Author Topic: AliExpress turned me into a gear head  (Read 636 times)

lidation

AliExpress turned me into a gear head
« on: March 23, 2025, 04:24:09 PM »
Twenty years of riding, and I'd always been a 'stock bike' kind of guy. Mountain, road, you name it. I knew lightweight meant 'wallet-light,' with Dura-Ace and carbon bits costing a fortune.

Then, AliExpress happened. It was like a gear-head awakening! Suddenly, I could actually afford to tinker. My new gravel build is proof, and now I'm eyeing every other bike in my garage, realizing they're all crying out for upgrades. Those 105 and XT cassettes? Heavy! Since I have nine bikes, they never wear out, they just get old. AliExpress has turned me into a budget-conscious, upgrade-obsessed cyclist.

Just some random thoughts.  :) ;D



SillyMochi

Re: AliExpress turned me into a gear head
« Reply #1 on: March 23, 2025, 04:30:14 PM »
I feel you!

Just beware, you can become "wallet-light" on AliExpress as well - it's just a longer process and includes more random things cluttering your garage  ;D
Slow on the climb. And everywhere else.

jonathanf2

Re: AliExpress turned me into a gear head
« Reply #2 on: March 24, 2025, 11:44:02 AM »
If you're not running some questionable carbon parts with a 6kg-something bike build and electronic groupset you bought from an AliEx store that starts with Shopxxxxxxxxx, that also sells manicure supplies, then don't call yourself a true bike enthusiast!  ;D

coffeebreak

Re: AliExpress turned me into a gear head
« Reply #3 on: March 24, 2025, 12:11:30 PM »
This is the way.

Tijoe

Re: AliExpress turned me into a gear head
« Reply #4 on: March 24, 2025, 01:31:47 PM »
Hi, I am a cycleholic.  My addiction has existed for over 50 years.   It became much worse in 2015, when I discovered Aliexpress.   I've experienced many intense years of thereputic riding and nothing seems to help.   Perhaps my only way out will be when the $800 De Minimus exemption is eliminated, resulting is a financial reduction in my purchasing power.    I am not looking forward to the associated withdrawals.

Please, don't go down this path of addiction.   It has caused great angst over the years, suffering through many Aliexpress sales, collecting coins, playing the app games, searching out coupons, all for elusive bike frames and parts. Such a wasted life, placing order after order, so I can stay motivated riding in my old age.

lidation

Re: AliExpress turned me into a gear head
« Reply #5 on: March 24, 2025, 08:47:33 PM »
AliExpress, and Chinertown forums is such an amazing find for me recently! I am kicking myself for not using it earlier.
Yeah it seems that I am walking into a huge addiction for years to come.  ;D