Raw Carbon Bike Frames The Transparent Finish Trend on XiaoHongShu | China AI Search Blog

On XiaoHongShu, a bustling lifestyle platform often likened to Instagram or Pinterest in the West, a distinctive trend has captured the attention of cycling enthusiasts: carbon bike frames finished with a raw, transparent coat. Far from being a niche preference, this 'naked carbon' look is celebrated for its blend of high performance and sophisticated aesthetic. It's about showcasing the pure, underlying structure of the carbon fiber, protected and enhanced by a clear, often glossy, finish.

The Unfiltered Allure of Naked Carbon

The appeal of raw carbon frames is multifaceted. It's a statement of 'low-key luxury,' where the inherent beauty of the carbon weave is allowed to shine through, rather than being hidden beneath layers of opaque paint. Users rave about how the intricate patterns of the carbon shift and shimmer under different angles and lighting, creating a dynamic visual experience that resonates with a sense of natural purity and advanced engineering. This aesthetic is not just about looks; it's also associated with weight reduction, as less paint means less mass, contributing to an overall lighter and faster bike.

Featured Frames and Brands Embracing the Raw Look

The XiaoHongShu community highlights several brands and frames for their exceptional raw carbon offerings:

TFSA JH-33 & JH06 Frames: These are consistently praised for their 'raw carbon clear coat' finishes. Builders frequently choose TFSA, with the JH06, in particular, lauded for its 'natural and pure' aesthetic and patterns that beautifully react to light. Check out the striking simplicity of the JH-33 frame as it arrived for assembly, showcasing its lightweight design and minimalist beauty: TFSA JH-33 Arrived! Weight Check!. And here's the JH06, highlighting its preferred raw carbon clear coat finish: tfsa jh06 / 裸碳清漆.
Scott Foil RC Ultimate: For those seeking instant recognition and peak performance, the Scott Foil RC Ultimate is noted for its stunning 'full raw carbon' appearance, exuding speed and sophistication: Full Raw Carbon Frame, Yet Instantly Recognizable.
XDS RS9 (喜德盛RS9): This model, from a popular domestic Chinese brand, features a 'raw carbon finish' with a clear coat that makes it incredibly shiny. It's often described as the 'original flavor' of carbon, capturing the essence of the material: My New RS9 is Cracked?.
Trinx T8 Pro Ultimate Edition (骓特T8pro终结版): Another well-known Chinese bicycle brand, Trinx, proudly displays its specific '3K carbon weave raw carbon clear coat finish' on this model, a visible pattern admired for its aesthetic appeal. This finish is a hallmark of quality and design: Trinx T8 Pro Final Edition: 3K Carbon Weave Raw Carbon Clear Coat Finish.
Giant PPKB Frame (捷安特PPKB版车架): This frame is a favorite for 'super light raw carbon finish' customization projects, often seen in impressive weight-reduction builds by shops like Chiou Creative Coating (驰欧创意涂装). The transformation is evident as the frame is prepared for its lightweight, naked carbon finish: Giant PP Ultralight Raw Carbon Finish for Road Bikes: Weight Reduction Solution.
Sarto Handmade Carbon Fiber Frame: For premium, artisanal craftsmanship, Sarto's 'Italian handmade' frames with their 'beautiful carbon fiber weave' are a top choice. The consensus is that a 'clear coat is enough' to appreciate their elegance and quality, as seen in this exquisite example: Daily Aesthetics: Sarto Handmade Carbon Fiber Frame.
Specialized Tarmac SL7 Sport: Some batches of its 9R carbon frame feature a unique paint that allows the raw carbon weave to subtly show through, blending brand identity with the raw aesthetic.
Unbranded Carbon Frames (无标碳架): A popular choice among budget-conscious builders in China, these are often 'export frame molds' from factories. They offer good ride quality at an 'entry-level price,' making full carbon builds more accessible. Many users opt for minimalist stickers instead of full paint, embracing the raw look. For those looking to assemble their own bike, acquiring a frame directly from a local factory can offer benefits in terms of quality assurance, as shown in this image of a custom frame ready for assembly: Custom Carbon Frame from Local Factory: Ready.

Customization and Care: Nurturing the Naked Look

The world of raw carbon isn't static; it's a canvas for personalization and a subject of meticulous care.

Variations in Finish: While 'full raw carbon' and 'naked carbon' imply minimal paint, the most common and celebrated variation is the 'raw carbon clear coat.' This transparent layer protects the carbon while enhancing its natural luster and making the weave patterns pop. Matte black is also a popular choice for complementary carbon components like wheelsets, offering a sleek, modern, and 'cool' aesthetic.

Customization Services: For those dreaming of a raw carbon finish on an existing bike, dedicated services specialize in frame repainting and custom clear coating. Shops like Chiou Creative Coating (驰欧创意涂装) and Suzhou Paint World Factory Store (苏州漆彩世界工厂店) in cities like Suzhou offer professional solutions for stripping existing paint and applying bespoke finishes. Here’s an example of the meticulous craftsmanship involved in bicycle carbon processes: Bicycle Raw Carbon Craftsmanship.

DIY Approaches: For the truly adventurous, paint stripping can be a DIY project involving sanding or chemical methods. However, proper safety precautions, especially regarding paint mist, are crucial. Some enthusiasts, referred to as 'model players' (胶佬, Jiao Lao), apply their meticulous model-building techniques to bicycle painting, showcasing incredible passion for detail: Road Bike Painting Process - Part 1. Even applying a subtle pattern and gradient to a fork can be a detailed process: Subtle Pattern + Gradient Finish for Road Bike Forks. Stripping paint from a frame, as the saying goes, often comes down to 'grinding, grinding, grinding': 2025: Good Things Take Time.

Repair and Maintenance: Minor scratches on a clear-coated carbon frame can often be addressed with specialized road bike touch-up pens, offering a quick and inexpensive DIY fix: Cycling Tips: How to Fix Road Bike Paint Scratches.

For larger paint chips, a clever solution highlighted by users is visiting car paint quick repair shops. Provided the underlying carbon structure isn't damaged (a crucial distinction), these shops can offer fast, high-quality repairs and excellent color matching for non-structural paint damage: Frame Scratches and Dings.

Complementary Components and Practical Tips

To complete a raw carbon build, carbon fiber wheelsets are often a must-have upgrade. While brands like Superteam CX22 are noted as good entry-to-intermediate options, users also advise considering trade-offs in high-speed stability compared to international premium brands. For groupsets, Lantu R9 (蓝图r9) is a budget-friendly choice for a full carbon build.

Tips for Riders:

Embrace the Aesthetic: The 'natural and pure' appearance of raw carbon is its defining feature. Enjoy how its unique patterns play with light.
Consider Weight Reduction: Opting for a super-light raw carbon finish is an effective way to significantly reduce overall bike weight.
Local Sourcing: For unbranded carbon frames, buying from a local factory (especially if available in regions like Shanghai or Guangdong) can offer peace of mind regarding quality assurance and easier warranty claims.
Damage Assessment: If your frame gets scratched and looks like 'carbon exposed' (漏碳), it's vital to determine if it's merely a paint chip or if the underlying carbon fiber structure is damaged. Superficial damage is repairable; structural damage requires expert assessment.
Protection: The clear coat over raw carbon isn't just for looks; it provides an essential layer of protection against elements and minor abrasions.

Beyond Bikes: The Premium Association

The allure of raw carbon extends beyond the cycling world. High-end supercars, such as the Pagani Zonda Revolución and Huayra, are also featured in stunning 'raw carbon versions,' underscoring the premium and high-performance association of this finish across luxury industries: Repost: Three Premium Full Carbon Pagani Bikes.

From detailed frame weights (e.g., TFSA JH-33 at ~931.0g for a 46cm frame) to full bike weights (e.g., TFSA JH06 around 7.1-7.2 kg), and even the cost of specific models like the Specialized Tarmac SL7 Sport (~22990 RMB), the XiaoHongShu content offers practical insights for anyone diving into the world of raw carbon bikes. Repairs, if non-structural, can be surprisingly quick, with car paint shops offering fixes in as little as three hours.

Your Ride, Unveiled

The trend of raw carbon frames with transparent finishes on XiaoHongShu beautifully marries performance with aesthetic elegance. It’s a testament to a growing desire among cyclists to connect with the pure essence of their high-tech machines. Whether you're building a custom dream bike, considering an upgrade, or simply appreciating the craftsmanship, the naked carbon look offers a sophisticated and striking choice. Happy cycling!

(See the image gallery below for more visuals of these stunning raw carbon builds and customization processes.)

Image Gallery

All images from the trending posts that inspired this article:

Giant PP Ultralight Raw Carbon Finish for Road Bikes: Weight Reduction Solution

捷安特PP超轻裸碳涂装，公路车减重方案

Cycling Tips: How to Fix Road Bike Paint Scratches

骑行小知识｜公路车，车漆剐蹭如何解决？

Road Bike Painting Process - Part 1

【公路车涂装过程一】

Full Raw Carbon Frame, Yet Instantly Recognizable

全裸碳，但还是能一眼认出来的车架

Raw Carbon Road Bikes: Are They Good?

公路车裸碳行不行

My New RS9 is Cracked?

刚到的rs9就裂了？

Repost: Three Premium Full Carbon Pagani Bikes

旧图新发| 三台顶级全碳 Pagani🚗

Trinx T8 Pro Final Edition: 3K Carbon Weave Raw Carbon Clear Coat Finish

骓特T8pro终结版3K碳纹裸碳清漆涂装展示！

Bicycle Raw Carbon Craftsmanship

自行车祼碳工艺

Custom Carbon Frame from Local Factory: Ready

在家门口的碳架厂定的车架做好了

2025: Good Things Take Time

2025 好事多磨

Frame Scratches and Dings

车架磕碰

TFSA JH-33 Arrived! Weight Check!

TFSA JH-33到货！称重！

tfsa jh06 / 裸碳清漆

Daily Aesthetics: Sarto Handmade Carbon Fiber Frame

【每日审美】Sarto 手工碳纤车架

Subtle Pattern + Gradient Finish for Road Bike Forks

暗纹＋渐变公路车前叉涂装

Unbranded Carbon Frames: Are They Good to Ride?

无标碳架到底好不好骑？

Stripping Paint from a Road Bike: A New Discovery

给公路车脱漆发现了新大陆

New Ideas for Road Bike Damage Repair

公路车磕碰修复新思路

This article is based on trending content from xiaohongshu. View the original search results and detailed analysis to explore the individual posts and community insights that inspired this piece.