Best and worst overall quality/value components/tools/gear from AliExpress?

[Tijoe]

I purchased 2 of these pumps in 2023 for $21 each.   I have used them only a few times since purchasing.

Last night I fully charged one and packed it in my bike tool bag.   On Today's ride, I realized I had a low rear tire.  I pumped a 29er rear 2.0 tire from 14 pounds to 28 pounds and it killed the battery.   I never remember being only able to fill one tire up.   I wonder how cheap of rechargeable battery they installed.   Battery life appears to quickly be degrading just sitting around in a tool box.

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256806009816913.html

[Hualicopter]

TOPUMP works well.

[Fat Larry]

Some of my recent purchases.

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005008344711934.html?spm=a2g0o.order_list.order_list_main.84.229d1802d9Gbif

Bucklos mtb bars. It arrived bent.

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4001316304690.html?spm=a2g0o.order_list.order_list_main.381.229d1802d9Gbif

OG Evkin forks. Running these forks on my ebike. Fit and finish is great, good design with lots of material. No issues so far though i've only got about 100km on them.

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005003459273375.html?spm=a2g0o.order_list.order_list_main.356.229d1802d9Gbif

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005005329280432.html?spm=a2g0o.order_list.order_list_main.109.4c3f1802ggkUNZ

Kalloy Uno stems are always good. Their bars are good too.

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005005117980467.html?spm=a2g0o.order_list.order_list_main.199.229d1802d9Gbif

Offbondage light was doa.

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005009149314612.html?spm=a2g0o.order_list.order_list_main.189.229d1802d9Gbif

Tooseek forks. Finish is good. Haven't used them yet.

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005006131698898.html?spm=a2g0o.order_list.order_list_main.114.4c3f1802ggkUNZ

Evosid stem. This stem is really heavy. Wasn't into it and didn't use.

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005006775650483.html?spm=a2g0o.order_list.order_list_main.123.4c3f1802ggkUNZ

These lights are good. Really large for cob strip lights.

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005005170830115.html?spm=a2g0o.order_list.order_list_main.169.229d1802d9Gbif

Bell is fine. Very very finicky/annoying to mount as they use a clip rather than a bolt. In fact i gave up trying to mount it. Really bad design.

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005009792878646.html?spm=a2g0o.order_list.order_list_main.69.229d1802d9Gbif

Bafang controller. Works fine. One of the buttons doesn't give very positive feed back/clicks but it does work.

[Dan S.]

Anyone got any suggestions for an e-pump?

I have this one with a very peculiar name. The price creeped up as it seems, bought it in December 2024 and it was listed for 30 USD. Managed to push the price down even further and paid 25 USD. Used it a few times already, pretty good imho. I wanted something with a display and did not want to pay a fortune.

[hsaus]

I have this one with a very peculiar name. The price creeped up as it seems, bought it in December 2024 and it was listed for 30 USD. Managed to push the price down even further and paid 25 USD. Used it a few times already, pretty good imho. I wanted something with a display and did not want to pay a fortune.

I have the same Offbondage (!) mini pump, and I rate it very highly. Mine hasn't been plagued with the issues of the Cycplus branded pumps that all the influencers are raving about. Battery life is great - I've left mine unused for weeks at a time, and the was always plenty of charge left when I wanted to use it.

[Tijoe]

The WORST!!!   I purchase a Deemount TLD-01 brake line needle insertion tool over a year ago and never used it because I was happy with the one I have been using.  I misplaced my regular tool so I decided to try the Deemount.   It set up easily, but as I screwed the shaft down, it was having more resistance turning.  I finished my needle insert and as I unscrewed it it became almost impossible to turn.  WTF!  The aluminum threads of the shaft in the tool's threaded body was galling!
By the time I was able to coax the brake hose out of the tool, the thread was locked up solid!!!   Last thing on my mind was that I should have used anti seize compound on a new tool.  Live and learn I suppose!

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256807745954258.html

[Hualicopter]

Good to know, I just bought that tool.

[GSoroos]

I only paid $4 for this TopRider computer mount. When I tried to get the bolts to the proper torque – the aluminum just crushed under the bolt. It's not available on the store any more, but I'm not trusting any of the mounts that bolt on the faceplate of the stem.

I wasn't expecting much and that's what I got. 

[Merry]

I only paid $4 for this TopRider computer mount. When I tried to get the bolts to the proper torque – the aluminum just crushed under the bolt. It's not available on the store any more, but I'm not trusting any of the mounts that bolt on the faceplate of the stem.

I wasn't expecting much and that's what I got. 

I recommend Niu Ju mounts. Been using mine that installs directly to my Uno stem (they make for other models too) and it's been absolutely rock solid and quality. I've attached a flashlight underneath it since then.

[Sminchnz]

I only paid $4 for this TopRider computer mount. When I tried to get the bolts to the proper torque – the aluminum just crushed under the bolt. It's not available on the store any more, but I'm not trusting any of the mounts that bolt on the faceplate of the stem.

I wasn't expecting much and that's what I got. 

I had an alloy one break at the bolt hole while I was riding, nearly causing a crash as the handlebar suddenly came loose. Totally swore off this style of mount for a while but now use an Ali one that’s just a bent sheet of titanium which I’m assuming can’t possibly go wrong…

[Fat Larry]

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005010290405345.html

Picked up one of these manual droppers. Was great for a day then it seized in less than 10 actuations.

If anyone has suggestions for something similar that doesn't fail instantly i'd be keen to have them.

[alfiomotrambo]

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005010290405345.html

Picked up one of these manual droppers. Was great for a day then it seized in less than 10 actuations.

If anyone has suggestions for something similar that doesn't fail instantly i'd be keen to have them.

You can try this https://it.aliexpress.com/item/1005008406313456.html had some good reviews

[Fat Larry]

Tried out cheap bottom brckets. Turned out they're a total waste of money, which has been mentioned. Should have done more research.

Evosid was the first try.

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005007391469313.html

Installed fine, inserted crank, it's a bit tight but the spindle gets through one side, gets stuck coming out the other and pushes the bearing out of the bb. I take it off and tap the crank out and of course the bearing comes with it, stuck tight next to the spider.

Pointless junk.

This Goldix BB was also junk. It at least managed to keep itself together through a couple of crank installs but when i finally tightened everything up it didn't spin well at all and had a weird resistance spinning forward that wasn't there spinning in reverse.

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005006694885812.html

No more cheap BB's for me.

[alfiomotrambo]

Oh yes, with BBs I've always opted for the Shimano ones, they cost little and work well, for me it doesn't make sense to save money