Completing the $3000 Chinese Carbon Superbike… Let's Go for a Ride!

[@michaelmechex]

Ey, Jourdain, you got a piece of cardboard in your hair 😅😂

[@Em.2403]

been so distracted by it the whole video lol

[@juliaschuster3681]

That's for better aerodynamics!

[@JourdainColeman]

My frustration when i saw it in the edit 😂😂😂 That's what happens when you are building a new workshop in the garden! 😂

[@michaelmechex]

@@JourdainColeman all good mate! 😂 I love the video, can't wait to hear more thoughts about the bike!

[@DDGB08]

Finally a bicycle reviewer who hasn’t over hyped LTWOO’s sub-standard performing groupsets. 😮

[@nicperez2665]

Built up my Falath Evo a few weeks ago, and I absolutely love it. Came from an Allez Sprint. This bike is excellent. The true test was a p123 crit in Austin Texas and it handled a 28mph average crit with no issues. Only problem I encountered during the build was the steerer tube compression plug kept slipping upwards when I would install the stem and top cap. After replacing it with a different one I had no issues after that. Overall a great build experience and it’s an excellent bike overall Would recommend

[@bonbonflippers4298]

Wow that was alot of work! Great you finished without any significant defects that could of made it unridable. Please tell us more about ride quality and how it handles windy days and if it's stiffness is harsh or not

[@JourdainColeman]

I will be doing a full review once I have put some miles on it for sure. I rode today and it feels good, the 50mm catch the wind a little but overall, very smooth and responsive. The 105 hydraulic groupset is 👌🏼

[@Ярослав-ч3я4п]

what is the weight of the bike?

[@RodryFromItaly]

I've got the same question :D

[@Optec]

I am currently recovering from a bike crash and a broken wrist. I've ordered my Falath EVO with custom paint and those same wheels. Really looking forward to getting it built. I'm going for the new SRAM Force AXS as I can get it on cycle to work 😀 I am converting my current Giant Defy into a psuedo gravel bike with 35mm tyres. Can't wait to get back out on the road. Thanks for the videos they've been really helpful in cementing my decision to buy one.

[@JourdainColeman]

Good to hear that you are on the road to recovery! Also good to hear that my videos have helped you make a decision on which frame to buy 👍🏽

[@thomasullmann7447]

I must add my communication with Elves so far has been excellent, whether on the phone or by email (mainly with the German distributor)> I found it really difficult to choose my custom paint design, mainly because of the range of options of colours. They had to put up with me suggesting and getting designs sent back and forth. I chose one of the lovely designs, though I have noticed it seems to be in a colour pallette akin to the West Ham home shirt. At least I will be safe if I cycle back to my parents.

[@bgruber]

how is elves handling complaints? i've seen hambinis video on the falath with the fitting of the upper headset bearing beeing loose. i am thinking getting either the vanyar or eglath, mainly cause i run clip-ons on the handlebars. any complaints so far with elves?

[@thomasullmann7447]

​@@bgruber To be clear I haven't got my frame yet. I messaged Elves today to ask about the situation that occured for one other youtuber regarding the front deraileur mount. I personally ride with a high cadence and wont be using a larger than 52t chainring. Needless to say they said they have solved te matter with all current frames being shipped with a wider ranged deraileur hanger. In other words they seem to be listening. I know not all there frames are made in the same factories. Vanyar had the worst tolerances/most complaints but China cycling also told me that it was their favourite model of the Elves range. The Eglath appears to have a pretty good reputation. It should also be noted that I paid via Paypal which is extra security in the worst case senario. For what it is worth I ahve been mainly in contact with the German representative whom himself seems like a keen cyclist based in Germany (Though I've also had contact with someone in Taiwan). They certainly give the impression of a company wanting to become established and have good customer support, but is also likely a bit stretched. I'll certainly be sharing pictures of my finished bike, and may make a video review if there is interest. Im hoping to have the frame sometime in July.

[@gregor6921]

Hey, did you already recieve your frame? 👍🏻

[@thomasullmann7447]

@@gregor6921 just had the pictures sent to me of the finished painted up frame, looks really impressive. Now I need to finish makign the wheels I'm building for her. The group set is a mix of sram red and force mechanical with juin tech brakes.

[@evanjohn503]

after all that we get a 30 sec ride - not long enough

[@ariffau]

My thoughts exactly.

[@JourdainColeman]

Full ride and review is inbound... It's hard to create a long honest review without putting some proper miles on it. I want to make sure I give you guys the best info possible 👍🏽

[@xphiliptranx]

What's the weight and total cost? How many weeks did it take?

[@FurySpyder]

I tried figure 8 bar tape wrapping once and found it too bulky for my hands. Probably good for traditional very thin bar tapes, but for thicker modern bar tapes its too much IMO. I usually find that following Shimano's bleeding instructions works for me, but if I ever become a bit unstuck, I usually end up at Freetocycle vids too!

[@theonemanopinion2764]

Finished my Elves Eglath build this morning! Waiting to finish work to take it on the maiden ride! Similar spec to yours, same groupset, but running Hunt 50mm carbon wheels. From experience gravity bleeding works best with 105. But I’ve never got them perfect first time. It’s always been a task to get a little more air out after the first ride job! only built 3 bikes up with 105 so limited sample but same monkey on the tools!

[@kristiaandoms2822]

Interesting to hear your experience with the Eglath. And how do you rate it.

[@bgruber]

same here! i am unsure whether go get the eglath or vanyar for unsupported racing...

[@theonemanopinion2764]

@@kristiaandoms2822 it’s soooooo nice! It just feels way better quality than what you’re paying for! It’s very stiff, and responsive! the finishing kit elves supply is really good to! Including ceramic bottom bracket! I’m very happy with it. I went a size smaller than I needed as road bikes do tend to come up larger. I’m 5’11 but went for a 50cm which was a medium for this frame, and chose 400mm bars with a 90mm stem.

[@scottmccann4509]

Well done, i'm glad all that hard work has paid off and you're happy with your new steed. 👍💪💪

[@JourdainColeman]

Cheers Scott! Thanks for commenting and supporting since day dot! How's everything going for you?

[@taichihead42]

Yeah he's happy with his disc brakes riding at 13mph per hour and they throw him over the handle bars.

[@jimmynickelz]

My end caps popped right in no prob at all. No issues with front derailleur either.

[@paulepilz100]

guten Abend! hast du dir das Elves falath Evo bestellt?

[@cornelhughes6763]

Nice build, looking forward to your ride review

[@SayMcGillicuddy]

Good warts-and-all build series, enjoyed your candour and Jonnys skill. Good shout out to Free To Cycle too, he's a really useful resource

[@JourdainColeman]

Glad you enjoyed the series! Free To Cycle is great! I've watched many of his videos for helpful advise 👌🏼

[@IronHorsey3]

What a saga. Johnny, please come back to save the day again. 😎 Hope you had a good ride, Jordan.

[@JourdainColeman]

hahah... I need him to look at the right brake for sure 😂 - The ride was great... I was out again today as well 👌🏼

[@MasteringGrappling]

Thanks for the video. My frame is on order. I wanted to do a build video as well. Hope all goes well.

[@JourdainColeman]

Good luck with the build!

[@andreemurray7039]

Love the sound of the torque wreath

[@JourdainColeman]

me too!

[@nicokop7078]

Thanks again for this awsome video. It looks like a very nice bike.

[@JourdainColeman]

Glad you enjoyed the video! 😁

[@edafade]

Love the idea of riding it for the first time and including that in the finished build. As you mentioned in a previous comment of mine from another video, it takes time to get a comprehensive opinion on these bikes, but a first impression is a great idea!

[@marsruarua594]

instead of destroying your bar, why you did not do that to the end cap? file the cap instead of your bar. now you will have problem with another end cap.

[@ItimDave]

@@irfuel still rather shave the end cap.

[@JourdainColeman]

I could feel the raised carbon inside the bar. The other side slid in a treat as a comparison. I guess I could have taken some off the bar end 🤔 - Either way... It fits now 👌🏼

[@ariffau]

After a month long saga, all we get is 30 seconds of riding? I’m out. 🏃💨

[@dbk81]

I’m just here to read the “you have something in your hair” comments. 😂😂

[@TheFitDragon]

Why file the carbon bar and not the end cap? That carbon is at standard measurement and I would think you are compromising it. I'm sure the carbon quality is already shotty at this price point, cool experiment though 🎉

[@dainiusvysniauskas2049]

Maybe Eglath would be a good frame for new project?

[@neil-nc8iy]

Saw you riding through welling. Noticed the bike first, then you

[@JourdainColeman]

👀

[@normannippy8471]

I've been following the progression of the Chinese carbon bike frames for the past 4 or 5 years and although there were undoubtedly real bargains to be had if you knew what you were looking for, the now proven Chinese frames of which there are quite a few, have trebled if not quadrupled in price which in my opinion defeats the purpose. If Chinese prices continue to rise at the same rate for the next few years, potential buyers will be just as well going down the risk-free route and buying their gear from the established high street names which would be a shame.

[@JourdainColeman]

Yeah, I've seen many frames that are around the £400 mark. What I would so is that mainstream (Western) bikes have also trebled in price so it's all relative.

[@JordysWheels]

Drops were in the right direction for but the flats were not in the tightening position

[@songtran1792]

What key measurements did you look at to determine your frame size? Reach? Top tube length? Trying to figure it out for my Eglath build

[@JourdainColeman]

I had a bike fit on the previous Falath Pro. I then used bikeinsights.com/ to compare the 2022 Falath pro to the 2023 Falath Evo. They are similar so I knew a size 52 was right for me. Ultimately the bike fit was how I decided. There is a video on my channel showing the bike fit process on the falath Pro. Better to make a small bike bigger than a big bike smaller.

[@NeoPayneHK]

bar end plug issue, i would just keep using sand paper😵 the direction of bar tape on the top. it looks like you did it in a reverse compare to the bottom🤣. everyone can have their own style~

[@celestialemissary4934]

Weight ?

[@chineechopper1]

i hear the sizing is weird. How tall are you and what size frame are you using?

[@ClaviculaNotoria]

What a build

[@sham2613]

Was it a harsh ride with an aero frame style , stiffness climbing , how was that ?

[@jonathanbell9349]

Those rims are gorgeous

[@JourdainColeman]

They are very pleasing in-deed!

[@matthewclissold3060]

Excellent and entertaining videos! Have you found any problems with the mechanical gear change with regard to the tight/many cable bends in the integrated cockpit? I ask as I have ordered a Evo. Was going 105 mechanical but wondering if I should stump up the extra ££ for electronic.

[@XJ1345]

What you like more about Shimano vs Ltwoo?

[@johnparry9636]

The build is beyond me. I understand Elves offer in UK to deliver already assembled and ready to ride?

[@JourdainColeman]

Yes, Elves UK offer complete builds. 👍🏼

[@reyjester383]

This bike was really easy to assemble kzbin.infoUgkxMesz3KOGEmwmvyKQfLfrRSUXLFzfVHZA and required very few adjustments out of the box. The wheels did not require any truing/adjustments. The frame had some small scratches, but nothing major.I did replace the seat though - the seat it came with was very uncomfortable. The tires need to be re-inflated every 4-5 days, but this appears to be quite common for the narrow 700x25 tires.Overall, in my opinion, this bike looks and rides like a much more expensive bike.

[@jarkkokokkomaki7476]

Thanks for the video 👍 what is your inseam? I'm buying same frame, but size is the question. I'm 173cm and my inseam is 81cm. Thinking of size 52 or even 49 but i'm not sure. What is minimum and max saddle high in this 52 size? Thanks and greetings from Finland 🇫🇮

[@HitPlays]

Good old Rochester way :) bike looks amazing !

[@JourdainColeman]

👀

[@martinwarne]

@@JourdainColeman Also Welling Way, if I'm not mistaken.

[@StornofuerKasse3]

thanks again for this awsome video. Could you tell us in a future video what caused the front brake "problem"? because i kind of have the same issue with my grx. backbrack grips like a bar clamp but the front brake is a little bit more squishy

[@JourdainColeman]

I will do for sure. I'll as Johnny (mechanic) and see what he says 👍🏽

[@MDZPNMD]

@@JourdainColeman Others had the same problems with the fork. The mount for the breaks wasn't plane enough/angled slightly and had to be redone.

[@foxesonthebeach102]

do you have a list of the tools you use?

[@MarianBobolny]

What do you think about riding this bike on more hilly terrain? I am wondering whether this bike is just aero or more universal... I am choosing between Falath Evo and Eglath.

[@JourdainColeman]

I would say that it's more of a race bike but I'm sure you can climb on it as well. I was riding today and climbing was all good. Buy the frame for your needs, body geometry, ability, flexibility and goals 👌🏼

[@remitournier2526]

Hi! Out of curiosity, what is your saddle height? (being 176cm too :)

[@Роман-к1ю5ь]

Hello Jourdain. I try to choose dimension FALATH EVO for me right now. Please can you write your inseam? I hope this info help me make right choice. I am 180cm but my legs a little shorter than ordinary, my inseam 80sm. I hesitate between 52-54... Thank you for review!

[@QuirkyAvik]

Lol took a full 2:30 to realize it says "completing" not "competing".

[@primozlavs683]

i dont understand why wouldnt you rather file down the caps and leave the carbon structure of the handle bar intact. am i missing something here? nice looking bike though :)

[@uptowndann109]

I would have filed the plastic on the bar end instead of the bar.

[@JourdainColeman]

Yeah, a few people have said that, maybe a better idea 🤔

[@brianboschma]

Fine , informative videos. I had purchased the Falath prior to seeing your vids, with the Elves carbon wheels. After 9000 ft of climbing over about 100 miles it seems the bike gets squeaky with every peddle stroke. After reseating the BB, the mech hangar, I have isolated this to the rear wheel mounting points. If I reseat the wheels prior to a ride it seems I can get about 2000 ft of altitude before it starts making noise again. My question - have you experienced anything similar ? Maybe this is just a breakin issue, but wonder if you or Johnny have any thoughts ? The group set is R8000 Ultegra with rim brakes.

[@kpsig]

Have you managed to resolve this issue?

[@brianboschma]

@@kpsig Yes. Oddly it turned out to be re seating and re tensioning the rear wheel skewer.

[@williammccormick1092]

This video was a commercial for road rim brake bikes.

[@miosilver9718]

I wonder if the stem is 90 mm like in the last video? I'm the same height as you and I'm looking at a 110mm stem with the same 52" frame. Besides the difference in handling and stability from different lengths, I think there is a significant difference in reach from 20mm? :)

[@mlee6050]

I like to know too, I'm 178 but first road bike was 56, current is Trek Emonda ALR got in 54 as last left as thought Trek stopped making them and yet to save enough to build it up, estimate as 0 set back seatpost I'm looking at 130 or 140 Deda superbox stem at moment, unsure if to go cockpit as think with stem separate it would make front look better when Garmin, lights and bell on it

[@mcre15]

Whats the width of the tire? Looks chunky and comfy

[@JourdainColeman]

32mm... They are very comfy 👌🏼

[@halfak]

Did you weigh it? I'd love to see where your build comes in on the scale.

[@JourdainColeman]

Coming on the full review video 👍🏼

[@halfak]

@@JourdainColeman Awesome! I'll be back for it.

[@Jcauto-t4r]

I was just about to buy this frame and built one, HOWEVER bought a CANYON CF SLX Ultegra Di2 and could not be happier.

[@sixxis1515]

elves bike is made in taiwan sir?

[@isaacmorales2656]

I had ordered my falath evo and its been 3 months still no bike or updated about whats going on. I have everything ready for the frame but no frame. How long did you have to wait from the time you placed the ordered it and it arrived at your door.

[@JourdainColeman]

Sorry to hear that it is taking long to arrive. This was a collaboration with Elves so I have been speaking to them directly. Hopefully yours arrives soon 👍🏽

[@cornelhughes6763]

Elves USA website?

[@TheRadecke]

Mine took 2 and half months to arrive

[@GunitEngage]

Hope the torque meter sequence was just for show. If not you pretty much over torqueded before by hand... Nice bike, except the tribals.

[@MarianBobolny]

Is this bike staying with you? What about your previous Falath?

[@JourdainColeman]

I have a decision to make! So far the Evo feels better to me... but that could be down to the 105 groupset 🤔.

[@MarianBobolny]

@@JourdainColeman Maybe you should install in Falath Pro L-Twoo hydraulic groupset?

[@aldrinclementina4297]

I thought you would tell us more about the or handling characteristics, the speed and response of the bike.😞

[@JourdainColeman]

I need more time to give a well informed review! Coming soon 👍🏽

[@bobwilliamson5574]

Why didn't you fit a bell ?

[@kevingregoire1042]

too much grease on that disc mount, Grease gets centrifuged out / washed out by water, grease lands on the rotor, spreads onto the brake pads, Noisy brakes... Premium bleu grease shows better heat and solvant resistance, harder to cure out from the pads. Most user and dealers manuals I've seen recommend no grease for this assembly, if you want /need a grease interface for this assembly (wich still makes sens depending on the environment of use ) advise would be to use only a little of it as a light water displacer /surface corrosion prevention. use a light brush or cloth instead of fingers, wipe excess.

[@jenspetersimonsen4235]

Bleeding brakes ona bike IS the same as bleeding brakes on a car 😀

[@Cetrifuga1945]

Bella aspettiamo le calende greche vedrai che fine faremo io dico nn bella ⚓️

[@raxheph0n]

What is the wheelset brand?

[@xfg007]

Orome Valar wheels, wheels from Elves

[@ultramaterunner]

Jourdain, Are you happy with the size 52 frame? I am also 5’9” with stand over height of 85cm. The guys at Elves USA are suggesting I get the size 54. Keep up the great work!

[@JourdainColeman]

More than happy with the 52. I have a 90mm stem as well. I based my sizing on my previous bike fit on the falath Pro and the 52 was perfect for me. Better to make a smaller bike big than a big bike small.

[@ultramaterunner]

@@JourdainColeman TY!

[@cthulhista4052]

In the MTB community, EC90 parts have a bad reputation for a above average faillure rate. Recommend you to pay attention to you saddle

[@JourdainColeman]

Thanks for the heads u... I'll keep an eye on it 👍🏽

[@mtpwryk237]

what size bike

[@JourdainColeman]

Size 52, I'm 176 cm (5 foot 9 inches)

[@benfinesilver2250]

The Pro is better although both are flexy. The Evo is so flexy you can easily push it in. I have a friend with one who hates it.

[@kristiaandoms2822]

What about the Eglath disc UCI ?

[@benfinesilver2250]

@@kristiaandoms2822 Hi Kristiaan. I live in China and I’ve never seen an Eglath here ridden by anyone. I have a Chinese friend with an Evo and he regrets buying it. You can push the tubes in very easily. It is not a a stiff frame and the downtube has a square edge with no aerofoil. It also has a huge gap. The Pro is still flexy, but less so. The front gap where the downtube is, is smaller (still a gap though), but it has a rounded edge. Both have a design fault in so far as they only accommodate 6 inch saddle rails. You have to grind down metal rails in order for them to fit in the saddle clamp. The Vanyar and I suppose the Eglath do not have this issue. I bought a Pro just because I can buy it at Chinese dealer price. It’s a commuter bike. It only cost the equivalent of 640 USD with the bars (4500 Rmb). I honestly wouldn’t recommend either as equivalent to a very high quality bike. It’s fine though and you could race using it. You won’t get honest reviews because people featuring these things are paid influencers. My race bike is a Rollingstone Force. Rollingstone is made in the sane factory as Canyon is in Shanghai. They discontinued the frame because “it was too aggressive and people didn’t buy it”. They have a serious problem in marketing because I can assure you that it’s seriously stiff, has aero blades tube shapes and is very light. It’s far better and I’d say better than expensive Franes. People think my bike is very expensive, but it isn’t. It outperforms anyone else’s bike I know in terms of efficiency. 507 stack, 394 reach in a 51.5 with 76.5 degree seat tube angle. There may still be some left. It’s a total bargain at about 850 USD. Far better than the Elves. Different class. Zero flex.

[@kristiaandoms2822]

@@benfinesilver2250 Thank you very much. I currently have a Winspace t1500 and I like it very much, but I would like something better (if that exists). I live in Spain, can I buy Rollingstone from China? Again many thanks. Regards Kris

Damn they really did beat 2022 model with an ugly stick :

[@SergeyIvanov1337]

rip johnny

[@JourdainColeman]

I miss him!

[@chineechopper1]

I see you have a video for a $2,000 bike and a $3,000 bike whats the difference?

[@jimbomay]

I think you have a small birds nest in your hair

[@JourdainColeman]

An albatros!

[@lawrencehoward4958]

Seen as though you messed up the cutting of your bar tape…just trim it all back to the edge of the flat aero section. Nothing less aero than a wrapped aero bar 🤓when bleeding your brakes, always keep pressure on your lever as you open and close the bleed nipple or you’ll lose some pressure in the system. Good build, super tempted to build one myself. I look forward to your videos. 👍

[@hash-CCFF00]

now cut it in half

[@lovenottheworld5723]

It's the type of bike you're meant to use a big chainring with.

[@pinoyxbox]

52-36 will be a good fit and better than the compact chainrings at least for me when i switched 😅

[@JourdainColeman]

Whatever you feel comfortable with. The shimano groupset was £450 (half price) so I bit the bullet 👍🏽

[@becyk_du_quebec]

@@JourdainColeman A road bike with a front derailleur mount should work with anything from compact (50t) to standard (53t) without any issues. I've never heard of a bike "meant to use a big chainring with". Yes there are some that are meant for sub-compact (gravel frames usually) but road frames always have the capacity to adjust up and down from 48 to 54-55 usually. I think that's a miss from Elves, and to be honest from your first video the gap really felt big, even with a 53t I doubt the derailleur would be near close enough. Thanks for pointing that issue and getting in touch with them, I'm sure lots of people that bought the frame or are on the verge of buying it would end up having the same problem as well, so good to know that it's (hopefully) going to be fixed in the future.

[@thiosemicarbizidebenzoylal2921]

They are all CHINESE CARBON BIKES.

[@christellelemaire9749]

,❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️💪💪💪💪

[@JFomo]

This build had too much faf. There is a reason why mainstream frames cost the way they do, they just work!

[@truthseeker8483]

Electrical tape finishing tape...YUCK....😐

[@truthseeker8483]

@@irfuel Reverse wrap 😁

[@astrayagrarian]

@@truthseeker8483 “No”

[@truthseeker8483]

@@astrayagrarian "YES"