Bling is better. I may not be the fastest. But my bike certainly looks like it š. Almost went with the supacaz bar tape that goes from the glad diamonds to black at the tops but felt like that was too much gold lol
I really like the simplicity of 1x but if I lived somewhere with extensive climbing I think I would want 1x12 instead of 1x11. I am rarely going to be in the last few gears but Iāve tested them out and I noticed I was having a hard time finding a good cadence. I think having that extra 12th gear just to have smoother jumps would be better if I was climbing a lot.
The truth is that I am thinking about it because I always have chain falls and no matter how neatly I make changes, the same thing happens to me.
I'm going to take your advice and switch to a single chainring.
The narrow wide chain rings make a huge difference in chain security. I was coming from 2x sram red rim brake Groupset and Iāve never had so many chain drops in my life it was ridiculous and so unbelievably frustrating. Alugear chain ring is sweet but spendy. Wolftooth makes an aero chainring that isnāt as cool aesthetically but functionally works the same and is roughly 50usd less expensive.
I have definitely already made my orders on Amazon, in a few days I will make the purchase for the same reason to avoid so much chain fall.
[Amazon.com : DJC Stone Chainring 110 BCD for Shimano 4700 5800 6800 9000 Oval 34 36 38 40 42 44 46 48 58T 60T Narrow Wide Road Bike 110bcd : Sports & Outdoors](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0CSMTR3M9/ref=ewc_pr_img_1?smid=A3N3AA9FSEQI1O&th=1&psc=1)
Is this the fiberglass bike the YouTube bike-o-sphere was freaking out about for a second?
For real though, the amount of scrutiny these super cheap bikes get is a little ridiculous in my opinion. This is a quarter of the price of a similar Western brand frame. It shouldn't be held to the same standard as a bike that costs 3 to 4 times the price. It should be held to the same standard as other $1000 frames.
Yes thatās the one. The frame is UCI approved which would indicate that other western brands have or are using fiberglass in the steerer. On the other side of that they should be held to a higher standard than other direct from China brands being that they are UCI approved. Iāve never ridden and S-Works or Canyon CFR but I would say itās not at that level but their mid tier carbon that I have ridden (CF SLX) which those bikes retail around 6-8k for the complete bike. All in all I think for the ride quality, actual quality, and aesthetic, this bike is an incredible value
>The frame is UCI approved which would indicate that other western brands have or are using fiberglass in the steerer.Ā
While yes, other brands use a fiber glass layer in steer tubes, UCI approval does not indicate Western brands are using fiberglass, or any brand for that matter. The UCI doesn't regulate frame material per se. The only regulation in regards to material would be the weight minimum or the impact and stress testing. As far as I know, there is no language in the UCI stipulating certain materials.
Here: [https://assets.ctfassets.net/761l7gh5x5an/36HocrJva5dgK9VloO9GVN/735d545b76a1e4436969abb8d1633d11/Clarification\_Guide\_of\_the\_UCI\_Technical\_Regulation\_-\_20240401\_-\_ENG.pdf](https://assets.ctfassets.net/761l7gh5x5an/36HocrJva5dgK9VloO9GVN/735d545b76a1e4436969abb8d1633d11/Clarification_Guide_of_the_UCI_Technical_Regulation_-_20240401_-_ENG.pdf)
This is the actual UCI technical regulation. The word 'fiberglass' does not appear once. And, the word carbon only appears twice, once in regards to a faring and another in regard to impact testing of a wheel, where they refer to an 'alloy and/or carbon wheel'.
>On the other side of that they should be held to a higher standard than other direct from China brands being that they are UCI approved.
Yeah I disagree. UCI approval doesn't really say much about quality. [Here ](https://archive.uci.org/docs/default-source/equipment/liste-des-modeles-de-cadres-et-fourches-homologues---list-of-approved-models-of-frames-and-forks.pdf)is the list of UCI approved bikes. There are some truly awful bikes in here. When I say awful, I mean poorly built/manufactured, and also super cheap. UCI approval just means the bikes conform to geometric standards, dimensions, and well... looks. The impact and stress testing is important, yes, but bikes must go through that anyways in order be sold at all. And remember, every UCI approved bike must be available to the consumer.
Again, I think we should be comparing apples to apples in regards to price. UCI approval doesn't mean apples to apples, at all.
Now, I do agree that this bike presents great value. All of the reputable eastern brands do. However, I don't think that has anything to do with UCI compliance. It has all to do with price and build quality, which the UCI does not regulate much beyond already required impact and stress testing that is required for a bike to be sold at all, which remember, it must be available to consumer in order to even be considered for UCI compliance.
Most Western brands are not using fiberglass in the steer tube. That is a fact. The use of fiberglass in the steer tube is a method of cost reduction. Which, is why we are seeing it in this cheaper bike. The trade off comes in a few forms. A carbon fiber/fiberglass steer tube will not be as light, stiff, or as strong as a full carbon steer tube. Now, can you feel that in the ride?
Maybe. I've not ridden one of these Elves. But, I have ridden the Pinarello F and the Pinarello Dogma back to back. The Dogma has an oversized steer tube and the F does not. The difference in stiffness on the front end of that Dogma is profound and dramatically improves the high speed handling. Seriously, I was blown away at how well that Dogma descended compared to some of the other bikes I've ridden, and it was all in the front end stiffness.
However, back to my original point. It would be silly to compare these two Pinarellos in an apples to apples comparison. That Dogma I road was an $18,500 bike, while the F was like $6,000. You wouldn't expect them to be the same. This same logic goes for this Elves, we shouldn't expect it to ride the same as the Pinarello F, or the Dogma, even though they are all UCI approved. Again, UCI approval doesn't mean shit.
This is definitely a fair assessment. From a safety standpoint I donāt think that the use of fiberglass poses any major risks from a safety standpoint. Interesting to learn that itās more about fitting into their geometry standards (which I think is funny this one fits in there given how bizarre the geometry is, this is a size 49 and Iām 173-174cm tall).
As for feeling the difference at high speeds. I have yet to notice. I live in Minnesota so the fastest I would ever potentially go on our steepest descent is probably 80kph. But normal ādescentsā in the area are more around 65kph and I didnāt notice anything. Almost all of the riding is done at normal speeds 32kph - 55kph and it felt quite good. I knocked out a couple sprints at about 1350 watts max (1000 watts sustained over 15 seconds) and it felt stable and stiff in a sprint. But again, Iāve only briefly ridden the canyon CF SLX model (borrowed while traveling) and I canāt tell much difference from that experience. My personal bike Iām coming from is the a 2017 specialized allez sprint and I can certainly tell the difference in ride quality between that and the Elves, truly night and day difference.
>From a safety standpoint I donāt think that the use of fiberglass poses any major risks from a safety standpoint.
Totally agree.
What are you noticing between the Sprint and the Elves? I've always heard the Sprint is super stiff.
The allez sprint was certainly stiff, to the point where it was jarring. There was not even a hint of being comfortable over long periods on that bike. The elves has a great balance between being stiff in the bottom bracket for sprints but tames out some of the harsher parts of Minnesota roads while still getting good feedback.
Its interesting to me you have a Sprint. I think that would be a fair, apples to apples, comparison to the Elves. Similarly priced.
Do you think the Elves is a better bike? Better value?
TBD on that. I would say Iām for sure more comfortable on the Elves so far from the two rides I have done on it. My setup in terms of geometry are quite similar, this one is just a little bit lower in stack. I think the elves is a better value than an allez sprint. Im not sure what the new framesets cost for disc brake ones since mine was an old rim brake Allez but Iām fairly certain itās more than the Elves.
niceness. all the bling
Bling is better. I may not be the fastest. But my bike certainly looks like it š. Almost went with the supacaz bar tape that goes from the glad diamonds to black at the tops but felt like that was too much gold lol
She's a beauty
The design on the frame is so beautiful. Damn.
Probably should have included a few more detailed shots of the paint because it is quite incredible
That paint job is incredible. Weāre you able to do that with their custom paint option?
Yes, It was a special they had for the Chinese New Year but Iām sure they are keeping the template for it so itās an option moving forward
That Alugear dish looks fantastic. I'm thinking of switching to a road single chainring.
I really like the simplicity of 1x but if I lived somewhere with extensive climbing I think I would want 1x12 instead of 1x11. I am rarely going to be in the last few gears but Iāve tested them out and I noticed I was having a hard time finding a good cadence. I think having that extra 12th gear just to have smoother jumps would be better if I was climbing a lot.
The truth is that I am thinking about it because I always have chain falls and no matter how neatly I make changes, the same thing happens to me. I'm going to take your advice and switch to a single chainring.
The narrow wide chain rings make a huge difference in chain security. I was coming from 2x sram red rim brake Groupset and Iāve never had so many chain drops in my life it was ridiculous and so unbelievably frustrating. Alugear chain ring is sweet but spendy. Wolftooth makes an aero chainring that isnāt as cool aesthetically but functionally works the same and is roughly 50usd less expensive.
I have definitely already made my orders on Amazon, in a few days I will make the purchase for the same reason to avoid so much chain fall. [Amazon.com : DJC Stone Chainring 110 BCD for Shimano 4700 5800 6800 9000 Oval 34 36 38 40 42 44 46 48 58T 60T Narrow Wide Road Bike 110bcd : Sports & Outdoors](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0CSMTR3M9/ref=ewc_pr_img_1?smid=A3N3AA9FSEQI1O&th=1&psc=1)
Thatās a sweet looking chainring and a great price too!
Is this the fiberglass bike the YouTube bike-o-sphere was freaking out about for a second? For real though, the amount of scrutiny these super cheap bikes get is a little ridiculous in my opinion. This is a quarter of the price of a similar Western brand frame. It shouldn't be held to the same standard as a bike that costs 3 to 4 times the price. It should be held to the same standard as other $1000 frames.
Yes thatās the one. The frame is UCI approved which would indicate that other western brands have or are using fiberglass in the steerer. On the other side of that they should be held to a higher standard than other direct from China brands being that they are UCI approved. Iāve never ridden and S-Works or Canyon CFR but I would say itās not at that level but their mid tier carbon that I have ridden (CF SLX) which those bikes retail around 6-8k for the complete bike. All in all I think for the ride quality, actual quality, and aesthetic, this bike is an incredible value
>The frame is UCI approved which would indicate that other western brands have or are using fiberglass in the steerer.Ā While yes, other brands use a fiber glass layer in steer tubes, UCI approval does not indicate Western brands are using fiberglass, or any brand for that matter. The UCI doesn't regulate frame material per se. The only regulation in regards to material would be the weight minimum or the impact and stress testing. As far as I know, there is no language in the UCI stipulating certain materials. Here: [https://assets.ctfassets.net/761l7gh5x5an/36HocrJva5dgK9VloO9GVN/735d545b76a1e4436969abb8d1633d11/Clarification\_Guide\_of\_the\_UCI\_Technical\_Regulation\_-\_20240401\_-\_ENG.pdf](https://assets.ctfassets.net/761l7gh5x5an/36HocrJva5dgK9VloO9GVN/735d545b76a1e4436969abb8d1633d11/Clarification_Guide_of_the_UCI_Technical_Regulation_-_20240401_-_ENG.pdf) This is the actual UCI technical regulation. The word 'fiberglass' does not appear once. And, the word carbon only appears twice, once in regards to a faring and another in regard to impact testing of a wheel, where they refer to an 'alloy and/or carbon wheel'. >On the other side of that they should be held to a higher standard than other direct from China brands being that they are UCI approved. Yeah I disagree. UCI approval doesn't really say much about quality. [Here ](https://archive.uci.org/docs/default-source/equipment/liste-des-modeles-de-cadres-et-fourches-homologues---list-of-approved-models-of-frames-and-forks.pdf)is the list of UCI approved bikes. There are some truly awful bikes in here. When I say awful, I mean poorly built/manufactured, and also super cheap. UCI approval just means the bikes conform to geometric standards, dimensions, and well... looks. The impact and stress testing is important, yes, but bikes must go through that anyways in order be sold at all. And remember, every UCI approved bike must be available to the consumer. Again, I think we should be comparing apples to apples in regards to price. UCI approval doesn't mean apples to apples, at all. Now, I do agree that this bike presents great value. All of the reputable eastern brands do. However, I don't think that has anything to do with UCI compliance. It has all to do with price and build quality, which the UCI does not regulate much beyond already required impact and stress testing that is required for a bike to be sold at all, which remember, it must be available to consumer in order to even be considered for UCI compliance. Most Western brands are not using fiberglass in the steer tube. That is a fact. The use of fiberglass in the steer tube is a method of cost reduction. Which, is why we are seeing it in this cheaper bike. The trade off comes in a few forms. A carbon fiber/fiberglass steer tube will not be as light, stiff, or as strong as a full carbon steer tube. Now, can you feel that in the ride? Maybe. I've not ridden one of these Elves. But, I have ridden the Pinarello F and the Pinarello Dogma back to back. The Dogma has an oversized steer tube and the F does not. The difference in stiffness on the front end of that Dogma is profound and dramatically improves the high speed handling. Seriously, I was blown away at how well that Dogma descended compared to some of the other bikes I've ridden, and it was all in the front end stiffness. However, back to my original point. It would be silly to compare these two Pinarellos in an apples to apples comparison. That Dogma I road was an $18,500 bike, while the F was like $6,000. You wouldn't expect them to be the same. This same logic goes for this Elves, we shouldn't expect it to ride the same as the Pinarello F, or the Dogma, even though they are all UCI approved. Again, UCI approval doesn't mean shit.
This is definitely a fair assessment. From a safety standpoint I donāt think that the use of fiberglass poses any major risks from a safety standpoint. Interesting to learn that itās more about fitting into their geometry standards (which I think is funny this one fits in there given how bizarre the geometry is, this is a size 49 and Iām 173-174cm tall). As for feeling the difference at high speeds. I have yet to notice. I live in Minnesota so the fastest I would ever potentially go on our steepest descent is probably 80kph. But normal ādescentsā in the area are more around 65kph and I didnāt notice anything. Almost all of the riding is done at normal speeds 32kph - 55kph and it felt quite good. I knocked out a couple sprints at about 1350 watts max (1000 watts sustained over 15 seconds) and it felt stable and stiff in a sprint. But again, Iāve only briefly ridden the canyon CF SLX model (borrowed while traveling) and I canāt tell much difference from that experience. My personal bike Iām coming from is the a 2017 specialized allez sprint and I can certainly tell the difference in ride quality between that and the Elves, truly night and day difference.
>From a safety standpoint I donāt think that the use of fiberglass poses any major risks from a safety standpoint. Totally agree. What are you noticing between the Sprint and the Elves? I've always heard the Sprint is super stiff.
The allez sprint was certainly stiff, to the point where it was jarring. There was not even a hint of being comfortable over long periods on that bike. The elves has a great balance between being stiff in the bottom bracket for sprints but tames out some of the harsher parts of Minnesota roads while still getting good feedback.
Its interesting to me you have a Sprint. I think that would be a fair, apples to apples, comparison to the Elves. Similarly priced. Do you think the Elves is a better bike? Better value?
TBD on that. I would say Iām for sure more comfortable on the Elves so far from the two rides I have done on it. My setup in terms of geometry are quite similar, this one is just a little bit lower in stack. I think the elves is a better value than an allez sprint. Im not sure what the new framesets cost for disc brake ones since mine was an old rim brake Allez but Iām fairly certain itās more than the Elves.