That's probably the one component I wouldn't get off of Aliexpress.

Good handlebars from Spank, Ritchey, etc are like $40

Best value stem I've found is the 7075 3d forged Truvativ Descendant

there are three blue frames.

Of all the frames you've built up, which would you say represent the best value for money?

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.

For those in the US, I'm curious how your packages are being delivered? At least for southern California, in the last 1-2 months the majority of my AliExpress packages have been delivered via private courier. I've had issues with USPS in the past being incredibly slow and/or losing an item (happened once) once they receive packages after clearing customs. I find this new system much better!

100% of my orders are coming through USPS in AR. Never messed up an order yet.

What country are yall ordering from? Might try using a VPN? I had no problems using AEUS60 for 60 off 200 in the US. Ordered an Elitewheels ENT-MTB carbon wheelset for $307 shipped after tax.

I was just perusing tonight and saw a copy of my DMR Defy35 stem. It's not a super well known or popular stem. It got me wondering...is this just the company that manufactures their stems, just selling a Rebranded version direct from the factory? It seems silly that that they would take the time to replicate a stem that's not even popular like Industry Nine or Race Face.

Item in question: https://a.aliexpress.com/_mr0QVws

Then I found these Deity T-Mac clones that are everywhere. These make more sense to replica since they're a hugely popular brand. But real T-macs origins aren't disclosed on their site...they could very easily be made in China. And these could also just be Rebranded pedals, right?

https://a.aliexpress.com/_mK34WJm

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

Re: pedal extenders

I tried using some from AliX and they broke on my MTB, and JUST after I finished a hectic descent. Could've caused a massive crash. Although I love the wider Q being a tall dude, I will never run them again on any bike. I just wish companies would introduce cranks with variable Q-factor.