Building a Disc Brake Carbon Road Bike with a 2x12 Electronic Group Set

Jul 14, 2024

Building a Disc Brake Carbon Road Bike with a 2x12 Electronic Group Set

Presenter: Luke from Trey Stella

Introduction

  • Luke introduces the build of a disc brake carbon road bike with a 2x12 electronic group set.
  • Emphasizes that every part is sourced from Chinese manufacturers.
  • Mentioned he received a YouTube silver play button for 100,000 subscribers.

Components and Parts

Frame

  • Brand: Trifox
  • Model: X18
  • Material: Fully carbon fiber
  • Features: Fully internal cable routing

Group Set

  • Brand: L2
  • Model: ERX
  • Type: Electronic group set
  • Features: Carbon fiber parts, fully hydraulic disc braking

Wheelset

  • Brand: Elite Wheels
  • Model: Drive 50d
  • Features: Super lightweight, 50mm deep carbon rims, carbon spokes

Crank Set

  • Brand: Racework
  • Weight: 548 grams

Cassette

  • Brand: S Road
  • Type: 12-speed Chrome owner steel monoblock cassette
  • Features: Lightweight and durable

Bottom Bracket

  • Brand: Giancon (purchased on eBay)

Saddle

  • Brand: AliExpress
  • Material: Carbon

Pedals

  • Brand: Costello
  • Design: Similar to older Time Espresso 12 pedals

Disc Rotors

  • Brand: Zedrace

Bar Tape

  • Purchased from eBay for three quid

Chain

  • Brand: KMC (12-speed)
  • Note: A 12-speed VG Sports chain from AliExpress is on the way

Tires

  • Brand: Hutchinson

Assembly Process

Cutting the Steerer Tube

  • Fitting wheels to check height and spacing
  • Used a stem as a rudimentary cutting guide
  • Score mark on the steerer tube, cut to length

Brake Hose Routing

  • Using a gear cable to pull brake hoses through tight spaces
  • Front and rear brake calipers mounted
  • Internal cable routing is smooth without obstructions

Front End Assembly

  • Brake hoses pulled through fork and frame
  • Headset spacers and compression ring setup
  • Grease applied to the frame-headset interface to reduce friction
  • Shifters mounted and plumbed in

Brakes Bleeding

  • Recommended to use Shimano mineral oil and a decent bleed kit
  • Reference to L2’s instructional video for details

Battery and Electronic Installation

  • Battery mounted inside the seat post using a rubber shim
  • Wires run through the frame before bottom bracket installation
  • Front and rear derailleur cables routed
  • Electronic shifting functionality tested successfully

Final Steps

  • Install bottom bracket, crankset, saddle, chain, and bar tape

Performance and Testing

Initial Testing

  • About 200 miles ridden
  • Generally impressed with the bike and components
  • Key tests: Waterproofing, shifting performance, and overall build quality
  • Both the frame and group set performed well

Frame

  • Similar geometry to the Specialized Tarmac SL7
  • Included aero handlebars are solid with minimal flex
  • Seat post clamp and fitting worked well

Group Set

  • Price: 537 quid for the carbon version, 437 quid for the aluminum version
  • Easy installation and indexing through a good companion app
  • Shifting performance efficient and fast

Issues Addressed

  • Sleep mode on group set not problematic
  • Waterproofing satisfactory after rain test

Braking Performance

  • Effective hydraulic braking
  • Rear derailleur durable even after a fall

Overall Cost

Total Cost

  • £2,233.49 (excluding import duties)

Comparisons

  • Specialized SL7 Comp vs. S-Works SL7 vs. Latest SL7 builds and costs
  • Notable savings and weight comparisons

Conclusion and Future Upgrades

Suggested Improvements

  • Replace bar tape with more durable options
  • Potential weight savings by upgrading brake calipers and front bar/stem combo

Final Thoughts

  • Emphasized the bike’s cost-effectiveness and performance
  • Encourages audience interaction and feedback