Put this build together back in 2015/2016, right around when everyone was still sneering at Chinese carbon frames. This one’s barely seen any miles—maybe 3,000 km tops—and it’s spent nearly all its life indoors, in a proper dry room, even through a couple house moves. Running a Shimano Ultegra 6800 groupset and Campagnolo Scirocco wheels—always looked after, barely ridden, honestly it’s close to new.
Now I’m getting back into cycling, both indoors and out, and just want to know: should I be worried about the frame at this age? Is it still going to be solid, or am I just rolling around on a creaky old relic? I’m not racing or anything, just want something reliable for casual use. Is it worth sticking with what I’ve got, or time to start thinking about a new build?
by theboycooper
4 Comments
Frames don’t just deteriorate over time so it’s probably fine unless it’s sat in the sun for a decade
Specifically for the ageing I don’t think you have any worries. UV light is a big one, heat and load cycles also matter. The way you’ve described it has been looked after the carbon layup should have plenty of life left. For it being a chinarello regardless of the age, you’ve already tested it fairly thoroughly at least. If there was a messed up thin spot it should have revealed itself in those back when you were riding it. I would still personally swap out the fork probably. I can deal with cracks developing around the bottom bracket if that happens, but the steerer tube cracking and it might be a trip to the hospital. Chinese carbon frames have gotten better to improve the reputation, some of the chinarellos were absolutely garbage and some were acceptable there was bunch of different factories making them.
kinda looks like a pinarello ngl
I thought it was a Pinarello!