Interesting Aliexpress finds! - good deals, interesting stuff, new products etc!

[jonathanf2]

Folks, has anyone had any luck adjusting CF bottle cage OD? I got a pair of light Mana cages some time ago and they are way oversized. Tried putting some grip tape patches on the inside but it wasn't sufficient.
So looking for any informed advice before I melt them w/a heat gun (or maybe I'll start w/a hair dryer first).
Thanks!

I've tried CF and titanium cages and I just go back to plastic cages mainly due to fit issues. This is one area where plastic just does a good job being secure.

[AzureEssence]

I've tried CF and titanium cages and I just go back to plastic cages mainly due to fit issues. This is one area where plastic just does a good job being secure.

Can you recommend your favorite cages from AliExpress? Any good side load plastic cages?

[lazywalrus]

Anyone tried this Kocevlo stem that's a ripoff of the Deda SMR stems?
https://a.aliexpress.com/_mt866kY

I've had endless trouble with stems on my velobuild. This one is so cheap it seems worth a shot.

[coffeebreak]

Anyone tried this Kocevlo stem that's a ripoff of the Deda SMR stems?
https://a.aliexpress.com/_mt866kY

I've had endless trouble with stems on my velobuild. This one is so cheap it seems worth a shot.

Eyeing that stem myself. I have had good experience with this particular brand though - handlebars, seatpost, headset spacers etc. I think it won't be a bad purchase.

[courdacier]

Anyone tried this Kocevlo stem that's a ripoff of the Deda SMR stems?
https://a.aliexpress.com/_mt866kY

I've had endless trouble with stems on my velobuild. This one is so cheap it seems worth a shot.

haven't tried the one above, but the one I got from "airwolfcarbonbike" official store was pretty solid w/good hardware

[courdacier]

I've tried CF and titanium cages and I just go back to plastic cages mainly due to fit issues. This is one area where plastic just does a good job being secure.

Makes sense, I can see that. my one set of ti ones feels like it's gradually getting loose.
I found a set of thinkrider bottles I have that seem to be oversized enough and don't have the scalloped area midway up so they don't rattle in there as much.

[jonathanf2]

Can you recommend your favorite cages from AliExpress? Any good side load plastic cages?

I just use the generic top loading plastic ones that sell for $3 USD for a pair. They're a tad "heavy" at about 30g, but at least they hold different size bottles securely and plastic-on-plastic minimizes bottle scratches. If you want side loading, just do a search and you should find something to your preference.

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256804925324983.html

Though for my gravel bike I use magnetic water bottles from AliEx. The trail grit in my area scratches bottles like crazy with regular holders. The magnetic bottles are okay, but as long as you hear the magnetic click sound engage, they hold securely even on rough off-road trails.

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256806854473277.html?

[Uberflo]

Does anyone have a Suggestion for a garmin Computer Mount for integrated handlebars?

[kubackje]

Does anyone have a Suggestion for a garmin Computer Mount for integrated handlebars?

Whatever fits your specific bars

[coffeebreak]

Does anyone have a Suggestion for a garmin Computer Mount for integrated handlebars?

I don't have a recommendation but I do have a suggestion for which one to NOT buy - https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256807061604192.html (and many other brands with iterations of it)
This one vibrates even with lighter and smaller unit like Edge 530. If I attach a light its even worse.

[jonathanf2]

I don't have a recommendation but I do have a suggestion for which one to NOT buy - https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256807061604192.html (and many other brands with iterations of it)
This one vibrates even with lighter and smaller unit like Edge 530. If I attach a light its even worse.

I had a carbon mount on my gravel bike and it vibrated badly. I ended up getting an alloy mount which I found to be far more stable, though at a slight weight penalty. I can attach my GPS computer and Lumina light with no vibration.

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256805826530247.html?

[Rolandos]

I had a carbon mount on my gravel bike and it vibrated badly. I ended up getting an alloy mount which I found to be far more stable, though at a slight weight penalty. I can attach my GPS computer and Lumina light with no vibration.

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256805826530247.html?

Interesting, good tip! I need a mount for my new build as its not included. Good tip on the non carbon, I guess ill get alloy also. Did you try any other mounts then the one you linked? Does it come with screws?

[jonathanf2]

Interesting, good tip! I need a mount for my new build as its not included. Good tip on the non carbon, I guess ill get alloy also. Did you try any other mounts then the one you linked? Does it come with screws?

Mine didn't come with screws, but I use titanium screws for my stem bolts since they fit. I didn't try any other alloy computer mounts, since my other bikes use separate bar and stem.

[jonathanf2]

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256805673187010.html

Curiosity got the better of me and I ordered these lightweight 6 bolt rotors for my gravel bike. I opted for the 180/160 pair. I figure for a non-loaded 7.5kg gravel bike, the lightweight design should be fine.The rear 160mm rotor bolted up with no issue, but the front 180mm rotor needed a piston reset, fresh pads and rotor alignment.

I want to compare them to the 160mm IIIPro floating disc rotors which I highly recommend in the 2x160mm configuration. I was thinking of getting the 180mm disc in that brand, but the weight gain was a bit too much for me.

[Tijoe]

I started out using one-piece rotors on my gravel bike.  Several times on long descents, my brakes overheated.   I migrated to 2-piece rotors like the IIIPros, and I have not had as much heat build up.   -  If you do not descend on long steep technical downhills where continuous non-stop braking is required, then you should be happy with them.