Itching to build something - New chinese carbon or 2nd hand TCR or similar?

gn3dr · 22-11-2025 10:58AM #1

Looking for thoughts. I ride a 2004 TCR composite ( ONCE) during the summer and in winter I have a Chinese XACD Titanium frame. Both rim brake ( obviously ). ( Also have a Revolt gravel bike but this question relates to road cycling)

I have upgraded the TCR over the years - it used to run 7800 Dura Ace 10 speed but is now on R8000 Utlegra 11 spd

I find myself kind of itching to build something new ~ not a high cost build but something good but relatively cheap. Have gathered up new ultegra shifters and derailleurs and have a few sets of wheels from over the years.

I really like TCR"s and was considering buying a 2nd hand one - e.g. I would have bought the one in the for sale section here except it was M/L and I ride an M.

Any other TCR frames for sale either seem too expensive in my opinion or are a bit tired looking.

So I started thinking about trying another Chinese frame. I have had good experience with the current Ti one.

Since I last looked, the choice in normal locking rim brake frames seems to have greatly reduced. Theer are still some available like the Velobuild VB-R-066 (looks like that would cost about €410 including bar and stem)

Any thoughts?

One of my concerns with second hand frames in carbon is the history and risk of any hidden cracks or stresses. I am also quite fussy about bike condition so getting something mint is a struggle. (Baffles me how some folks don't look after their bikes)

My criteria

Rim brake

No dropped stays

No aero requirements - I prefer normal booking frames as I think most aero frames are fugly.

I am more of a weight weenie that an aero fan

I also don't need wide tyres. 25mm would be max for me.

I love the shape of TCR frames with the sloping top tube.

What would you do? - keep looking, for that 2nd hand minter or try a new Chinese carbon frame or any other suggestions?

ARX · 22-11-2025 11:59AM

Frames: Cannondale SuperSix EVO Frameset

I got mine for €365 delivered.

gn3dr · 22-11-2025 12:59PM

Saw those alright and would have probably gone for one if they had a 54

ARX · 22-11-2025 01:21PM

https://www.bike-onlineshop.de/Parts-Components/Frames/Frames-Road/Ridley-Icarus-SLT-Frameset-w-4ZA-R-Blade-carbon-fork-rim-brake.htm?shop=bike_en&SessionId=&a=article&ProdNr=A1529&p=102

Ridley Icarus SLT Frameset - w/ 4ZA Synope fullcarbon fork rim brake | Frames Road | Frames | Parts & Components

Couple of 54s there.

CantGetNoSleep · 22-11-2025 02:19PM

One thing to bear in mind with the Chinese carbon is that it is worth virtually nothing second hand. The second hand market is a disaster these days no matter what you are selling. But if like many of us you chop and change bikes a lot, it won't be an easy sell at all. I discovered this when I got a Winspace G2 (so not even completely no name), built it up, used it for 50km and basically had to sell it for the second hand value of the components

CramCycle · 22-11-2025 02:30PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124008788#Comment_124008788

I think thats all 2nd hand market at the minute, not just chinese carbon, although probably a slightly harder sale. We are just not a big market, with the tightening economy. I think most bikes if you have done any investment in them, you will struggle to make more than the cost of components at resale time. The Covid days of getting your money back are gone.

fat bloke · 22-11-2025 04:32PM

https://www.bike24.com/p2930296.html

An alternative... alternative?

nicksnikita · 22-11-2025 06:08PM

One thing to look out for with the Chinese frames, especially from the lesser known brands, is the sizing and geometry. It can be vastly different from the western brands. As long as you know what you’re after in that regard, and you find one you fancy, I don’t see why not..

I have a Specialized Tarmac SL4 frameset here in a 54cm(medium) if you’d be interested in that?

ARX · 22-11-2025 06:53PM

Origine Tuxedo | Alloy road bike frameset Origine

gn3dr · 22-11-2025 07:35PM

Thanks for the replies - some interesting options.

@fat bloke the Trek is a funky (good) colour - I thought it was carbon first with the way the decrription but it's aluminium. Not a huge issue . The only thing that bugs me a bit (and I admit I am a fussy fcuker ) is I'm not crazy about the look of bikes that have a curved top tube. 🙄I'll keep that in mind though.

@CantGetNoSleep I realise alright that resale is not ever going to be great on a Chinese bike - but who sells 😁 - sure that would mean I only had N bikes instead of N+1

@nicksnikita Can you PM me details, price , condition etc on the SL4. I will be upfront though and say that the curved top tube design on these is also grating me a bit. I'd have had the TCR off you no prob if it was a medium.

I also got a PM on a TCR that is available which I am also weighing up options on.

@ARX never heard of the Origine brand before - the frame looks classy - pricey though compared to other on sale options here and I wonder why they are using render rather than a picture of an actual frame..

fat bloke · 22-11-2025 11:05PM

Hard to find a carbon anything. I think anyone who has a high end rim braked carbon build either has it mothballed in the attic rather than give it away for 1200 quid, or has it for sale for 4000+ euro asking, which they will never get.

http://www.adverts.ie/38775920

Lovely caad10

Colnago

http://www.adverts.ie/34015567

And there's a few 54 specialized allies sprints which are real lookers,but not cheap

http://www.adverts.ie/34068346

I do get the tcr want. I had 2 advanced prós and loved them.

http://www.adverts.ie/38576110

MojoMaker · 23-11-2025 10:49AM

That Allez is nice. Good package.

@gn3dr if you don't like sloping top tubes the TCR will drive you crazy every time you wheel it out. They are also two-a-penny on the road. That Emonda however would be something quite different and probably put a smile on your face on every spin. You'd have to be fastidious with the post-ride cleaning to keep it gleaming though.

Cannondale and BMC did buck the sloping top tube trend - I would prefer a straight/angular frame too - but would forego for a special frame - such as any Colnago, and higher-end Bianchis.

gn3dr · 23-11-2025 12:13PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124011626#Comment_124011626

No it's not the sloping top tube that I dont like, I actually love that look. It's the curved top tube I don't like - e.g. the top tube follows an arc from the head tube to the seat tube rather than a straight line.

Itching to build something - New chinese carbon or 2nd hand TCR or similar?

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