THE CHINA EXPERIMENT
A member of Road Bike Pilipinas asked for opinions from those who have tried out a China replica frame. Except for a few who have actually bought one, the post was bombarded by negative comments from people who have NO personal knowledge of how they perform and who resort to providing links of outdated articles/videos from sources whose agendas are unknown.
I am willing to put this controversy (and my money) to the test.
I have placed an order for a replica frame, pictured below. I will subject this frame to the usual stress tests that a regular weekend warrior will do. I will bike in the rain, schedule monthly long rides, an ascent and descent of a difficult traverse in Rizal province known as "Sierra" and will join the Audax 200 event in May 2017. I will update everyone of the results, including average and top speeds.
To reduce the variables of any outcome to this test, i will install a Campagnolo Super Record 11s groupset and authentic Zipp 404 Firecrests to the frame. Meaning, nothing but the best for this "fake" frame.
If the frame fails as some of you expect or trumpet, then it is my life at stake, and my posts would validate your fears. I will also be at the forefront of banning the sale of replica frames in my country.
If the frame does NOT fail after 6 months, then my test will empirically prove -- at least insofar as THIS ONE FRAME is concerned -- that the negative posts are unfounded. If you just purchased a G or M or C at the same pricepoint of Php35,000 (about $700), you might hate yourself because you could have gotten a carbon frame but you chose to go with a known brand's alloy frame. For bike snobs, you will hate me because this may mean more high-end lookalikes on the road.
Why am i doing this? I came from a below-middle income family like a lot in the Philippines. Some dont have the money to buy an F10 frame for Php330k but are willing to buy a similar frame for 1/10th the price of an original, so long as there is first-hand information that the frame is not a veritable deathtrap (if not a total waste of money). I am giving the average Filipino biker an "informed judgment" and a cheaper (albeit, fake) option to enjoy this sport.
I do NOT promote the purchase of fake products. But let's face it -- not everyone has the money to buy the original. The only question I (and a lot of others) want answered is: IS IT SAFE?
Peace to all.
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UPDATE: i have been given the privilege "for the benefit of the Filipino cycling community" to make a comparative test between the fake Bianchi frame and an authentic one. I shall be seeking the help of experts to make a review of both frames based on common parameters like stiffness, handling, cornering, responsiveness in ascents and descents, comfort and the like. I shall test the authentic bike first, but will reveal my opinion thereon in a comparative way once i have also begun testing on the fake frame.
Stay tuned.
I am willing to put this controversy (and my money) to the test.
I have placed an order for a replica frame, pictured below. I will subject this frame to the usual stress tests that a regular weekend warrior will do. I will bike in the rain, schedule monthly long rides, an ascent and descent of a difficult traverse in Rizal province known as "Sierra" and will join the Audax 200 event in May 2017. I will update everyone of the results, including average and top speeds.
To reduce the variables of any outcome to this test, i will install a Campagnolo Super Record 11s groupset and authentic Zipp 404 Firecrests to the frame. Meaning, nothing but the best for this "fake" frame.
If the frame fails as some of you expect or trumpet, then it is my life at stake, and my posts would validate your fears. I will also be at the forefront of banning the sale of replica frames in my country.
If the frame does NOT fail after 6 months, then my test will empirically prove -- at least insofar as THIS ONE FRAME is concerned -- that the negative posts are unfounded. If you just purchased a G or M or C at the same pricepoint of Php35,000 (about $700), you might hate yourself because you could have gotten a carbon frame but you chose to go with a known brand's alloy frame. For bike snobs, you will hate me because this may mean more high-end lookalikes on the road.
Why am i doing this? I came from a below-middle income family like a lot in the Philippines. Some dont have the money to buy an F10 frame for Php330k but are willing to buy a similar frame for 1/10th the price of an original, so long as there is first-hand information that the frame is not a veritable deathtrap (if not a total waste of money). I am giving the average Filipino biker an "informed judgment" and a cheaper (albeit, fake) option to enjoy this sport.
I do NOT promote the purchase of fake products. But let's face it -- not everyone has the money to buy the original. The only question I (and a lot of others) want answered is: IS IT SAFE?
Peace to all.
------------------------
UPDATE: i have been given the privilege "for the benefit of the Filipino cycling community" to make a comparative test between the fake Bianchi frame and an authentic one. I shall be seeking the help of experts to make a review of both frames based on common parameters like stiffness, handling, cornering, responsiveness in ascents and descents, comfort and the like. I shall test the authentic bike first, but will reveal my opinion thereon in a comparative way once i have also begun testing on the fake frame.
Stay tuned.
