Interesting. I just looked into UCC. Looks like another Taiwanese brand. The prices seem to start fairly high. Giant and Merida are better established, and seem to start at around 1000. Though, it seems Giant has a habit of taking crap Chinese bikes and slapping their logo on it. They're cheap, but they're not really Giants.

I don't know how long an expensive bike is going to last with a good lock. A lock only stops the punk kids and amateur theives. But somebody who knows what they are doing will steal it regardless. If you want a nice bike, you'd better park it indoors.

UCC is about the same as a Merida in quality and pretty close on price. I prefer UCC. A good Giant is probably slightly better but cost you more.

The Xiong bros are pretty much just assembling UCCs all day long.
www.gokunming.com/[...]

The quality is depends on how much you paid.

I don't want to go into a discussion about what is the best brand. Giant and Merida are regarded as quality brands in China but there is more than that. I personally ride already for 6 years a XDS bike without any problems. Even made it from Kunming to Myanmar via mountain roads on it.

Over the years I have worn out several Chinese bikes. Broken off pedals, steering bar bend due to too thin metal, endless problems with bearings etc. Mind you; I said over the years. Chinese bikes have improved over the years as well. It is still possible to by all kind of crap but don't expect a folding bike of 380 RMB to make it to the corner of the street.

Main thing is to look what is fitted on your bike. All good bikes have Shimano gears. No Shimano = No good.

The best choices are than (Not necessary in that order) Giant, Merida, XDS or a cheaper option Komax.