Recently I ordered a pair of carbon rims from a shop called Fiberin on Ali, These ones, to be exact: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005002333489869.html?spm=a2g0s.12269583.0.0.1e11657fiU6WuL. They don't have a lot of reviews but their branding seemed decent so I figured I'd take a chance.

5 Weeks and a few enquiries later, they finally shipped it. I had to extend the shipping deadline twice to prevent the order from being auto cancelled, as I had already ordered the appropriate length spokes for these rims. They arrived in 9 days or so, with no visible issues. Wheelbuilding is the one thing I don't have the confidence in doing myself so I sent them to a reputable wheelbuilder instead.

Couple days later he messages me to say one of the rims has cracked .  I started a dispute straightaway as the 15 days were running out, and requested a refund for both rims. Later on the wheelbuilder told me he managed to build the 2nd rim so I updated the dispute to a refund for 1 rim. After a few days of no updates I messaged the seller to ask if they would be able to send me a replacement, which would be easier than getting refunded and then ordering it again. They replied saying:

"I just saw you open a dispute, when you have any problem with the item, you should discussed them with us first, then we will help to solve the problem. if you mention the dispute first, we will be very passive，it is not good for us to do anything,". As if I'd trust a random Ali store to send me a replacement after the 15 days are up.

So I placed another order of the same rim, and they said: why you keep the dispute, then order a new one. please cancel this order. I replied saying i'd cancel the dispute after they ship me a new one. They replied again saying they can't do anything unless I cancel the dispute. I just gave up talking to them after that.

Aliexpress proposed 2 solutions for the dispute:
- Partial refund of $27 without return (I paid $135 each)
- Full refund of $270 but I have to pay return shipping

Now even if I wanted to go for the full refund I couldn't because one of the rims was already built. And a $27 refund is ridiculous because even though it looks small crack the whole rim is unusable, which I made quite clear to Ali. They then proposed a partial refund of $70. I rejected it again and emphasized that the rim is completely unusable. They ended up just closing the dispute and refunding me $70. In the email they said: "but since the item still has a certain value, we can only give you a partial refund as compensation". Apparently they don't believe me when I say its completely unusable -_-.

This is the first time Aliexpress dispute system has let me down and also unfortunately the most troublesome, because I'm now stuck with 1 wheel and a bunch of spokes. I highly doubt the store is going to send me my 2nd order so I'll have to look for a similar rim with similar ERD. All I can say is stay far away from Fiberin

Finally built the 100% Aliexpress bike I've been wanting to do for a while. Or at least, it would have been 100% if not for a couple of broken parts. Specs and a mini review below:



Specs:
Frame - Og-Evkin CF-025 Superlight T800
Wheelset - Og-Evkin Battle C45 45mm deep clincher | Ultralight Novatec FS61/62 Carbon Hubs
Tyres - Continental GP5000
Handlebars - Carbon Og-Evkin HB-011
Stem - FSA Omega 80mm
Groupset: Shimano 105 R7000
Pedals - Knockoff Shimano SPD's
Seatpost - Carbon Og-Evkin SP-008
Saddle - Og-Evkin

Weight: 7.3kg, if my Aliexpress weighing scale is to be believed

Compared to some of the chiner frames i've seen on the internet, the finishing on this frame is superb. The fork steerer was somewhat uneven but I don't think it's a big issue. My only complaint regarding the frame would be the front mech hanger screws. Mine rounded the first time I tried tightening them, and they only give spares for the rear hanger. I'd request for extras or get some better ones in advance. I bought the og-evkin wheelset mostly for convenience, but I'm actually quite happy with it. Braking feels better than my elitewheels set, and unlike the latter, these actually arrived true.

- I actually ordered the Og-Evkin SM-004 Stem but one of the threads came stripped. Thats the 2nd carbon stem I've ordered on Ali and the 2nd that has arrived like that.

- The saddle is just a random saddle being sold by a bunch of other stores as well, and its definitely not worth it. Feels really cheap and isn't particularly comfortable.

- The Ultegra SPD replicas broke literally within the first 2km, despite the decent reviews. I suppose its good that they broke fast while I can still get a refund.

I'm too casual a rider to comment on the technical aspects i.e stiffness, etc, and I haven't done a proper ride with it yet, but it does feel a bit more nimble than my old Merida Scultura, thought thats probably because it's lighter and smaller.

I was gonna ride to a nice place to take some nice photos but the crazy weather didn't allow it, so, apartment hallway it is

Has anyone tried Sakya's wheels? I found them on AliExpress(Not the most reliable source, I know) and they have good reviews, not that that makes a difference on Ali. They also have frames and other stuff on their website.

Hi all,

I'm looking for a 26/27.5" frame to replace my current 26" frame. There's so many sites out there i doubt i went through all but for now I've narrowed it down to these few:

http://www.xmiplay.com/ProductDetails1576

http://www.xmcarbonspeed.com/Productinfo.asp?f=1562

https://www.icanbikes.com/html/MTB/26ER_frame/234.html

http://www.flyxii.com/PRODUCTSDetial?product_id=28

http://www.carbonal.com.cn/carbon-mountain-bike/carbon-mountain-bike-frame/carbon-27-5-inch-hardtail-mtb-frames-650b-mountain-bike-carbon-xc-frame-1180g-orion-27-5.html

I know nothing about geometry so that aside I do like the like the design of the ican frame. What do you guys think?

I know some of the 'OEM' companies are not truly OEM and are just reselling. Iplay, xmcarbonspeed and carbonal have 2 years warranty according to their websites, not sure about the others. Also, avast keeps on thinking flyxii's website has malware.