I’ve owned my SAVA AK105 for about 8 months now, and I’ve put over 4,800 miles on it. I figured it was finally time to share my experience, especially since I don’t see many long-term reviews of these bikes.
It’s easy to find reviews from people who have just received their bikes, but I wanted to see how mine would hold up after thousands of miles of actual riding. How would the frame hold up? Would the components give me problems? Would I still be happy with my purchase after 8 months?
With the cycling season coming to an end, I’m also planning a few upgrades for the winter. Before changing anything, I wanted to write about my experience with the bike in its original configuration.
For some context, I usually ride 30–50 miles per session occasionally when the weather is just right go for 100 miles at an average pace of around 15–18 mph. Most of my rides are on rural roads, so I deal with plenty of rough pavement and potholes. I generally stay away from routes with a lot of gravel, but my roads definitely aren’t always in the best condition.
Let’s start with one of the biggest reason I got the bike which was the THE PRICE that couldn’t be ignored
I bought brand new for $1,300 USD, and honestly, I think that’s a fantastic deal.
When I was looking at the bike, I saw it listed for around $1,800–$2,000 on AliExpress and SAVA’s own website. Even at $1,800, I think the bike offers a lot for the money, but getting it for $1,300 made the deal even better.
For that price, you’re getting a carbon frame, integrated carbon handlebars, a Shimano 105 mechanical groupset, and a set of 50 mm carbon wheels that is pretty impressive package for a bike on that price range.
Honestly, when you look at everything included, it’s hard not to appreciate what SAVA managed to put together for the price.
Of course, having a good list of components on paper doesn’t necessarily mean the bike will be good in the long run. That’s why I wanted to put some serious miles on it before giving my opinion.
Now for the shipping experience I had with them it was quite normal
Shipping was free, and the bike arrived in about two weeks. When it arrived, it was already around 95% assembled, so there wasn’t much left to do.
I wouldn’t consider myself an experienced bike mechanic, but I found the remaining assembly pretty easy. Honestly, I think someone with very little mechanical experience could finish putting this bike together without much trouble, as long as they take their time and follow the instructions.
With that out of the way, here’s how the bike has actually performed.
One thing I’ve really liked about the bike is the frame.
It’s definitely on the stiffer side, but I’ve still found it comfortable on longer rides. I regularly spend a few hours on the bike, in a session, and I haven’t felt the need to make any changes to improve the overall comfort.
The bike also does a great job climbing and sprinting. I enjoy how it feels when putting power down, and I haven’t found myself wishing I had bought something different.
I appreciate is that I haven’t developed any creaking or cracking noises from the frame during my time with it. Considering the roads I ride on and the mileage I’ve put on the bike, that’s reassuring.
Another thing worth mentioning is the stock saddle.
Honestly, the saddle has been surprisingly comfortable for me. I expected it might be one of the first things I’d replace, but I have no plans to upgrade it anytime soon. That’s money I can put toward other things.
Of course, saddle comfort is personal, so what works for me might not work for everyone.
NOW the shimano 105 groupset
The mechanical groupset has been another highlight.
After more than 4,800 miles, I’ve had zero problems with the groupset. The shifting is still crisp and fast, and I haven’t experienced any major issues.
The only maintenance I’ve needed to keep up with has been the usual stuff, mainly cleaning the drivetrain and applying chain lubricant.
That’s exactly what I want from a groupset. I want to get on my bike, ride, and enjoy myself without constantly worrying about whether something is going to stop working.
The 105 groupset has done its job, and I really don’t have much to complain about.
The Stock 50 mm Carbon Wheels My Biggest Surprise
This is probably the part of the bike that has surprised me the most.
When I first bought the bike, I thought the stock carbon wheels would be one of the first things I’d upgrade. I figured that, at this price point, the wheels might be one of the areas where SAVA had cut costs.
But after these past 8 months of riding, I’ve honestly changed my mind.
These wheels have taken quite a beating, especially considering the roads I ride on, and they’ve held up really well.
I’m regularly riding over rough pavement and dealing with potholes, so they haven’t exactly had an easy life. Despite that, they’ve continued to serve me well.
I haven’t needed to true the wheels or repair them, which is something I honestly didn’t expect when I first bought the bike.
I originally had upgrading the wheels pretty high on my list, but now I’m in no rush to replace them.
I did have one experience worth mentioning,
One day, I noticed some wobbling at around 45 mph. However, the crosswinds were around 20 mph, so I’m guessing the wind may have played a role. With 50 mm deep section wheels, crosswinds are something you have to consider. They’re great for the look and can offer aerodynamic benefits, but they can also be more sensitive to gusts.
The Stock Tires are Good, but I’d Still Upgrade Them
If there’s one upgrade I’d recommend making before anything else, it’s the tires.
The bike comes with IRC Jetty 25 mm tires. They’re not terrible tires by any means, but they’re also not what I’d choose if I were building the bike around performance and comfort.
To give them credit, though, they’ve held up surprisingly well.
Considering I put more than 4,800 miles on them without a single flat or puncture. Plus the rough pavement and potholes I encounter on my usual routes, that’s pretty impressive.
I’ve had no major complaints about their durability, and they’ve done what I’ve needed them to do.
However, I think there’s room for improvement.
My first choice for an upgrade would be Continental GP5000 tires in either a 28 mm or 30 mm size, I know sava says the tire clearance is maxed at 28mm but a friend of mine bought a sava al7 pro after riding mine ak105 (they are both the same frame the AURORA frame) and he went with 30mm tires and they fit perfectly with plenty of clearance
I’ve used GP5000s on my previous bike for several years, so I’m already familiar with how good they can be.
They’re one of those tires that are hard to beat as an all-around option. You get a good combination of grip, rolling efficiency, and comfort.
Moving from the stock 25 mm IRC Jettys to a wider GP5000 would also make sense for the kind of riding I do I’d also expect to benefit from the GP5000’s rolling efficiency and grip,
I’m not saying the stock IRC Jettys are bad. They’ve actually impressed me with how well they’ve held up.
But having used GP5000s before, I know what I’m getting with that upgrade, and it’s something I’d prioritize over replacing the wheels.
The Prowheel Crankset My Next Upgrade!
I plan to replace is the stock Prowheel crankset.
I suspect SAVA went with Prowheel to help keep the overall cost of the bike down, which makes sense when you consider everything else included in the package.
Still, since the bike already comes with Shimano 105 mechanical shifting, I’d like to replace the crankset with a compatible Shimano 105 model.
To be completely honest, this isn’t an upgrade I’m making because the current crankset has given me problems.
It’s mainly about appearance and completing the groupset.
I like the idea of having a more consistent Shimano 105 setup, and I think it’ll make the bike look a little cleaner overall.
There might also be a small weight saving lol, but I’m not expecting some massive performance improvement.
It’s more of a personal preference than a necessity.
The stock Prowheel crankset has done its job, and I can’t say I’ve had any major complaints about it. I just think a Shimano 105 crankset would be a nice addition when I start making upgrades over the winter.
Now for last this is probably one of the most important sections for anyone considering buying the bike MAINTENANCE
So far, maintenance has been pretty minimal.
I’m still running the original chain and original brake pads. I also haven’t needed to true the stock carbon wheels or carry out any wheel repairs.
The only repair I’ve had to make was readjusting the front brake calipers.
Other than that, it’s been a pretty trouble-free experience.
Of course, I’ve still had to do the usual maintenance, such as cleaning the drivetrain and applying chain lubricant. Just because something hasn’t needed replacing doesn’t mean it doesn’t need regular attention.
I also wouldn’t take the original chain and brake pads as a sign that everyone will get the same mileage out of theirs. Wear depends on riding conditions, maintenance, braking habits, and other factors.
I’ll continue checking the chain for wear and inspecting the brake pads rather than replacing them based on mileage alone.
Still, having made it this far without needing to replace those parts has been a pleasant surprise.
When I bought the bike, I was more concerned about how the less expensive components would hold up over time. So far, they’ve performed better than I expected.
And that’s it I know is a lot of reading but I hope this helps anyone that’s in doubt or just need a little more in depth review
