Problems after 300 miles - TriFox carbon bike frame

This cheap carbon bike frame from TriFox looked fantastic and worked well for 200 miles, but 100 miles more, and we have a problem…
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I received this X18 carbon road bike frame from TriFox a few weeks ago. It's great value at only $593 (£480), offers fully internal cable routing, and is incredibly lightweight. I thoroughly inspected the fame inside and out ( • Giving TRIFOX a Second... ), and using the L-TWOO eRX electronic groupset, built up a fantastic road bike using the frame ( • Unbelievable value! 10... ).
It was working incredibly well, but after 300 miles, the front derailleur hanger started to come extremely loose. It is attached to the carbon fibre frame using 4 rivets, so I assumed it would be solid, however it turns out TriFox did not use any epoxy to bond the hanger onto the frame.
Most other manufacturers that use a riveted front derailleur hanger will also use epoxy or some other adhesive, and without it, this hanger wasn’t strong enough. In this episode I will show the failure, demonstrate how to fix it yourself, and also cover the issues I faced when my eRX groupset died on me.
Timestamps:
00:00 - Intro
00:19 - Loose front derailleur hanger
02:52 - How to fix it
04:48 - Siroko sponsor
06:15 - Fix cont.
08:20 - eRX front derailleur problem
10:17 - TriFox frame discussion
13:40 - Bonus clip
Intro roll:
Created by Dev Joshi - www.go2dev.co.uk
Instagram:
/ tracevelo
Email:
[e-mail]
Please note:
I am not a professionally trained bike mechanic. There can be risks associated with using products that are unbranded, untested, or come from sources where the provenance is unknown. Please talk to a qualified bike mechanic if you are in any doubt.
In essence, be careful, do your research, and cycle safe!!!

[@Haplo59]

Congrats on the baby ! (and the derailer mount repair too ^^) Can't wait for the super-lightweight stroller test, with ceramic bearings, carbon wheels and extended gear range ;) P.S. don't wash the baby in the ultrasonic washing machine ^^

[@TraceVelo]

Thanks Haplo59! Yeah I'm super excited for the new addition to the family. Still feels absoluitely bonkers, seems like yesterday I was turning 18, now i've got a kid on the way... Time freaking FLIES! Still, onward and upwards, looking forward to writing some new chapters in my life! But thanks for the comment ☺

[@monochromechaos9757]

Use a much bigger drill on the rivets - you just want to take the heads off, and you can then push the remaining part back through the hole. It avoids the risk of enlarging the hole with the smaller drill. Good job though considering it's the first time you've done it! A steel drill will cut an aluminium rivet VERY quickly, with not much pressure.

[@TraceVelo]

Great suggestion, thanks for the comment! And yeah makes total sense. If it fails again I'll know what to do 😂

[@monochromechaos9757]

Ermagerd, just got to the end of the video, congratulations! :D and Good Luck :D

[@JusTavvy]

This is the way, gotta change rivets all the time on the scooters at a bikeshare scheme I work for. Just be careful as the heads like to get a little hot

[@Evaso_CC]

If it is any consolation, I had exactly this issue on a Colnago c64. Fix has been to epoxy again and the use 2:35 new rivets.

[@galenkehler]

The other advantage of using a larger drill bit is its a bit less likely to spin a loose rivet.

[@zakcollins987]

congrats on the baby! yeah I can tell you from experience you're gonna struggle to get time to film and edit. the fact that you have the flexibility of an irregular upload schedule and can work fully from home will be a blessing as you can really spend a lot of quality time with the baby. good luck

[@TraceVelo]

Thanks zak! Yeah I have a feeling it's going to be a struggle, might have to find myself an editor, but ill just see how it goes. But you are right, setting my own hours is definitely a blessing, most new dads in the UK only get 2 weeks pat leave before they are expected back at work full-time... Crazy

[@jonaharnold3751]

Congratulations on your first child! Good luck establishing a routine. After my first child I took some time off the bike, devoted myself to parenting, loved it, and eventually returned to the bike when we were all ready. Don't set unrealistic expectations, let it all just happen and you will be great.

[@TraceVelo]

Thanks Jonah! Yeah I think i've mentally prepared myself for more time off the bike 😅But ultimately i can't wait, its gonna be a whole new chapter!

[@Markoliver2]

Absolutely great advice from a parent with two wonderful sons

[@uhohDavinci]

You're doing great work Luke! Thanks for the update and honesty. You've probably saved your viewers thousands of dollars, hours of headaches and potentially injury. We thank you for your service. And as allways, i let your entire video run for that sweet sweet watch time metric for YT.

[@TraceVelo]

THANKS uhohDavinci!!!! Yeah little bit disappointing, but atleast the fix was _relatively_ easy. Just wish I could test it out, my FD is still dead 💀🤦‍♂

[@petecampbellzwift]

Congratulations Luke! As a father of two young girls, I can say with absolute certainty that they are 'time intensive' as you put it, but so much fun! All the best for you and your expanding family

[@TraceVelo]

Thanks Peter! Yeah i've mentally prepared myself for a tough few weeks/months at the start, but can't wait to get stuck in and welcome a new member of the family.... Crazy days!!!!!

[@kinghadu9611]

Great so you made 2 useless kids to spend money on for no reason?

[@nealdsainte41]

F*CKEN LOVE IT THAT YOU DIY-ed the rivets and even BROUGHT OUT A MULTI-METER for the FD issue! KEEP GEEKING OUT LUKE! CONGRATULATIONS ON BEING A DAD!

[@TraceVelo]

THANKS!!! Yeah had to bust out the multi-meter 🤣

[@GCPerformance18]

Congratulations Luke on the baby!! Your going to absolutely love it. A little less you time but I wouldn’t trade it for the world

[@TraceVelo]

Thanks so much dude!!! Yeah it's gonna be a whole new chapter, I can't wait!!!

[@GCPerformance18]

@@TraceVeloyour gonna be great at it. Not to scare you it is tough at first but nothing you can’t adapt too. 😂

[@renegadeflyer2]

There are better rivets available. The better ones mushroom out evenly for a wider and even pressure. Pull rivets used in aviation are much better. Using epoxy, should fix it and the rivets don't have to do much work. 👍 thanks for the update. I had almost bought a trifox, but stories like these chaned my mind. I'm riding a velobuild endurance frame. So far very happy and no drama. 🙄

[@TraceVelo]

Yeah I did have a look for some carbon specific rivets, and you are right, you can pick them up relatively easily, and they seem to mushroom out a bit better. But these are the rivets that TriFox suggested, and they're readily available, so I gave it a go. Plus like you say, the epoxy should do alot of the heavy lifting here. Anyway, thanks for the comment!!!

[@robertwhyte3435]

@@TraceVelo I think TriFox should use what rengaeflyer said. Unless they want to epoxy everything of course.

[@calebgonsalves2970]

​@@TraceVeloconsidering the work that Trifox did on the bike, I'm surprised you held their opinion with much regard at all! 😂

[@TraceVelo]

@@calebgonsalves2970 Yeah fair point 🤣 It is also the fact that I could get standard rivets from my local hardware shop too. For carbon specific rivets, I would need to wait a week or two.... And by that point the baby might have arrived 😅

[@johnroden785]

Congratulations on entering the elite club of fatherhood! Doing sports with my daughter has been one of the great experiences of my life. It only serves to make us closer

[@slickfast]

DO NOT BE EMBARRASSED. You didn't cause the failures, these brands did and you are bravely separating the wheat from the chaff! Much love from the US, and congrats on the new addition to your family!

[@TraceVelo]

Thanks slickfast! Yeah it's a little embarassing when things fail, literally a few days after you publish a video bestowing the virtues of them, but thankyou! Like I said, bit of a learing curve this last week, but everyday is a school day!

[@slickfast]

@@TraceVelo Understand you can feel like it's egg on your face but you were honest about how many miles you'd done which I think sane people take into account. At the end of the day you can only report your results which we supremely appreciate! Cheers!

[@freddeedstrom6553]

Congratulations on becoming a father! It's the best feeling in the world. I have 2 little girls, 3 years and 8 months. I set my alarm 04.45 to go cycling 1.5hr, the rest is work and family.

[@brianmccallum7749]

Congratulations to ya’ll. Keep up with the excellent content both informative and entertaining.

[@BurntToast1]

Congrats!! Very exciting and rewarding times ahead 🥳 good job with the fix. I get the disappointment and frustration with those sorts of issues, but I also enjoy your fix videos, so that’s a win I suppose.

[@blablablubbiblubb]

Congrats and all the best to the new family

[@secludedawesome]

Congrats Luke! Thank you for providing great content and everything that you do!

[@shaunedwards4362]

Huge congratulations Luke

[@paolos19]

Congratulations Luke! Most exciting times ahead! As always, great job on the videos and reviews!

[@jasonjaeger7383]

Congrats on the baby! Also, thanks for the honesty review, and the effort you put into the fix. I love that kind of content!

[@david-olivierpham3364]

Congrats on the baby!! Good luck ❤

[@hkp9257]

congrats to the baby!

[@MrThearijal]

Congrats Luke 🎉🎉

[@jonathangreen7111]

Congratulations and good luck!

[@georgeslammin2127]

Congratulations Luke!!!

[@themediocretriathlete]

Congrats on the baby!

[@joinride_cc]

What a great news! Congratulations and all the best! 💖

[@Kactusdog]

Congratulations Luke!

[@rockmetalpunk96]

congratulations for the baby! keep up with the good work, thank you!

[@manfrommontreal]

Congrats on the baby! Best of luck 🎉

[@larrymcgoldrick3471]

Good luck and congratulations with the baby!!!

[@qg786]

Congratulations Luke on the baby! 🎉 Nice fix on the deralia mount! 👍

[@Junnys_Bicycle_Hoard]

Congratulations on the bundle of joy 👍

[@carstensrensen2697]

Congrats Luke to you and your family. I wish you all the best

[@wanderingjuniper]

Congratulations Luke, good luck

[@bloodsouls725]

Congratulations on the little one!

[@JimWattsHereNow]

Congratulations on the impending addition, lots of fun.

[@niekosify]

congrats on the baby!

[@qibble455]

Congrats and the best of luck Luke, I'm very happy for you:D

[@gtbike96]

Congratulations on the little one!!!

[@monztrluvr]

Congratulations Luke 🎉

[@icklegrangeplombier8051]

Congratulations Luke🎉🎉🎉

[@mightyninja64]

Great video as always & congrats on the bub on the way!

[@mijaiscares8580]

Love the last part, congratulations 🎉❤

[@Barbuzim1]

Congratulations on the new baby!

[@rohangayle9130]

Much love for future family ❤

[@macadish]

Agreed with the balance between cost and time. At least early on, you do learn a lot about fixing bikes and other DIY skills that's really invaluable, so it is definitely worthwhile to try assembling your own bike with parts that don't cost an arm and a leg. At least for the frame, it seems like the problems are relatively minor with reasonable fixes, so it might still be worth it for cyclist with DIY skills to try out even if it might not warrant a recommendation to the general cycling community. Congrats on having a new member in the family! Sorry we won't get to enjoy your positivity as often, hope it all works out!

[@TraceVelo]

Yeah you've absolutely nailed it! It may be a bit frustrating, but you do learn a hell of alot along the way! Like i said, not sure it will suit everyone, because to be honest, you do spend alot of time sat by yourself swearing under your breath at bike parts 😅 But hey, i love it!!! And thanks for the well wishes, it's gonna be a crazy few weeks, but we're prepared... I think 🤣

[@marioortega4481]

Good luck and congratulations on the baby. Really enjoy your videos, great content, and entertaining as well... Chao!!

[@MrChristiangraham]

Many congratulations to the new addition to your family!

[@Buzzwindrip]

Congratulations Luke!! 🙌🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@jonathontroy1447]

Congratulations 🎉 on the baby.

[@andrewtwentyniner9541]

Congrats on your baby mate!

[@davidmcilvenna3710]

Congratulations Luke.. fab news mate!

[@ClemBt]

Congratulations for the baby coming!!

[@1fizzychicken]

Massive Congratulations Luke, 🎉🎉

[@FL-ym6hm]

Congratulations on the baby. Enjoy every moment.

[@cameronlee8995]

Congratulations mate!!

[@brienmiller1005]

Congrats Luke!

[@jimbrittain402]

Luke, you're doing a real service with this channel. Thanks. (And good luck and congrats!!)

[@jonathankirwan5757]

Another great video Luke, and good luck with your growing family!

[@doubik2]

great job fixing that. love the channel. and i always wondered how rivet guns worked. so, thanks for that, too!

[@ronfeldman4386]

This is an easy fix. Thanks for the information. I will check the hanger when I receive my frame. Cheers

[@arcysantiago4782]

Congrats Luke! Will miss ur updates on the bike and erx thou... Totally umderstamdable... Its just nice to see an a person doing some local repair to a carbon bike where some are afraid to tinker with it. i really learn new things watching ur vids.

[@joeszeto8859]

Thank you for another awesome, though disappointing in regards to those issues, video. Always enjoy your work. And a HUGE CONGRATS on the new baby!!!

[@20Gorilla]

Congrats on all fronts! Expecting our first in a couple of months too! 🎉

[@Imvelo31]

Congratulations on the kiddo !! Good luck with the bike broski 👌🏿

[@nickcalv]

Great vid! Congratulations on the incoming arrival! We had our second one three months ago. Still very tired but definitely things are now getting easier 😴

[@michaelhood8529]

Congratulations on the new baby Luke!!!

[@andrewbruce6471]

Congratulations on the baby Luke! Look forward to more content as and when you're able to

[@Miekzz]

enjoying the saga lol. andddd good luck with the baby, all the best to you and your partner!!

[@catchthedream1142]

Congratulations on the baby love the theme of the nursery

[@Mr_RichardH]

Hey, congratulations Luke. That's great news.

[@jbkltc4469]

i really like that you did a proper fix on the derailleur mount issue - this is far better than most frames come stock. I had a similar problem on my Trek Emonda ALR when the bottle cage rivnuts came loose after a while. So i drilled them out and replaced them with some stainless steel ones, properly riveted.

[@AfonsoRamosmtb]

Congrats on your Baby!!

[@marginatux]

Congrats and best of luck!

[@JonnyPsyclo]

Congrats on the imminent small one!! Take your time with your family and we'll be here when you're ready! 👍😎

[@simoncbr900rr]

Congratulations on having a baby👍👍👍

[@RaveniusSFRJ]

Congrats on the baby Luke! All the breaks in your equipment is probably universe trying to balance things 😄

[@kingrolenecanencia5817]

Congratulations for the upcoming baby 🎉🎉

[@DaveCM]

Congratulations on the baby girl!

[@gollz365]

I work in carbon frame repair and honestly, while they have indeed cut corners as you say with how the hanger is applied.. from experience this sort of thing happens with some of the big name brands too. I won't name any specifically, but we remount front hangers fairly regularly. If that is the only issue you've faced with the frame then for it's price it's still an absolute win. Admittedly it happening so early is pretty bad 😅 but and easy enough fix as youve seen.

[@lukaskaciasvili9351]

Congrats to upcoming baby Luke. Great things ahead of you!!! 🎉

[@johbuldmann0206]

all the best with the baby!

[@applebro9943]

My day is saved with this video and Congrats :)

[@jor8159]

Congrats for the big news! 🎉 don't worry, we'll be waiting

[@itsyomenemv2123]

Congratulations to your 1st Baby🎉 Looking forward seeing her in the near future of your Videos😊 BTW I always appreciate your risk and reward stuff as what you've always been doing since the beginning of this YT Channel. Kudos and More Power to you Sir!!!

[@666emad666]

Congrats ahead having the baby girl, that’s why i like mechanical group sets thank you for taking the time to inform us with this problems and how to fix it.

[@jerseymikekey]

Congratulations Luke and Mrs. Luke!

[@nigelT16]

Was gonna pull the trigger on one of these frames. Thanks for the heads up @Trace Velo

[@SergioCristancho]

congrats on the baby such a nice new life you are about to have

[@yanito1979]

Congratulations on the baby, hope mum and baby are doing well!!!

[@stephenshepherd5068]

Congratulations on the baby and yes, they are a bit time consuming! Good luck.

[@MegaMilesteg]

Congratulations ! Love that you shared the big news!

[@TraceVelo]

Thank you!!

[@danboffe]

Min granne Totoro! Grattis på tillskottet!

[@Babkyb]

Congratulations! Take your time, enjoy it😊 I know what is it, already got through this, and still am!

[@jinnij.caiman]

Congratulations Luke!!! Wow a little girl. Love the nursery, it’s absolutely beautiful.

[@RussianXboy]

Congrats, Luke!

[@nhanphung1193]

Brilliant DIY fix and very useful information. Thanks Luke. Also congrats on the baby!!!! PS: Please review Seka Exceed frameset next

[@crossnut72]

Congrats dude! Being a dad is awesome, enjoy the ride!

[@acl812]

I am so so so happy for you man! Congrats and all the best to you and yours!

[@TraceVelo]

Thanks so much!!

[@boyacki]

🎉🎉 congratulations Luke! The work and the funnies always on point and wish you all the best as a new father!😊