$3000 Chinese Carbon Road Bike After 500 Miles // In-Depth Review!
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- Опубліковано 28 чер 2024
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○ Watch this bike be built - • $3000 Chinese Carbon S...
○ In-Depth review of this frame - • Elves Falath Evo 2023:...
Dive into our detailed review of the 'Elves Falath Evo 2023', a premium Chinese carbon frame with a surprisingly accessible price tag. In today's video, we break down whether this cheap Chinese road bike offers real value for its $3000 price point. If you're on the hunt for a budget carbon road bike that promises race-ready performance, the Elves Falath might just be the answer. From its sleek design to its high-end features, we'll uncover if this Chinese carbon race bike lives up to the hype. See how the Elves Falath Evo stacks up against its competition. If you've ever questioned, "Should you buy a Chinese carbon bike?" or if you've been curious about AliExpress road bike reviews, this video is a must-watch for you. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just a cycling enthusiast, get ready to discover everything the cheap Chinese road bike industry has to offer!
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Watch me build this complete bike here - ua-cam.com/video/4HJ308eolBk/v-deo.html
View the frame here - www.elvesbikes.co.uk/
My Falath Evo , with 105 shifter + ultegra fd + rd , Juin tech brake , with 105 pedal , superteam vento evo 45mm only weight 8.3kg .
Hi Jourdain. Love the humourous banter and cutscenes in your videos. I built up an Elves Eglath this year with 11spd Ultegra di2 and Scribe 50 mm carbon wheels and tubeless 28 mm Pirelli P Zeros. I'm 178 cm tall but got a M50 frame with a 400 x 120 mm Orome bar/stem. Seat post is plenty long enough. I think it's a great bike and has improved my climbing. I'm getting on a bit so the more relaxed geometry of the Eglath is perfect for me. I too found the grippy section on the Orome bars positioned too low and fixed my shifters about 5 to 10 mm higher up the bars.. Where the seatpost enters my frame it clearly says torque spec 10-12 nm. I'm happy to go to 10 nm as the seatpost wedge torque figure on my Sensa Giulia Evo frame specs 12 nm max. The bolt you're torquing does not act directly on the seat tube but on the wedge which can safely handle this amount of torque, the wedge then mechanically converts the torque into pressure on the seat tube. I cut my steerer tube so it was flush with the top surface of the stem and I'm so glad to see your Falath Evo does not have a chimney either.
Done over 2k miles on mine. It holds speed soooooo well. Pr'd our local group ride on it and im far from in my best shape. However, did a semi easy crit on it and got dropped. It doesn’t accelerate like a 16/17lb crit bike. Rides like a dream. Century rides all day. Ive had to tighten the headset a few times, but its great.
got both bike , pro disc and evo, pro is lighter and faster, but the look of the evo just great
@@kev81987 it is definitely the life of the party
Thanks for sharing! Good to hear you've had a good time overall
@@kev81987by faster do you mean stiffer, or just feels faster?
I went with an Elves Eglath after watching your video on this build. Preferred the more standardised shaping. Have to say I absolutely love mine! It’s amazing! I’m 5’11 and went with a medium (52 I think) and it fits perfectly! Slight deviation from your build again with a pair of hunt 50mm wheels!
Honestly anyone on the fence about elves… buy one! Especially with how “cheap” 105 group sets are at the moment
Hi Jourdian. Thanks for once again an honest video. As you know I build an EVO (same color,same size) an ridden already 2’500K on it, with a lot of meters ascent in Switzerland. My goal was to make the EVO also as light as possible: so I spend around 5’500 EURO, which is a lot of money. However, comparing with similar high end Aero bikes, which costs over 10’000 EURO it’s still a bargain. The weight of my bike is 7.14k - very light for an Aero bike. It it definitely a head turner when riding. With a 26 front and a 28 rear, setup tubeless, the comfort is great. Still agile and direct and a dream to ride. I really appreciate your videos, showing what brands likes Elves can offer you without emptying your wallet. My build shows what can be achieved when investing a bit more: tick all boxes and loving it. Take care
Good to hear you have had a good experience with your build! 👌🏼 It sounds like you have a bike that you really enjoy!
Not long ago $3000 would buy a nearly top spec bike from major brands but in 2023 this build is a bargain! You could buy 6 of these bikes for the price of the new SL8 and have money left over 😂
Mental right... and also pretty frustrating. While it's cheaper than "expensive" road bikes I understand it still a lot of money to pay. All bout trying to maximise the bang for your buck.
Crazy that $3000 is a "bargain" build
Not that long ago this would have been a better bike than a top spec bike from a major brand.
I bought a mechanical Ultrega Scott CR1 Pro for $2700 in 2007. In 2023 you can get a carbon mechanical Ultegra bike from Canyon for less after accounting for inflation. Now mechanical Ultegra is no longer the second-tier group in Shimano’s product line, but mechanical Ultegra in 2023 is still better than mechanical Ultegra from 2007.
When dentist started to treat bicycle as a luxury hobby, bicycle become more and more expensive
I'm about to build a chinese carbon bike next winter, you have no idea how helpful your videos are.
Great to hear! Good luck with your build as well
The video that everybody have been wating for….daje
If you had to summarise the difference (besides looks) between the evo and pro what would you pick out as the key points. And ultimately which one is best? I’ve heard a lot of good stuff around the pro
Thanks for the video! Will you also check out the Elves Vanyar when the new version comes out?
Video coming next Sunday! (hopefully) 🤞🏼
I think your the first person on any socials that has said you would rather lose weight on the body than on the bike and save ya cash…Bang on that sir 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Until I'm a lean racing machine... the weight of the bike isn't the be all and end all haha 👍🏽
I built the same bike with SRAM force AXS got the custom color and drive 50d wheel set. I found it to hold top speed but didn't get there that quickly.
Just orderd my Elves EVO 2 weeks ago. Can´t wait to see the custom paint job in real life, and hear the freehub sound. Gonna build it with 12 speed Ultegra DI2. Buildcost should home in at round about 3610€
For me, the bike didn’t have the best acceleration. I’m also running a 65mm wheel, where the bike really shines was top end speed. Also I felt with the big rectangle seatpost, it was pretty stiff. I noticed a lot of bumps in the road. Might be because of lack of seatpost out the bike.
Hey Grant! Are you going to have your hands on the new Vanyar? I heard its gonna be out for sale on September.
Hey! I think my 32mm tires on these London roads have added to my comfort 👌🏼 - I'm enjoying the bike on the whole
@GCPerformance18 The rotation of "heavy" high rim wheelsets in combination with the innertubes makes wheels harder to accelerate - lighter rim and tubeless will help there.
Does a bike frame design and the way bike manufacturers use various carbon layering techniques have a substantial effect on how fast a bike accelerates?
I bought the same frame and built up a bike with DI2, Ultegra, etc..
I had damaged the frame of my old bike and therefore took over all the parts.
So far I've ridden about 1500 km with the Evo.
I am actually satisfied.
I made two mistakes when putting it together.
1. The DI2 cable clogs a bit in the frame. I should have done better
2. i shortened the fork a little too far, so unfortunately i can't use any more spacers now.
But these are my mistakes.
I'm still thinking about replacing the handlebars. The down tube of the handlebars is a bit too "thin" for me. It feels a bit strange.
Long term review now? 😅 I wait for that
Great vid.. when comparing with other brands worth including a build cost for this frame as a lot of people may not be ok with building the bike 😊 just a thought 👍🚴😀
Great point! I kind of assumed many people will self build, but I should not assume. I'm guessing that will be a few hundred more on top.
So natural question. Which one you prefer more, evo or pro?
Thanks for the review. I built the Elves Eglath, same bars with mech Ultegra as an experiment. Totally kick ass bike. I’m building another one now with Ultegra Di2. If you know, you know
Interested in the elgath, doesn’t get anywhere near as much publicity so hard to find out much! Which model do you have, and how do you like it?
I like the look of the Eglath, maybe I can do a build one day 👍🏼
@@DezzYGB I built up an Elves Eglath this year with 11spd Ultegra di2 and Scribe 50 mm carbon wheels and tubeless 28 mm Pirelli P Zeros. I'm 178 cm tall but got a M50 frame with a 400 x 120 mm Orome bar/stem. Seat post is plenty long enough. I think it's a great bike. I'm getting on a bit so the more relaxed geometry of the Eglath is perfect for me. If you're planning on building an Eglath with 11 spd di2, note that the pictures of these frames on Elves website is not up-to-date as there is no longer a hole for the charging port junction A in the downtube. They've changed the design. You'll have to put the charging junction A in one end of your bars. The newer semi-wireless 12 spd di2 charges via the rear mech.
@@joystation1 thank you, really useful info. I will be setting my Elves (whichever model I decide to buy) with a mechanical Ultrgra set up for a while. I usually favour climbing bikes as do a lot of up and down so considering the Eglath as a compromise between the falath and vangar. I do like the look of the falath however!
l run 28mm on race bike. but for going town and so on 30s (sitting like 31 on my 303 firecrest and elitewheels ent) very very nice and fast (around 65kg ride weight) super happy with my falath pro 2022. thinking about the evo once they perfected the manufacturing like they did on the previous generation. love that green-gray colour. so unique (it does look a bit eh in 49 tho so not sure yet)
Yeah, the Falath pro is a really good frame as well. I feel like it's a little more simplistic than the Evo, while the Evo has more of the visual impact. Larger tires have been great for the type of roads I ride, that extra comfort translates to speed. Maybe 30's would be better 🤔
depends on what fits the frame, how wide the rims are, ride speed, rider weight ...@@JourdainColeman
I think value for money and looks! it's a bargain 👌..... I was going to say thank you for another independent review and followup, HOWEVER I've now got spice girls in my head, so you can shove that compliment 😜
Jordan, how is the stand over clearance? I'm 175cm as well and I'm not sure if I need a 49 or 52. What is your inseam whilst wearing your bike shoes? What is the actual stand over measurement of the finished 52 bike? Any answers will be greatly appreciated ❤
James, Michigan USA
Im gonna build one as well!
Enjoy!
Hi there. Thanks for sharing. Question: Did you tried it during a (fast)group ride?
Meaning going out of the saddle to close gaps etc or coming from corners?
I'm 173. My Bianchi 928L is a 55cm top tube about 395/-98 with 80mm stem. I believe a 50cm Elves with 90mm stem will fit me. Idk. I'm still struggling with the modern geometry 😂
I've not been on any fast group rides, mainly spins by myself testing the bike in country lanes and London roads. I personally like the bike. For geometry use bikeinsights.com/ to compare the two frames side by side. That should help you get a better visual understanding. 👍🏽
@@JourdainColeman thanks for the reply. If you have the chance join a group. Must not be a fast group ride 😋. Just rolling to see how the bike reacts. I’m depending on you if I’m going to pull the trigger or not 😂😂. Nah just kidding.
Ride save. I’ll be waiting for the group ride review 💪🏽
My bike doesn’t appear on the list option. 🤣 Bianchi 928L(2007)
Nice bike 👍👍👍
Thanks ✌️
Second hand Cube or Orbea Aeros for me, thanks a lot.
I don't understand the huge difference in top tube length and reach between the 3XL and the 4XL. Out of proportion to the other sizes. I'm 190 cm tall with long arms and am trying to decide between the 3XL and 4XL. I think I'll have to pass on this frame unless I can test ride it.
One question, have you tried to take it out for a gravel ride with some proper tires? I have seen a lot of people doing that with the trek madone sl7 and it would be nice if the falath evo had the same capabilities.
hahaha... I've not. I do have a gravel bike with 43mm tires so that get ridden when I'm off the beaten path.
@@JourdainColeman Fair enough :D
@@JourdainColeman But do you think you could fit a gravel tire like the Gravelking SK 32mm on it? Or maybe go a size up?
What lbs would service it?
may be grease up a bit for the hub sound?🤣
I ride q54cm tarmac what size would you recommend and do they do a rim brake version
For sizing I would do a direct comparison using bikeinsights.com/ - You can compare the two side by side and see the geometry differences. That's how I gauge what frame is roughly right then I did deeper into the geometry specs.
No rim brake version unfortunately
I bought the 4xl falath evo. Over 2000km together with the ltwoo erx. More than happy. No aero or carbon wheels. 7.8 kg.
Easy routing for hydraulic brake hoses with the pre run guides in the drop bars.
How tall are you?
@@dgaa1991 1.92m 3xl would’ve been a bit more comfortable i think. But i have nothing to complain about
@@sandroweimar7175 thanks for the reply! I’m 191 myself and I was actually thinking about getting the 3xl myself, just so the seatpost isn’t looking too short.
@@dgaa1991 to get that higher seatpost look you want a 3xl would be better. Just be aware that the angle to the steering will be “sporty”
Sorry How is 429 for a 105 hydro gruppo bad? should it be cheaper
No it's good 👍🏽 Really good price for everything you get
What is your inseam? I’m 173 cm and wondering between the 49 and 52 for my purchase
49 will be too small. Im 174cm, race bike are usually 545mm in stack and endurance bikes 570mm
@@Numeriwar elves rep says the 49 falath works for 173 cm. Not too concerned with the 528 stack because my allez was 538 so I can just run a few spacers
Is the mechanical shifting ok despite tortuous cable routing?
The routing is already done with plastic cables. Just attach your shifting cables and pull through. Did the same for my hydraulic lines. Idk why they had such an issue
@@sandroweimar7175 Thanks, but I wasn't concerned about the routing itself, more, the effect it has on accurate shifting...
@@valmorellExcessively sharp bends can cause most shift cables and housings to create too much friction for near-effortless operation. Your best bet would be to use high-end shift cables with a Teflon or slick coating (excluding Shimano's).
@@valmorell understandable, although if you use an electronic group-set those worries are a thing of the past. Im actually using the ltwoo erx which can be run as a 2x10/11/12. If that’s something that interests you.
From my experience...
Routing cables is a pain in the ass, there is no quick win if you are using hydraulic brake hoses and shifting cables. Annoying enough to consider the electric groupset (if you can stomach triple the price). You can see this in all the builds on my channel.
As for the performance of shifting, no issues at all. I rode Ultrgra semi routed on my Giant for years and the shifting is no different on the Elves. I thought that it would squash the lines and the shifting would be bad, it's not at all. The braking is really good as well as you saw.
The key is to take your time with the routing. The orientation of the cables in the frame before they even get to the headtube and the headset is key. the less times they have to cross the better
The short version: For ease and servicing and install, get electric. Performance, no complaints form me.
Dude, tpu or latex tube doesn’t brake tje bank, you’ve went splashing some decent money, those 30$£€whatever wont bankrupt you, it the most watt saving per you could get.
Great video, but I still don't think I could start my potential build with a no name frameset.
With a no name frameset? Ur barely even looking around the world…. Go check ALOT of asian countries…. Stop looking at the west
I mean it’s a UCI approved frame and raced by conti teams in Asia. No-name in the west (for now), but it won’t be that way forever.
@@Eramsay121 UCI-approved just means it meets the weight limit of 6.8 kg, it doesn't mean the frame is of quality, that it has a warranty, U.S. or European resellers and support; the things that would give shoppers confidence.
@@M3GRSD it has warranty from its resellers. Mine is Elves bikes germany. Even get a fancy metal warranty card😅
@@M3GRSDit has 5 year warranty from its authorized distributors. Frame is stupidly strong i crashed my 2022 falath twice and still no damage. I’ve only seen damaged frame from user mistakes like over torqued seat post. If factory defects elves will warranty it asap.
Heya, how would one order the bike?
Depends where you are in the world. In the UK - uk.elvesbike.com/ Message them, they are pretty responsive.
@@JourdainColeman I wonder what are Elves sites for USA or Asia?
@@Takemikazzuchitry Google it. You will find us elves site as well.
I got a trek emonda full carbon with ultegra and almost cost the same 😂
I have Colnago v2r Trek Emonda also badass frame .I would never ever buy Chinese crap who gave us covidd and destroyed United States .why would anybody support that country. Most people don't know this if China takes over Taiwan bicycle industry is screwed.
Why not tubeless?
Costs like 100 bucks more
Gusto
Seems like a lot for an unknown chinese frame
8.7 kg? My Giant Propel with mechanical Ultegra in size XL with alu wheels is 500 grams lighter.
your groupset is 300g lighter, and unless your running 32mm tires i'd say theres probably some weight there as well. your rims probably weigh similar if they are half decent, just not as aero. weight per $ the evo is a much better value proposition, and it looks better (subjective).
@@steinanderson9849 yes but my bike is twice as big, and it costed me €2149,- three years a go, so it is almost €1000,- cheaper. I have the giant alu wheels made by DT swiss with a rim depth of 35mm. 25 mm Continental granprix with butyl inertubes, a relatively heavy saddle and alloy handlebar and stem.
@basvanleeuwen . The retail selling price of the Giant propel Advanced pro 1 Pro was 3’499 USD. Giant sold the propel only with carbon wheels, when you have alloy rims, it means that you got a bargain being a “special build” , not comparable with Jourdains build which can be used as a template for everyone to rebuild. So the price per kilo ratio is not fair in that perspective
@@user-zr6wy7rq9n I didn't get the pro model. But the green black advanced 1 form 2018 with rim brakes. I bought it from my own shop, It is bone stock apart from the saddle and stem. UA-cam wouldn't let me paste the link here. But the original mrsp was €2149,- here in the Netherlands.
that 105 groupset. ive got it on my canyon endurace. it. just. works.
it sure does, it's a great groupset. I've just put it on a build today 👍🏽
6Nm on those thru axles that is not much🤔
Over 8.5 kg is a tank for any style of race road bike. 32mm tires are ridiculous. The roads in the UK can't be that bad.
Whose patents were stolen to build that bike?
You should BUY instead the ELVES VANYAR RIM BRAKE WAY WAY WAY BETTER BIKE PERIOD!!!🤷🏼♂️🚴🏻
Carbon wheels + Rim brakes + rain = no brakes. Disc brakes are great in this combination. In other words, rim brakes with carbon wheels are great in mice weather, on smooth tarmac, on the flats or climbs. Other conditions warrant seriously looking at disc brakes.
I like everything about this frame apart from the name. Falath just feels so horrible to say, it feels like I am having a stroke and cant speak properly. This is only the second time I have come across a product with a name that dead stops me from buying it(The other time was when Honda released a car with a name that in my language was just the word pussy and in my language that word is not interchangeable with cat).
😂
Call it “the EVO”? My wife does😅
3000 dollars, sorry but I'll stick to my 100 euro granny bike🤣😉
Warum kaufs Du chinesiche bikes wenn mann für dieses Geld kannst kaufen Scott , Orbea oder Canyon...?
Mit diesen Marken hat mann Garantie und keine grosse Sorgen.🙂
You have warranty with the elves too, and you don’t get good wheels, 105 and a decent/good frame for 3k with the western brands. Or correct me if I’m wrong?
😂😂😂
Those tires are not the fastest, not 28mm either. Also those tires destroy the aerogains from the deep rim. Haven't seen bigger balloons since the movie The Aeronauts 🤣🤣🤣
Skill issue
😂😂
Sorry, I know I sound negative. I would never ever!! buy Chinese crap frame for 3000 holy shit !especially Chinese frame head tube known to snap!hell with that now. Japanese carbon material like Toray carbon they used from Colnago to Derosa or Pinrello you know your getting really nice frame when they used same material on Boeing aircraft to Nasa. My money is not supporting China.