!

[@andreemurray7039]

Old school any rim bike frames?

[@JourdainColeman]

I have a nice vintage 1987 Raleigh that was hiding outside with Rim brakes, The Giant TCR will also be rim brake. Surprisingly I really want a rim brake bike.

[@ethanyang5281]

GIANT is from Taiwan,not china. though china claimed that taiwan is a part of them,most peoplr living here knows that china goverment has no power here. I wish people knows we are different. we have freedom of speech and democracy which they dont have. giant is really a good brand. I ride TCR now and it is really good.

[@fluketennis]

Giant is a Taiwanese company not China