Modern Integrated Frame & Cheap Mechanical Groupset: A Perfect Match?

[@TheMadrac]

Best part is how happy Luke was with the new bike.

[@TraceVelo]

Ohh you have no idea!. I just got back from a ride. I think it's easily the best bike I've ever built, I am SO SO pleased with it!!!

[@AliSarchami]

Love the fact that you make bike building more accessible. You inspired me to build my own bike and I love it.

[@hisdadjames4876]

🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖

[@not-a-raccoon]

Still waiting for that mountain bike build, Luke. 😏🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖

[@TheRocketyaourt]

I'd like to see a folding bike build !

[@husarvargonai4846]

YESSS

[@HamSupZhai]

🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖

[@MrMitzu1]

DO IT DO IT DO IT

[@monztrluvr]

Luke, please cater to your fans who ride mtbs!

[@davidhope1910]

Thank YOU Luke, the reason we watch is that your content is great and you have a nice persona. Keep it up.

[@TraceVelo]

I appreciate that!

[@joluts3163]

I have been told by a bike mechanic that worked for a pro cycling team that you need to make the cables longer so that they are pressed against the tubes and that this will have less cable noise as a result. A tighter cable will make more noise. Especially for the cable in the front bar.

[@gubz_]

Hey Luke, I've recently built up a bike that was heavily influenced by your content. Probably not for everyone, I went for a high(ish)-end steel frame and some name-brand alloy wheels but I combined that with a Sensah Empire mechanical 11-speed groupset. This is actually my second set of Sensah shifters, I had some 8-speed ones before and it really works for me. I think of it as a bit of a sleeper bike! I know it doesn't fit with your "cheapskate ethos" but if you had a supernice button I'd actually like to buy you a beer. Thanks for everything, keep up the good work. 🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖

[@kellypaws]

1. Frame looks really mint. If it works, it's great. If we're honest, all the 10 grand super bikes are mainly built in Chinese factories anyway, so who is kidding who (or possibly whom).. 2. Mechanical shifting is great. It always has been, it was never a problem for anyone. 3. Electronic shifting is a 'build it and they shall come' industry tactic to do ONE thing. Get them more income. And the riders consequently less money. Always a lovely and uplifting video, as usual.

[@Glebaka]

frame have shitty painting

[@adrianherrell661]

Nice to hear you thanking all us subscribers when you're doing the all the work putting out great relatable content. Keep faffing in the garage, im looking foward to the Trace Tag Along bike episode in the future bolted throught that frame 😅

[@SegnorRoboto]

Great work! Can we expect an inspection in six months to check what the cables in the upper section look like, whether they aren't worn out/frayed?

[@johndef5075]

Love the Trace Velo colors! The bonus clip jingle is so creepy in the funniest way.

[@xtremegopher]

A really annoying thing about fully internal builds is that technically, any time you disconnect the hydraulic hoses (which headset maintenance or maybe shipping would require), you're supposed to cut a bit of the hose off and use a new olive. So if you didnt leave enough slack in the hose, you'll need to fully replace the hoses!

[@Quizmate1]

This is happening all the time in my LBS, and the labour costs are quite eye watering. Funny how the KZbin influencers keep failing to mention this. Well done for pointing it out 👍

[@Yannerson]

Cheers to you too, Luke! Slowly putting together a gravel bike build with mostly ali express bought parts and would never had considered it without this channel. 🥖🥖🥖🥖

[@LukeRichardson1981]

Great looking bike to be sure, but as someone who has built up both of his bikes and does basically all of his own maintenance, I have absolutely zero interest in a fully integrated bike, even with an electronic groupset, regardless of how good it looks. Just not worth the extra hassle for me. I think semi-integrated (i..e. not through the headset) looks clean enough especially with an electronic groupset like I have on my road bike, and it's just so much easier to work on.

[@jonadevitt359]

Love that frame. Small colourful paint details are great.

[@primateonpebble]

Thanks for the kindness and inspiration to get going. Good luck with the new year. 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲

[@Ruggles_Rides]

Great content mate. This has now become my new favourite KZbin Channel 🚴🏼‍♂️

[@Velo757]

Thank you for just being yourself and putting out some of the best content on KZbin!!! Love to wake up and get a notification from TRACE VELO, it's like Christmas every time. Hope you and your family have a great Christmas and New Year 🎊 🥖🥖🥖💚🤍🧡 Thanks again Luke,we all love ya mate!

[@danalec4742]

Listen, Luke! I recently both 2 x vintage steel bikes and I upgraded them with modern components. Riding a steel bike gave me the best experience so far. 1kg weight penalty is not a big problem for me. I was wondering if you kindly consider to get a cheap vintage bike and to make few videos upgrating it. I'm sure you have plenty of components you can use. I loved upgrading these bikes. They are so stylish and beautiful and I can confirm that the Steel is real. I believe these videos will be very interesting for many of us. Regards.

[@TraceVelo]

This is definitely on my to-do list!!!!

[@ДенисКомаров-л4ч]

@@TraceVelo or maybe one of them modern steel framesets from ali?

[@simonbailey2151]

​@@TraceVelodefinitely! Do a steel frame classic build with 10 speed sram red s/h and see if you can get the weight low. It should make for a lovely build and an interesting video.

[@danalec4742]

@@ДенисКомаров-л4ч I spotted a gravel Cr-Mo frame in Ali. . 😍

[@bbarber6845]

A great example why a ‘simple cable change’ costs so much these days

[@twiztidpurpose]

It really is pretty easy. The housing is the guide. Just slide the new cable into the housing. Not bad at all 🥖🥖🥖

[@demonstructie]

I regularly check in just to remind myself why I don't bother with modern bikes. Who needs all this faff in their life, not me that's for sure. Nah I'll stick to my externally routed 2011 TCR Advanced with the mechanical rim brake Dura Ace 9000 thank you very much!

[@ohwhoaitzjoe]

I love new and modern stuff but I would never trade it for maintainability or customization. I had a fully integrated bike and a aero seatpost on my last bike and I hated that I could not easily swap parts out to test things. Also a 45 minute install of cables becomes a 2-3 hour battle - no thanks. I just want to ride my bike 😂

[@miatomi]

because it looks cool

[@slighter]

I mean you have a great bike, so I can’t fault you. It’s a classic and certainly a top performer.

[@johnwardle9667]

I'm also this guy. Except my bike's not as good. 2013 planet X pro-carbon with 105. I even have straight runs of exposed inner cable on the down tube! And guess what. It's never been a problem. Still on the original brake cables. 😮. Love it. Although maybe I'd love setting up a modern bike, I do enjoy painful challenges.

[@wtfiswiththosehandles]

@@ohwhoaitzjoe In reality, how often do you replace cables outers? Once every 2-3 years, if your bike is a daily? Even less when you have more than one bike...

[@koppix24]

for sure the best bike built ever on your side. it's an impressive value for money and finally answers the question, if mechanical shifting is working with inner cable routing. congratulations 🎉

[@BikeVibes4You]

This video perfectly encapsulates what your channel is all about: building your uniquely designed frame using budget-friendly components. Can't wait for next year :) Merry Christmas, and enjoy the holidays everyone! 🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🌲🌲🌲

[@robbo3247]

Many thanks for all your videos over the course of the year ... Merry christmas and Happy new year to you and the family. Look forward to next year

[@galenkehler]

Happy holidays to you and your family! 🎄 you're a continued source of inspiration! Looking forward to many good times in 2025 🎉🎉🎉

[@whitebeardcycles]

I have R9 and Sensah groupsets thanks to your recommendations and all flawless.

[@Agiyi]

always a good day when Trace Velo uploads!!

[@01FozzyS]

Nice build,Luke! The personalization completes it all. Merry Christmas to you and your family!

[@4130Media]

Massive upgrade in pic quality! Top job!

[@ebikescrapper3925]

It would have been interesting to hear feedback from the company about the issue had. A customer should not have to make this modification. Great video as always

[@Kim_Miller]

That was such a buzz when the frame with your branding on it turned up. Thank you for the year as well, you are always bright and cheerful. My favourite 'garage faffer'.

[@herminio001]

Congratulations on another great build, It is the best looking bike yet. The bike looks super clean with those integrated cables. I bet it's very rewarding after putting it. together with all that hard work.

[@christophervergara2962]

Legendary video! Finally someone doing the full build with fully internal mechanical shifting 🥖🥖🥖🥖

[@TraceVelo]

Glad you liked it!

[@david-olivierpham3364]

Luke, I love your channel, and it is what gave me the courage to try to make my first build. Now I am at number 15 xD

[@llamamcllama7358]

Hey Luke, keep up the great stuff! Your videos are perfect for those of us who are value-centric. Great thumbnail as well!

[@mawalker6921]

Love the videos. Wishing you and the family a great Christmas. Looking forward to next years content 🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖

[@user-dm84]

This is wild, that's a stunning bike especially for the money. I much prefer the integrated look! Would love to build something like this up for next year.

[@brianmccallum7749]

Recently ordered and built up a lightcarbon lcr017d frame ( via review by Hambini) and ltwoo r9 thanks to your experience. It has an integrated bar stem. Yes, triple check the cable for the correct left and right. Have elite ent 2.0 wheels and a 105 crankset. Cost ~$1300 usd. It’s awesome. I greatly appreciate your videos as they are always entertaining and informative. Many thanks

[@merckxy54]

Thanks for all your time and effort Luke. Have a great Xmas and a happy new year with your family!🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖

[@airbraker]

We watch you because you are informative and bloody entertaining mate !

[@GaryWhite-u9c]

Just fitted a ltwoo gr7 group set to my beater gravel bike. Seems amazing. All because I watch ur channel. Seriously thinking of getting one off these frames and in your colours 🤙🤙🤙

[@Onigure]

Your best looking bike so far! Just need some Baggette Seal Of Approval sticker in it. 🥖 I'm weirdly proud of you, I've following you since the start pretty much. Keep it real, and never change your name, Luke.

[@sef4609]

Trace Velo has posted another banger, what a wonderful day!

[@daviddjerassi]

Loved the video Thank you Luke you have given us so many great money saving videos with tips and hacks your a one off for sure ,Wishing you and your family a very happy Christmas and a healthy 2025 .

[@greghawley7852]

Keep, ah, doing your thing in the garage. We're watching. I'm looking to build a new machine this year. Your insight is super useful! 🥖🥖

[@tomichaubg]

It is indeed your best looking bike to date. The branding on the glossy black really makes it look high end. Congrats! 🥖🥖🥖🥖

[@riazpatel5296]

Headset shims are always handy. love your work.

[@Will-pz1lf]

Love your work Luke, merry Christmas! 🥖🎄🎁

[@marklethbridge481]

🥖🥖Impressive build Luke, love the branded frame. Looking forward to seeing what you are going to do in 2025. Chapeau!

[@colinforester6844Niloc]

really interesting build Luke great vid loads of details and tips as normal love it

[@purelyrecovery]

Wonderful video, and a great value build. Happy holidays and have fun! 🙂

[@anthonyfreeman2859]

Awesome as usual Luke , happy holidays to you and the family

[@akyra2819]

Keep those awesome videos coming Luke! Happy holidays! ☃️🎄

[@jonathangreen7111]

Really enjoy your stuff, many, many thanks. Very best festive wishes.

[@kev-laroberts9322]

Very nice looking bike and the trace velo decal details are 👌 Also it's good seeing a very detailed build of an all internal cable routed cockpit.

[@matthewoppen1602]

I have an older allez road frame with external cable routing, Ive been installing some of the bits you've been recommending on your channel and it feels like a new bike now, thanks for all your videos been great watching

[@x9lp4hh]

Thanks for all you’ve shared over the year…the different perspective is refreshing…cheers!

[@LawrenceSeetoh]

Thank you Luke for all the knowledge sharing 🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖 Merry Christmas and Happy new year to you and the family

[@ldt8492]

Great work Luke! I am running a og-evking bar in my mtb since 2 years now and it is flawless. Thank you for the best finding in reputable brands!!!

[@CLONisKING]

Great and informative video as always, keep up the good work, and happy holidays. 🥖🎄

[@grantnyenes3742]

Looks fantastic Luke, I really like those colours.. have a great Christmas, and keep up the good work… 🥖 🥖

[@bladimirhernandez728]

Brother thanks for such excellent videos, I like the hybrids bikes more because they are very comfortable for me to move around the city, but your recommendations have been useful when buying things in aliexpress, I hope you have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, greetings from Mexico, luck and success bro🤝

[@sheepception2049]

Another great video Luke 🥖

[@triatheletewolf7279]

I just finished building up an OG Evkin Loong, with the same handlebars. FANTASTIC Bike!!!!!! I went with SRAM Red AXS to add some bling and finished it off with a Super Team all carbon 50mm wheelset. This is my 3rd OG Evkin, in the last 10 years, and I have loved all 3.

[@JamesDobsonMedia]

For winter, I want to see an Ali Express fat bike build! I'm in the market and need something cheap. 😂

[@jonathanwheeler86]

Thank you for doing the due diligence for all of og evkin are great 🥖

[@SkylarsRnD]

Happy Holidays Trace Velo!!! 🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖

[@ciulabula1]

I'm happy for you Luke. Few questions: 1. Saddle, how does that perform? Can you link? 2. Handlebar tape, please link 3. Internar routing tool, can you link it as well please.

[@lolczyslaf]

As usual, not disappointed by Luke, like went on before I even started to watch the video 👌 This integrated build looks gorgeous, I'm super fan of fully integrated bikes, neat and tidy. One thing I don't like, is that big cable housing loop at the rear derailleur, kind of downgrades the whole effect. But I guess it's necessary for smooth shifting. 🥖

[@thomasforshaw8396]

Cheers for another quality presentation Luke. You're an inspiration and a font of knowledge. Its the likes of you and Jourdain who gave me the confidence to buy from the far east and build up an ELVES Falath frame all by myself and the result is amazing, bringing a smile to my face every time I clip in and head out. Merry Xmas to you and your family.

[@67daltonknox]

🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖 Merry Christmas, Luke, thanks for the enthusiasm.

[@zimboy777]

good video - i took on the same challenge installing the Shimano 105 12 speed mech groupset onto an integrated aero frame - it was a challenging endeavor for sure ...but the shifting was excellent which was surprising - you covered all the key points - easier to go electronic for sure but you will pay a chunk for it ;)

[@abedfo88]

Merry xmas Luke to you and your family. And merry xmas fellow viewers.

[@Raymond-Farts]

You produce some of the best videos. I love watching your channel. Happy Holidays Luke.

[@keithlogan9501]

Headset spacers skirt, I built something similar and used a large 32mm? O ring which went round the outside of the compression washer and created a seal and hid the gap between the frame and plastic spacers.

[@draggonhedd]

Love it! I work in a bike shop and i still hate headset routing with a passion, but you made it look good, May I make one suggestion? You need magenta and lime bar tape to match the paint job now. Magenta on the left, lime green on the right.

[@a1yallop]

Awesome vid, I was wondering if that (putting mechanical groupset on modern frame) was possible as I much prefer a top end campagnolo mechanical to any electronic set. The frame is fantastic value and looks very cool. Thanks.

[@andrewchutchins]

Happy Christmas Luke! Cheers for some great content in 2024. Looking forward to seeing what you get up to in 2025! :)

[@d9dga]

23:18 No no Luke, thank YOU ❤🥖🥖

[@future62]

Can you do a more in depth video on routing cables through integrated handlebars? That was the one thing I couldn't get past on my latest build. Ended up taking it to a shop

[@travispyle2905]

The bar and spacers could easily be Engineered/designed to make a less sharp angle for the cables to bend at the stem-steer tube intersection. Thanks for posting, I was pondering doing a similar build in my fantasy black friday build.

[@TheYondaime008]

Enjoy the bike Luke!

[@noburt9]

Thank you for your videos Luke. Have a great Christmas :) 🥖🥖🥖🥖

[@jackn4853]

Merry Christmas and a happy New Year to you and our family and to everyone that watches your channel.

[@nizam_mr]

thanks Luke for the tutorial vids. it gave me confidence to build my own chinese bike. early of the year i self built my TT912 Tri. yesterday my TT-x38 frame just arrived. building bike is fun 🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖 happy xmas to you

[@chca4768]

Congrats and another excellent episode. Merry Christmas!

[@DaveCM]

I absolutely love that!! It looks awesome. I would love to just have the bars. They look great and would look good on my gravel bike.

[@andyfrizzell4352]

Well done getting your branded up bike on the road for 🎄 Christmas 🎁. Looks excellent 👌

[@gmivisualsjason3729]

Lovely bike... Excellent video

[@VictorYepello]

Lovely video Luke!. I would love to see a detailed video on you routing the cables through the handlebars to help us noobs out there. I'm sure you have some good tips to offer. Thank you!

[@user-shaftsberry]

Enjoyed this episode, merry Christmas.

[@johnmaheu4037]

Maybe you can encourage these companies to continue to offer external cable options. Nice work!

[@tonyjmcd]

Fantastic looking frame.

[@DrasticSolutionBAND]

Thank you very very much to you Luke, everything you got, you deserved (I think you deserve even more) ! Cheers from Italy \m/ :) \m/

[@TraceVelo]

Thank you very much!

[@DL-mv8ii]

Great video as usual - I had been wondering how gear cables fared with hidden cable setups like this. Good to see it works. Happy Christmas and New Year - looking forward to many more entertaining/interesting/random videos next year 🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖

[@tomcruz3774]

🥖🥖🥖🥖 i have the same fenders as the dude in 23:29 (sks raceblades) and they're awesome. I've managed to fit 38c tires in those fenders but I advise everyone else to stick with 32c and below (it took me like 2 hours to stop the tire from rubbing with the fender)

[@mikesneaky-h7s]

Liking this before i watch it

[@edmundas919]

Best thing about fully integrated gear cables is that fame has no holes, so you can glue cable guides on the frame and do fully external cable routing. That's what I'm going to do on my MTB when I get the frame.

[@jecktv9135]

Merry Christmas Luke and to your family. Ride safe always.

[@travispyle2905]

Nice. unboxing video of that Ogevkin - Loong frame please.

[@manueldias1301]

🥖🥖🥖 Merry Christmas and Happy new year to all. Another great video