Author Topic: Interesting Aliexpress finds! - good deals, interesting stuff, new products etc!  (Read 146792 times)

jonathanf2

If anyone is running 1x, I highly recommend looking into using a 105 R7000 crankset + Deckas chainring. It comes in cheaper than using some of the 1x cranksets on AliEx, but Shimano quality and a steel axle spindle. I was able to run my gravel bike up to 42t without using bottom bracket spacers, though it's much easier to do so with a threaded BSA if you need more clearance. Weight-wise, the crankset + chainring clocks in at 583g (500g 175mm crankset + 83g chainring). I prefer the 105 R7000 crank over Ultegra, because it's hollow forged as opposed to hollow bonded, which has a higher chance of de-bonding. Shimano actually increased weight on all their 12 speed Di2 cranksets, even 105 Di2.

Another perk I found is that you can replace chainrings without removing the crankset, my direct mount cranksets don't have that option. I found the Deckas chainrings to be of decent quality, I don't see much difference between my other 1x chainrings from Racework and Shimano. Lastly, if you're not running wide gravel tires, the chain line is much more straight on the low gear big cog, the GRX chain line is more extreme with a 2.5mm offset meant to clear wide chainstays.

This seller seems to be selling the combo already, though I put mine together with a take off R7000 crankset I had and the chainrings purchased from Amazon:
https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256804151418847.html?

« Last Edit: January 26, 2023, 10:56:01 AM by jonathanf2 »

coffeebreak

I am building a budget Salsa Journeyer and ordered Racework 34t 1x crank. Don’t have very high hopes but we will see. This 105 crank with chainring is actually a pretty good deal imo.

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/2251832778412128.html

carbonazza

I got the light in the mail yesterday.  11 days!...

Can we stop this thread? I'm spending too much because of it  ;D

jonathanf2

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256804954514361.html

Ltwoo 11 speed hydraulic 1x gravel has dropped. This looks super tempting since I don't feel like jumping to 12 speed.

jonathanf2

I am building a budget Salsa Journeyer and ordered Racework 34t 1x crank. Don’t have very high hopes but we will see. This 105 crank with chainring is actually a pretty good deal imo.

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/2251832778412128.html

I noticed the AliEx MTB cranks are really heavy. I weighed the non-drive side crank arm on an IXF crankset and it was 300g just by itself. Using the 105 crankset and Deckas chainring comes in at less weight, cost less and you can buy more chainring options. In order to match 105, AliEx cranksets go with alloy spindle axle just to match it in weight. Shimano is the only ones who can pull off the hollow forged alloy crank arms.
« Last Edit: January 27, 2023, 01:07:14 PM by jonathanf2 »

coffeebreak

I noticed the AliEx MTB cranks are really heavy. I weighed the non-drive side crank arm on an IXF crankset and it was 300g just by itself. Using the 105 crankset and Deckas chainring comes in at less weight, cost less and you can buy more chainring options. In order to match 105, AliEx cranksets go with alloy spindle axle just to match it in weight. Shimano is the only ones who can pull off the hollow forged alloy crank arms.
Heavy indeed. The 34T model that I ordered clocks in at 750grams. The chainring is standard 4 arm 104BCD so I should have many choices to swap them later. Haven't yet shipped though, its been 4 days now giving me time to rethink and cancel lol.

impmonkey

Got the racework carbon cranks in. They are 180 grams lighter than the zrace ones. The raceworks ring is also a 42t direct mount. The zrace is a 40t w/ spider.
I was careful with the nondrive side bolts. So far no cracking, will check after a couple miles.

00Garza

Carbon crankset by taiwanese company. Price is out of the "budget" range for sure though.

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256803068845720.html?gatewayAdapt=glo2usa&_randl_shipto=US

coffeebreak

True. For an unknown brand that price is prohibitively expensive. No weight mentioned either which I believe would be a determining factor for anyone looking to spend that much dough on a crankset.

In other news, Onirii seems to make thread-together press-fit BBs like Token Ninja : https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256804874301815.html (top row, 5-7th items)
« Last Edit: January 29, 2023, 01:59:43 PM by coffeebreak »

maza

True. For an unknown brand that price is prohibitively expensive. No weight mentioned either which I believe would be a determining factor for anyone looking to spend that much dough on a crankset.

In other news, Onirii seems to make thread-together press-fit BBs like Token Ninja : https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256804874301815.html (top row, 5-7th items)
Under reviews there is customer measuring 624 grams for the crankset.

jonathanf2

I recently had a bike crash, so I had to dismantle my bike and fix it up a bit from the fall damage. Anyways, I had this Risk brake cable lying around and decided to install it. The brake feel is a bit more solid, with more bite. I'm using the training level red brake cabling, but I'm curious if the competition gold brake cabling is even better? Though it's about 3 times the price.

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/2255799961911899.html

Confused

Floating / 2 piece rotors with carbon instead of aluminum on internal section https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256802324874828.html

jonathanf2

Not AliExpress, but US Amazon Prime. Sometimes I find items at the same price or lower than AliEx but with faster Prime shipping and returns. Make sure to click on the coupon in order to get the additional discounts (tax dependent on location):

Ceramic Speed knock-off OSPWs for 40% off for R8000/R9000/R7000 and SRAM RED pricing it under $25 USD:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0BR641GYS

Ultra lightweight 11 speed 11-28/32t cassette 50% off pricing it under $35 USD:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09Q17Y6HW

AliExpress best prices for non-US buyers:
https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256804555924336.html?
https://www.aliexpress.us/item/2255800049110907.html?

FYI - I ordered the OSPW and it's indeed a carbon fiber cage, confirmed by using it to click and move on my smartphone screen. Regular plastic is non-conductive. Comes in at 60g with jockey wheels.
« Last Edit: February 06, 2023, 12:49:09 PM by jonathanf2 »

coffeebreak

Great finds. Been noticing this trend on Amazon and eBay. Is it that Ali-ex is getting expensive or Amazon cheaper? Nothing beats Amazon's convenience. Placed an order for cassette. I would have ordered the ospw too but there's no R6800 compatible one on sale.

TidyDinosaur

Great finds. Been noticing this trend on Amazon and eBay. Is it that Ali-ex is getting expensive or Amazon cheaper? Nothing beats Amazon's convenience. Placed an order for cassette. I would have ordered the ospw too but there's no R6800 compatible one on sale.

Ali has gotten A LOT more expensive in the last few years (50-100% more)... Free shipping has also become more and more scarce...