Chinertown
Other Resources => Component Deals & Selection => Topic started by: AzureEssence on October 13, 2023, 01:30:19 PM
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This is a very general and open-ended question, but what do you think are the absolute best buys from AliExpress in terms of quality and value? And the worst buys? Can be specific to brands or products, or just general categories.
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I like these little hand pumps that have the hose that screws onto the valve. have them on all my bikes. Seen them with different branding but I have these ones:
https://a.aliexpress.com/_mshOo0a
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I like these little hand pumps that have the hose that screws onto the valve. have them on all my bikes. Seen them with different branding but I have these ones:
https://a.aliexpress.com/_mshOo0a
That's literally the worst pump I've ever used. This screwing hose thing is unusable for me. I prefer a classic mini pump.
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These are my two best:
Kalloy Uno Ultralight 7050AL Stems: $17.50 https://www.aliexpress.us/item/2255799842115476.html
These are very light and generally a quality component. Barely heavier than the Darimo AL stems and less than 1/10th the price.
Ridenow TPU Tubes: $6-$8 each for the 24g versions: https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256805247862356.html
Light and good quality TPU tube. They make a lighter version, but I have yet to try them.
Worst:
Any pulley wheels or ospw stuff. Total junk bearings. Most use the 689 size. If you want to play with fancy bearings in your RD, look for people reselling Kogel ones that they picked up for free during their sales.
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+1 on both UNO stems and ridenow tubes. Both excellent products that could be sold as premium. Must have bargains for sure.
YBN chains and Deemount tubeless valves are also purchases I am very happy with.
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Here's my best of :
Elita one seatpost and saddles
Firespider handlebars
Uno stems too
Balugoe $24 86g bare carbon saddles(but tend to crack after a while)
xpresso pedals Ti, 160g F1Z bike shop
handlebar bags, for long rides(Loving Outdoor Store)
Darevie shorts
SK Cycle carbon seatpost clamp
Alpha cycling pink break pads
Nuga store tubeless syringe
Onirii M2 brakes
Balashov Electric Cooking Machine 1.7L, to wax chains
Magene Radar L508
I liked them but not anymore:
Gaciron lights, great but their straps are crap, I've lost them all
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Of all the RideNow TPU tubes, I consider these ones the best so far. Not the lightest at 24g, but more durable than the plastic valve stem versions.
https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256805826503201.html? (https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256805826503201.html?)
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How do the 24g ridenows hold air compared to the 36g version? Very happy with latter but a bit worried about constant pumping up tires in case of the 24g ones
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I like rhinowalk saddlebags, risk titanium bolts, towild lights.
I dislike anything from og-evkin.
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These are my two best:
Kalloy Uno Ultralight 7050AL Stems: $17.50 https://www.aliexpress.us/item/2255799842115476.html
These are very light and generally a quality component. Barely heavier than the Darimo AL stems and less than 1/10th the price.
Ridenow TPU Tubes: $6-$8 each for the 24g versions: https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256805247862356.html
Light and good quality TPU tube. They make a lighter version, but I have yet to try them.
Worst:
Any pulley wheels or ospw stuff. Total junk bearings. Most use the 689 size. If you want to play with fancy bearings in your RD, look for people reselling Kogel ones that they picked up for free during their sales.
I have a pair of RideNow tubes on the way.
Interesting take on the pulley wheels; I'm using a pair of cheap alloy ones with ceramic bearings on both my mountain bikes (one SRAM GX and one Microshift Advent X derailleur). No problems with either of them and they look great. Have been using them for a few months now. I'd rate them as decent value but mostly an aesthetic upgrade.
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+1 on both UNO stems and ridenow tubes. Both excellent products that could be sold as premium. Must have bargains for sure.
YBN chains and Deemount tubeless valves are also purchases I am very happy with.
I definitely want to try YBN chains. I have a bunch of Deemount valve cores coming.
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Here's my best of :
Elita one seatpost and saddles
Firespider handlebars
Uno stems too
Balugoe $24 86g bare carbon saddles(but tend to crack after a while)
xpresso pedals Ti, 160g F1Z bike shop
handlebar bags, for long rides(Loving Outdoor Store)
Darevie shorts
SK Cycle carbon seatpost clamp
Alpha cycling pink break pads
Nuga store tubeless syringe
Onirii M2 brakes
Balashov Electric Cooking Machine 1.7L, to wax chains
Magene Radar L508
I liked them but not anymore:
Gaciron lights, great but their straps are crap, I've lost them all
Got an ELITAONE seatpost coming, can't wait to try it on my bikepacking rig.
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Of all the RideNow TPU tubes, I consider these ones the best so far. Not the lightest at 24g, but more durable than the plastic valve stem versions.
https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256805826503201.html? (https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256805826503201.html?)
Do they make these in 26 or 29" for MTB?
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I like rhinowalk saddlebags, risk titanium bolts, towild lights.
I dislike anything from og-evkin.
Just ordered a Rhinowalk stem bag mostly for a snack sack on my bikepacking rig. Pretty much a full set of oil slick Risk Ti bolts coming as well. (if you haven't noticed I'm new here and going wild with these parts deals...)
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I like rhinowalk saddlebags, risk titanium bolts, towild lights.
I dislike anything from og-evkin.
Any thoughts on RISK vs. Wanyifa bolts? I have had the latter in my cart for while.
Interesting take on the pulley wheels; I'm using a pair of cheap alloy ones with ceramic bearings on both my mountain bikes (one SRAM GX and one Microshift Advent X derailleur). No problems with either of them and they look great. Have been using them for a few months now. I'd rate them as decent value but mostly an aesthetic upgrade.
I am pretty hard on my bikes. Ridden in the rain and mud then hosed down with one of those Muc Off pressure washers, ive trashed a few sets of stock sram jockey wheels as well. I only have sram groups at this point so the ones with 689 bearings use reducers. Between those reducers, the shields, and the questionable quality of the bearings there is a lot of play. They also died really quickly.
Kogel is pretty average IMO regarding bearings but their design work is good and the 688 bearing size has a lot of great bearings available for it. Eventually the plan is to swap these out for Enduro XD-15 bearings. Curious to see if they really are a tough as their reputation.
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Any thoughts on RISK vs. Wanyifa bolts? I have had the latter in my cart for while.
My risk one were a consistent vibrant rainbow colour. My wanyifa were less consistent, less vivid and one is basically green (out of 5).
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Do they make these in 26 or 29" for MTB?
Yes to both. The 29er tube is about 60 g. Doesn't hold air quite as well as butyl, other than that no issues so far.
PS: Errr, not sure if they put the alloy valve tubes on the bigger ones as well. I've only seen the "older" type as mtb versions yet.
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I want to throw out that TPU tubes have one major downside - they are NOT patchable long-term. Despite meticulous cleaning and application, every glueless TPU patch has failed on me after a few days or weeks at best.
Ridenow and Cyclami TPU tubes are still good value, but if you puncture, treat patches a temporary fix to get home and be prepared to throw the tubes out eventually.
I'm cheap and don't like being wasteful, so I switched back to butyl tubes for training rides which I can patch over and over again. I still use TPU tubes for racing and as a spare.
Other Aliexpress items I can definitely recommend:
- $18 2x Carbon bottle cages (Bontrager XXX knockoffs)
- $24 Elita One carbon saddle (the Specialized Power knockoff one)
- $425 Elitewheels carbon rim brake wheels with Powerway R13 hubs and Pillar Wing 20 spokes, 47mm deep and 27mm wide, 1500g. Used for ~3800 miles and no issues except having to retrue each wheel once. No issues braking even on 3000ft+ descents.
- $20 Magene H303 heart rate monitor with chest strap
- $8 2x CYCPLUS Cadence/Speed dual sensors. Yes I got two of them for $8.
- $20-30 Spexcel Jerseys and Bibs
Steer clear from these:
- Kactus Titanium QR skewers. I don't know what Trace Velo was thinking, these are awful. Lots of friction, loose rattling fit on the threads for the nut, extremely sharp edges on the lever that make it impossible to close the lever with any force. Just completely unusable.
- Cheap unbranded stems. The one I got had paint overspray in the clamping areas and screw holes which was a pain to get rid of. The screw holes faces on the faceplate weren't flat and could cause a stress raiser if I torqued the bolts up, so I had to use a faceplate from a different stem I had. Not worth cutting every dollar for an important part of your bike - stick to Kalloy/UNO alloy stems with lots of reviews or western brands.
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I want to throw out that TPU tubes have one major downside - they are NOT patchable long-term. Despite meticulous cleaning and application, every glueless TPU patch has failed on me after a few days or weeks at best.
No, wait, you're drawing the wrong conclusions here. TPU tubes ARE permanently patchable no problem; you can even cut one to a smaller size and glue the ends back together.
If anything, it may be that you cannot permanently patch them with these instant patches (tbf though, not too long ago, these weren't considered anything more than a temp fix for butyl either ... uh, maybe I'm just really behind the times).
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No, wait, you're drawing the wrong conclusions here. TPU tubes ARE permanently patchable no problem; you can even cut one to a smaller size and glue the ends back together.
If anything, it may be that you cannot permanently patch them with these instant patches (tbf though, not too long ago, these weren't considered anything more than a temp fix for butyl either ... uh, maybe I'm just really behind the times).
You might be right, I've only used the instant patches from Cyclami. Are there patch kits where you bond a permanent patch in the same way as vulcanizing rubber patches for butyl?
I've heard the rubber cement style patches had the same problem of not lasting very long, and Ridenow don't offer them anymore. Perhaps there's an option that I'm missing (I think I saw a suggestion somewhere online to use electrical tape which seems like a bodge...)
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Warning, fairly long post incoming. I've spent a lot of money on AliExpress over the years. I thought of doing a video like TraceVelo with my top 5 best and worst but I didn't want to just copy him. Anyways, here's a semi-short list of various items over the years. I broke it down into: Awesome, Not So Good, and Meh (kind of in the middle). In no particular order.
Awesome:
- Carbon bottle cages (Carbon Works copy): 7-8g each, cost was around $20 so not super cheap but better than $80 or whatever the real ones cost, and they've been solid. Have to make sure you get the updated version with a perpendicular bottom lip. I have 4 total and love these (https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256805102025523.html?spm=a2g0o.cart.0.0.c81b38daE33I3q&mp=1&gatewayAdapt=glo2usa)
- Elita One seatposts: I have three on three different bikes and they've all been rock solid and offer a good weight savings
- Black Inc copies (handlebars and full cockpit): really like these, plenty stiff and decent weight. Actually can't find the handlebars any longer which is a shame because I wanted to pick up another pair. The full cockpit is my favorite bar out there
- UNO (Kalloy UNO) stems: probably the best price to weight stem available on the market. Period. Amazing stems, I have like 4 of them in different sizes on various bikes.
- Magene PES P505 power meter and crankset: $300 for a power meter and crankset is crazy good. And they're just as accurate as western brands. Straight swap for Shimano cranks and chainrings, took 15 minutes to make the swap without any issue. Only small problem is inherent in many spider power meters is they don't do well with oval chainrings (read high). But really hard to beat for a budget power meter
- Spexcel long thermal tights: only one ride so far but they're really nice
- Stone oval 1x chainring: nice and solid, looks good and feels well built
- DIY Di2 satellite shifters: probably one of my favorite purchases of all time. They're way cheaper than real shifters, low profile so easily hidden, and you get two buttons for one wire. They've been amazing. Hard to ride without them on my other bikes (https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256805615867809.html?spm=a2g0n.order_detail.order_detail_item.3.274cf19c5jJ5OE&gatewayAdapt=glo2usa)
- random aero socks: cost like $4, decent quality, no aero data but they look and feel just like my much more expensive ones
- Sigeyi direct mount derailleur hanger: more expensive but high quality and low weight, lots of colors
- Mixed brand direct mount derailleur hanger: cheaper but only comes in gray
- WestBiking 3D printed saddle: almost put it in the meh category, but it's a decent saddle, just didn't work out becuase the shape of it required a zero setback seatpost to slam it forward enough. But they did get the firmness in the right spots
- Ti bolts: I've bought so many from various companies. All have been good.
Not So Good:
- Tarmac stem computer mount: does its job, little heavy, weird spacing of screw holes makes swapping the actual mount piece impossible
- Alpinist Cockpit copy: good weight at 250g for bar/stem, but insanely flexy and the computer mount rivnut broke on the second ride and you can't use normal round bar mounts
- ZTTO bar tape (Supacaz copy): terrible quality. I bought some pink tape and the whole top layer was gone by the end of my first ride and my gloves were pink. Like it seriously lasted a single ride.
- Spexcel arm warmers: ripped when pulling them on the very first time
- Balugoe 3D printed saddle (Power Mirror copy): really bad quality. The rails were angled in such a way that the nose was pointing upwards at a very steep angle. Could barely get a level saddle position. The firmness of the 3D material was wrong, too. The rear was super soft (like a sponge) that you sunk in and could feel the carbon base, but the front was rock hard and super uncomfortable.
- Darevie jersey: low quality, weird fit (loose in torso but super tight in armpits), corny phrases on sleeves
- TanTan X19 frameset: terrible quality, multiple issues with frame and supplied (and missing) parts. Even worse customer service, threatened to doxx me (my name, home address and phone number) when I put in a claim
Meh:
- OG-EVKIN bar tape (Lizard Skinz copy) - not bad, nothing special but it's decent. Slightly more slippy when wet than real Lizard Skinz
- Ride Now TPU tubes: I went back and forth on whether these should be on the awesome list or not. They're super light and make a great saddle bag backup tube. They're pretty cheap and you can get a bunch in bulk for a great price. But mine have been hit or miss with quality. I bought a 4 pack recently and 2 had holes right out the box. And you can't really test them out prior to use if you want to pack them down small for your bag. So far, I've bought 10 and 3 have holes without ever being ridden.
- Spexcel jerseys: sizing is odd, L was too big and M fit like a toddler's jersey. Just too big of a gap between sizes. Decent quality otherwise just weird sizing for me
Making this list just informed me on how much I've spent to "save money."
Edit: Fixed the link for the Di2 satellite shifters.
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awesome link but both links are for the bottle cage ;)
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They're the same bottle cages as trace velo tested right? Think they feel apart pretty quick.
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I like these little hand pumps that have the hose that screws onto the valve. have them on all my bikes. Seen them with different branding but I have these ones:
https://a.aliexpress.com/_mshOo0a
Man, I have one of these and it is so fking bad, the hose leaks air, I had to chuck it out.
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Are there patch kits where you bond a permanent patch in the same way as vulcanizing rubber patches for butyl?
There are and the process is pretty much the same, just slightly different ingredients. You glue patches of the very same tpu material onto the tube with a solvent-based plastic adhesive like those PVC/PU glues for camping and outdoor stuff. Rema Camplast seems to be what comes with most tpu tire patch kits here. That said, I can't speak to the Ridenow patch kit. I have one ... somewhere, but don't know what kind of glue it contains and have yet to try the kit out.
Now, there are caveats, several in fact. From what different people tell, it may very well be that not all tpu tubes are created equal (as in: playing equally nice with the glue). Then, the pu glue will most likely require more time to dry/set/evaporate (whatever it is it does before there is a substantial bond). And with how flimsy the material is and how it tends to curl on contact with the glue, getting it to stick without any wrinkles and to stay there may require some persuasion. So, yea, the whole process is a bit more involved.
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awesome link but both links are for the bottle cage ;)
Of course I did. Should be fixed now.
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They're the same bottle cages as trace velo tested right? Think they feel apart pretty quick.
No. I put the link for the good ones. There are two very similar versions. One is crap. The one I linked is the stronger version. It’s the orientation of the little lip on the bottom. It’s hard to explain over text. The flat edge is rotated 90 degrees to change how the stress is applied.
Good:
(https://ae01.alicdn.com/kf/Acacc0318bedb4d42a8d9ff6f6dcce01f9.jpg)
Bad:
(https://ae01.alicdn.com/kf/S635f78850df244f0b8d080dd669c02dfL.jpg_640x640Q90.jpg_.webp)
It’s kind of hard to see. But the bad one is flat against the surface. The good one is perpendicular to the surface. Hope that makes sense.
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Pictures perfect for clarification, thanks
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I used a pair of the ultralight Carbon Bottle Cages listed/describe above. My problem with them is that I tried them on my gravel bike and the bottles kept flying out of the cage. Almost every time I hit a large bump. (large size water bottles - all I use.) I put them on my road bike. One broke after being on the bike about a year. This was a couple years ago, so perhaps I purchased the older version.
These carbon cages are what I have migrated to. I have 4 pairs. My gravel bike, and on 3 hardtails. I have only had one bottle fly out of these cages to date.
https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256805615644137.html?spm=a2g0o.order_list.order_list_main.106.10931802ZCdDIj&gatewayAdapt=glo2usa.
My first pair is over 2 years old. Other sets are around 1 year old.
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I'm in need of new bottle cages so this interests me much...
do these carbon ones, recommended above, scratch the bottles? My only experience with carbon cages was one of those Bontrager XXX knock-offs, and while it held the bottle well it just left it all scratched, maybe because it was too tight, but I also believe it was a case of rough edges on the carbon.
I moved to Elite Cannibal bottle cages, the nylon one which is already pretty good at <30g each, but the price on these ones right now is just insane, at least here in Brazil.
Another one I was interested is this Xoss N2 one in nylon (https://pt.aliexpress.com/item/1005004280875987.html), seems pretty good price/weight relation
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https://www.aliexpress.us/item/2251832844876284.html (https://www.aliexpress.us/item/2251832844876284.html)
I currently use these plastic bottle cages on my road bikes. I've given up trying to chase grams and prefer preserving my water bottles. There's minimum scratching compared to carbon-on-plastic. Also they're quite secure.
For gravel I use magnetic bottles. I use these because even with plastic cages, the fine dirt/grit in my area will scratch the bottles regardless. The bottles themselves are really basic. Though I've only had one drop, because I didn't secure it properly. You have to make sure you hear the magnetic "click" sound when mounting back in position. They're non-insulated, so if it's hot in your area I recommend you freeze your bottles the night before.
https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256805780401542.html (https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256805780401542.html)
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I'm in need of new bottle cages so this interests me much...
do these carbon ones, recommended above, scratch the bottles? My only experience with carbon cages was one of those Bontrager XXX knock-offs, and while it held the bottle well it just left it all scratched, maybe because it was too tight, but I also believe it was a case of rough edges on the carbon.
I moved to Elite Cannibal bottle cages, the nylon one which is already pretty good at <30g each, but the price on these ones right now is just insane, at least here in Brazil.
Another one I was interested is this Xoss N2 one in nylon (https://pt.aliexpress.com/item/1005004280875987.html), seems pretty good price/weight relation
Those look the same like the one I've got from decathlon on my road bike. They are not bad. For gravel I've considered elite cannibals but went for RACEONE ZIKO and they are 10/10.
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Senicx crankset is great also, especially with the DUB spindle..
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Do these carbon ones, recommended above, scratch the bottles?
I haven't noticed scratches due to removing and replacing the bottle in the cage. But, my water bottles take a beating on my gravel and mtn bikes.
When the contents of the bottle are cold, and I ride the trails, dust sticks to the bottles. The dust works like sandpaper and leaves black marks on the bottles. I don't care, because water bottles are consumable items.
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I don't care, because water bottles are consumable items.
Yea, I can't say I've ever cared if my bottles get scratched. They give them out like candy at a lot of places I shop so I have a box full of them. I have some larger 1L bottles I bought a few years back that have some wear, but it doesn't affect the use of the bottle. I see them like cleats. They're going to take a beating and I expect to replace them at some point.
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Second what others have recommended
Uno alloy stems
RideNow TPU tubes (36g in use, 24g waiting to try)
YBN chains (all my bikes run waxed YBN chains, including run about ratbike)
Rhinowalk bags (gym, handlebar, top tube and seat roll in use, quality is excellent)
XXX copy bottle cages (no worse at scratching bottles than other brands and more reliable than other brands, ie don’t break or eject bottles)
To add
Uno alloy handlebars, both road and gravel and my flared gravel bar has seen abuse.
MZYRH flat pedals
Wellgo red cleats (exactly the same as Favero and Powertap cleats)
Zeray ZP-110 look keo compatible pedals
AOlikes headband, sits under your helmet and silicone gutter stops sweat getting in your eyes.
TPU folding flask - make your own gels 250ml worth and stick it in your back pocket
Generic HR bands for Garmin HR, a consumable product but lasts as long as gamins, cheaper and comes in a range of colours.
Generic alloy computer mount (Garmin or Wahoo) with GoPro mount underneath that mounts to your handlebar with hinge.
Deemount tubeless sealants injectors
Deemount side loading bottle cages
Cheji cycling kit (just need to be aware pricing fluctuates madly)
To avoid
Generic alloy computer mount that mounts to your stem with two bolts, cracked too many to recommend
Plastic computer mount with GoPro mount underneath that mounts to your handlebar, again cracked too many.
Replica/copies/cheap cycling kit, especially bibs with the multicoloured 5D pads.
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Second what others have recommended
Uno alloy stems
RideNow TPU tubes (36g in use, 24g waiting to try)
YBN chains (all my bikes run waxed YBN chains, including run about ratbike)
Rhinowalk bags (gym, handlebar, top tube and seat roll in use, quality is excellent)
XXX copy bottle cages (no worse at scratching bottles than other brands and more reliable than other brands, ie don’t break or eject bottles)
To add
Uno alloy handlebars, both road and gravel and my flared gravel bar has seen abuse.
MZYRH flat pedals
Wellgo red cleats (exactly the same as Favero and Powertap cleats)
Zeray ZP-110 look keo compatible pedals
AOlikes headband, sits under your helmet and silicone gutter stops sweat getting in your eyes.
TPU folding flask - make your own gels 250ml worth and stick it in your back pocket
Generic HR bands for Garmin HR, a consumable product but lasts as long as gamins, cheaper and comes in a range of colours.
Generic alloy computer mount (Garmin or Wahoo) with GoPro mount underneath that mounts to your handlebar with hinge.
Deemount tubeless sealants injectors
Deemount side loading bottle cages
Cheji cycling kit (just need to be aware pricing fluctuates madly)
To avoid
Generic alloy computer mount that mounts to your stem with two bolts, cracked too many to recommend
Plastic computer mount with GoPro mount underneath that mounts to your handlebar, again cracked too many.
Replica/copies/cheap cycling kit, especially bibs with the multicoloured 5D pads.
daym solid list!!
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What’s the best mini pump out there? Something small and can handle road tires.
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My list of recommended:
E- lita One seatpost.
Dodici handlebars.
Ridenow tubes.
RhinoWalk bags.
Uno stems.
For carbon rims: Deerobust & Bitranz.
Random 3M Heli tape stuff.
I've had some carbon cages for about 8 years now which are not like the XXX ones but have lasted many miles and still going strong.
TiTo Titanium. Had lots of bolts from them as well as a set of forks and bars and they've been great.
Gararuk derailleur cages and pulleys. Honestly, cannot see or feel a difference between these and genuine but are less than half price, they're practical and look better imo.
SQLab inner bar-end clones, same weight, half price, seem solid.
Yuniper and powerway lefty hubs.
Not recommended:
B- ar tape, inexpensive but most i've tried feel shite and rubbery but not in a good way, just a cheap way. There will be good ones out there of course.
Clothing generally, some items I liked but the sizing is whack and varies too much from one place to another.
OG-Evkin (maybe not spelled that right) carbon forks. I always need to face the disc brake mounts and each one i've had has varied in the lower steerer diameter a fair amount. I give this product a meh. It does the job once you overcome the initial shortcomings.
Airwolf
Highball Clone - Seattube split after about 400 miles of road riding. No after care and, although it was not a huge expense, it was still a wasted one.
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My list of recommended:
SQLab inner bar-end clones, same weight, half price, seem solid.
Can you post a picture? For me, ali only shows Spirgrips clones, but no SQLab ones.
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I'm a big fan of Fovno jockey wheels. I'm using these on my GRX 812 RD. They're heavy duty and spin smoothly even after riding in mud and dirt. They're easy to clean and service. My stock GRX jockey wheels just grind. I'm suspecting LTwoo and Sensah source these jockey wheels as well for their rear derailleurs.
https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256802749293027.html (https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256802749293027.html)
Also I take back what I said about the RideNow TPU tubes with alloy stem. The base of the stem is still plastic. The other day I accidentally cracked the plastic section when I was topping off air in my tire. I have a nice set tubeless ready road tires ready to go once I wear out my clinchers!
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I used a pair of the ultralight Carbon Bottle Cages listed/describe above. My problem with them is that I tried them on my gravel bike and the bottles kept flying out of the cage. Almost every time I hit a large bump. (large size water bottles - all I use.)
I run "traditional" carbon cages and I lost a full water bottle on a bump at speed. I only realized it was gone when I reached down for a drink. I think you'd need a metal cage and bend it to a really tight fit in order to make it fool proof.
I'm in need of new bottle cages so this interests me much...
do these carbon ones, recommended above, scratch the bottles? My only experience with carbon cages was one of those Bontrager XXX knock-offs, and while it held the bottle well it just left it all scratched, maybe because it was too tight, but I also believe it was a case of rough edges on the carbon.
Every carbon bottle cage I've ever used has scratched my bottles unfortunately. Gloss finished cages took longer, but eventually the bottles get roughed up.
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Can you post a picture? For me, ali only shows Spirgrips clones, but no SQLab ones.
Sure. I can't find them now but looking back at my.order history they were these: https://a.aliexpress.com/_mKVsZdq shop no longer has items so guess it was dodgy. Mine have been great!
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I run "traditional" carbon cages and I lost a full water bottle on a bump at speed. I only realized it was gone when I reached down for a drink. I think you'd need a metal cage and bend it to a really tight fit in order to make it fool proof.
Every carbon bottle cage I've ever used has scratched my bottles unfortunately. Gloss finished cages took longer, but eventually the bottles get roughed up.
I think the elite bottle and cage interface is really tight. Can't imagine a bottle ever jumping out.
But the fidlock system is foolproof pretty much. But can prob get 100 aliexpress bottle for the same cost.
My elite bottles takes 1 look at an elite cage and get a billion scratches.
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What’s the best mini pump out there? Something small and can handle road tires.
Just get the BBB Samurai BMP-50 Mini Pump... It's awesome. It probably won't fit in your saddle bag, but I have mounted mine on the side of the bottle cage and barely notice it...
I ditched my Lezyne Pocket Drive HV pump for this one. The HV version was a mistake because you can't get tubeless road tires to seat. Learned this the hard way when I got a flat. Luckily someone in the group had a BBB pump that worked great. I ordered one the same day.
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This beto mini pump is my best choice. Fits in a saddle bag.
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Thank you for all the input. As I've mentioned I have a ridiculously long list of stuff I have on order that just keeps on getting longer. Once it all comes and I have a chance to look it over and use it, I will post a full list of everything I ordered and a one line review.
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Thank you for all the input. As I've mentioned I have a ridiculously long list of stuff I have on order that just keeps on getting longer. Once it all comes and I have a chance to look it over and use it, I will post a full list of everything I ordered and a one line review.
Looking forward to it, you aliexpressoholic
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So far this year, I have ordered 75 items from Aliexpress. (63, cycling related items) I have been very please with almost all the items I have purchased. Only one item this year has had problems. it is an ultralight 2 person tent I purchased. The lightweight carbon poles broke on me during a bike packing trip, so I ended up purchasing a Big Agnes tent in Steamboat Springs, Colorado as I rode through the town.
The tent and fly cover is high quality, but the poles suck! The "Ultralight Camping Store says they are working on a better quality/stronger set of poles for me. (It has been 3 months now since I heard back from them)
https://www.aliexpress.us/item/2251832732594133.html?spm=a2g0o.order_list.order_list_main.214.10931802ZCdDIj&gatewayAdapt=glo2usa
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Good:
- Sportspy aero socks. Aero socks are already the best drag saved per $ item, but you can get 90% of what R28 sells from sportspy for less than 1/2 the price
- Ridenow TPU, in the 19g guise
- XCADEY crankset with spider mounted powermeter
- various carbon handlebars: integrated, drop, MTB, you name it, I've pretty much never ordered a terrible handlebar on aliex
- various carbon seatposts
- knockoff sunglasses of all kinds
- Ardunel Mandible knockoff bottle cages. Most recently bought a pair from Yao Bin, they're dec
- CCN light overshoes: if your shoe size is small enough, I quite like these
- 1-piece SROAD CNC steel cassettes (SRAM x-dome knockoff). I know a lot of people shit on these, but I frankly find them to be fine and exceptionally light for the price. I've bought 4 so far I've had examples in 10, 11, and 12s. All perform great.
Mid:
- LTWOO hydraulic groupset: pretty alright performance but shifter broke over a pothole
Bad:
- Magene QED P325 powermeter crankset with integrated chainring: chainring is soft and gets out of true. Expensive. Magene has been terrible to work with on this for warranty, I'm basically screwed. The crankset isn't compatible with any other chainrings. Power meter isn't exactly accurate. Crank arm+power meter design is pretty un-aero since the strain gauge units protrude a lot.
- ZRace direct mount brake calipers: they suck. Not well manufactured. Leaky. Don't bleed well. Wide/bulky, which makes them un-aero.
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- 1-piece SROAD CNC steel cassettes (SRAM x-dome knockoff). I know a lot of people shit on these, but I frankly find them to be fine and exceptionally light for the price. I've bought 4 so far I've had examples in 10, 11, and 12s. All perform great.
Do you have any links to a 10 speed SROAD cassette? I've been trying to find one (I'm on old 2008 generation Sram Red on my road bike and Sram XO 1x10 on my mountain bike), but it's difficult to find. I'd assumed there's not enough volume to justify an Aliexpress seller making a 10 speed version, but I'd love to be wrong there :)
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The good which I will order again or have ordered multiple times already:
1. Blackbird GPS mount: https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256803662704812.html - Love the look. Minimalist and stable. Have it on 3 bikes.
2. RISK bar end plugs with expander : https://www.aliexpress.us/item/2255800099911213.html
3. XOSS light : https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256804318675408.html - minimalist black monoblock design that goes really well with the Blackbird mount above.
4. Ultralight cassettes for road (Not MTB) : https://www.aliexpress.us/item/2255800045575507.html - Sunshine is just one, many others make same design. Had good luck with road cassettes but not MTB. Stick to 11-28/30. Have it on 3 bikes.
5. No name, unbranded carbon saddle : https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256804373322850.html - Used to be $18 and arguably the best one I have found. As good as MIXD branded ones. Its unfortunate they have increased the prices. Have it on 2 bikes.
6. TOWILD light : https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256802488550065.html - way better battery life than XOSS but isn't slick. Battery can be taken out and replaced on the fly, excellent beam.
7. ZNIINO H corner bard copy : https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256804059388076.html - Fantastic. No flex, super light and just plain clever (thanks to Surly). Bought 3 times.
8. Garmin Varia tail light mount : https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256804675184906.html - Amazon sells these for $12 each. Get 10 pack from Alix for $25.
Money down the drain products:
1. Cyplus/blackbird/Moots and what not speed-cadence sensors: https://www.aliexpress.us/item/2261800105285991.html
2. Cheap ZRACE rotors : https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256804147936070.html - couldn't stop their wailing. Not cheap either. Get Shimano RT30/56 for same price but better performance with resin pads.
3. Cyclami ultralight tubes : https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256803947217839.html - slow leaks, damage during installation, leak from valve base. Everything that could go bad went bad - except actual flat from foreign object.
4. Tiny underseat bag : https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256804445576703.html - trash
5. Tubeless rim tapes - avoid all from Alix.
6. RISK colored screws for stems - Not Ti. Poor soft material that strips easily.
7. Sunshine MTB 12 speed cassettes : https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256803959318100.html - too much variation between cassettes. Could not index two of them. Poor QC. Hit or miss, buy at your own risk.
8. Cheap $5-6 bar tapes
9. Ceramic jockey wheels - your shifting will suffer. Don't matter how cool they look or for what derailleur they are being used. Every single derailleur I used them on (105 R7000, Ultegra R6800 and 8000, SRAM Red 22) caused shifting to go bad.
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Here are some quick reviews of stuff I've received so far:
- Pedal extenders - Utter shit, extremely dangerous. These snapped and got stuck in crank arm. I was very lucky that they snapped just after I finished a hectic descent, and didn't cause a crash. After I complained, I never received a response from the seller and they were removed from their store. Link to the store that never responded: https://www.aliexpress.com/store/1102650247?spm=a2g0o.order_list.order_list_main.263.3a0c1802p7TyPl
- SRAM BB tool - worked perfectly, good machining - https://www.aliexpress.us/item/2252799822224212.html?spm=a2g0o.order_list.order_list_main.261.21ef1802kRyNtE&gatewayAdapt=glo2usa
- Brake hose barbs/olives - worked perfectly - https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256801512819809.html?spm=a2g0o.order_list.order_list_main.276.21ef1802kRyNtE&gatewayAdapt=glo2usa
- RockBros plastic bottle cages - need to jiggle the bottle a bit to slide in, but bottle retention is good and translucent blue plastic looks cool. However, if I could order again I would go with the carbon cages people have posted about here. - https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256803962344624.html?spm=a2g0o.order_list.order_list_main.270.21ef1802kRyNtE&gatewayAdapt=glo2usa
- RockBros top tube bag - good quality, seems durable, zippers work well - https://www.aliexpress.us/item/2251832674488900.html?spm=a2g0o.order_list.order_list_main.271.21ef1802kRyNtE&gatewayAdapt=glo2usa
- No logo carbon seatpost 31.6 - terrible clamp design; saddle cannot by tilted further down unless fully removed - https://www.aliexpress.us/item/2251832614604335.html?spm=a2g0o.order_list.order_list_main.281.21ef1802kRyNtE&gatewayAdapt=glo2usa
- Alloy jockey wheels/ceramic bearings - nice little upgrade over stock plastic wheels, spin great and look excellent - https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256804407779860.html?spm=a2g0o.order_list.order_list_main.290.21ef1802kRyNtE&gatewayAdapt=glo2usa
- Toseek carbon fork - 576g with no crown race, finishing looks decent. Not sure if I trust it yet, I think I'm going to stress test it in some grass before riding aggressively with it on my urban/road bike. - https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256803054616840.html?spm=a2g0o.order_list.order_list_main.255.21ef1802kRyNtE&gatewayAdapt=glo2usa
- Rhinowalk stem bag - great quality, corny logo and slogan was easily cut off - https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256802811103785.html?spm=a2g0o.order_list.order_list_main.89.21ef1802kRyNtE&gatewayAdapt=glo2usa
- Risk titanium bolts - beautiful, great finishing, but excessive packaging. Ordered many different types from a few different stores.
- ELITAONE carbon seatpost 31.6 400mm - great finish, good clamp design, 152g, stress tested on rough gravel and singletrack and it has held up great. - https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256805646314200.html?spm=a2g0o.order_list.order_list_main.119.21ef1802kRyNtE&gatewayAdapt=glo2usa
- Deckas SRAM chainring 30t - good machining, only time will tell how durable the aluminum is - https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256801800096253.html?spm=a2g0o.order_list.order_list_main.124.21ef1802kRyNtE&gatewayAdapt=glo2usa
- No logo silicone grips - feel slick compared to ESI Chunkies. About 31.7mm diameter after installation. I wouldn't use these as primary grips on a mountain bike. Seems like cheaper foam rather than grippy silicone. Wouldn't buy again. Risk silicone are much better. - https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256801376296997.html?spm=a2g0o.order_list.order_list_main.129.21ef1802kRyNtE&gatewayAdapt=glo2usa
- Risk silicone grips - pretty thin, possibly even thinner than the 31.7mm no name grips. Quality is better than no logo ones, closer to ESI feel, but still not as grippy as ESI. Just using them over bar ends for alternative hand positions on my bikepacking rig. - https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256801261148566.html?spm=a2g0o.order_list.order_list_main.154.21ef1802kRyNtE&gatewayAdapt=glo2usa
- Deemount valve cores - look excellent, wouldn't be surprised if they make these OEM for big brands - https://www.aliexpress.us/item/2251832861360076.html?spm=a2g0o.order_list.order_list_main.133.21ef1802kRyNtE&gatewayAdapt=glo2usa
- Deemount steerer tube expansion plug - great quality - https://www.aliexpress.us/item/2251832719440139.html?spm=a2g0o.order_list.order_list_main.134.21ef1802kRyNtE&gatewayAdapt=glo2usa
- RideNow 26" 42g TPU tubes - actual weight 37g, incredible weight reduction for the price - https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256805274686062.html?spm=a2g0o.order_list.order_list_main.139.21ef1802kRyNtE&gatewayAdapt=glo2usa
- SCREWHOME store nylon M5 bolts - surprisingly decent quality. Perfect for use as boss plugs. - https://www.aliexpress.us/item/2251832789801780.html?spm=a2g0o.order_list.order_list_main.144.21ef1802kRyNtE&gatewayAdapt=glo2usa
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Has anyone gotten carbon mountain bike bars from AliExpress? I tried searching but didn't find anything very specific.
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https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256805804839530.html (https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256805804839530.html)
I just wanted to chime in regarding the RiRo carbon crankset. So far I like this crankset much better than the Racework crankset that follows the Shimano style crank arm setup. Unfortunately Racework's non-drive side crank arm is prone to cracking and I would not recommend it. The RiRo crankset has what appears to be the same carbon crank arms as Racework just with different branding. It has the SRAM style crank interface (though it works just fine using a standard BSA bottom bracket). I find it structurally more solid, but the only potential weakness is user error by accidentally cross-threading the drive side fixing bolt which doesn't seem replaceable. Also you'll need a bigger adjustable torque wrench to set the minimum 35nm to lock it in place. Either that or just tighten it enough so you don't feel turn any further.
I've installed it on my 1x gravel bike with no issue. At this point if you want a somewhat affordable carbon crankset, I would avoid the Racework and go for the RiRo. Though it's a bit more trickier to install if you're not familiar with this style of crankset (compared to Shimano). Just make sure to secure the fixing bolt first from the drive side and then adjust it for fit on the non-drive side threaded locking ring.
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For the Raceworks cranks that are prone to cracking, I thought this was only for the pinch bolt style. It looks like they have revised the crank to be SRAM style which may fix the issue.
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For the Raceworks cranks that are prone to cracking, I thought this was only for the pinch bolt style. It looks like they have revised the crank to be SRAM style which may fix the issue.
Ugh, I didn't even realize they updated their cranks. In that case, the new interface is much better! Also it looks like the RiRo and Racework cranksets are the same now. I guess get whichever you prefer. It just sucks for us early adopters on these Chinese components!
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Looking through my orders, I realize just how much bike stuff I've bought on Aliexpress... might as well contribute my experiences. I'm not going to review the genuine name-brand (pretty much all Shimano) components I've bought, as those are known quantities. The subsections below are in no particular order, as I'm just going through my order history to compile this list.
Best of the best to very good
- Elita One 27.2mm seatpost: I've bought like 5 of these for various builds. Hard to recommend much else. Light, well-made, can handle a load, no branding. https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256805646314200.html
- Faceted anodized top cap: Well made, nice bit of bling on a bike with an appropriate color scheme. I have the rainbow one on my Tarmac and it's been complemented more than once. https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256805632252290.html
- Reflective tape: I put some on the rims of my commuter bike for side-on visibility and it works great. Cheap and adheres well and is VERY reflective. https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256804860946991.html
- Cyclami TPU tube: I use these for my commuter bike where I don't want to bother with tubeless. In the 27.5 size they hold air very well. The rear tube suffered a small tear (not puncture) as I was installing a new set of tires, but I patched it with one of the included patches and it hasn't bothered me since. https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256805483094623.html
- ZTTO P3 hubs: I've built 3 wheelsets with these hubs, they're my favorite cheap hubs. They roll well and have good weather sealing. The measurements in the listing are accurate for wheelbuilding. Not super light but not egregiously heavy either. Of note is that 12mm front thru axles will need an axle reducer (https://www.aliexpress.us/item/2251832711018601.html) and the front endcaps will probably need to be filed down to accommodate the shallower dropout cutouts. https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256802437891171.html
- Kalloy UNO stems: I have versions of these on all my bikes. Light, cheap, strong.
- XCADEY chainrings: I don't have much time on these rings but chainrings tend not to change very much over time so I feel comfortable recommending these. They shift very well (50/34 at least), are light enough, and imo look pretty good. https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256803817933289.html
- RYET 3D printed saddle: tried one on my road bike and liked it enough I got another one for my gravel bike. The shape is basically a copy of the PRO stealth which works well for me. The claimed weight is accurate and the construction quality is excellent. https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256805023659024.html
- PASS QUEST jockey wheels: a nice little upgrade from most stock pulley wheels. Durable, narrow-wide, with good bearings - sealed, not the crappy ceramic bearings completely exposed to the elements that most Aliexpress jockey wheels have. https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256801862899014.html
- Spcycle MTB handlebars: generic carbon MTB handlebars, but very well-made with a clean interior. Plenty strong, I've taken these down some real jarring singletrack with no issue. https://www.aliexpress.us/item/2251832093175674.html
- ZTTO nipple wrench: the little mickey mouse ears are so comfortable to use. By far my favorite nipple wrench, better than the Park Tool one I was using. https://www.aliexpress.us/item/2251832816974319.html
- DECKAS 1x chainring: I've used 4 of these on various 1x setups and they work great. So cheap too. I wish the branding was slightly more subtle but it's not terrible as is. https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256801606393029.html
- Generic flared gravel handlebars: Shockingly durable and comfortable. I like that the come in narrower widths. The internal routing is clean but not very wide - fitting shifter housing + brake hose through each side was a royal pain. Unfortunately the underside isn't really shaped for external cable runs. https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256802785082557.html
- Flyxii FE-02 gravel bike frame: a real tank of a gravel frame. I love mine. https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256802462426945.html
- SERAPH road handlebars: my favorite road handlebars ever. Such a nice shape, well-made, light and stiff, nice channel on the underside for clean and easy cable routing. I hope they never go out of production. https://www.aliexpress.us/item/2255800581774460.html
Very good to good
- Generic front light: I think this is the same one sold by "Offbondage" (lol) and a few other stores, but this one doesn't have branding which is why I went for it specifically. Nice and bright with a flashing mode, has a good bar mount, USB C charging. https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256804897699962.html
- OG EVKIN HB010: good shape, reasonably light, external cable routing for easy setup. I have this bar on my commuter and it works well. Only reason I don't rate it higher is because the first one I had snapped when my bike fell over in its stand - can't really fault it for that but my other carbon bars have survived their bikes tipping over. https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256805458531947.html
- Generic bike baskets: I use 2 of these on the front rack of my commuter for light but bulky cargo loads. Not super well-made but they do the job and fold down for storage off the bike. https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256805376389581.html
- Sunshine cassettes: I've had 3 of these; 2 11-speed (11-36 and 11-42) and one 12-speed (11-46). They shift fine, not quite as good as Shimano but that's to be expected. Very heavy though. https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256803959318100.html
- AVID HS1 brake rotors (definitely copies): 6-bolt only, but they don't warp because they're thick, they brake well, and they're incredibly cheap. https://www.aliexpress.us/item/2251832609689188.html
- Nipple holder: makes the process of lacing a wheel much nicer. For 3 bucks, well worth it. https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256802890581426.html
- ZRACE Blade MTB crankset: simple fitment and steel axle, same as Shimano hollowtec cranks. Reasonably light, graphics aren't too obtrusive and the included chainring is surprisingly good. I have found that it creaks a bit when it gets dirty but it's so easy to pop off and clean that this isn't a major issue. https://www.aliexpress.us/item/2255800868849020.html
- Spcycle M05 frame: size medium in glossy red color came in at 877 grams - amazing! Despite the weight, it's been a very solid hardtail for my not-very-extreme needs. Only drawback is the rear driveside dropout is too thick for the stock hanger so I had to file down the hanger to make room. https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256802796251755.html
Good to meh
- TOSEEK 143 saddle: the shape works fine for me. The construction quality is decent but the middle unsupported section tends to sag a bit too much imo. https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256805099852978.html
- ZTTO MTB cassette: shifts ok, not nearly as good as the Deore cassette I was using on my previous MTB groupset. But this cassette is amazingly light, the claimed weights are accurate, and I think at least some of the shifting issues I have are down to some derailleur hanger issues on my MTB frame. https://www.aliexpress.us/item/2255800094553452.html
- IIIPro centerlock disc rotors: they don't warp which was a major improvement on the Dura-Ace rotors I was using, but after about 500 miles they developed a squeal I couldn't get rid of even with brake cleaner and sanding their surface. Swapped to Campy Ekar rotors and have been very very pleased with them. https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256804105057808.html
- ZRACE Hardrock crankset: I've used two of these. One has lived on my gravel bike for 1,500 miles, has been beaten up, fully submerged multiple times, been put through singletrack riding and 1200 watt sprints, and is basically brand new. The other one had the axle and driveside crankarm separate and develop play within 100 miles on my commuter where it never saw any abuse. So... ymmv. https://www.aliexpress.us/item/2252799820023948.html
Meh to bad
- Ridenow TPU tube: I only use these as backup tubes on my road bike. The one time I had to use it, I was riding close to home with a friend and he punctured with no spare tube, so I threw this in his tire and it flatted within 5 minutes. Fortunately I was able to ride home and bring him a butyl tube! I tried patching it when I got home but it failed with 3 different patches.. So small and so light, but this really is an option of last resort in my saddle bag. https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256803826508749.html
- Sensah SRX Pro: The shifting was very good, but the clutch on the derailleur was so weak that it dropped my chain several times a ride. I quickly replaced it with a Deore rear derailleur + JTek shiftmate which worked ok. The braking was ultimately the dealbreaker - see below - but I kept the shifters around on my commuter bike, paired with a SRAM Force 1x rear derailleur, and the shifting was great and the braking much better with rim brakes. https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256802576089351.html
Just plain bad
- Juintech F1 brake calipers: I just could never get these to brake all that well. I tried different pads, rotors, preload adjustment, etc etc etc; ultimately I was descending a notoriously steep and winding local road and I nearly lost all braking power, even after stopping and letting the system cool down for almost 10 minutes. I ordered 105 hydraulic shifters and brakes the next day and they're infintely better. Don't bother with these or other cable/hydro solutions, just go hydro. https://www.aliexpress.us/item/2255799928780428.html
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^ Thanks for all the input, so many goodies in there. Those purple jockey wheels would be perfect on my purple Cotic FlareMax.
More stuff I've received:
- Cyclami 29" TPU tube - threw this directly into my pack as a spare, so no idea if it's good or not - https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256805484528202.html?spm=a2g0o.order_list.order_list_main.54.77f51802WM2TQN&gatewayAdapt=glo2usa
- Deemount pedal grub screws - seem like great quality like everything from this brand. Perfect replacement for missing pins on my Nukeproof Horizon flat pedals - https://www.aliexpress.us/item/2251832739508546.html?spm=a2g0o.order_list.order_list_main.83.77f51802WM2TQN&gatewayAdapt=glo2usa
- ZTTO tire plug tool - nicest little tire plug tool I've had so far. Just nice and compact and super light. Going in my main MTB pack - https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256803768086732.html?spm=a2g0o.order_list.order_list_main.71.77f51802WM2TQN&gatewayAdapt=glo2usa
- ZTTO chain pliers - pretty crappy clone of the Wolftooth pack pliers. The machining is fine and I'm sure they'll work OK, but the pivot rivet is super loose and can't be tightened. The magnets that are supposed to hold it shut are so incredibly weak they can't even keep it closed. I just threw a rubber band around it - https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256805656797097.html?spm=a2g0o.order_list.order_list_main.65.77f51802WM2TQN&gatewayAdapt=glo2usa
- Risk cable housing frame protectors - perfect little accessory to prevent the all too common problem of cable rub. All my bikes have externally routed cables so these are a frame saver - https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256805171524996.html?spm=a2g0o.order_list.order_list_main.77.77f51802WM2TQN&gatewayAdapt=glo2usa
- Deemount Y hex tool - seems like a fine little tool with 4 5 6mm hexes - https://www.aliexpress.us/item/2251832510886397.html?spm=a2g0o.order_list.order_list_main.30.77f51802WM2TQN&gatewayAdapt=glo2usa
- Bike Hand chain wear indicator - need to measure and see how accurate it is, but quality is OK for $3 - https://www.aliexpress.us/item/2255801136294622.html?spm=a2g0o.order_list.order_list_main.36.77f51802WM2TQN&gatewayAdapt=glo2usa
- Bracyc tire plug tool - decent quality, better design than Dynaplug copies. Pretty large and heavy tool though, probably just putting this in my car for emergency flat repairs - https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256805465138181.html?spm=a2g0o.order_list.order_list_main.42.77f51802WM2TQN&gatewayAdapt=glo2usa
- ZTTO V brake pads - Lighter weight and aesthetically nicer than the old Shimano pads. Decent stopping power with only 1 brake, we'll see how they bed in - https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256805023482120.html?spm=a2g0o.order_list.order_list_main.24.77f51802WM2TQN&gatewayAdapt=glo2usa
- Widesea Ti camp mug - excellent quality little mug - https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256805420492479.html?spm=a2g0o.order_list.order_list_main.48.77f51802WM2TQN&gatewayAdapt=glo2usa
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SERAPH road handlebars: my favorite road handlebars ever. Such a nice shape, well-made, light and stiff, nice channel on the underside for clean and easy cable routing. I hope they never go out of production. https://www.aliexpress.us/item/2255800581774460.html
Do you know the reach and drop measurement of these bars?
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Do you know the reach and drop measurement of these bars?
Just measured them and they look to be about 75 mm reach and 125 mm drop.
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Best of the best to very good
- Flyxii FE-02 gravel bike frame: a real tank of a gravel frame. I love mine.
I have this frame. Almost 1k miles on it. Only complaint is quite a fit of flexing when standing on the pedals. Fortunately my area is pretty flat so thats rare.
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I'll add a few of my recommendations :
- West Biking Leather Bar Tape - https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005005810368018.html (https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005005810368018.html) - Great strong bar tape, but ensure you soak in water prior to installing as they're a bit too stiff to wrap otherwise
- Deemount Magene/Garmin Radar rear light saddle mount - https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005005989328996.html - really nice bit of kit for mounting a radar light, holds well and clamps nicely on to round and oval saddle rails
- Fire Spider (The One) Integrated Bar & Stem - https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005004380752458.html - I'm a huge fan of these bars, they are sleek, stiff, and comfortable. Plus the wedge clamp makes for a much less concerning install (vs clamping carbon). I've had a pair in matte, and in gloss and the gloss is nice but the top cap is not painted and the gloss paint tends to chip a little around the top cap area.
- RONGYAOSPORTS Microfibre Leather Bar Tape - https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005002932694113.html - this stuff is great too, stretchy and wraps nicely, looks vintage too.
- Heppe Thru Axles - https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005003627114780.html - great quality and come in a range of colours. I'm a big fan.
- Mito MTB Pedals - https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005003171997479.html - big and chunky and a decent price too for a well made Alu pedal.
- UNO Stem (MTB/Gravel version) - https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005004638826623.html - bit more robust than the lightweight offerings, low stack (30mm) too. Good if you're running a shorter stem and want something more substantial.
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None of the above links open up for me, they all just go to Aliex home page. Wanted to look at the bar tape and rear light mount but search is useless. Could you add pictures of both?
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None of the above links open up for me, they all just go to Aliex home page. Wanted to look at the bar tape and rear light mount but search is useless. Could you add pictures of both?
https://a.aliexpress.com/_msMEf68 Rongyao Bar Tape
https://a.aliexpress.com/_mt3dxVw West Biking Bar tape
https://a.aliexpress.com/_mMt6VUY Saddle light mount
(https://i.ibb.co/bmCHLSX/695401584-1757320070.jpg) (https://ibb.co/zxB8byZ)
(https://i.ibb.co/5x28YRY/14311525462009331720.jpg) (https://ibb.co/93GTwrw)
(https://i.ibb.co/x3q9JDQ/21313466861477265780.jpg) (https://ibb.co/kM2bQxF)
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None of the above links open up for me, they all just go to Aliex home page. Wanted to look at the bar tape and rear light mount but search is useless. Could you add pictures of both?
If you copy and paste it works.
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Just plain bad
- Juintech F1 brake calipers: I just could never get these to brake all that well. I tried different pads, rotors, preload adjustment, etc etc etc; ultimately I was descending a notoriously steep and winding local road and I nearly lost all braking power, even after stopping and letting the system cool down for almost 10 minutes. I ordered 105 hydraulic shifters and brakes the next day and they're infintely better. Don't bother with these or other cable/hydro solutions, just go hydro. https://www.aliexpress.us/item/2255799928780428.html
I'm surprised you listed the Juin Tech F1 calipers as bad. I have mine setup on my road bike and they work just fine. I do nothing but climbing and descending as well and I've been lazy to swap over Ultegra R8020 hydraulic shifters I have. Though I'm using higher tension gold brake cabling and semi-metallic finned pads that were released in the last few months. It's made a huge difference in performance.
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I'm surprised you listed the Juin Tech F1 calipers as bad. I have mine setup on my road bike and they work just fine. I do nothing but climbing and descending as well and I've been lazy to swap over Ultegra R8020 hydraulic shifters I have. Though I'm using higher tension gold brake cabling and semi-metallic finned pads that were released in the last few months. It's made a huge difference in performance.
I got the Juin Techs in large part because of their positive reputation; I used Jagwire compressionless housing and Shimano brake cables and did all the tweaking I possibly could but they never even came close to the modulation and power of even the cheapest hydro brakes I've tried. I wasn't kind to them in operation either; I'm quite fat and the brakes were on my heaviest bike, and most of the roads around me are in the mountains and descend 2,000-4,000 feet at a time with gradients of 8-20%, and they're often winding too so there's not much downtime for the brakes to cool off. The particular descent that caused me to get rid of the Juin Techs was Magnolia road (https://pjammcycling.com/climb/238.Magnolia%2520Road) which I use as the ultimate stress test for my braking components.
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I have 2 sets of the GT-P4s and one set of the F1s I wrote in another thread here why I am moving away from them.
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I'm in need of new bottle cages so this interests me much...
do these carbon ones, recommended above, scratch the bottles? My only experience with carbon cages was one of those Bontrager XXX knock-offs, and while it held the bottle well it just left it all scratched, maybe because it was too tight, but I also believe it was a case of rough edges on the carbon.
I moved to Elite Cannibal bottle cages, the nylon one which is already pretty good at <30g each, but the price on these ones right now is just insane, at least here in Brazil.
Another one I was interested is this Xoss N2 one in nylon (https://pt.aliexpress.com/item/1005004280875987.html), seems pretty good price/weight relation
Maybe too late but I (and my GF) have these on our bikes. Maybe 14 in total? All have been flawless.
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32939053708.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.main.27.3c455bbc9KIurR&algo_pvid=cc3535c7-a4e9-49d4-be28-bb80014c8b10&algo_exp_id=cc3535c7-a4e9-49d4-be28-bb80014c8b10-13&pdp_npi=4%40dis%21CAD%2168.16%2130.67%21%21%2148.32%21%21%402101fb0a16995069549822831e8582%2166128263833%21sea%21CA%212589744473%21&curPageLogUid=FmSjcdju58L7
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Maybe too late but I (and my GF) have these on our bikes. Maybe 14 in total? All have been flawless.
I have have six of them on 3 bikes, Two of my three 29er hardtails, and on my gravel bike. (I have had a few large bottle knocked out over the past season, but overall they are great cages.)
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Not in the overal-best category, but imo deserving of a place on the more-than-decent-for-the-price list:
I like these softshell cloves.
(https://ae01.alicdn.com/kf/S0b6236562752418890ee5ad1472b3d3di.jpg)
Apart from the gimmicky zipper, these are very basic no-nonsense gloves for autumn or very mild early/late-winter days. Beware, the different-colour materials might also feel different. I have a new-version set in grey and an older set in black. The black ones are of thinner material on the outside. As for looks, the red rubber thingies can be removed with a sharp blade (the one on the zipper has to be cut, for the other the seem can be cut without damaging anything else).
As pointed out by others (and me), these particular SCVCN sunglasses are kind of nice for the price (for people with smaller heads).
(https://ae01.alicdn.com/kf/Sf969b94e01364934867cd764966852d4l.jpg?width=800&height=918&hash=1718) (https://ae01.alicdn.com/kf/Aa46a9f27acc645708eb01b5161f01c5aN.jpg)
Between decent and good: Plain photochromic lenses, black and blue polarising lenses as well as those colour variants that mostly stick to a single colour (depending on taste and use case). The funkier colour-gradient lenses, I find meh (red among them, which is really more like red-golden-something and shows notably different colours depending whether you look straight or to the side).
So far, this tiny smart tail light does what it is supposed to on my daily driver (and completely on its own, apart from charging)
(https://ae01.alicdn.com/kf/S8b0f6749a4734fa8bb59497b6b925a4d2.jpg)
It does the auto-on/off thing with an ambient light and an accel sensor (if you want it to) and has a brake light function (which gets a bit nervous with heavy vibration/shocks as well, but that's not a bad thing).
All of the above seem to be regulars in the 3-for-6-bucks-shipped shelf. Basic variants of the glasses go for as low as 2 bucks, same with the gloves (but 3 bucks for the grey ones, when I last checked). The tail light was 6, I think (but there where several of similar functionality, some cheaper still). With the ridiculous pricing in mind, pls do manage expectations.
(I didn't post links as they might or might not work depending on region and stuff. I hope the pictures are showing, though.)
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I've completely given up on Spedao/SRoad ultralight cassettes. The small 11/12t cogs aren't able to withstand out of saddle power sprints. The cogs will start to slip. Save your money, stick with Shimano cassettes and lighten your bike elsewhere.
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Not the least bit bike-related, but I just have to. I kind of fell in love with Hobibear barefoot shoes. Apart from the obvious barefooty stuff (thin flexible sole, virtually no dampening, no arch to speak of), they're the most comfy shoes I've worn in a long time, and by a lot. They feel soo good, it's ridiculous (but feet are different, ymmv).
Now as for value: They sell in the 40-bucks range on Amazon (some as Hobibear, some as Within) and the BF crowd seems to like them at that price. On Ali, you can get some models below 25 bucks more or less regularly, and a few as low as ~15(!)* - shipped to the EU. Quality looks decent for 40 bucks, but for ~20, it's almost stellar (now, there will be lemons, but I have yet to get one; uh, shouldn't jinx it). Great value.
(https://hobibear.de/cdn/shop/files/IMGL9375.jpg) (https://ae01.alicdn.com/kf/S67ad51d0169e4b96ab46b53b01a42fa4F.jpg) (https://ae01.alicdn.com/kf/Sf7026779358a428eb104ca5c2b8b2689g.jpg)
There are a few slightly different cuts (where overall shape and fit seems rather similar), a few different colours, textile and faux leather options. Unless you're triggered by the slight clown-shoe look that comes with a wideish ergonomically-shaped toe box, they look really nice.
*) Click around a bit to stuff your search history and then check the coins discount-finder page** (discounts there only work when you "buy now"). And then click around some more. Some have the 3-20 deal on them, some go cheaper as early-bird deals and what have you, and then, some of those are listed on the coins discount page. YMMV.
**) Will for some reason show higher discounts when visited through a mobile browser (probably the same with the app).
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Any thoughts on RISK vs. Wanyifa bolts? I have had the latter in my cart for while.
I am pretty hard on my bikes. Ridden in the rain and mud then hosed down with one of those Muc Off pressure washers, ive trashed a few sets of stock sram jockey wheels as well. I only have sram groups at this point so the ones with 689 bearings use reducers. Between those reducers, the shields, and the questionable quality of the bearings there is a lot of play. They also died really quickly.
Kogel is pretty average IMO regarding bearings but their design work is good and the 688 bearing size has a lot of great bearings available for it. Eventually the plan is to swap these out for Enduro XD-15 bearings. Curious to see if they really are a tough as their reputation.
I have wanyifa to on all my bikes and love it. I have a few risk items but I don't like labels and I also wanted to get some strange size bolts. So unless you are looking for the really weird specific parts, I would recommend wanyifa or even try craftsman.
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- Spcycle MTB handlebars: generic carbon MTB handlebars, but very well-made with a clean interior. Plenty strong, I've taken these down some real jarring singletrack with no issue.
Did you happen to get the weight on these?
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Did you happen to get the weight on these?
Unfortunately not, but they aren’t exceptionally light or heavy. Probably in the neighborhood of 200-220 grams or so? Hard to remember, it’s been a year since I got them.
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Ive purchased a bunch of small things that have already been mentioned. The one thing I keep coming back to is the Mixed 5D saddle. Great shape and padding, while only 120g. I put one one all my bikes. It survived a pretty abusive XC season as well. Sure beats the hell out of a similar S-Works Power at 10% the cost.
https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256803325810840.html?gatewayAdapt=glo2usa4itemAdapt
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Ive purchased a bunch of small things that have already been mentioned. The one thing I keep coming back to is the Mixed 5D saddle. Great shape and padding, while only 120g. I put one one all my bikes. It survived a pretty abusive XC season as well. Sure beats the hell out of a similar S-Works Power at 10% the cost.
https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256803325810840.html?gatewayAdapt=glo2usa4itemAdapt
Thanks for the heads up! I'm going to try one of these on my trail bike to slim it down a tad. It's steel so it will always be pretty heavy, but trying to make it more reasonable.
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+1 for MIXED branded saddles, they are terrific. I have the 5D too. Definitely a cut above other Aliex saddles as far as finishing goes.
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These SCVCN photochromic glasses are simultaneously great and terrible.
I wore them a handful of times and they quickly became my favorite glasses, but they can't survive a 5 ish foot drop onto carpet. :-\ Arm snapped right off.
Tbh considering I paid $2, I'll probably buy them again. ;D
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+1 for MIXED branded saddles, they are terrific. I have the 5D too. Definitely a cut above other Aliex saddles as far as finishing goes.
The rails on mine delaminated. The seller was good even after a month told me to order another and request a return through AliX then send back the old model. They also assured me that the factory had a new process for glueing rails. I havent ridden the new one since I got the Ryet 3d one instead.
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These SCVCN photochromic glasses are simultaneously great and terrible.
I wore them a handful of times and they quickly became my favorite glasses, but they can't survive a 5 ish foot drop onto carpet. :-\ Arm snapped right off.
Tbh considering I paid $2, I'll probably buy them again. ;D
Similarily, I like the POAT photochromic glasses (pretty sure it's a POC clone). The ones with the multicolour sides are built better than the solid colour sides (they use a different plastic for the solid black or white glasses arms and it feels much cheaper). One bad thing is the lens pop out once in a while, but you can just pop them back in no problem.
I have 4 pairs that I cycle throughout the year, and no issues with them. They've survived falling off my helmet quite a few times too, everytime the lens just pops out and once you pop it back in it is good ads new.
I've been meaning to try the SCVCN but I bought too many of the POAT ones...
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fake G8 insoles
i havent tried authentic g8 insoles but these are cheap as chips and work well for me. ive been using them for over a year
The real ones cost over $100 iirc
plenty of youtube videos teaching about the benefits and how to use them
https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256805604633625.html?channel=facebook&fbclid=IwAR39Kd1LtDdXYhtfLicUDkvbcLqwPc6I8EZEDhP2lRlnqxNvuhlzFylLfmU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kDnieUWB224&ab_channel=CadeMedia
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pQpW-JCOshY&ab_channel=G8Performance
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The rails on mine delaminated. The seller was good even after a month told me to order another and request a return through AliX then send back the old model. They also assured me that the factory had a new process for glueing rails. I havent ridden the new one since I got the Ryet 3d one instead.
How does your Ryet 3D compare to the Mixed 5D?
I’m currently on the fence and have too many saddles laying around already.
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How does your Ryet 3D compare to the Mixed 5D?
I’m currently on the fence and have too many saddles laying around already.
I ordered the Mixed 7D, it was too narrow for me. The Ryet saddle definitely feels far better quality and the the base to rail bonding seems much more robust.
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fake G8 insoles
i havent tried authentic g8 insoles but these are cheap as chips and work well for me. ive been using them for over a year
The real ones cost over $100 iirc
plenty of youtube videos teaching about the benefits and how to use them
https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256805604633625.html?channel=facebook&fbclid=IwAR39Kd1LtDdXYhtfLicUDkvbcLqwPc6I8EZEDhP2lRlnqxNvuhlzFylLfmU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kDnieUWB224&ab_channel=CadeMedia
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pQpW-JCOshY&ab_channel=G8Performance
I haven't ridden them but I've handled genuine G8s. They're very cheaply made and ridiculously priced ... I don't know whether the ones you have are a full on replica, but it wouldn't be difficult to do. IMO they're the kind of thing all premium shoes should come with, but don't - but they're way too pricey for an aftermarket offering given the pretty low quality.
For anyone wanting a higher quality full carbon insole with good arch and heel support, I'd recommend Winsole. Though if you're using super narrow shoes, they probably won't work.
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fake G8 insoles
i havent tried authentic g8 insoles but these are cheap as chips and work well for me. ive been using them for over a year
The real ones cost over $100 iirc
plenty of youtube videos teaching about the benefits and how to use them
https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256805604633625.html?channel=facebook&fbclid=IwAR39Kd1LtDdXYhtfLicUDkvbcLqwPc6I8EZEDhP2lRlnqxNvuhlzFylLfmU
I have these. Two pairs which I've been using for >2yrs
they're really good for the price and solved my issues with shoes, I definitely needed arch support and the 'common' insoles I've tried didn't work. Found these on Ali, bought one and another after around 3 months to have as spare (they actually went out of stock for a year or so, came back some months ago)
my experience is that they work really well, but the plastic on the arches is not the best, it starts to soften after some time. So like I started with the no.3 arch but it turned to a 2 effectively, so I had to change to a 4 to keep the support as it should.
Also the glue between the plastic part below and the foam is not good, if you get any water in it'll detach. But easily solved just glued back together
other than that, is really nice, and for sure worth the price. A fraction of the real one, but of reasonable quality, and the customization is worth it.
How does your Ryet 3D compare to the Mixed 5D?
I’m currently on the fence and have too many saddles laying around already.
I had the Mixed for some time, then changed to the Ryet 3D (pro stealth model) and now am testing a different Ryet 3D on my mtb
in terms of quality and finishing, I'd say they're on par with each other. But talking about comfort, definitely would go with the 3D. It softens enough when riding, but don't 'compress' like the foam saddle in long rides.
you need to be more aware of the shape, actually, and try a model that works better for you. Ryet have been releasing a number of different 3D saddles so a lot of shapes to choose from, grab the closest to a saddle you have and like and you should be ok
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Did you happen to get the weight on these?
I got some generic carbon ones in 760mm in 175g and have been great. I recently changed them out for some alloy ones though since I'm playing with the amount of backsweep.
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My first shipping casualty in a long time.... The plastic they used on this bottle is very stiff, and has little to no flex and softness.
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Similarily, I like the POAT photochromic glasses (pretty sure it's a POC clone). The ones with the multicolour sides are built better than the solid colour sides (they use a different plastic for the solid black or white glasses arms and it feels much cheaper). One bad thing is the lens pop out once in a while, but you can just pop them back in no problem.
I have 4 pairs that I cycle throughout the year, and no issues with them. They've survived falling off my helmet quite a few times too, everytime the lens just pops out and once you pop it back in it is good ads new.
I've been meaning to try the SCVCN but I bought too many of the POAT ones...
I have the Rockbros ones that are usually $25 on Amazon. They have been great for the last couple of years. Photochromatic adjustments can be a little slow when you move into shade, but I'm not sure how much better expensive versions would be.
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These SCVCN photochromic glasses are simultaneously great and terrible.
I wore them a handful of times and they quickly became my favorite glasses, but they can't survive a 5 ish foot drop onto carpet. :-\ Arm snapped right off.
Tbh considering I paid $2, I'll probably buy them again. ;D
Just got mine in. They actually fit my tiny head well, but they don’t feel like they’ll survive much trail use. They’ll be a back up pair for now.
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I have the Rockbros ones that are usually $25 on Amazon. They have been great for the last couple of years. Photochromatic adjustments can be a little slow when you move into shade, but I'm not sure how much better expensive versions would be.
I only have experience with Oakley and they're very slow to react. I think only very expensive glass lens photochromic lenses are reasonably quick to change - Zeiss etc. The new electronic ones are instant though.
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Does anyone have good experience with Evosid/Goldix/Zeroing GXP 2x chain rings? I am on my second (Goldix this time) after the first one Evosid came warped from factory. The large chainring was not true. Returned it and got Goldix and this one has even more warp to it :( basically there is no position on front derailleur where it doesn't rub. I can make it work on large chainring + smallest 3 cogs on cassette but pretty much any other combo results in chain rub where the ring warps. I am guessing even the small ring is out of true but not very noticeable. Back it goes and I have returned to Ultegra 6800 cranks/rings. I guess I need to pony up and get the Pass Quest rings - those have been great on my other bike.
Here are the rings in question -
https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256805884082490.html
https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256806059837660.html
Stay away from these I guess.
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Does anyone have good experience with Evosid/Goldix/Zeroing GXP 2x chain rings? I am on my second (Goldix this time) after the first one Evosid came warped from factory. The large chainring was not true. Returned it and got Goldix and this one has even more warp to it :( basically there is no position on front derailleur where it doesn't rub. I can make it work on large chainring + smallest 3 cogs on cassette but pretty much any other combo results in chain rub where the ring warps. I am guessing even the small ring is out of true but not very noticeable. Back it goes and I have returned to Ultegra 6800 cranks/rings. I guess I need to pony up and get the Pass Quest rings - those have been great on my other bike.
Here are the rings in question -
https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256805884082490.html
https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256806059837660.html
Stay away from these I guess.
Most if not all the direct mount 2x chainrings from AliExpress suck. They tend to need spacers and they wear fast. The only good ones that I've tried are the Senicx 2x chainrings. No spacers needed, they seem better aligned (less flimsy alloy) and I haven't noticed significant wear compared to Shimano chainrings. The only issue is that the chain drop pin is a bit long if using non-Senicx cranks. Though it's easily removable by unscrewing it. I now use 2x Senicx chainrings on all my bikes paired with carbon cranks. I also like that they do a 46:30t chainring for 2x gravel. Pass Quest chainrings are excellent as well, but they don't do direct mount for 2x.
This shop has the best prices I found for Senicx chainrings and I think it's another store front for Sensah: https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256805631117902.html (https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256805631117902.html)
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Thanks for the Senicx recommendation. Unfortunately I'm not seeing the 48/32 option which Evosid and others have. May be I'll get the 50/34 and call it a day.
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I have these. Two pairs which I've been using for >2yrs
they're really good for the price and solved my issues with shoes, I definitely needed arch support and the 'common' insoles I've tried didn't work. Found these on Ali, bought one and another after around 3 months to have as spare (they actually went out of stock for a year or so, came back some months ago)
my experience is that they work really well, but the plastic on the arches is not the best, it starts to soften after some time. So like I started with the no.3 arch but it turned to a 2 effectively, so I had to change to a 4 to keep the support as it should.
Also the glue between the plastic part below and the foam is not good, if you get any water in it'll detach. But easily solved just glued back together
other than that, is really nice, and for sure worth the price. A fraction of the real one, but of reasonable quality, and the customization is worth it.
I have owned a pair of G8 Performance 2620 insoles for over 3 years and 30,000km. Happy with them, but not the price for replacements as they do wear out. So when I saw these copies I purchased a couple of pairs.
They look almost identical to the G8s, so much the arch supports looks and feels the same and are interchangeable. Which is good news as the arch supports do degrade over time (a comment BikeFit James made about the G8 on YouTube, I have experienced with my G8 and but the plastic on the arches is not the best, it starts to soften after some time.
The difference is in the sole, 2620 are available in 4 sizes, the copy is one size, looks based on a large (I have a med 2620) and can be trimmed to any size between 41 and 46.
The sole looks to be made of similar but slightly different material
The heel and footbed attachment points sit flush with the original, the copy they protrude a little from the sole.
Very happy with my purchase and will make good use of them.
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I want to complain about the Bikinge Store. Today, they cancelled the bicycle stem I had on order from them. Both times I have ordered from them there has had a problem. The previous item, I had to wait the full 60 days to apply for my refund. This store does not respond to my messages either.
Here is the link to the item they cancelled.
https://www.aliexpress.us/item/2255800405028328.html
I recommend that fellow members put this store on their do not purchase from list.
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Most if not all the direct mount 2x chainrings from AliExpress suck. They tend to need spacers and they wear fast. The only good ones that I've tried are the Senicx 2x chainrings. No spacers needed, they seem better aligned (less flimsy alloy) and I haven't noticed significant wear compared to Shimano chainrings. The only issue is that the chain drop pin is a bit long if using non-Senicx cranks. Though it's easily removable by unscrewing it. I now use 2x Senicx chainrings on all my bikes paired with carbon cranks. I also like that they do a 46:30t chainring for 2x gravel. Pass Quest chainrings are excellent as well, but they don't do direct mount for 2x.
This shop has the best prices I found for Senicx chainrings and I think it's another store front for Sensah: https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256805631117902.html (https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256805631117902.html)
I’ll likely go down that route as well, Senicx paired with the Riro carbon cranks. HOWEVER, I’m a bit hesitant regarding the choice of the old 3 bolt system regarding availability of chainring replacement.
So far all I could find was senicx offering 30-46T chainrings in a 3 bolt spec. What happens if Senicx decommissions it I’m wondering… then you’re left with 1 by chainrings I guess? Or potentially using an adapter to a 4 arm chainring? The latter I only speculate, don’t have any experience.
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I’ll likely go down that route as well, Senicx paired with the Riro carbon cranks. HOWEVER, I’m a bit hesitant regarding the choice of the old 3 bolt system regarding availability of chainring replacement.
So far all I could find was senicx offering 30-46T chainrings in a 3 bolt spec. What happens if Senicx decommissions it I’m wondering… then you’re left with 1 by chainrings I guess? Or potentially using an adapter to a 4 arm chainring? The latter I only speculate, don’t have any experience.
You can probably use an adapter. Just see if your chainring sizes are offered in the BCD of the adapter you will buy. Or just buy a couple of Scenicx chainrings... :)
Maybe I'm stating the obvious, but you can not use 1x chainrings in a 2x setup
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I’ll likely go down that route as well, Senicx paired with the Riro carbon cranks. HOWEVER, I’m a bit hesitant regarding the choice of the old 3 bolt system regarding availability of chainring replacement.
So far all I could find was senicx offering 30-46T chainrings in a 3 bolt spec. What happens if Senicx decommissions it I’m wondering… then you’re left with 1 by chainrings I guess? Or potentially using an adapter to a 4 arm chainring? The latter I only speculate, don’t have any experience.
Regarding long term availability, during AliEx sales I've purchased spare Senicx chainrings. I haven't seen any indication of direct mount chainrings being phased out, since it seems to be the most plentiful crankset option on AliExpress. Also my bias towards Senicx chainrings is mostly due to having the same alignment as Shimano cranksets. Little to no FD adjustments are needed.
Also there's another option now for 46-30t chainrings and even 48-32t. Though I haven't tried this particular version yet, so I can't vouch for quality:
https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256806059837660.html (https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256806059837660.html)
Also it looks you can adapt 5 bolt 46-32t chainrings as well (using a direct mount to 5 bolt adapter):
https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256805837927313.html (https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256805837927313.html)
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If you're running 10 speed, these are the only sub-sub compact 2x chainrings I found available on AliEx. Though it's possible the chainrings could work with 11 speed chains, but I'm not going to try it:
https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256801844290163.html? (https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256801844290163.html?)
Since most my terrain is long road stretches with steep dirt climbing, I've been trying to explore other gearing options without going the big cassette route and relying on extender hangers. I prefer my shifting to be fast and smooth. Running 2x with out of spec big cassettes just feels clunky. Unfortunately you'll need a 2x MTB crankset and no one makes a 2x 104/64bcd 3 bolt adapter (only 1x 104bcd is available).
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Also there's another option now for 46-30t chainrings and even 48-32t. Though I haven't tried this particular version yet, so I can't vouch for quality:
https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256806059837660.html (https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256806059837660.html)
I bought the 48-32 version - came warped from factory. Not minor either, you could see the rings weren't perfectly flat. Sent back. I have now ordered GXP to 110 BCD 5 arm adapter from Fovno. Just gonna use some good ol' FSA rings that were put out of commission by Pass Quest chainrings a while ago.
The adapter in question - https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256805156905073.html $8
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I bought the 48-32 version - came warped from factory. Not minor either, you could see the rings weren't perfectly flat. Sent back. I have now ordered GXP to 110 BCD 5 arm adapter from Fovno. Just gonna use some good ol' FSA rings that were put out of commission by Pass Quest chainrings a while ago.
The adapter in question - https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256805156905073.html $8
I've been curious about Fovno chainrings and cranksets and they do make a 48-32t direct mount chainring, but price-wise they're a bit more expensive. The quality appears to be good. Anyone with experience using them?
https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256805319965924.html (https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256805319965924.html)
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I bought the 48-32 version - came warped from factory. Not minor either, you could see the rings weren't perfectly flat. Sent back. I have now ordered GXP to 110 BCD 5 arm adapter from Fovno. Just gonna use some good ol' FSA rings that were put out of commission by Pass Quest chainrings a while ago.
The adapter in question - https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256805156905073.html $8
Sorry to hear. I remember tracevelo also marked them as trash along some other brands.
Buying some spare 30-46 chainrings from Senicx sounds reasonable just to make sure.
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Sorry to hear. I remember tracevelo also marked them as trash along some other brands.
Buying some spare 30-46 chainrings from Senicx sounds reasonable just to make sure.
1st of the month sales, it's a good time to buy your spare Senicx chainrings right now:
https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256805631117902.html (https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256805631117902.html)
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Got them ! .
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any good option of sram 8 bolt compatible chainrings?
I have a Magene P325CS crank+chainring, and soon I'll have to replace the rings since they're pretty worn out (after all it's 3yrs and >20.000km on them). I could go for the official spare (https://www.aliexpress.us/item/4001203275693.html) but the issue is the price and import duties for Brazil. Since it's >50usd I end up paying double when added taxes :'(
so I'm looking for alternatives... considering even getting a spider + chainrings in a different configuration if needed
on another note, after taking some time out from purchases in Aliexpress, getting just the essential (some tools, tubes, etc), I'm back on buying some stuff for testing
just got 2 bibs (spexcel and lameda), a spare chest strap for my HRM, and I'm taking my chances with the Bryton Gardia R300L radar - been on the lookout for a long time, now it's on a good price and I'll risk it, it's less than half what I'd pay in any Garmin Varia here... I'll update when it arrives (but probably in the other topic about general stuff lol)
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I bought the 48-32 version - came warped from factory. Not minor either, you could see the rings weren't perfectly flat. Sent back. I have now ordered GXP to 110 BCD 5 arm adapter from Fovno. Just gonna use some good ol' FSA rings that were put out of commission by Pass Quest chainrings a while ago.
The adapter in question - https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256805156905073.html $8
The adapter is here and on the bike already. Right off the bat, chain rub issue has gone away with those old FSA rings mounted on it. Not just chain rub but front shifting is exceedingly smooth too, I'm guessing the teeth on those Goldix/Evosid chainrings aren't machined properly.
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I have owned a pair of G8 Performance 2620 insoles for over 3 years and 30,000km. Happy with them, but not the price for replacements as they do wear out. So when I saw these copies I purchased a couple of pairs.
They look almost identical to the G8s, so much the arch supports looks and feels the same and are interchangeable. Which is good news as the arch supports do degrade over time (a comment BikeFit James made about the G8 on YouTube, I have experienced with my G8 and The difference is in the sole, 2620 are available in 4 sizes, the copy is one size, looks based on a large (I have a med 2620) and can be trimmed to any size between 41 and 46.
The sole looks to be made of similar but slightly different material
The heel and footbed attachment points sit flush with the original, the copy they protrude a little from the sole.
Very happy with my purchase and will make good use of them.
Looks like I need to get some of these in soles! Doctor told me I have pancake flat feet the other day
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if you are inclined to do so, exercising your foot can actually help with that. most people would benefit exercises for long and short extensors of the foot, also tibialis posterior. might be worth checking with a qualified therapist. also if you opt for insoles, they should be fitted by someone who actually looks at your gait, worst case random insoles can cause additional problems.
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The "Shahe" brand tools are really good. So far I ordered below 3 and their quality at those price is unbeatable.
Inclinometer -
https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256806182504073.html
Digital Vernier caliper -
https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256806152639519.html
Micrometer -
https://www.aliexpress.us/item/2251832636432679.html
They package goods rather well too. Each of these came in specifically made Styrofoam boxes and reasonably well written manuals. Next up, I think I will try their digital torque wrench.
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Having used these Kactus disc rotors on my gravel bike on some steeper 15-25% downhill descents, I can now recommend them. Once the brake pad material bedded into the rotors, they have excellent bite. On my gravel bike I replaced a pair of Shimano MT800 disc rotors that always look like crap due to the light grey rotor material. Also having used both the Kactus and Onirii lightweight floating disc rotors, I prefer the Kactus rotors due to more braking surface which I think makes a difference in performance.
This store had the rotors for much cheaper, but have recently raised prices probably due to the current sale:
https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256806205553049.html (https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256806205553049.html)
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Having used these Kactus disc rotors on my gravel bike on some steeper 15-25% downhill descents, I can now recommend them. Once the brake pad material bedded into the rotors, they have excellent bite. On my gravel bike I replaced a pair of Shimano MT800 disc rotors that always look like crap due to the light grey rotor material. Also having used both the Kactus and Onirii lightweight floating disc rotors, I prefer the Kactus rotors due to more braking surface which I think makes a difference in performance.
This store had the rotors for much cheaper, but have recently raised prices probably due to the current sale:
https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256806205553049.html (https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256806205553049.html)
Same here, they work great.
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@jonathanf2, @TidyDinosaur how much did you pay for the Kactus rotors and which size did you get?
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@jonathanf2, @TidyDinosaur how much did you pay for the Kactus rotors and which size did you get?
I paid 32 USD (incl EU tax) for the CL 160mm version. 2 pieces for that price.
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@jonathanf2, @TidyDinosaur how much did you pay for the Kactus rotors and which size did you get?
I bought the 6 bolt 160mm rotors and they've held their price around $25 USD for a pair (at sale price). It's the centerlock rotors which have jumped up price.
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Having used these Kactus disc rotors on my gravel bike on some steeper 15-25% downhill descents, I can now recommend them. Once the brake pad material bedded into the rotors, they have excellent bite. On my gravel bike I replaced a pair of Shimano MT800 disc rotors that always look like crap due to the light grey rotor material. Also having used both the Kactus and Onirii lightweight floating disc rotors, I prefer the Kactus rotors due to more braking surface which I think makes a difference in performance.
This store had the rotors for much cheaper, but have recently raised prices probably due to the current sale:
https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256806205553049.html (https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256806205553049.html)
Re: the Kactus rotors, I believe these (at least when they were made by ONIRII) have had a failure circulate around social media, no? Good to hear you haven't had problems with them.
Re: the new(ish)-design Onirii floating rotors, I similarly cannot recomend them. After a year of use, the rivets have started to loosen, causing the rotors to emit horrible screeching sounds under braking (coming to a stop literally sounds like a car horn). It's clear they use low-quality rivets/poor rivet application; I had a previous incident where ONIRII sent me the wrong version of the rotors (which they replaced for free), and the incorrect rotors came with a missing rivet. To boot, the bite under braking has always been super underwhelming on these as well.
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On lightweight cassettes:
I bought an SROAD/Spedao monobloc 11-32 12sp cassette made of steel. Around 6000km and still going strong. Shifts perfectly fine and weighs around 230g.
On my new disc brake bike I took a gamble and bought an 11-34 12sp cassette from Goldix made of an aluminium monobloc and several single cogs made of steel. After around 2000km there's visible wear marks on at least one of the alu cogs. So much so in fact that I can provoke the chain to skip on it. Also, I never managed to set the gearing up on this cassette as smooth as I would have liked. The shifting is just rough and noticeably less smooth than on any other cassette I tried. I now went out and bought another monobloc steel cassette. This time from ZTTO because I think the design is even better than with Spedao/Sroad.
Bottom line: Don't waste your money on these alu/steel cassettes. I think no matter which manufacturer you're getting them from, they're just not that great.
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As filler item to get to discount threshold I just bought another Wuzei ultralight 11s cassette with which I have great experience. I guess cassettes in those range are all same, made by one manufacturer and then Goldix, Ztto, Wuzei snap their lock rings on it. It's all hit or miss with such items.
I also bought a 12s 11-34 VG sports cassette because it's the only brand I had never bought stuff from. It's not ultralight and I feel 12s drive trains need much less tolerance than 11s. Don't have much hopes from it honestly. I'm also curious why there are no 11-36 cassettes in 12 speed variety. They all top out at 11-34.
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On lightweight cassettes:
I bought an SROAD/Spedao monobloc 11-32 12sp cassette made of steel. Around 6000km and still going strong. Shifts perfectly fine and weighs around 230g.
On my new disc brake bike I took a gamble and bought an 11-34 12sp cassette from Goldix made of an aluminium monobloc and several single cogs made of steel. After around 2000km there's visible wear marks on at least one of the alu cogs. So much so in fact that I can provoke the chain to skip on it. Also, I never managed to set the gearing up on this cassette as smooth as I would have liked. The shifting is just rough and noticeably less smooth than on any other cassette I tried. I now went out and bought another monobloc steel cassette. This time from ZTTO because I think the design is even better than with Spedao/Sroad.
Bottom line: Don't waste your money on these alu/steel cassettes. I think no matter which manufacturer you're getting them from, they're just not that great.
I don't touch any mixed alloy/steel cassettes. Especially if a cyclist does a bit of climbing, those big alloy cogs will wear quickly. Just to make note Goldix and Ztto have the same design all-steel lightweight cassettes. Goldix just sells them only in black. I believe Ztto sells them in multi-color.
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I also bought a 12s 11-34 VG sports cassette because it's the only brand I had never bought stuff from. It's not ultralight and I feel 12s drive trains need much less tolerance than 11s. Don't have much hopes from it honestly. I'm also curious why there are no 11-36 cassettes in 12 speed variety. They all top out at 11-34.
I believe that the reason there aren't many 11-36 12 speed cassettes is that there are very few rear derailleurs that will handle a 2X12 set up. The limit appears to be a 34 cassette. (For my gravel bike, I had to swap the cage on my GRX rear derailleur to handle a 36 cassette.)
OTOH, the EDS TX kit I have on order will handle a 36 cassette. I searched and searched Aliexpress and 2 days ago purchased this cassette. It is a 10-36 ultralight 12 speed cassette (XDR) (Cool!, 10 tooth rather than an 11. Now I might be able to drop to slightly smaller chainrings on the front and keep the same high gear ratio.)
https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256804263667198.html
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I can't find it anymore but I swear I have seen a 12 speed 11-36 before on ali. I think it was from ZTTO but I'm not sure. Maybe already sold out?
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I can't find it anymore but I swear I have seen a 12 speed 11-36 before on ali. I think it was from ZTTO but I'm not sure. Maybe already sold out?
Here are a couple links to the ZTTO HG cassettes where the 11-36 is listed, but this version is all steel and HEAVY!
https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256804572842248.html
https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256803293695278.html
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I wish I had asked earlier. I searched and searched and couldn't find 11-36 12s cassettes only 11s. I am fairly positive Aliex search kinda plots against you and decides to filter out certain things no matter how you search.
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https://a.aliexpress.com/_mNKEQNk (https://a.aliexpress.com/_mNKEQNk)
This is the only lightweight 11 speed 10-36t cassette I’ve seen available on AliEx. They used to have a lightweight all-steel (Spedao/ SRoad style) Ztto 10 speed 11-36t and that’s now gone.
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Long term report on my Cyclami electric pump. It was working great, until I had a stubborn leak in one of my tubeless tires and I might have overheated the unit. It still turns on, but now I don't feel any air blowing out of it. I tried dismantling it to see if it's something I can fix, but it uses very small torx screws and I don't have a screw driver that small.
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I don't touch any mixed alloy/steel cassettes. Especially if a cyclist does a bit of climbing, those big alloy cogs will wear quickly. Just to make note Goldix and Ztto have the same design all-steel lightweight cassettes. Goldix just sells them only in black. I believe Ztto sells them in multi-color.
I beg to differ, I have a whole season CX on a goldix XDR cassette with an aluminum low-end cog, lots of climbing in abrasive conditions, and the black anodization is hardly worn.
The reality is that with these larger cassettes that have prevailed in the last years, the wear is distributed over so many teeth, that the problem that the lowest cog wears too quickly is no longer a major issue.
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This Goldix cassette has my short term seal of approval. It looks to be the same as the Ztto cassette with same torx screwed spider. I picked up this cassette during the anniversary sale and installed it with the ER9 groupset in order to go 12 speed. Shifts have been smooth, it's more quiet than the Spedao/SRoad cassette and it seems to be a true one-piece design. Even the 11t cog is integrated into the cassette block. The Spedao/SRoad cassette I tried had a separate 11t cog. Even though the Spedao cassettes are a bit cheaper at this point, I think this Goldix/Ztto cassette is worth paying slightly extra for. Ztto has them in other colors, but Goldix are only in black.
https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256806211333567.html (https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256806211333567.html)
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Long term report on my Cyclami electric pump. It was working great, until I had a stubborn leak in one of my tubeless tires and I might have overheated the unit. It still turns on, but now I don't feel any air blowing out of it. I tried dismantling it to see if it's something I can fix, but it uses very small torx screws and I don't have a screw driver that small.
have you tried contacting the store or the brand? Maybe there's some way to test it o fix it and they guide you through it.
my cyclami mini pump is working great still, it's a bit over 6 months of use, and although not a heavy use, it pumped a fair share of tires (more from buddies than my owns lol)
I drained the battery a few times, but never got it 'overheated', so not sure how to help you :/
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have you tried contacting the store or the brand? Maybe there's some way to test it o fix it and they guide you through it.
my cyclami mini pump is working great still, it's a bit over 6 months of use, and although not a heavy use, it pumped a fair share of tires (more from buddies than my owns lol)
I drained the battery a few times, but never got it 'overheated', so not sure how to help you :/
I bought a 2nd one as a backup during the anniversary sale. I was taking apart the first one to attempt to fix it, but when I got to the last phillips screw, I ended up rounding the screw head when my hand slipped! I got too lazy to try an extract it, so I'm just using the second pump I bought for now.
My guess is that a bit of tubeless sealant might have gotten blown into the e-pump which got caught in the internals messing things up.
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https://a.aliexpress.com/_mNKEQNk (https://a.aliexpress.com/_mNKEQNk)
This is the only lightweight 11 speed 10-36t cassette I’ve seen available on AliEx. They used to have a lightweight all-steel (Spedao/ SRoad style) Ztto 10 speed 11-36t and that’s now gone.
Sunshine makes it, hard cogs in steel, large cogs in aluminium, i have 2. They're all around 225g and they cost 40-50usd. the alu cogs last. i have tried almost all sizes :)
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Sunshine makes it, hard cogs in steel, large cogs in aluminium, i have 2. They're all around 225g and they cost 40-50usd. the alu cogs last. i have tried almost all sizes :)
I know those are still available, but I like the all-steel lightweight cassettes. Mainly because I spend more time in my low gears as opposed to my high gears. In fact that's part of the reason I still stay with Shimano 2x10 speed on my gravel bike with a mix-n-match of 11 speed components. The Shimano 11-36t 10 speed XT cassette is rock solid and Shimano stopped making them in 11 speed. The 105 11-36t 12 speed cassette is like 385g vs the 10 speed XT cassette at around 333g on my scale, and XT cassette is on the same level as Ultegra.
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XOSS X2 Pro heart rate sensor
Bought after recommendation from Chris Miller on YouTube
Cost less than 30AUD shipped, last sale
It is a sealed unit with rechargeable battery, so no possible sweat ingress.
Smaller and lighter than my Garmin or Wahoo sensors.
been wearing it for a couple of weeks without issue, both running and riding, paired to Garmin watch and Wahoo headunit.
favourite feature it beeps when first connected or disconnected.
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I need to make a more detailed update of my tier list but a couple updates
ezMTB 2022 STD bleed kit $12 - Absolutely incredible toolkit. Brass fittings for Shimano/SRAM/Hope/Magura brakes in a high quality little package.
Zrace Blade crankset with 32t chainring and BB $40 - Wow. The finishing on these cranks is immaculate. They claim 7075 aluminum which may even be true. They are perfectly CNC'd like Hope cranks and come with an aluminum crank arm fixing bolt. As per usual I wish they were unbranded, but the branding isn't too gaudy. I have to put these in the elite tier for AliExpress parts. I believe the crankset weighed 698g with chainring. I put them on my Klein urban MTB which is probably overkill (I could've just went with road cranks), but they look amazing with their gloss finish.
Senicx FM3 crankset $31 - I was impressed by the quality of these cranks are well. These look to be forged instead of CNC'd, and did not come with chainring or anything else. Also they came with a cheap plastic crank arm fixing bolt (18mm) which I replaced with a $1 Riderace aluminum one. These are matte and have a clean, understated aesthetic, once again the branding isn't too gaudy.
Mixed 5D carbon saddle $21 - Bought a backup one because the price vs quality is just too good.
Onirii IIIPro brakes $80 + Avid 180mm rotors $10 + Cooma Gold pads $4 - Just finished installing and bedding these in, need to test long term. First impressions: CNC machining is good but not perfect. The lever bodies look a bit cheap, but the levers themselves look awesome with the drilled out holes. The calipers look incredible aesthetically. The pads they shipped with were some mega cheap crappy resin, I tossed them and installed Cooma Gold metallics. Had some customer service issues with the Onirii official store but hopefully we can look past that if the brakes turn out good.
Zoom HB-910 $116 (with TRP 180mm rotors I had) - Just finished installing and bedding these in, need to test long term. Both lever body and caliper look absolutely stellar. The levers themselves look alright, but wish they were drilled. Power feels very strong. I am running the stock brake pads with look to be metallic or semi-metallic.
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I'm seriously addicted to picking up UNO lightweight stems. I've swapped over to -17 degree stems on both my road bikes!
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It looks a bit odd, why not use a flatter steerer top frame to stem interface thing and a stem with a more logical angle? Or the same stem if you can handle the drop.
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It looks a bit odd, why not use a flatter steerer top frame to stem interface thing and a stem with a more logical angle? Or the same stem if you can handle the drop.
I might slam it some more, but I haven't decided. I notice the -17° put me in a more snug cockpit position which I like for the downhill and also lowering my body position, but without stretching me out as much (like going with a longer stem).