Modern Integrated Frame & Cheap Mechanical Groupset: A Perfect Match?

Most modern road bike frames use fully integrated cabling, but can you use a mechanical groupset, how easy is it to install, and will the shifting be impacted? If you want to build a budget road bike, mechanical groupsets are still the only choice, but most frames nowadays, even the cheaper ones from AliExpress, offer fully integrated cabling. This usually means very tight 90 degree bends for cables and brake hoses, as they need to be routed through integrated bars, and down through the headset. I have always assumed fully integrated frames are only really suitable for electronic groupsets, so in this episode I am putting that to the test. I have a fully integrated carbon road bike frame from OG-EVKIN (their Qonqi frame), and a cheap mechanical groupset from L-TWOO (their R9 disc). I’ll be building up the bike, showing you the process of cabling everything, and at the end I’ll do a shifting demo. Spoiler alert, the shifting is perfect. Honestly I was incredibly surprised considering the bends that the gear housing had to navigate, and in the end, the build wasn’t that much more complicated that a regular build. OG-EVKIN Qonqi frame - Code ‘Tracevelo’ for 10% off https://ogevkinbike.com/products/qonq... Timestamps: 00:00 – Integrated frames 01:26 – Frame choice 01:49 – Carbon wheelset 02:22 – Testing cable fitment 03:50 – Cabling the bike 07:09 – Cabling through the headset 10:12 – Cutting the cables/hoses 11:36 – Total build cost 11:52 – OG-EVKIN - Qonqi frame 14:08 – Bike reveal & shifting demo 16:48 – Bike weigh in 17:16 – Build overview 19:24 – 200 miles later 20:22 – Headset issue 22:18 – Bonus clip & headset fix Intro roll: Created by Dev Joshi - http://www.go2dev.co.uk Instagram:   / tracevelo   Email: [email protected] Please note: 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!!!