Which hoops and spokes are you using?
I was looking on Ali for 711/712, but the all seem to be QR. The closest I could find that fit my needs are Novatec D791SB-CL D792SB-CL. $61.36 USD A pair which seems pretty good. Claimed weight 407g

can anyone else report on the tire clearance? I was planning to buy Continental Race Kings 2.0 but am hesistant now after reading this. Carbonda lists the tire clearance at 50mm, so theoretically they should fit.

I am confused by your statement about the cockpit being flexible.
People write a fair amount of positive feedback on the "the one pro", kecevlo, etc. handlebars which are all the same as the one you got.

Maybe the Lack of siffness correlates with your headset Player issue and your high spacer stack.


Do the others have some additional feedback on the handlebars? I am thinking about getting a set.

Went for a ride with the Darevie jersey I got for $13 on the “choice” menu. Pockets are a bit hard to get to, but the jersey is super high quality. Best $13 I’ve spent on Ali for sure!

Just found this amazing item on AliExpress. Check it out! $13.20  65％ Off | DAREVIE Cycling Jersey 2023 Fashion Women Cycling Jersey SPF 50 Man Bike Jersey High Quality Breathable Cycling Shirt MTB Road
https://a.aliexpress.com/_mLJkG3K

yeah, they just released some other models - jersey and bibs - with strange nonsense texts - and it just doesn't make sense, people end up buying because it's still a great quality for the price, but for sure would sell more if they went with 'cleaner' layouts (like Spexcel does, or YKYW too)

my impression is that although these brands sell well on Aliexpress, their real focus is the local market where's the real volume, so they don't pay attention (or don't really care) if the layouts do not appeal to the Western world
and because of the way that Chinese language is structured, these texts make sense to them, it's usually a literal translation of some slogan that works in Chinese

Yes I noticed that but I think it’s simply shock or no shock. I sent a WhatsApp to a number they provided when I ask questions on Ali, I’ll proceed with caution

I would HIGHLY recommend this book on wheel building. For the tiny investment it is worth it: https://www.wheelpro.co.uk/wheelbuilding/book.php

I printed the lacing / build procedure chapter years ago and use it was a step-by-step guide so I get everything right whenever I build a wheel. I have built dozens of wheels, and still find this really helpful.

I'm in the process of converting back to 2x gravel. I miss having higher gearing and I don't like the extreme chain lines with 1x. This is the only direct mount chainring that has a 46:30t gear range, but the annoying part is that prices are all over the place on AliEx. So far this store seems to have the cheapest prices for this particular Senicx 2x gravel chainring. Bucklos has a more common 48:32t chainring on AliEx, but I want the smaller 30t inner ring. Though you may need a gravel frame that has either a low mount braze-on or a round seat tube for an FD clamp.

They say it’s just the paint. But to be honest: this bike is ridden 300km. My TanTan Roadbike doesn‘t have a edge after 15.000km. The support tries it best to avoid it: but in my opionion this the point where warranty claim should be accepted - any Chance to get aliexpress or paypal involved?