Uploaded March 2021 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
After 500 miles (800km), my Chinese carbon fibre bike frame has developed an issue, so let’s get it fixed!
Back in October 2020, I built myself a fully carbon disc brake road bike and documented the build here: youtu.be/vwQuMWnHfEo When sourcing the parts, my aim was to keep the cost low, while also keeping the weight down. I ended up buying most of the parts from AliExpress, except for the frame.
The carbon fiber frame (including the seat post, and forks) was supplied to me by a company called TriFox. I was initially very impressed with the frame, it was stiff, lightweight, and great value. But after taking the front wheel on and off a few times, the threads on the thru axle started to strip, and round off.
There was a problem with the fork, specifically the aluminium insert baked into the carbon fibre. This made it unsafe to ride as the front axle was no longer held tightly in place, and after contacting TriFox, they sent over a replacement.
So let’s review the problem, get the new fork fitted, and give the bike a once over!
Got any questions or comments, stick them below 👇 and I'll try and get back to as many of you as I can!
**SIROKO CLOTHING LINK** – Additional 10% off your order ordering via this link
srko.co/tracevelo
Trifox X16 Speedster Frame
trifoxbike.com/products/x16-speedster-thru-axle-carbon-fiber-road-bike-frameset
Timestamps:
00:00 – Start
00:40 – Sponsor Segment
02:14 – Intro
04:15 – Fork Issue
06:33 – Explanation
09:45 – Fork Removal
11:21 – Crown Race Discussion
15:29 – Bike Reassembly
16:01 – Final Thoughts
Please note:
With the exception of Siroko and TriFox products, all other products demonstrated in this video have been purchased by me, and I have no affiliation to any of the sellers or vendors shown.
In addition, I am not a professionally trained bike mechanic. There can be risks associated with using products that are unbranded, untested, or come from sources where the provenance is unknown. Please talk to a qualified bike mechanic if you are in any doubt.
In essence, be careful, do your research, and cycle safe!!!
Intro roll:
Created by Dev Joshi - go2dev.co.uk
Music:
Birocratic (birocratic.lnk.to/allYL)
Fresh Healthy Perspectives
Lakey Inspired (soundcloud.com/lakeyinspired)
The Process
Noir Et Blanc Vie (youtube.com/user/billyocean2185)
MydNyte
SefChol (youtube.com/channel/UCKb33gQvtR7KqIOFcC_kCLA)
Dangerous Toys
NoMBe (youtube.com/channel/UCa2Lphlcewqb42zSjAuie5w)
Take Me Down To The Fashion Show
About Trace Velo:
I love cycling, and I love getting pro cycling kit for less. If it’s cheap, from China, and made of carbon fibre, I’m interested!
Instagram:
instagram.com/tracevelo
Email:
tracevelouk@gmail.com
After 500 miles (800km), my Chinese carbon fibre bike frame has developed an issue, so let’s get it fixed!
Back in October 2020, I built myself a fully carbon disc brake road bike and documented the build here: youtu.be/vwQuMWnHfEo When sourcing the parts, my aim was to keep the cost low, while also keeping the weight down. I ended up buying most of the parts from AliExpress, except for the frame.
The carbon fiber frame (including the seat post, and forks) was supplied to me by a company called TriFox. I was initially very impressed with the frame, it was stiff, lightweight, and great value. But after taking the front wheel on and off a few times, the threads on the thru axle started to strip, and round off.
There was a problem with the fork, specifically the aluminium insert baked into the carbon fibre. This made it unsafe to ride as the front axle was no longer held tightly in place, and after contacting TriFox, they sent over a replacement.
So let’s review the problem, get the new fork fitted, and give the bike a once over!
Got any questions or comments, stick them below 👇 and I'll try and get back to as many of you as I can!
**SIROKO CLOTHING LINK** – Additional 10% off your order ordering via this link
srko.co/tracevelo
Trifox X16 Speedster Frame
trifoxbike.com/products/x16-speedster-thru-axle-carbon-fiber-road-bike-frameset
Timestamps:
00:00 – Start
00:40 – Sponsor Segment
02:14 – Intro
04:15 – Fork Issue
06:33 – Explanation
09:45 – Fork Removal
11:21 – Crown Race Discussion
15:29 – Bike Reassembly
16:01 – Final Thoughts
Please note:
With the exception of Siroko and TriFox products, all other products demonstrated in this video have been purchased by me, and I have no affiliation to any of the sellers or vendors shown.
In addition, I am not a professionally trained bike mechanic. There can be risks associated with using products that are unbranded, untested, or come from sources where the provenance is unknown. Please talk to a qualified bike mechanic if you are in any doubt.
In essence, be careful, do your research, and cycle safe!!!
Intro roll:
Created by Dev Joshi - go2dev.co.uk
Music:
Birocratic (birocratic.lnk.to/allYL)
Fresh Healthy Perspectives
Lakey Inspired (soundcloud.com/lakeyinspired)
The Process
Noir Et Blanc Vie (youtube.com/user/billyocean2185)
MydNyte
SefChol (youtube.com/channel/UCKb33gQvtR7KqIOFcC_kCLA)
Dangerous Toys
NoMBe (youtube.com/channel/UCa2Lphlcewqb42zSjAuie5w)
Take Me Down To The Fashion Show
About Trace Velo:
I love cycling, and I love getting pro cycling kit for less. If it’s cheap, from China, and made of carbon fibre, I’m interested!
Instagram:
instagram.com/tracevelo
Email:
tracevelouk@gmail.com
