Comments on: How Good are These Frames?

By: Petr

Petr — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 21:55:36 +0000

I am considering ordering one of these similar cheap oem frames from Hong Kong as well. Has anyone that has purchased one, tried painting it? It looks like they all come with a glossy clearcoat. P.

By: Jordan

Jordan — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 03:24:33 +0000

I bought a Kuota Kredo style frame from a seller named bicycle_999 on Ebay. I have put about 300 miles on it and love the ride and handling. Solid in a descent. Stiff and smooth going back up. I’ve read other reviews of direct-from-OEM carbon frames and there have been reports of questionable build quality that include a high number of semi-cosmetic defects. This seller has good reviews. The bike was well packed, and cosmetically perfect. I had no problem with the fit of the headset — the bottom of the steer tube was faced perfectly for the crown race.

I have to wonder if the markup on name brand frames is going to be challenged by the new global marketplace. Here’s to globalism!!

-j

By: Tom

Tom — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 14:16:27 +0000

Here is my take on the ebay “grey market” So called because theese frames are coming from the same OEM molds sold to the top brand Iti bikes. These are just coming to us because there are some industrious Asian workers trying to make some cash on the side

I bought the “Kuota Credo” look alike from bicycle_999 on ebay. seller gave me an EMS tracking number that worked like UPS. 4 day shipping from HK China to VA USA! Bike is awesome! I bought the 56c frame fork and seat post. I cant say enough about this frame set.

I have broken the BB out of a Cannondale MTB, ripped the headset off of a Ritchy ultra MTB and broken several BMX bikes in half. I am hard of a frame set to say the least but have experienced no issues with this rig using it for it’s intended purpose.

My build is:

Ebay carbon frame fork and seat post

Sram force cranks
FSA K wing bar and carbon stem
Mavic r Sys wheels
Sram red derailleurs and shifters
Zero Gravity front break (no rear brake)
Sram red FW

This bike rides just like my good friends Pinarello Prince at 1/4 the cost.

Just consider what is important to you- Status or performance or both. If your OK with performance WITHOUT status go with the generic, chances are that it came from the same factory and mold as the uber sleek name brand anyway.

Just my thoughts.

Tom

By: Tom

Tom — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 09:25:50 +0000

I bought one for a back up .Put mix of good parts on it ,that I had on hand . I have no problem riding it with the guys on the 4,000 to 10,000 bikes. Once you reach the point of dimenishing return ,it’s all about the motor turning the cranks anyway.

By: Wolperdinger

Wolperdinger — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 07:41:52 +0000

I have one and it has turned out to be an incredible surprise, really. Purchased it and had delivery to the USA within 10 days. I train hard and race masters division, mostly crits, though I am really better at longer RRs. I bought an asian framset on ebay after having to junk an expensive cracked carbon frame (not a crash or abuse problem) which the manufacturer chose not to replace under warranty. As a race bike, it has to be disposable…For all of you out there, caveat emptor, check your warranties, and return policies! This bike, I feel, is even better than the one I replaced.The frameset I bought on ebay resembles almost perfectly a Kuota Credo…finish is as good as anything, it all fits. I built it up with my Campy 10s groupo from the junk frame, and so far I have to say that at +/- 3000 km, it is almost one of the best bikes I have ever ridden,…. also very stable on high speed descents. The real test will be when I do 160km+ in a ride…..which I have always reserved until now for my Ti bike because I know we can do the distance.

By: Braden

Braden — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 07:28:22 +0000

I’m a Bicycle Mechanic in Australia, and time and time again we find people who buy these “great deals” on ebay, and have us fit a groupset to it-not long after, they usually come back enquiring about repairing thier cracked/broken frame.The fact of the matter is that these frames are designed for looks, and to have parts added to them-not for riding. Something else you have to look at is oddball headset ID, and Front Der. Clamps-parts and availability?You get what you pay for.

By: Johnny

Johnny — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 07:15:09 +0000

My nephew a keen racing cyclist bought a carbon frame on e-bay from Asia at what seemed a very ggod price. Unforginately after many call, mails and general hastle he had to just except this was a scam. Needless to say his credit card was debutited but no good arrived.

By: Pierre Delisle

Pierre Delisle — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 07:10:27 +0000

One factor you should consider is how much do you weight. IMHO I would not trust these frames because I am a 200+ pounds guy. Another point, if there is a flaw in the frame and that cause a crash at 30MPH, I don’t care who’s responsible or if the frame is under garantee. If you add all the peripherals (gruppo, wheels, handle bar) you can buy a very good steel bike which will be much reliable and confortable with a better look.That’s my ten cents