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

[Stravakiddo]

add ryet saddle to the list. just the surface plastic is going to get worn after a while

[Ludo]

I think coins should always stack with discount codes (the $35 codes work now as well), and the other two aren't discounts in the typical sense: The seller's adjustment is just that and applied after placing the unpaid order and messaging them about a discount.
The final price adjustment is due to the order exceeding the EU limit of custom/tariff excemption and VAT pre-collection via AliExpress, so VAT is removed from the order but will/might have to be paid upon or before delivery, as well as custom duties.

They sent me. Discount code but I can’t figure out how to add it to my unpaid order… and it’s apparently only an $8 discount

[Ludo]

Elitaone flexy seatpost discounted in early bird deals:
https://a.aliexpress.com/_mOAVDE9

[glepore]

Quick aero bottle review. Nice enough with one major flaw-the nozzle is a very old school flap type that doesn't have a secure closure. Probably limits how much you want tot the dt bottle.
Everything else is similar to original, plastic cage instead of carbon, seems to hold an normal bottle "ok" but not crazy secure. I don't think it would be a major issue with bottles on the road but time will tell. Smaller opening than a normal bottle, will need funnel for powders or another container to mix in .  Cage itself is 43g.

[Shinobi_77]

I'll pass the current iteration as it is likely that we see a carbon version within this year and the price should also go down once more vendors started to innovate the bottles and cages.

[jonathanf2]

A few new/old parts from AliExpress!

High precision grease injection applicator. I don't know how I did bike maintenance without this: https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256807201207495.html

Full cable housing clamps for externally routed frames. Makes cable replacement a breeze with full housing (and potentially smoother shifting):https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256807160048531.html

These are the best headset expander/compression plug on AliEx bar none. I use them on all my bikes (type 2): https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256804973835769.html

[Da11as]

Any recommendations for lightweight thru road axles? ~50g per pair.

[glepore]

Any recommendations for lightweight thru road axles? ~50g per pair.

If they fit, the standard Specialized t/a's for the sl8 are 46g or so.

[Ludo]

Any recommendations for lightweight thru road axles? ~50g per pair.

Heppe has a bunch of options on ali

[kubackje]

Any recommendations for lightweight thru road axles? ~50g per pair.

This store has good ones. I use them on my addict rc

https://a.aliexpress.com/_EQpalzY

[Da11as]

Heppe has a bunch of options on ali

Do they have 1,0 pitch? Most of them seems to be for 1,5. Also, not that light (the pair is closer to 60-65g)

If they fit, the standard Specialized t/a's for the sl8 are 46g or so.

Not the case, I need flat head.

[pushpush]

I received a Ryet T02 saddle. The rails are crooked and the top surface of the saddle has uneven bumps in it. It is being returned.

I have another Ryet saddle that is quite good, but the QC on this item is obviously very bad. Beware.

[AdmannSackberger]

Little handlebar review:

BALUGOE Carbon Handlebar 360mm Hoods/ 420mm Drops - 13° Flare (cheaper one)

Link: https://de.aliexpress.com/item/1005008658076778.html?spm=a2g0o.order_list.order_list_main.11.6bdd5c5frhaJLH&gatewayAdapt=glo2deu#nav-specification

As a bigger rider (over 90kg with a pretty high power output), I was a bit scared to try a carbon handlebar but finally took the plunge this spring.

First Impressions & Performance
Out of the box, the bar felt nice and light at around 270g. Gave it a good squeeze and flex test before mounting, and it felt solid enough. After about 2,500km of riding, it was stiff enough for me but not super stiff. Also showing no signs of flex or creaking even during hard sprints. It even survived a crash with no visible damage or structural issues. So no issues regarding the durability.

The Problem
The problem for me wasn't the quality, but the shape. Despite the official 77mm reach, the curve/bend from the tops to the hoods is so early that the effective reach is tiny. I could barely get my hands comfortably on the hoods. Also not nearly as much forearm support in the aero position as I would have liked. Another issue was the lack of clamping space next to the stem. It was impossible to fit a standard Garmin mount, so I had to buy a specific out-front mount to make it work.

For the price (around 45 Euros), it's not a bad handlebar if the geometry works for you. If you have smaller hands and are specifically looking for a very short-reach bar, this could be a bargain.

Shikra R-Flyer 360mm Hoods/ 430mm Drops - 16° Flare (Aluminum)

Link: https://de.aliexpress.com/item/1005007927147225.html?spm=a2g0o.order_list.order_list_main.5.6bdd5c5frhaJLH&gatewayAdapt=glo2deu#nav-specification

After the Balugoe, I tried the dirt cheap Shikra Handlebar (15-20 Euos), and I've been very happy with this one.

Ride Impressions
It's about 100g heavier than the carbon bar, but for a fat 90kg+ rider, that's a total non-issue. It's also less "aero" and completely lacks internal routing, but I love the shape. The top is slightly flattened and aeroish, but the key difference is the bend. Despite an official reach of 80mm, the curve is much later, giving it an effective reach closer to 100mm. This makes it way more comfortable in an aero position, and I can hold it for much longer. It is also extremely stiff, which I like.

I've been very happy with this bar and run it on two of my bikes, with several thousand kilometers on each. They've been great.
So if you don't need internal cable routing, this bar is an absolute winner. It's stiff, comfortable for someone wanting a longer effective reach, and incredibly cheap.

[triglav]

The Shikra R-Flyer handlebar is a fantastic choice but the longer reach surprised me. I do feel that the shorter width of my handlebars (420 to 380) gave me the extra reach and allowed me to stretch out, which in the end seems okay.

[Dr J]

The Shikra R-Flyer handlebar is a fantastic choice but the longer reach surprised me. I do feel that the shorter width of my handlebars (420 to 380) gave me the extra reach and allowed me to stretch out, which in the end seems okay.

Shorter width handlebar reduces the reach though...