The Seka Spear is a Game-Changing Road Bike for 2025 - First Look & Pro Build

[@klein-concept]

What a beauty. One of the few carbon frames i would love to ride at some point 🫶

[@4466ssss4]

Yes, this is the only frame I would like as N+1 as of now.

[@markwright8030]

Hi David Great job on your SEKA PROJECT. Very cool colour choice and a fan of black inc wheels 👍👍 enjoyable video as always ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@davidarthur]

thanks Mark, keen to see what these black inc wheels are all about, I always hear good things

[@gearhunter]

This bike is fire 🔥

[@greghart6310]

Yes! Finally! Eagerly awaiting a ride review of this beauty. Definitely a frame I've been infatuated with since images first started filtering through. Innovative design and, by all accounts, tope end quality at half the price of top end western offerings. Looking forward to hearing your assessment David, holding thumbs for a break in the weather.

[@DoraeMew]

Game-changing is an overstatement. 😅

[@Mattytube18]

Sweet! I saw your video when you ran into them at the show. I immediately went to their website. Thnx for making it happen. To you and to them!

[@MrBillboeing]

I own 2 SEKA’s, 1 Afield (20k)& 1 Exceed (14k)both have served me flawlessly. The price went up…. I got the Afield 2021 as a complete build for around $2000.

[@mateuszsawrymowicz9958]

How Exceed compare other bikes? I'm on one right now:)

[@MrBillboeing]

@ the only other bike I can compare it to is my Specialized Allez Sprint which is a really amazing lively bike, this is kind of a bit more direct, my Afield is my climbing bike and the Exceed is a long range cruiser all of them have a bit different geometry. The Exceed has a very tall head tube so I ride it slammed . Is an aero endurance bike.

[@niklaskristensson2231]

A ripper! Cant wait for the next video.😊

[@davidarthur]

Coming soon!

[@jamessankey01]

Nice video, thank you. Please in the future, some close ups of the bb, brake mounts etc.

[@Lockeness86]

Love that you are doing this!! Please ride the Spear with a couple of different wheelsets. The Black Inc 48/58 did really bad in Cycling News’ recent round of wind tunnel testing 😬

[@nlfiets]

10:20 Tie wrap? An Ultegra rear derailleur is delivered with a little cable holder. It is described in the manual how to install the little plastic piece.

[@glennmcfarlane5513]

I have a Seka Exceed RDC. Great frame. The BB and brake mounts were faced from the factory, the headset bearing cups were nicely finished so that the bearing seat excellent. Funny, I had bought Giant Propel bottle cages to match the frame. They fit great. Seka looks like they sort of mimicked the Propel cages for the Spear.

[@HeadPack]

Very nice looking frame. Given that they are a Chinese brand and have only a handful of contracted shops which can hopefully provide customer service, the price seems a bit steep though. After all, they are trying to compete with the likes of Specialized and Trek which have much more localized presence. Looking forward to follow ups.

[@suisinghoraceho2403]

Frame price is twice what they are in China to account for the cost of servicing them. Hopefully with the Astana situation, X-lab would gain a larger presence here in Europe and build up a service network. And hopefully they will be willing to let a few other Chinese brands using this network. Price may come down as a result. On the other hand, the Chinese are supposed to be the King of delivery & shipping things around. They should just ship any problematic frames back home.

[@hashiru64]

Nice groove during the build!

[@rolffuchs2737]

in my opinion it looks so much better than most of the other brands (included the SL8).

[@MiataBRG]

Great bike channel, keep it going 👍

[@davidarthur]

Thanks! 👍

[@n22pdf]

Wow that is one awesome looking bike David.. look forward to your ride review 😊 Pete 🚴🏻👍

[@maartenholkers3084]

The way it is presented in the box gives you a premium feel. Just got a Giant Defy frameset and it wasn't that impressive compared to this Seka one. Kudos for them

[@ArteUltra1195]

Very interested in this frame, let‘s see how it holds up after a thousand km

[@stephenbetley9596]

Have to wonder how long it will be until a European WT or Pro team starts using one of the up and coming Chinese brands instead of the bog standard Canyon, Scott, Specialised etc. This is a thing of beauty.

[@edrn1842]

Wonder no more, Astana will be using X Labs bikes (Xidesheng from Shenzhen) next year

[@michaelyoung5071]

Astana has a new owner and sponser"XDS Carbon- tech. They are a leading Chinese maker of carbon frames and will set the riders up with their X- Lab bikes.

[@greghart6310]

TBH I rather hope the Chinese brands hold off on sponsoring tour teams - at least until I can snag myself a good frame - the cost of supporting a large team tends to get passed on to the consumer - or so it would seem given the exorbitant prices of their western competitors.

[@chrissinclair6086]

The seat stays look great. Similar to the new Mondraker gravel bike.

[@Dr.Schlitz]

That should be the other way around because the Seka frame hit the market quite a bit before the Mondraker.

[@jimtro4403]

I would buy one if I could find one here in the US. Love that colorway!

[@davew782]

From the brief shot of the box of bits it looks like the bike comes with a "direct mount" mech hanger. Given you're running Shimano was it a deliberate decision not to use it? I've fitted one to a Gen 6 Madone and by eliminating the "B link" from the mech it does seem to improve shifting (less to flex or develop play). Looking forward to the ride video - hope you're feeling better now!

[@Ninjump]

Whoa. I think I just found my next bike!

[@MrJaycobsen]

Beautiful bike. I recently bought a tarmac sl8, but would strongly consider this if it was available at the time of purchase

[@andybroadhurst]

Lush that man, Saw them at Rouleur, Look clean AF

[@mortenlykkegaard1294]

Would love to see you compare this bike to the Tavelo arow bike. The two most hyped bikes from china right now

[@bwarey52]

Great content as ever, really enjoyed the change of mood with the 70s porn music during the build montage 👌

[@VendetaBrown]

New shop looks great, Dave! That bike looks mean 👀

[@johnnyboy4711]

if would definitely eb a game changer for me as i would have a new bike and bags left outside the front door!lol

[@TheChindoboi]

Awesome looking bike ❤

[@hammerridecycling7630]

elves bike or seka bike which one you buy?

[@paulhartzer10]

QC at 8:17 to 8:19 looks off, lots of paint on that BB shell

[@stevenkates4876]

Love

[@FML22]

The Lauf Uthald also uses a UDH mech hanger.

[@aldrinclementina4297]

Is it me or did I heard a '80 song theme at the beginning?! 😂 Aren't those Red Bull colors on the down tube? 🤔

[@RetailTeambikesoup]

THAT IS US 🎉

[@Dr.Schlitz]

I’m very interested in this frame, but there are a few misses: I don’t think BSA is the best BB option for this frame and there are no ready-to-paint or custom paint options. So far I’ve found no in depth ride reviews, so I’m waiting for that.

[@robandheidi1]

Yeah same I'm also tempted by it but would like someone to do a warts and all review

[@alainpfammatter8224]

nice bike

[@atgnicyclist]

Looks to me like there still a lot of weight that could be dropped. Even with a sensible spec it’s bearing most others out there. Let’s just hope it rides as good as it looks.

[@kelvs45]

Seka has come a long way. From copying factor frame designs to establishing itself as a brand.

[@edwardtsilker1204]

If only u knew the real story

[@graemecrichton5858]

Like unboxing a new computer on xmas day!😂

[@roncelaya4115]

Great channel and content. Soulless plastic frame

[@slayer6936]

I want the Seka spear.. But the one I truly wanted is sold out, that is the Seka Exceed.

[@edwardtsilker1204]

What spear? Maybe I can help u

[@David-cf5lr]

@davidarthu Hey David, looks 🔥 Where's the ride review? How does the frame feel on worn and cracked British roads with potholes, farmyard cack and if possible, some cobbles please.

[@davychristiaens6421]

Love it 👌

[@Eirikkinserdal]

Is it on spec? Or closer to 690g than the one GC performance got? Should have gone with some no6, farsports evo or crws. Lighter, faster and cheaper

[@davewhumphreys]

Price of the full build? Apologies if i missed it during the video - i was paying attention, honest.

[@slayer6936]

BUITEFUL!!!

[@michaelmechex]

I do'nt think UDH is too much to be asking of road bikes. It's a great design, it's free to use, and there is no reason it couldn't be implemented on road bikes. Waiting for Shimano to come up with something similar is pointless, they're 5 years too late. If we all push for UDH to be used on all bikes, we might make the UDH truly universal, which would be amazing for everyone.

[@sbccbc7471]

The fourth-generation Trek Domane now uses SRAM UDH.

[@alexgonzalezMI]

I just bought and built a new SL8 Sworks, but dang... That's a nice bike. I'm the most interested in comfort which was the whole reason I got the SL8 and it's fantastic, but I probably could have a couple thousand buying this thing over the SL8.

[@aguagou]

Sir, Tire clearance please?. Thanks for the video.

[@michaelknibb4460]

❤❤❤

[@richiejames928]

Red bull colour-way?? hmmm

[@aljaliah6868]

I thought that too , me NO like 😂

[@n8torious309]

Yeah but Tiananmen Square Bull doesn't roll off the tongue quite as well

[@deanf2259]

Hello David, looks very good but have you got a specially prepared press lunch bike with extra attention to overall finish or it this as a normal punter would receive a frame?

[@davidarthur]

well, it's a numbered frame from a launch edition batch of 200 frames, which suggests that's not the case. I'm going to head up to the bike shop in the new year and hopefully see a few more out in the wild and I'm sure there'll be more feedback once they get into the hands of more owners

[@crailwah]

Def Red Bull vibes . Beauty

[@davidarthur]

👍

[@MarkLRandall]

A beautiful frame. Game-changing though, how so? Because of price?

[@davidarthur]

yeah, performance for the price, will find out if that's really the case when I hit the road soon though

[@erikscholtens6416]

​@@davidarthurHope you didn't forget to take the Seka to Benidorm. 😃

[@7070Phantom]

Great video. Total price?

[@robandheidi1]

Frame £2600 groupset £1300 wheels £2900 saddle £150? £7k maybe?

[@dakalla]

11:30 actually a pita when you go on holiday with that bike by plane. Lithium Batteries are not allowed in the cargo area, only in hand baggage. Airport baggage scanners know it by now. had to take out the seatpost out of the bag two times this year.

[@mugenmrx5]

Wrong. Lithium batteries contained within the bike are allowed. Only loose lithium batteries are not allowed in the cargo hold.

[@Thomas-fy9yc]

I checked out the site..$3k USD and two colors available? Not sure I’m seeing the value especially with the massive discounts I’ve seen on carbon bikes lately from Cannondale, Trek, Cervelo, Giant, etc…and easy to find LBS for warranty service…We even have a Winspace dealer nearby now…Specialized will keep most of their prices inflated due to a zealous fan base and their shenanigans with distribution.

[@DavidSmith-kr2ri]

Did I miss the total cost ?

[@nannenon]

Colours reminds me of Red Bull.

[@lazyrider6918]

'SEKA" has a whole other connotation if you're old enough to remember.😂

[@intocycling]

Where’s my VHS collection 😂

[@phillevin6651]

If the frame only performs half as good as she did…. Will be an absolute winner! 😜😜😜

[@ArteUltra1195]

How did you get to 6,65kg on this spec? Even with the 1300g wheels that number does not make any sense

[@johnpritchard1428]

@@ArteUltra1195 it's ready to ride apparently, but is lacking pedals

[@Dramboli]

Was thinking the same. With ultegra I expected it to be at least 6.9kg

[@ArteUltra1195]

@@Dramboliwould have guessed at least 7,2kg

[@MrLg55555]

The scales don't lie... Simple really 🤷‍♂️

[@Once-a-fatman-nownormal]

Better chance of getting Rocking Horse 💩 than getting a frame. Would have liked to buy one was told 3 to 6 months waiting list with a 50% deposit.

[@davewhumphreys]

There's some in stock in the UK...

[@bertusbob]

👍👍👍

[@n8torious309]

Does the company foot the bill for your shop mechanic to build it for you?

[@davidarthur]

Nope I paid Scott for his labour - about half a day build this was

[@mr.smooth6173]

Those Black Inc logos are just chavvy 👎🏻

[@Chris._P._Bacon]

It is a nice frame......

[@TheAntoine191]

There are SL8 expert full build selling new around 5000 with electronic drivetrain and carbon wheels. I would not call 2600 "bargain".

[@suisinghoraceho2403]

Okay, give me that sl8 guy’s contact. There’s no way you get it at that price without participating in cycle to work scheme.

[@TheAntoine191]

@suisinghoraceho2403 biciescapa but I'm sure you can find it elsewhere, theflow maybe

[@TheAntoine191]

Also sl8 frameset can be found around 3300 and it's the price of the High end Spear with Nice colors. So yeah not saying it's bad but easily 30% overpriced.

[@robandheidi1]

I posted the same thing it's not a bargain, you can't compare to mainstream brands compare it to Tavelo and Winspace...

[@TheAntoine191]

@@robandheidi1 Exactly i was on the market for a new bike and thought it looked nice but why would i pay the same price as the well established brand for an unknown chinese direct to consumer frame ? Good stuff, not priced correctly. I ended with a second hand as good as new, SL7 S works SD Worx paint scheme from a specialized store for 2700 with warranty transfer.

[@johnpritchard1428]

Bike weight without pedals David .. 'built and ready to ride' ... that I've got to see 😂

[@davidarthur]

bikes always weighed without pedals because pedals range massively in weight, but yeah I know what ya mean :)

[@johnpritchard1428]

@@davidarthur Hi David, yes they do vary a bit but then it's simple to make it clear the weight is without pedals. Let the brands mislead ... you're better than that. My cynical side wonders if you guys who review these products are subtly pressurised by the peope sending you the merchandice to do this type of thing ... or they remove you from the favs list !

[@davidarthur]

@@johnpritchard1428 I’ll make it clearer it’s without pedals in future - I normally say that but guess I thought it was obvious but my mistake

[@Anihalas]

I hear a dog! Where is the dog?

[@NikeonaBike]

Seka has the bikes to send to influencers for reviews but has to cancel their customers' orders because they can't seem to fulfill months old orders.

[@seansims8805]

Been a bit of a pisser here in Seattle ...windy and wet now rain coming back I'm a few hours ...I still don't want to ride . I guilt myself, even on Saturday night

[@maveriks463]

Looks nice... However the price is too much for no history track record.....

[@galenkehler]

I dont know why i keep looking at these reviews, just making myself feel bad knowing they're all so small.

[@germi1]

Looks a lot like Mondrakers gravel bike

[@GlobanaMGlobanaM]

You forgot to mention that THIS BIKE CAN NOT BE BROUGHT!! as no one has any stock. I have had my deposit returned from the Australia supplier as they been weighting more than 6 months for frames and they have no communication from Seka Bike!!

[@milkbunnies]

1992 called...they want their frame paint job back.

[@bpmurgacz]

How tall are you?

[@davidarthur]

181cm, I'll talk more about sizing the the interesting geometry size options in my first tide

[@bpmurgacz]

@davidarthur Thanks 👍 I'm also 181 cm and I'm considering a 100 mm stem.

[@davidarthur]

@ the large is pretty close to a 56cm tarmac and with a 110mm stem the fit is spot long for me - I do hate longer torso and shorter legs though, saddle height is 75.5

[@jeanpierre2868]

Frame impossible to have before months in Europe, No communication with the company, it's just good for fun you tube

[@denisdjuliman7446]

You have a europe dealer list and they all respond. I dont see the problem as you see.

[@davidarthur]

I spoke to the bike shop this week and they had some in stock so... yeah I recognise it's going to take a while before they get anywhere near the level of more established bike brands, if they ever achieve that

[@anterrickson2585]

I’d name this bike RedBull. 😅

[@RuffRides]

No actual real world data is showing these are any faster than 10 year old rim brake bikes is there?...

[@jpvdw1961]

Seat stays straight from Mondraker

[@kolokowalsky772]

90% bike frame look the same. Because it is so simple to copy, triangular frame is the best for two wheels ; )

[@unklesannjay]

Why is it @game changing@

[@davidarthur]

Price for the potential performance

[@OYeahan]

Battery mounting good for people who travel? Don't you have to take your battery out and on board with you when flying either way, rendering this very bad? BTW. I'd never buy a carbon frame with BSA - that's completely disgusting from mechanical point of view, inherently less stiff, heavier and also a problem waiting to happen. Well manufactured PF41 or PF46 for the win...

[@BabyWarrior-v4f]

Why all titles of your videos have a question mark? You don't know anything about cycling and are asking us for answers or you are trying artificially to bring attention to your channel?

[@philadams9254]

It's pronounced like the word "decker" - secker

[@kiwibiker9754]

So no actual examination of the quality of the carbon by a qualified expert. And the seat post/ seat stay interface adds a lot of unnecessary complexity in both design and build to justify a " couple of watts" Just another piece of marketing bs. It does at least come in at a less outrageous price.

[@laurinweisser4967]

Still dont know why this is so exiting ??????? Why spend 1000€ more than winspace or the new quickpro ar one which is the only bike i know being made out of one part besides andrew feathers one.

[@laurinweisser4967]

Sorry dindt want to hate (really love your videos) but this question made me really frustrating while watching and maybe there is a simple answer 😅

[@DrMonkehify]

@@laurinweisser4967 The answer is simple, I'm a seka exceed owner and the warranty process is smooth and easy. Lifetime warranty that actually gets backing

[@motostarmx1777]

@@laurinweisser4967 paint isnt cheap for one..

[@cornelhughes]

1. Its much lighter hence snappier 2. Its more complaint, even China cycling points out that the quick pro is not for riding on roads that arn't perfect 3. Seka is simply a better quality frameset (manuals are provided, Its actually been aero tested and the info is available. There is a non RDC version that's 500.00 cheaper

[@benhardwick1970]

I have a winspace and I love it but this is different, lifetime warranty and all aero testing out in the open and other things I can’t remember. It’s the first Chinese bike that really is challenging the western top bikes! That alone is a big deal! This bike could be the Chinese one that someone really decides to get over a SL8 for example, a winspace is not a bike anyone considering a SL8 will consider

[@casualguy393]

4:20 "Could we see more aero bikes in the future featuring holes in key places?" Well, the only hole buyers are going to see is in their wallets. After looking at the CdA data listed for a very best case scenario of 0.370 with a rider as shown at 2:25... MY GOD! I am at 0.220 without disc wheels and 22 liters of storage space on my bike. With disc wheels I have been down to 0.190, meaning 40kph (25mph) costs me about 210 watts. Don't get me wrong, this Seka looks like a very nice road bike, but I figured a good roadie CdA would be at least in the 0.300 range. Now I know why roadies can't keep up with my 56 year old ass. If my FTP was in the 300 watt range I'd be doing close to 50kph (31mph) without even drafting.

[@The.cycling.firefighter]

This channel isn't good for my bank balance 😅

[@robclarke5438]

Not for me

[@robandheidi1]

It makes me laugh comparing it to an specialized, and saying its good value, you' should be comparing to winspace and tavelo etc... Seka is a relatively unknown brand in the west which has had issues with previous models, seat post slip on the exceed... Questions on actual weights with the RDC painted weight closer to rhe non RDC advertised weight... Then there's the uk pricing with the non rdc model being closer to the RDC model price in other countries

[@MrMarkyone]

£600 over priced if you buy from uk. Buy from china save your money.

[@dusansamudovsky9447]

hi marky boy, I like this frame and handlabar too. how/ from where can I orded Seka Spear from China please?

[@MrMarkyone]

Ali express. £1483 for the standard spear and £1940 for the rdc spear why pay way over the top 👍

[@keithyoung7764]

Why are tubeless tyres better naturally, that’s your opinion.

[@davidarthur]

fewer punctures, naturally ;)

[@Thecyclist84]

Hi I don't know how are you comparing the price of a top brand and a bike like s-works. You can't compare this bike with specialized, the price is not everything. The performance and the quality is everything

[@peterharrington8709]

Because the viewers would like to hear an informed opinion rather than one simply born of ignorance?

[@alolympic]

It’s a very valid comparison. Similar aero credentials. Similar weight. Same target riding needs. Quality is sounding on a par based on reviews coming in. Do you think it is not comparable because of the difference in brand marketing budget that Specialized have?

[@benhardwick1970]

Lol he just showed us the weight which is similar! The aero performance in the tunnel which is on par and it’s supposed to be compliant whilst being a lightweight aero bike, what is not to compare?!?

[@RA-xc6lg]

I suppose we won't know if Seka paid for this, if Bikesoup paid for this, if the Cotswold bikeshop paid for this or provided free services... Must be nice never to have to be transparent and disclose anything...

[@davidarthur]

Nobody paid for this video and Scott was paid for his time from my pocket

[@davewhumphreys]

It's a shame people always think of the negatives when people put good content out there....

[@crike12]

Chinese brand at western prices. Seems like itll fail

[@ArteUltra1195]

I hope the price will come down eventually, the rdc for 2200/ non-rdc for 1800 would be great and I would get one