I can totally confirm this review. Built up this frame about 3 weeks ago. No complains about the frame so far. However, the derailleur hanger is somewhat off... The hole of the outer part doesn't align perfectly with the inner hole. Therefore, the thruaxle has trouble threading in sometimes. I ordered two hangers. Both have this problem. Ordering process was great. Wendy from lightcarbon responded within minutes.
Ive had the same issue with the rear axle, problem is with the cutout not being perpendicular to the axle and needs to be shimmed or tightening the lock screw will misalign it. Had issues with both brake mounts not being faced or in line with each other as well
Do you mean to say best of the bunch under 1k US? Not really saying much, more bargain basement CAT 6 really. Now overall would be quite the statement.
my current stable of bikes is a Tarmac SL8, Madone SLR Gen 6, Cervelo Aspero and a Light Carbon LCFS 911 MTB frame. That LCFS 911 is every bit as good as the premium western brand frames i have. I have beat the piss out of that thing riding it in places where i should know better, but under-biked for the win!. I also have a set of their in house carbon rim wheels on it. The bike (MTB) is built up to under 10kg for a full suspension bike. would buy it again without a thought.
@@ChromeLuxxit's the same as audio equipment. Reviewers are shills and if a sponsor see he's breaking the "pricing order", he won't get expensive shit to play with.
Just had a LCR007-V built. Bike shop said the frame quality was as good as any western brand; bike rides great too. Largest frameset they offer with a total build weight of 7.4kg, ultegra 11spd mechanical and 2021 Winspace Hyper wheels. Leap of faith for sure that many won’t be comfortable to take but for me it’s been totally worth it.
@@_clemens_ They trade in USD and I’m in Australia, paid no import tax. $520 for the frameset, $109 for the handlebar HBR13 (the one Hambini got) and $150 for paint and decals. You do have to specify what you want otherwise comes raw carbon and no decals. Delivery was another $150 and took 4 weeks to arrive from ordering. All up, $929 USD.
I got Lightcarbon wheels with their own hub. 50mm deep, 21mm internal - 28mm external width, 1380g for around 700 USD including shipping, all taxes paid, delivered to door by DPD. So far I did 4500km on them, pretty solid. For that price, unbeatable deal.
I ordered one after watching this video. It arrived about five weeks later. I also got the V3 quality control level. Matte black so I don’t care about thevpaint. I'm really happy with the bike. I don't have the ability to measure things as precisely as an engineer, but the fit and finish seem outstanding. The things you can see, such as around the bottom bracket and where the brake calipers attach, are completely clean. It was very easy to build. It's early days, yet I've only taken it out for 4 rides totaling about 120 miles. But the bike has been totally silent, and it is a blast to ride. We built it up with an Ultegra Di2 11 sp groupset that I took off of another bike. Elite Drive wheels and a Magene PES power meter. I don't think it would be easy to build a better bike for the money. I'm grateful to Hambini for bringing this company to my attention. Edit added. I forgot to mention that I paid 750 USD, which included shipping as well as the handle bar, seatpost and fork. In Europe you might have to pay some duties which could increase the price a little bit. One other little detail that I especially like is the Garmen holder that comes with the handlebar. Very well designed and solid.
Thanks for your honest review ! Kudos to light carbon for making a great product at a decent price. A shame to hear that companies just buy the z11 or z7 stuff.
9.5 is an obscenely good rating from the 5 year old. I sitting up and listening. I will have to order a "Hambini spec'ed frame". I won't be surprised if you've just sold a million dollars worth of frames. Your list of the "bads" should be on the good list.
If the parts fit, every bike is easy and quick to build. I bought a custom painted Elves last October, and it was, not like yours, flawless. Inside and out. Was a dream to build. Put 7500km into it, just last week i checked all bearings and the seats, still just like new. I am still very impressed for the price i paid. I would say the Elves frameset (1100€) is just as good as my old Cipollini NK1K frameset (4900€), that sadly, got destroyed in a accident.
I have the 917 XC frame, wheelset and bars. It’s a real leap of faith to order from them but their communications are good, and the shipment turned up exactly as promised, all taxes paid. I spent a bit more for a crackle paint job which was flawless. The frame has been excellent - I built it up with SR Suntour Axon Elite 120mm front and rear and SLX and basically ended up with a Transition Spur for half the price. A club mate got the 918 frameset and has had an equally good experience.
i bought and build this frame this year, really pleased with it and for only 150 dollar you can get a nice custom paint job to your own design. Real bargain and I put the first 1000km on it and its rocket :D
@@tkaushro about the paint job? There is a page on their website with all the different colours they are able to use. Depending on how many colors and which ones the prices differs slightly. Design is what ever you can come up with.
I've been speaking with Lightcarbon and personally I like the fact that you have to email and they are prompt in their reply's . This review has probably come at an good time as long as they haven't made you a Hambini special. When I put the order in I may just mention I want the same quality as the frame you got .😃
You will probably get a faulty frame, with quality issues, short word, Voids. Please, check my single video about this frame, I know is not the best, but it can give you a clear view of the voids I have in my LCR017-D frame. Please, consider this before moving forward
@@geoffreymccann2841 So if I am wrong and they provide good after sale care, why "unfortunately"? And you haven't placed your order yet, so how can you know which way it is? Or do you mean, replies to enquiries before committing to a purchase? I personally wouldn't commit to buying anything direct from China more expensive than a couple tenners.
Given your uber solid credibility I can't believe people question the pictures initially - when you literally have the frameset in front of you, after doing your own spec with the manufacturer! I'm just selling a couple bikes and have now found my 2025 road frameset for the winter building project. Although I might forgo those decals😅
Brooo, this is the second video and I sub! Thank you so much for such a great video. Please keep them coming. I'm considering buying a chineese road bike frame and this info is very helpful!
I can see lightcarbon making a ton of sales now that they have the Hambini seal of approval. Being able to pay for superior quality control is amazing. I just hope they don’t go the way of Winspace and double their prices after they got popular.
I have the same frame, I got it last month and its perfect! I am really impressed by the stiffness of the frame and the weight! definitely the best OEM brand
@@tiagosantos_ss Z tier? No I just inquired the price of the frame, they sent a paypal receipt, I paid for it and 3 weeks later the frame was built. My frame is exactly as Hambini’s, no issues
@tiagosantos_ss Mine is great your desired QC. I specifically requested z3 level QC . They shipped it to me 6 weeks or later. I recommend being very specific about
If they showed you this kind of quality / features table, they basically discussed with you as if you were a bike assembling company in Europe. Either you'd buy their own design frames or you'd give them your frame design let them sub-contract all manufacturing aspects around it, including mold design and QC. So, in a certain way, they basically sent you some sort of initial sample (they generally tend to be much better than what you'll receive later in mass production in most industries). There's nothing wrong in this, but I don't think they'd be so keen to receive 1000+ John Doe e-mails for full rainbow Z3/Z7/Z11 frame request. This table is 100% business to business literature
That's what I wonder about. But as Hambini pointed out, if there's enough margin 1000+ John Doe sales could add up to real money vs the low-margin/high volume OEM biz. Don't forget how GIANT came to be!
I purchased the LCR 007-V super light frame 2019. Long story short I only got around to the full build last year. I put a long compression plug and a hambini bottom bracket on it.This bike has been flawless. It's done 200 and 100 mile rides with no problems and creamed the big bike brands easy. The frame was made for Orbea and Nove Austria that I know of.
How do we know this company didn’t just go way over the top when they were prepping this frame for hambini knowing he was going to go through it with a fine tooth and comp. Would it be the same frame for Joe bloggs. I’m really interested in building a frame from scratch
Bought the same gravel frame and wheels lcG-017 you reviewed last year, absolutely love the bike. I ride gravel and slower club road rides on it. Now thinking of ordering this frame, hambini you’re costing me money!
The park tools bb tool and their tool retaining system works great on internal t47. Use a plastic bag between the cup and tool to protect the frame. Park Tools park tools BBT-RS
Hey Hambini, Most of those comments seem to be from people that have been swayed by big company marketing or perhaps they have an bias. The fact that they have never heard of the company or that the company doesn't have a record going back 50 years does not mean they produce crap products or have poor quality control. Yes it does mean its a more risky decision to place an order with them but that your videos clearly illustrate that is something we should pay attention to whoever the manufacturer is, Your videos clearly illustrate that none of them are more honest than politicians
And even the ones with a 50 year history can screw it up. Consider my 2023 Trek Domane SL6 Gen 4. I have NEVER had so many problems with a slipping seat post in my life and making strange popping noises. It’s all over Reddit. What a cluster f*ck from Trek!
@@Hambini If you really want to give another reaming to Trek (loved your Madone video) please review this Domane with the seatpost issue. It's crying out for your insights! These days I'm using a lock ring from an old tail lamp clamp to keep the seat post from slipping down, but it doesn't help with these ridiculous popping noises. Trek has had years to sort this out and they are on revision 4?? Why don't they just offer a simple fix that says - put this fix in if you don't care about isospeed and don't want seatpost slippage?!
I really appreciate the industry inside data and spec sheets Hambini can share with us. For example at 13:07 minute; a very simple looking table table but it is pure gold to understand the bike industry. Please more of these ugly but very informative tables and graphs from the bike industry. Maybe finding and sharing some sales pitch PPTs from account managers and representatives? :)
I've used them alot, their wheels are pretty decent too!! I have friends who live in French Alps, big time roadies.. and they all have their frames! and swear by them too
Yeah, judging from the photos from Hambini's website it looks like the upper part of the drops isn't parallel to the ground which I don't like. Anyway they also offer the "S" version which is the same frame with just a stem for internal routing.
@@albertosantangelo6872 for an all-mountain frame not really. It's quite perfect. I've been running it with 160mm Fox 36 performance elite and super deluxe ultimate HBO.
I have a similar frame that is 29er HT all carbon from a few years back. I have about 5000 miles of mountain biking on it. Several 100 mile events, 6 hour events. It's fine. It has not cracked or gotten injured. These companies are manufacturing for the companies charging 4x this cost.
Got the LCFS918 XC and is absolutely stellar. I concur with everything ham said about parts that fit and manufacturing quality. Ride-wise it just rides like every other FS bike I’ve ridden, including scalpel and epic
OT - If you are in the US looking for low quantities of made in Japan bearings, look no further. Quality, price, shipping and customer service are all top notch. Thanks Hambini!
I like these alternative to the brand name frame sets. I am still riding my twenty year old Giant frame (myself being an old whatsit!), but one day, I might have to look at a new bike.
Thanks for the mention. Looks good inside. Your original insta did proclaim that you thought it was better than a Time. 🤷♂️. Anyway. Can you share a pic of your BB interface with the frame? The BB is defo machined, not disputing that, but it has then been masked off for painting. It’s not been machined post paint. You would see the witness marks. The only issue it presents is the BB rests on paint. It might not cause you a problem, but if they had just masked off another couple of mm in the dia it would definitely not cause an issue. I think your t47 BBs are 52mm. Where the og CK is 50.8. Nit picking here, but you did just give it a 9.5 out of 10.
First time making it to the end of one of your videos, so maybe my attention is improving. Always like your pithy delivery. Good job! I want one of these! And I thought my next bike would have a steel frame. Keep doing what you do. Thanks. A
Call me crazy, or old fashioned, but I still much prefer the older rim brake bikes with threaded bottom brackets. Very interesting to see this though. Thanks.
My frame has huge voids in the upper seat tube, I don’t like how you sell this and then other buyers get the not quality pass frames. I bought my frame 2/3 months ago.
Well, I don’t understand why my comments/replies are getting deleted. I guess there is some militia cleaning the my honest and real experience with this same frame model. Am not using bad wording or offensive speech. If this comment section is just to speak only good things about Lightcarbon you will surprised about the originality of this hambini Chanel
I ordered the same frame model without any information about these "z tiers" at the time. Now, people are talking about z tiers very naturally, and it's the first time I'm hearing about this. Does the tier system make Lightcarbon a reliable brand, and am I responsible for receiving a faulty product because I didn’t ask for x, y, or z tier? The main idea that remains is that Lightcarbon is considered to be an immaculate and prestigious brand. As I learned from Hambini’s channel, this doesn't exist in the world of cycling manufacturing
Thanks a lot for this information. I'm on the looks to building a road-specific bike. And I came across lightcarbon (and a dutch dealer for them). but seems I can easily get one on my own. Thanks!
Agree with Hambini in this respect: what's "good" is often subjective. While I can't comment on the engineering quality of the design I will about the design itself. Two items that should end up in the bad column are the: integrated cockpit, what should be a simple as swapping out a stem involves replacing the handlebars, all for the sake of aesthetics; and b) seatpost. The frame's longevity is tied to the availability of a proprietary seatpost spec--I equate that with designed disposability. Thanks for your insights Hambini.
"-I equate that with designed disposability." Well, of course! Is there ANYTHING made-in-China that isn't? Integrated everything and goofy seatposts are what the market demands...I can't even imagine the negative comments here if the thing didn't have those...."features" is what they call them though for us they're "bugs". Most of these things will end up hanging in garages collecting dust anyway, so...
@@larryt.atcycleitalia5786 Well, the designed disposability so prevalent nowadays seems an attribute of rampant consumerism than geography. The Chinese are pumping out many, if not more, generic round seatposts, than proprietary aero ones. Consumer electronics (non-replaceable batteries, soldered in CPU's, drives and RAM) is the most notorious sector pushing the principle. Be that it as it may, you've a point: it's all about what the market will lap up.
@@Fetucinee".. an attribute of rampant consumerism" Where in the world of high-end cycling products does this NOT exist? That's what drives the market, no? Joe or Jill Crankarm think buying something new will make them faster, which to them equals more fun. Sheesh, as soon as they get a few rides on the new one they're searching for the next! I remember when VeloNews was jokingly referred to as "The Journal of Competitive Shopping" :-)
It would be nice to know what spec they use if you are a consumer that isn't aware of the standards at play. The frame i purchased from them i specced, size, paint, handlebars etc. But they never mentioned a different spec sheet for QC, if they had i would have gone with the highest possible, but maybe it was built into the price? Suppose i can always check the invoice. That all being said i was impressed with both the frame generally, the communication and the quality of parts. My only gripe build wise is that the frame i got the hole for the seat clamp was over size, so the rubber top piece doesn't sit flush with the frame - minor gripe. Since riding it its been a wonderful bike to own. Once you build a frame they are all kinda the same. The two piece handlebar and stem i got the internal routing was a nightmare to fit, but i got it all to run eventually. Overall, if you put a little bit of effort in to the ordering you get an excellent product at a very good price. So overall I'm pleased. Certainly beats spending 3-4k on a frame from a western manufacturer for it to basically just come from the same factory.
Excellent video. Well explained and easy to understand. I am considering a China frame, but scared of carbon (seems like plastic). I know alloy can also be fragile, but I feel you can throw the bike around a lot more, without worrying about cracks etc. Thank you for taking the time and effort in making this.
It's 2024...please stop with the uneducated "seems like plastic" comments. If you actually "throw" any bike around enough it can be damaged. Technology, in this case carbon, moves forward while cycling "luddites" drop farther and farther off the back.
Good lord, warn us before you telescope us down the insides of the bike! XD Good review. Let's see it built up and another review after some miles! Also, maybe you can find someone to give you sublimation printing Disney Princess art for the frame. :D
I have a rim brake LightCarbon -sad they are discontinued. It is a fantastic bike. My big beef is that you have a conversation with their sales agent - it would be nice to have prices on their website.
I really like the machined faces for the contact points. But some faces, like the headtube face underneath the lower headset bearing, will have a slight gap to the fork anyway, to make sure those two parts don't end up sanding each other when dirt gets in between them. So leaving those with a clear coated finish should be fine.
I purchased a rim brake frame from tjem 4 years ago. Very good and affordable. However i did notice one issue with ny frame later on. That is, the bottom bracket is off-center by a few mm.
Hello Hambini, I’m big fan here! May I ask for your opinion in the Triaero A9, you did a review about the A22 the previous version of it. I’m still a student but I want to pursue racing so I want to build a fast bike for a budget price. (Currently I’m just researching about what kind of brands I will purchase in the future)
What are the chances this particular frame unit went through additional quality inspection and extra care? Since they knew who they are dealing with. It is tempting to buy something like this but it is really hard to understand the level of quality just from one example.
Nice, I completed my first bike build in the winter (Winspace T1550). Love that bike got cheap bits last November when bike companies sold loads of stock off. I want to get a XC bike, looked at the one from Light Carbon off the back of this video. Would you ever consider reviewing off road bits. I need to source suspension forks etc at a sensible price. There’s loads of road bike stuff in direct to OEM but can’t see so much off road stuff. I’m a newb to off road stuff so this will be a right adventure. Feel free to roast my build video 😉
After spending close to 3 months endlessly and senselessly watching bike reviews and scrolling through product lists for my first road bike, I’ve finally decided to buy this bike. It’s such a weight lifted off me, I’m going to get a hambini approved sticker and put in on there! Fuck the UCI!!!
Hey Hambini, I bought the LCR017S-D. The issue I have is, LC does not have e-commerce on their website. If you pay by wire transfer, make sure Wendy verifies the form before you submit it. HSBC returned my payment minus the $35 fee. Got it right the second time.
I don't age. I'll always be 5... She's entered me/us on some study where she decides the exercise regime every day based on parameters that she gauges. The experiment is to see which is more effective, a generic but tailored plan produced by sports scientists or a daily assessment by a medical professional. Since she entered me on it, I've ended up with a resting heart rate of 40-45 and increased the FTP to 310. We went for a review last week, and the guys with the doctors are doing a lot better than the sports scientist cohort - I don't know that in actual results, but physically looking at the group, the difference is pronounced.
@@Hambini I think you should do a video on it, it would be interesting. There are countless influencers recommending supplements and training plans on YT, in my memory, you have never commented on your training plans or said anything further than you had the power of a shrimp. how old are you? Don't say 5.
The triangle is, or at least was, the Project Management triangle. It summarises the tradeoffs a Project Manager, on behalf of his client, needs to make..
I just dont like the seat post/stay mechanism. I prefer a more universal (open design) aproach to it. But i've been following Light for many a year now (durianrider's fault) its surely (after your video) bang-for-euro fram! /. thanks for sharing your wisdom and for the continued videos. regards from portugal!
What I saw and what I heard were in conflict with each other....... When you dished out the "prejudice" defense at 23:17 I knew exactly what time it was $$$$$$$. Would this be the same "prejudice" that you use when examining Cervelo, Look or Time frames?
Many Chinese frames suffer from one critical flaw. Misalignment of axel holes. My Personal experience, also tracevelo experience…And I also read here in comments someone had the same issue on this frame. Result is some resistance in wheel spinning and premature worn out bearing.
i wish they'd state the rider weight limits of their bikes. being a heavy rider, i know i'm not necessarily the target market, but it would still be nice.
I love watching videos like this. Quality at an affordable price is always nice to see.
I can totally confirm this review. Built up this frame about 3 weeks ago. No complains about the frame so far. However, the derailleur hanger is somewhat off... The hole of the outer part doesn't align perfectly with the inner hole. Therefore, the thruaxle has trouble threading in sometimes. I ordered two hangers. Both have this problem.
Ordering process was great. Wendy from lightcarbon responded within minutes.
Hambini... Care to comment on this one?
am having a complete different experience with this frame model. Mine is not consistent in the carbon layout. Full of voids in the upper seat tube
Ive had the same issue with the rear axle, problem is with the cutout not being perpendicular to the axle and needs to be shimmed or tightening the lock screw will misalign it. Had issues with both brake mounts not being faced or in line with each other as well
I have noticed extra resistance when screwing the rear thru axle, most likely misalignment
guys I had the same problem, but its the thru axle
Yishun/Light Carbon frame owner here. Yishun R086D - Definitely the best quality and performing brand I've purchased/tested under $1000 USD.
Do you mean to say best of the bunch under 1k US? Not really saying much, more bargain basement CAT 6 really. Now overall would be quite the statement.
my current stable of bikes is a Tarmac SL8, Madone SLR Gen 6, Cervelo Aspero and a Light Carbon LCFS 911 MTB frame. That LCFS 911 is every bit as good as the premium western brand frames i have. I have beat the piss out of that thing riding it in places where i should know better, but under-biked for the win!. I also have a set of their in house carbon rim wheels on it. The bike (MTB) is built up to under 10kg for a full suspension bike. would buy it again without a thought.
@@ChromeLuxxit's the same as audio equipment. Reviewers are shills and if a sponsor see he's breaking the "pricing order", he won't get expensive shit to play with.
Yishun is in Singapore
@@TheBassallyear100 nice to see a fellow LC owner that appreciates both ends of the branding spectrum.
Hambini slowly getting us ready for his onlyfans debut... one shirt at a time.
Just had a LCR007-V built. Bike shop said the frame quality was as good as any western brand; bike rides great too. Largest frameset they offer with a total build weight of 7.4kg, ultegra 11spd mechanical and 2021 Winspace Hyper wheels. Leap of faith for sure that many won’t be comfortable to take but for me it’s been totally worth it.
What did it cost (before import tax)? Because would be nice ti have a price idea.
Lightcarbon is the manufacturer for western brands, they have taken the leap of finance.
@@_clemens_ They trade in USD and I’m in Australia, paid no import tax. $520 for the frameset, $109 for the handlebar HBR13 (the one Hambini got) and $150 for paint and decals. You do have to specify what you want otherwise comes raw carbon and no decals. Delivery was another $150 and took 4 weeks to arrive from ordering. All up, $929 USD.
@@anemlachhomebrewing3690 Thanks!
@@_clemens_also, you need to specify the seat offset you want too.
I got Lightcarbon wheels with their own hub. 50mm deep, 21mm internal - 28mm external width, 1380g for around 700 USD including shipping, all taxes paid, delivered to door by DPD. So far I did 4500km on them, pretty solid. For that price, unbeatable deal.
I ordered one after watching this video. It arrived about five weeks later. I also got the V3 quality control level. Matte black so I don’t care about thevpaint. I'm really happy with the bike. I don't have the ability to measure things as precisely as an engineer, but the fit and finish seem outstanding. The things you can see, such as around the bottom bracket and where the brake calipers attach, are completely clean. It was very easy to build. It's early days, yet I've only taken it out for 4 rides totaling about 120 miles. But the bike has been totally silent, and it is a blast to ride. We built it up with an Ultegra Di2 11 sp groupset that I took off of another bike. Elite Drive wheels and a Magene PES power meter. I don't think it would be easy to build a better bike for the money. I'm grateful to Hambini for bringing this company to my attention. Edit added. I forgot to mention that I paid 750 USD, which included shipping as well as the handle bar, seatpost and fork. In Europe you might have to pay some duties which could increase the price a little bit. One other little detail that I especially like is the Garmen holder that comes with the handlebar. Very well designed and solid.
I'm glad it worked out! I've got the final build vid coming.
There is an error in the video, the wheels should be 9Velo CD58 not CD55
absolute (black) disgrace
I took a trip to absolute blacks hq. Well actually it's his dad's place that he uses to evade tax
i have a pair of the CD 45's. love em.
@@Hambini evading taxes isn't bad. If it's done correctly.
@@Hambini why were you visiting his dad?
Thanks for your honest review ! Kudos to light carbon for making a great product at a decent price. A shame to hear that companies just buy the z11 or z7 stuff.
9.5 is an obscenely good rating from the 5 year old. I sitting up and listening. I will have to order a "Hambini spec'ed frame". I won't be surprised if you've just sold a million dollars worth of frames. Your list of the "bads" should be on the good list.
Make sure to fill in your name as "Hambini" when placing your order 👍
@@event4216, I was thinking the same.. !
If the parts fit, every bike is easy and quick to build.
I bought a custom painted Elves last October, and it was, not like yours, flawless. Inside and out.
Was a dream to build.
Put 7500km into it, just last week i checked all bearings and the seats, still just like new.
I am still very impressed for the price i paid.
I would say the Elves frameset (1100€) is just as good as my old Cipollini NK1K frameset (4900€), that sadly, got destroyed in a accident.
Which model and year was your frame?
@@apv1 Got the 2023 Falath Evo in a size 54.
@@apv1 You can try elves or pardus. Both are cheap with great parts quality & ride. Simple.
I have the 917 XC frame, wheelset and bars. It’s a real leap of faith to order from them but their communications are good, and the shipment turned up exactly as promised, all taxes paid. I spent a bit more for a crackle paint job which was flawless. The frame has been excellent - I built it up with SR Suntour Axon Elite 120mm front and rear and SLX and basically ended up with a Transition Spur for half the price. A club mate got the 918 frameset and has had an equally good experience.
i bought and build this frame this year, really pleased with it and for only 150 dollar you can get a nice custom paint job to your own design. Real bargain and I put the first 1000km on it and its rocket :D
Can you share details what is possible here?
@@tkaushro about the paint job? There is a page on their website with all the different colours they are able to use. Depending on how many colors and which ones the prices differs slightly. Design is what ever you can come up with.
I've been speaking with Lightcarbon and personally I like the fact that you have to email and they are prompt in their reply's . This review has probably come at an good time as long as they haven't made you a Hambini special. When I put the order in I may just mention I want the same quality as the frame you got .😃
You will probably get a faulty frame, with quality issues, short word, Voids. Please, check my single video about this frame, I know is not the best, but it can give you a clear view of the voids I have in my LCR017-D frame. Please, consider this before moving forward
Every one is prompt to reply when fishing for business. It can be vastly different though once you have placed your order and paid the money.
This is beyond a Hambini special as he got it for free and has entered the realm of king shill
@@82vitt well unfortunately from my experience that just simply is not true. You'd think it would be but don't kid yourself.
@@geoffreymccann2841 So if I am wrong and they provide good after sale care, why "unfortunately"? And you haven't placed your order yet, so how can you know which way it is? Or do you mean, replies to enquiries before committing to a purchase? I personally wouldn't commit to buying anything direct from China more expensive than a couple tenners.
I picked up an aero bike from them just before Covid. I really like it. I'm happy you gave it a proper assessment.
Given your uber solid credibility I can't believe people question the pictures initially - when you literally have the frameset in front of you, after doing your own spec with the manufacturer! I'm just selling a couple bikes and have now found my 2025 road frameset for the winter building project. Although I might forgo those decals😅
Brooo, this is the second video and I sub!
Thank you so much for such a great video. Please keep them coming.
I'm considering buying a chineese road bike frame and this info is very helpful!
lightcarbon has been good for awhile. not surprised to get them seen by hambini, bout time.
Light Carbon has been on my short list radar for my next build but this has sealed the decision.
What the other are?
I can see lightcarbon making a ton of sales now that they have the Hambini seal of approval. Being able to pay for superior quality control is amazing.
I just hope they don’t go the way of Winspace and double their prices after they got popular.
Count on it!
I have the same frame, I got it last month and its perfect! I am really impressed by the stiffness of the frame and the weight! definitely the best OEM brand
@@alannkevin thanks for sharing you comment, can you tell me if you have requested any z tier when ordering your frame?
@@tiagosantos_ss Z tier? No I just inquired the price of the frame, they sent a paypal receipt, I paid for it and 3 weeks later the frame was built. My frame is exactly as Hambini’s, no issues
@tiagosantos_ss Mine is great your desired QC. I specifically requested z3 level QC . They shipped it to me 6 weeks or later. I recommend being very specific about
If they showed you this kind of quality / features table, they basically discussed with you as if you were a bike assembling company in Europe. Either you'd buy their own design frames or you'd give them your frame design let them sub-contract all manufacturing aspects around it, including mold design and QC. So, in a certain way, they basically sent you some sort of initial sample (they generally tend to be much better than what you'll receive later in mass production in most industries).
There's nothing wrong in this, but I don't think they'd be so keen to receive 1000+ John Doe e-mails for full rainbow Z3/Z7/Z11 frame request.
This table is 100% business to business literature
That's what I wonder about. But as Hambini pointed out, if there's enough margin 1000+ John Doe sales could add up to real money vs the low-margin/high volume OEM biz. Don't forget how GIANT came to be!
I purchased the LCR 007-V super light frame 2019. Long story short I only got around to the full build last year. I put a long compression plug and a hambini bottom bracket on it.This bike has been flawless. It's done 200 and 100 mile rides with no problems and creamed the big bike brands easy. The frame was made for Orbea and Nove Austria that I know of.
How do we know this company didn’t just go way over the top when they were prepping this frame for hambini knowing he was going to go through it with a fine tooth and comp. Would it be the same frame for Joe bloggs. I’m really interested in building a frame from scratch
Hambini ordered a frame anonymously in the past and had a similar build quality.
Count me in as a fan of these frames and now to your youtube channel. I'm now making plans to buy one too.
Bought the same gravel frame and wheels lcG-017 you reviewed last year, absolutely love the bike. I ride gravel and slower club road rides on it. Now thinking of ordering this frame, hambini you’re costing me money!
Tight AF SHIRT, AKA Vin Petrol 😂💪😎👍
The park tools bb tool and their tool retaining system works great on internal t47. Use a plastic bag between the cup and tool to protect the frame. Park Tools park tools BBT-RS
Hey Hambini, Most of those comments seem to be from people that have been swayed by big company marketing or perhaps they have an bias. The fact that they have never heard of the company or that the company doesn't have a record going back 50 years does not mean they produce crap products or have poor quality control. Yes it does mean its a more risky decision to place an order with them but that your videos clearly illustrate that is something we should pay attention to whoever the manufacturer is, Your videos clearly illustrate that none of them are more honest than politicians
And even the ones with a 50 year history can screw it up. Consider my 2023 Trek Domane SL6 Gen 4. I have NEVER had so many problems with a slipping seat post in my life and making strange popping noises. It’s all over Reddit. What a cluster f*ck from Trek!
Totally Agree. The ironic thing is you can buy this frame (or very similar) with a "western" badge on it for 4-5x the price.
@@Hambini If you really want to give another reaming to Trek (loved your Madone video) please review this Domane with the seatpost issue. It's crying out for your insights! These days I'm using a lock ring from an old tail lamp clamp to keep the seat post from slipping down, but it doesn't help with these ridiculous popping noises. Trek has had years to sort this out and they are on revision 4?? Why don't they just offer a simple fix that says - put this fix in if you don't care about isospeed and don't want seatpost slippage?!
@@HambiniAnd maybe not get their z3 spec!
I really appreciate the industry inside data and spec sheets Hambini can share with us. For example at 13:07 minute; a very simple looking table table but it is pure gold to understand the bike industry. Please more of these ugly but very informative tables and graphs from the bike industry. Maybe finding and sharing some sales pitch PPTs from account managers and representatives? :)
I've used them alot, their wheels are pretty decent too!! I have friends who live in French Alps, big time roadies.. and they all have their frames! and swear by them too
The integrated bar/stem is the cycling equivalent of buying a suit off the rack. You might get lucky, you probably wont.
Absolutely. Well said.
Yeah, judging from the photos from Hambini's website it looks like the upper part of the drops isn't parallel to the ground which I don't like.
Anyway they also offer the "S" version which is the same frame with just a stem for internal routing.
I was waiting for the commercial to end to watch hamibinis new video, but then I realized it was his new video.
I have the LCE971 and been riding it for past months. Awesome frame!
Isn’t the geometry very aggressive?
@@albertosantangelo6872 for an all-mountain frame not really. It's quite perfect. I've been running it with 160mm Fox 36 performance elite and super deluxe ultimate HBO.
I have a similar frame that is 29er HT all carbon from a few years back. I have about 5000 miles of mountain biking on it. Several 100 mile events, 6 hour events. It's fine. It has not cracked or gotten injured. These companies are manufacturing for the companies charging 4x this cost.
Got the LCFS918 XC and is absolutely stellar. I concur with everything ham said about parts that fit and manufacturing quality. Ride-wise it just rides like every other FS bike I’ve ridden, including scalpel and epic
Finally they teach you sports in school
OT - If you are in the US looking for low quantities of made in Japan bearings, look no further. Quality, price, shipping and customer service are all top notch. Thanks Hambini!
I like these alternative to the brand name frame sets. I am still riding my twenty year old Giant frame (myself being an old whatsit!), but one day, I might have to look at a new bike.
A++ great vid as usual. You are hard to impress but this frame for $800 did impress.
Satchin a Phenomenal frame and ancillaries. Congratulations to Light Carbon.
Thanks for slapping me in the face with this valuable review, like a fresh tuna on a coastal japanese fish market.
This might be a nice winter project... Darn you with your great recommendations :D
Frame is ordered (although the Gravel one for geometry reasons). Let's see if it holds up to hambini standards :)
Thanks for the mention. Looks good inside. Your original insta did proclaim that you thought it was better than a Time. 🤷♂️. Anyway. Can you share a pic of your BB interface with the frame? The BB is defo machined, not disputing that, but it has then been masked off for painting. It’s not been machined post paint. You would see the witness marks. The only issue it presents is the BB rests on paint. It might not cause you a problem, but if they had just masked off another couple of mm in the dia it would definitely not cause an issue. I think your t47 BBs are 52mm. Where the og CK is 50.8. Nit picking here, but you did just give it a 9.5 out of 10.
Here we go www.hambini.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/20240911-110733-scaled.jpg
First time making it to the end of one of your videos, so maybe my attention is improving. Always like your pithy delivery. Good job! I want one of these! And I thought my next bike would have a steel frame. Keep doing what you do. Thanks. A
Video thumbnail catches attention, keep up the good work!
That definitely is good value for 800£. Nice bike
Danish dealer sells that frameset for around 1500 euros. I think EU anti-dumping duty (48.5 percent) is huge on these chinese bike parts.
Call me crazy, or old fashioned, but I still much prefer the older rim brake bikes with threaded bottom brackets. Very interesting to see this though. Thanks.
Hambini is absolute ripped! See what i did there.
I don't get it
@@Hambinihe became a predator to the 5 year old
100% buying from these dudes
My frame has huge voids in the upper seat tube, I don’t like how you sell this and then other buyers get the not quality pass frames. I bought my frame 2/3 months ago.
@@tiagosantos_ss what did Lightcarbon say when you told them about the voids?
Well, I don’t understand why my comments/replies are getting deleted. I guess there is some militia cleaning the my honest and real experience with this same frame model. Am not using bad wording or offensive speech. If this comment section is just to speak only good things about Lightcarbon you will surprised about the originality of this hambini Chanel
Did you order the same level frame? If you didn't, that could explain the quality difference. Why not reach out to the manufacturer?
I did, they don’t give me a response. Still waiting
I ordered the same frame model without any information about these "z tiers" at the time. Now, people are talking about z tiers very naturally, and it's the first time I'm hearing about this. Does the tier system make Lightcarbon a reliable brand, and am I responsible for receiving a faulty product because I didn’t ask for x, y, or z tier? The main idea that remains is that Lightcarbon is considered to be an immaculate and prestigious brand. As I learned from Hambini’s channel, this doesn't exist in the world of cycling manufacturing
Thanks a lot for this information. I'm on the looks to building a road-specific bike. And I came across lightcarbon (and a dutch dealer for them). but seems I can easily get one on my own. Thanks!
Agree with Hambini in this respect: what's "good" is often subjective. While I can't comment on the engineering quality of the design I will about the design itself. Two items that should end up in the bad column are the: integrated cockpit, what should be a simple as swapping out a stem involves replacing the handlebars, all for the sake of aesthetics; and b) seatpost. The frame's longevity is tied to the availability of a proprietary seatpost spec--I equate that with designed disposability. Thanks for your insights Hambini.
"-I equate that with designed disposability." Well, of course! Is there ANYTHING made-in-China that isn't? Integrated everything and goofy seatposts are what the market demands...I can't even imagine the negative comments here if the thing didn't have those...."features" is what they call them though for us they're "bugs". Most of these things will end up hanging in garages collecting dust anyway, so...
@@larryt.atcycleitalia5786 Well, the designed disposability so prevalent nowadays seems an attribute of rampant consumerism than geography. The Chinese are pumping out many, if not more, generic round seatposts, than proprietary aero ones. Consumer electronics (non-replaceable batteries, soldered in CPU's, drives and RAM) is the most notorious sector pushing the principle. Be that it as it may, you've a point: it's all about what the market will lap up.
@@Fetucinee".. an attribute of rampant consumerism" Where in the world of high-end cycling products does this NOT exist? That's what drives the market, no? Joe or Jill Crankarm think buying something new will make them faster, which to them equals more fun. Sheesh, as soon as they get a few rides on the new one they're searching for the next! I remember when VeloNews was jokingly referred to as "The Journal of Competitive Shopping" :-)
I quite like the integrated cockpit on mine.
i'd go no decals minimalist AF imo. I got 2 dt swiss 180 wheel sets from them and they're great. i'd recommend lightcarbon.. LFG!
It would be nice to know what spec they use if you are a consumer that isn't aware of the standards at play. The frame i purchased from them i specced, size, paint, handlebars etc. But they never mentioned a different spec sheet for QC, if they had i would have gone with the highest possible, but maybe it was built into the price? Suppose i can always check the invoice.
That all being said i was impressed with both the frame generally, the communication and the quality of parts. My only gripe build wise is that the frame i got the hole for the seat clamp was over size, so the rubber top piece doesn't sit flush with the frame - minor gripe.
Since riding it its been a wonderful bike to own. Once you build a frame they are all kinda the same. The two piece handlebar and stem i got the internal routing was a nightmare to fit, but i got it all to run eventually. Overall, if you put a little bit of effort in to the ordering you get an excellent product at a very good price. So overall I'm pleased. Certainly beats spending 3-4k on a frame from a western manufacturer for it to basically just come from the same factory.
Excellent video. Well explained and easy to understand. I am considering a China frame, but scared of carbon (seems like plastic). I know alloy can also be fragile, but I feel you can throw the bike around a lot more, without worrying about cracks etc. Thank you for taking the time and effort in making this.
It's 2024...please stop with the uneducated "seems like plastic" comments. If you actually "throw" any bike around enough it can be damaged. Technology, in this case carbon, moves forward while cycling "luddites" drop farther and farther off the back.
Great info , looking forward to the “ ride video “
Great job Hambini.
Enjoyed the review, thank you!
Good lord, warn us before you telescope us down the insides of the bike! XD
Good review. Let's see it built up and another review after some miles! Also, maybe you can find someone to give you sublimation printing Disney Princess art for the frame. :D
I have a rim brake LightCarbon -sad they are discontinued. It is a fantastic bike. My big beef is that you have a conversation with their sales agent - it would be nice to have prices on their website.
Hambini washes on 60 deg
Do you want my other trabolo frame?
Yeah if you let me use my big black rod on it
T47 68 probably decreases the theoretical maximum tyre size compared to t47 86,5 or a PF86, though it is stated at 700x32c on the website
I really like the machined faces for the contact points. But some faces, like the headtube face underneath the lower headset bearing, will have a slight gap to the fork anyway, to make sure those two parts don't end up sanding each other when dirt gets in between them. So leaving those with a clear coated finish should be fine.
I purchased a rim brake frame from tjem 4 years ago. Very good and affordable. However i did notice one issue with ny frame later on. That is, the bottom bracket is off-center by a few mm.
Hambini "Thirst Trap Power Point" presentation. It's just us nerdy guys out here watching .... put on a shirt! 👾
Thanks for the donation!
Hello Hambini, I’m big fan here! May I ask for your opinion in the Triaero A9, you did a review about the A22 the previous version of it. I’m still a student but I want to pursue racing so I want to build a fast bike for a budget price. (Currently I’m just researching about what kind of brands I will purchase in the future)
Looks like the Hygge Model S and the LCR0X-D even more 😮
What are the chances this particular frame unit went through additional quality inspection and extra care? Since they knew who they are dealing with. It is tempting to buy something like this but it is really hard to understand the level of quality just from one example.
Yeah, its a Scaaaam!
Nice, I completed my first bike build in the winter (Winspace T1550). Love that bike got cheap bits last November when bike companies sold loads of stock off.
I want to get a XC bike, looked at the one from Light Carbon off the back of this video.
Would you ever consider reviewing off road bits. I need to source suspension forks etc at a sensible price. There’s loads of road bike stuff in direct to OEM but can’t see so much off road stuff.
I’m a newb to off road stuff so this will be a right adventure.
Feel free to roast my build video 😉
I think you got the triangle wrong mate - the old saying is you can have any 2 but not all 3. Makes sense when you think about it.
You are right, I shoudl have prefaced it with "low cost", High speed and High quality.
If the maker knew it was going to you is it possible they made an extra effort? You do have a reputation.....😉
After spending close to 3 months endlessly and senselessly watching bike reviews and scrolling through product lists for my first road bike, I’ve finally decided to buy this bike. It’s such a weight lifted off me, I’m going to get a hambini approved sticker and put in on there! Fuck the UCI!!!
Came for the review , stayed for the gun show 💪
Would be helpful to know prices.
Thanks for another video, Hambini!
i have to BTX frame sets...carbon gravel...cant beat them
Thanks for real information!
Hey Hambini, I bought the LCR017S-D. The issue I have is, LC does not have e-commerce on their website. If you pay by wire transfer, make sure Wendy verifies the form before you submit it. HSBC returned my payment minus the $35 fee. Got it right the second time.
did you check the frame internals?
You are a legend
It’s hard to believe that you can be so positive about something after mostly pointing out so many companies can not make round hole
I wanna know what the hairdresser has got you on. Looking ripped bro. Have you reached 6 years old yet?
I don't age. I'll always be 5... She's entered me/us on some study where she decides the exercise regime every day based on parameters that she gauges. The experiment is to see which is more effective, a generic but tailored plan produced by sports scientists or a daily assessment by a medical professional.
Since she entered me on it, I've ended up with a resting heart rate of 40-45 and increased the FTP to 310. We went for a review last week, and the guys with the doctors are doing a lot better than the sports scientist cohort - I don't know that in actual results, but physically looking at the group, the difference is pronounced.
@@Hambini I think you should do a video on it, it would be interesting. There are countless influencers recommending supplements and training plans on YT, in my memory, you have never commented on your training plans or said anything further than you had the power of a shrimp.
how old are you? Don't say 5.
@@Hambini What kind of doctors? Nutricionists, sports, more than one kind? Do they favor or are against carbs, meat, vegs?
For 800$, I'b be tempted to try it. Can we just call them up and ask for a "Hambini spec"?
Don't think I could ever get over that seat tube looking a lot like the current supersix evo.
Someone is hitting the gym, hum? Look at those guns! 💪
That's one jacked Prawn
Really nice seeing faced surfaces. Sadly much of the cycling industry is focused on appearance over functionality.
Insane value
My only question is - how aero is that bottom tube?
Surely the serrated seat post clamp piece will create stress raisers on the carbon seat post - that's why no-one else does it?
it's over multiple teeth so you are right it will create stress raisers but it's a larger contact patch than if it was knurled.
The triangle is, or at least was, the Project Management triangle. It summarises the tradeoffs a Project Manager, on behalf of his client, needs to make..
I wish all these decent Chinese brands did a more relaxed geometry frame for endurance.
Look at Yishun bikes, model R-1018D is endurance one. Model year 2023.
Head to chinertown. You'll find various options. The Yishun is a good suggestion
Check Lightcarbon LCG 072 D. Same stack/reach numbers as the Canyon Endurace.
I just dont like the seat post/stay mechanism. I prefer a more universal (open design) aproach to it.
But i've been following Light for many a year now (durianrider's fault) its surely (after your video) bang-for-euro fram!
/. thanks for sharing your wisdom and for the continued videos.
regards from portugal!
I'm a little disturbed by your princess blanket. Anyone else, i probably wouldn't even notice.
You will get used to it with time. No worries 👸
The hello, the blanket, the hairdresser, the reaming,etc. these are features, not bugs. Original trademark.
What I saw and what I heard were in conflict with each other....... When you dished out the "prejudice" defense at 23:17 I knew exactly what time it was $$$$$$$.
Would this be the same "prejudice" that you use when examining Cervelo, Look or Time frames?
Many Chinese frames suffer from one critical flaw. Misalignment of axel holes. My Personal experience, also tracevelo experience…And I also read here in comments someone had the same issue on this frame. Result is some resistance in wheel spinning and premature worn out bearing.
Can you review the Chinese Hygge Model S? Good job btw, always fun listening about you banging your hairdresser...
i wish they'd state the rider weight limits of their bikes. being a heavy rider, i know i'm not necessarily the target market, but it would still be nice.
Thanks Hambini, looking for gravel bike build project and will contact LightCarbon.