There are many distinct factories in China who produce carbon fiber bikes, some of which promote real bikes and others who construct counterfeit models. It is essential to be capable to inform the difference between a counterfeit bike and a real one, now not solely will you get your money’s worth, but counterfeit bikes can also be very dangerous with the plausible to result in a nasty, and even deadly crash.

We have gathered together a listing of exams to make sure you are buying a real Chinese carbon bike, preventing any avoidable crashes and keeping you cycling happy!

Remember, now not all Chinese carbon bike producers are counterfeit, however it is essential to be capable to recognize the difference for your own safety.

# Why you shouldn’t purchase counterfeit frames
Although the frame may seem to be the real deal and be a lot cheaper than the original, they are genuinely some thing to avoid! Counterfeit frames are more probable to crack or even shatter, in particular all through a high have an effect on crash. Unlike genuine carbon fiber frames, counterfeit frames cannot take as an awful lot impact, with even the smallest of crashes to be life-threatening.

Here you can study this thorough take a look at from Velonews, they evaluation a real Specialized frame and a counterfeit one. You might also have a deeper thought that why you shouldn’t purchase these frames,

# Chinese carbon bike take a look at standard
In order to take a look at Chinese carbon fiber bikes, we have gathered together many specific assessments to ensure you are capable to perceive a authentic carbon fiber bike from a counterfeit.

Stiffness
In order to check the stiffness of a counterfeit Chinese carbon fiber bike, Microbac carried out numerous tests. One of these tests consisted of loading each the frame and the fork with 300 kilos of exterior force through the seat post. These effects have been measured in terms of compression. Microbac concluded the counterfeit cycle to be over 11% less stiff than the proper carbon fiber cycle.

Tensile strength
Tests performed by using velo news the use of a tarmac branded bike printed that the authentic tarmac branded bike was once engineered to ride on the toughest terrains whereas the counterfeit mannequin used to be truely designed to seem like the brand itself. Therefore, the tensile power of the counterfeit was much, lots weaker and truely marked as dangerous.

Quality manage standard
When searching at a carbon fiber cycle, it is important to determine the nice of the bike. Look for stiffness in the frame, tensile strength, weight of the frame and any unusual markings of paintwork which might also provide the sign closer to being counterfeit.

# Bike paint job
Looking at the paint job of a cycle can often be a simple way of identifying a counterfeit bike. Often, the paint jobs are not remotely comparable or of much decrease quality. In some cases, counterfeit manufacturers have even used completely distinctive colors, making it that little bit easier to spot.

# Frame geometry
One key distinction between a authentic carbon fiber cycle and a counterfeit is certainly the body geometry, especially the size of the frame. Measuring up an proper body in opposition to a counterfeit will frequently see a distinction between sizes, most usually being the counterfeit being a whole lot smaller.

# Carbon Bike weight
With many unique factors making up a bike, it can be hard to perceive what is actual and what is fake. The weight of carbon fiber bikes need to be light, mainly if the majority of the components are actual carbon fiber. Counterfeit carbon fiber cycles will often be plenty heavier, as the substances used may also not even be carbon fiber, simply disguised as it.

Frame weight
Counterfeit carbon fiber body typically weighs significantly greater than real carbon fiber. This is due to low-quality headsets and seat collars, often developed out of much cheaper, much less long lasting and heavier materials.

Meanwhile, if you choose to pick a Chinese carbon frame, you can additionally evaluate the weight with extraordinary sellers. Of course it could be heavier than top brands like Trek, Specialized, Cervevo or other brands, however preserve in mind suggestions as below:

Aerodynamic frames are heavier than superlight frame
Disc brake frames are a little heavier than ordinary rim brake frames.
Always ask yourself, what’s the motive of your riding? Climbing? Speedy?
Find the proper bike body size. Some cyclists select to select a smaller dimension to get a lighter bike, however incorrect size bike may additionally damage you in lengthy time period way.
Rim weight
Carbon fiber rims are in particular designed to withstand additional force placed via the rider for the duration of difficult climbs and descents while managing excessive speeds and sharp corners. Counterfeit brands are hazardous as the rims may also be unable to withstand the pressure furnished through the bike, resulting in a horrible and potentially deadly crash.

Components weight
When searching at the man or woman elements in which make up a carbon fiber bike, the whole weight should be a good deal much less than that of counterfeit parts. Counterfeit parts are frequently an awful lot heavier due to the non-carbon fiber being used, these materials are a lot greater hazardous and not well worth your money. When buying a Chinese carbon fiber bike online, be sure to take a look at the weight classification of the bike in the specifications section, observed through matching this up to the company and or cycle to test the authenticity.

# Chinese carbon wheels
It is a common truth that the wheels on any cycle need to be robust enough to withstand the pressure positioned thru the bike. Counterfeit wheels are a recipe for disaster. Below we will go into further detail into what to seem to be for, permitting you to pick out the distinction between appropriate carbon fiber and counterfeit, dangerous materials.

Chinese Carbon Rims
When it comes to rims, as lengthy as they are made of genuine carbon fiber and assembled efficiently you must have nothing to worry about. The first-rate of the rims ought to be tested and felt whilst riding, with low-quality rims handy to spot.

Hub
The hub of a counterfeit cycle will often be heavier. Ensure to check the hub shell as nicely as axles and bearings to be geared up correctly, therefore, stopping any future crashes and improving your security on the road. A inaccurate hub may end result in spokes no longer fitting into region with the doable for them to snap, increasing the probabilities of you taking a tumble as well as destructive your bike.

Spare parts
In terms of spare parts, ensure these are of high-quality. There is nothing worse than breaking down whilst ill-prepared, in no way idea breaking down with counterfeit materials which may additionally be even greater risky than before. Check spares such as inner tubes for any punctures or faulty marks alongside brakes and device kits so they all work in conjunction.

Wheel Assemble
The assembly of the carbon wheels is imperative to the safety of the cycle. In terms of searching for a counterfeit based on the carbon wheels, one issue to seem for are any unusual markings, terrible assembly or distinction in weight between actual carbon wheels.

# The FAQ of Chinese Carbon bike
- How to purchase Chinese wholesales bike online?
There are a few famous B2B/B2C wholesale platform in China which you ought to find masses of Chinese suppliers/trading companies. Like Alibaba, AliExpress, DHgate and so on. If you prefer to purchase bikes in bulk order, you can check our guide for buying Chinese wholesale bikes.

- Where are Specialized bikes made
Most of the Specialized bikes are made in Taiwan and China, whilst their headquarter in USA is focused on R&D, checking out and so on. There is nothing incorrect about the fact that most of the pinnacle brands (like Trek, Specialized, Giant, and so on) are made in China.

The reality why human beings don’t have confidence “General” manufacturers made in China, is that without desirable take a look at and excellent control, they could promote at an implausible low fee without a fine guarantee.

You can additionally take a look at more unique answers from Quora.

-  DHgate carbon fiber bikes
Our suggestion is that you shouldn’t buy your carbon bike elements (frame, rim, handlebar, and components) from DHgate.

As a producer in China, we recognize the hints that human beings are enjoying on DHgate. DHgate is the platform imparting the lowest rate you can ever imagine.

Think twice about the price: Do you sincerely consider a USD300 body ought to be proper and safe to ride? If you don’t have sufficient budget for a carbon frame, you shouldn’t buy. Try an aluminum body as a substitute or go to Decathlon.

- Aliexpress carbon fiber bikes
The fact is you can find sensible carbon bikes on Aliexpress. Most of carbon bike manufacturers are selling on Aliexpress (The Top 3 Aliexpress markets are Russian, France and Brazil)

Before buying your carbon bike factors on Aliexpress, keep these pointers on hand:

Always check the guarantee policy, specifically about the return and refund part
Read critiques carefully, particularly ONE STAR reviews
The shipping method. You need to pay Customs tax and perhaps VAT in your own united states of america if you pick out EMS( which is more cost effective but takes 15-20 days to supply generally).
Check their bundle small print (Will the frame been packed carefully to keep away from unfavourable or scratching for the duration of delivery?)
Don’t ask for a huge discount, or you will acquire the bike with “discount” quality. USD20 would possibly be nothing for you, but it’s a 1-day salary for a Chinese worker. Be respectful of hand-made products.

- eBay carbon fiber bikes
The simple truth of carbon bikes on eBay is, they are retailers from Aliexpress. The difference is as below

> You pay more on eBay for the same products
> You get extra rights if you receive low-quality products
> You may additionally discover some good first-class 2nd hand bikes at a reasonable price.

Our recommendation is, if solely you desire to purchase 2n-hand branded bikes, check them on eBay is a proper option.

- Amazon carbon fiber bikes
Similar to eBay, there is a huge danger you will locate the identical seller from Aliexpress. But it’s now not a exact alternative to choose Chinese carbon bikes on Amazon.

Why?

The reply is simply, Amazon expenses greater fee prices from sellers, and they offer a hundred percent assurance for buyers, that’s why no longer so many carbon bikes dealers on Amazon. Admit that all human beings are equal when you meet these clients who simply prefer a carbon bike barring paying the money, you will no longer have faith Amazon.

Now over to you

Did you buy any carbon bike components from Aliexpress?

How do you assume about Chinese carbon fiber bike?

Or you can also choose to buy from Amazon

Either way, let us be aware of your experiences on Chinese bikes by way of commenting below.

Tags | carbon frame, china, chinese frame, cycling, frame technology, road bike, road bike frame