HOW TO: Build a Chinese Carbon Fiber Bike

Crafting My Ride: A DIY Adventure into Building a Chinese Carbon Fiber Bike

In 2015, my curiosity and passion for cycling led me on an exciting journey to delve into the world of building a Chinese carbon fiber bike. The allure of constructing a custom ride with a unique blend of affordability and performance became an irresistible challenge.

Discovering Affordable Frames:

One of the initial revelations was the accessibility of Chinese carbon fiber frames at a surprisingly affordable cost, attributed to the fact that the majority of frames are manufactured in Asia. After thorough research, I stumbled upon platforms that streamlined the procurement process, making it more straightforward than navigating through Alibaba or Ebay.

Tooling Up for Success:

Armed with a basic bike tool kit and a reliable bike stand, my journey into bike building commenced with a blend of enthusiasm and a readiness to learn from trial and error. The prospect of crafting a bike from scratch was both a thrilling and humbling experience.

Sourcing Quality Components:

For the foundation of my bike, I turned to Velobuildfor the Chinese carbon fiber frame, ensuring a quality base for my project. To complement this, I secured affordable groupsets from Merlin Cycles in the UK, a decision that balanced cost-effectiveness with performance.

The Hunt for the Details:

Cables, along with other miscellaneous parts, became the final pieces of the puzzle. Thanks to the convenience of online shopping, I scoured Amazon and other reputable online outlets to source the necessary components that would complete the construction of my custom ride.

This journey wasn’t just about assembling a bike; it was a pursuit of knowledge, a hands-on exploration of the intricacies of cycling technology, and a testament to the accessibility of quality materials from around the globe.

As the pieces came together, my Chinese carbon fiber bike evolved into a tangible representation of my dedication to the sport and my willingness to embark on a DIY adventure. With every turn of the wrench and each carefully sourced component, I was not just building a bike; I was crafting a personal statement of my love for cycling and the joy of creating something truly unique.

Bike Assembly from Park Tools Website:

• Check frame alignment.
• Check frame and fork dropouts for alignment.
• Install bottom bracket. See cartridge type or adjustable type.
• Install cranks.
• Install pedals.
• Install bars into stem. Snug bar bolts, but do finial adjustment later.
• Install headset. See threadless type, or threaded type.
• Size and install fork into headtube.
• Threadless type – install stem and adjust bearings.
• Threaded type – install front wheel and adjust bearings. Wheel acts as a lever when securing locknut.
• Threaded type headsets: Install stem and bars. Align and secure both stem and bars.
• Threadless type headset bikes- align bars and stem, fully secure both.
• Install rear derailleur.
• Install front derailleur. Set height and rotation, but double check settings after cables installed.
• Install brake and shift levers
  • Flat MTB-type bars: install grips and bar ends, if any.
  • Dropbar types: do not wrap bars. Wait to wrap bars at end of work to keep tape clean
• Check true of both wheels. Correct as necessary.
• Adjust hub bearings, if adjustable type.
• Install rear cassette cogs or freewheel.
• Install rim strip, tires and tubes on both front and rear wheels.
• Install rear wheel.
• Install front wheel.
• Install brake housing and cables.
• Install and adjust front and rear brakes. See:
  • Linear Pull Brake Service
  • Dual Pivot Brake Service
  • Cantilever Brake Service
    • Smooth Post
    • Threaded Post
• Install derailleur housing and cables.
• Install and size chain.
• Adjust front and rear derailleurs
• Install saddle on seat post
• Install seat post into frame and adjust saddle position. Fully secure saddle rail binder bolt(s) and secure seat post in frame.
• Install reflectors and or lights
• Dropbar-type bikes: wrap handlebars.
• Don helmet and test ride bike. Readjust as necessary.
• After riding the bike, record your riding position. See Road Position, or MTB Position for printable charts.