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Re: Interesting Aliexpress finds! - good deals, interesting stuff, new products etc!
After watching Trace Velo's gravel LTwoo GRT carbon shift lever break (after a bike fall), I've been looking at what's available on AliEx regarding Shimano hydraulic shifters. Anyways, I noticed GRX 400 and Tiagra 10 speed shifters can be purchased with hydro brake calipers. For those that don't know, GRX 400/Tigara 4700 RDs shifters can properly index with Shimano 11 speed. In fact I'm currently running GRX 400 shifters with a GRX 812 RD on my gravel bike. GRX 400 shifters w/brake calipers: https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256805058833940.html Tiagra shifters w/brake calipers: https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256804994624853.html Unfortunately GRX 812 RD prices are a bit higher on AliEx, but here in the US I've been able to find deals at around $80-100 USD. I'm surprised LTwoo hasn't yet sold their shifters and RD separately. LTwoo indexes Shimano pull ratios and in theory their GRT RD should work with Shimano shifter and vice versa w/LTwoo shifters working with Shimano derailleurs. It's also worth noting Shimano is consolidating their lower-to-mid tier groupsets, with MTB and road components becoming compatible again. So we might be getting more derailleur options across the board to mix-n-match. https://www.pinkbike.com/news/shimano-consolidate-entry-to-mid-level-groupsets-with-new-cues-tier.html March 01, 2023, 11:51:58 AM |
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Re: Interesting Aliexpress finds! - good deals, interesting stuff, new products etc!
I'm currently using Xpedo/Wellgo pedals mainly due to being lightweight and fairly affordable. I admit, they're not the easiest to clip in being 1-side, but I've adapted. Trace Velo gave the magnesium pedals an average review, but sometimes I think he writes off certain equipment with the presumption of failure, but when in actuality they hold up just fine. 235g magnesium alloy Look Keo pedals: https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256803499675392.html 244g SPD pedals with steel mount surface despite being advertised as alloy (tested with a magnet): https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256802932689077.html March 02, 2023, 02:30:55 PM |
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Re: Interesting Aliexpress finds! - good deals, interesting stuff, new products etc!
A few weeks ago I ordered this hollowed out alloy crankset from AliEx: https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256803455977621.html Trace Velo used this crankset on his last build, but eventually removed it citing issues with creaking, flex, etc. This crankset shares the same alloy axle and direct mount interface as the Racework carbon fiber crankset. I also contacted the seller and asked for torque specs for the left crank arm bolts which he stated, same as Shimano?!? I'm like whatevers, I'll figure it out. First thing to note. I believe this alloy axle is meant to have a universal fit across both road and MTB bottom brackets. I found after having worked with the Racework carbon crankset, at least 1 spacer is needed for 1x road BB configurations and possibly 2 spacers for 2x road BB configurations in order to clear the small/small chainring ramping pins (dependent on 2x chainring design). I would avoid 3 spacers, because the left crank arm will not have enough axle to properly clamp. It's also worth noting if you have an external threaded BB you can use spacers that thread between the cups. With PF BBs, you will need spacers that go between the BB and either on the drive or non-drive side crank arms. Second thing to note. the left/non-drive side crank arm bolts are definitely not Shimano torque specs (12-14nm)! In fact I found on the Racework left carbon fiber crank arm bolts, 8nm was sufficient. On this hollow alloy crank arm, I ended up going to 10nm torque. I slowly tried going up to 12nm, but I felt going that high could result in a stripped bolt. It's also worth noting these bolts are 10mm hex wrench sized and quite long, so I would take extra care torquing them in incremental steps (ex: 6nm>8nm>10nm) and just take your time. Last thing to note, make sure to install the pre-load bolt first before tightening the crank arm bolts, and tighten just enough so that it's secure, but the crankset can spin smoothly. I also used 8nm torque for the direct mount chainring bolts. I took the bike for a spin on some hard climbs, sprint drafted a car on the downhill and did some hard out of saddle riding. This bike is setup as 1x using a PF standard BB386 BB (using 24mm axle adapters); 1 spacer between the drive side crank arm and BB cup and torqued the left crank arm to 10nm. The crankset felt secure and I did not experience any creaking or flex. In fact I believe this crankset is the lightest alloy crankset on AliEx and just second in weight to the Racework carbon fiber crankset. It's also much cheaper. Some reviews have noted issues with the the left crank arm stripping off the axle and the bolts/crank arms themselves breaking. Again, there is the possibility of QC problems, weight limitations and/or shear force being too much for these crank arms to handle. I'm pretty meticulous with my bike maintenance so I periodically check my bikes before and after every ride. It's a good habit to have when dealing with these AliEx components. I've added a few photos, hope this helps anyone considering this or other cranksets! March 06, 2023, 12:04:04 PM |
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Re: Gravel Bar Width poll
I'm currently running 41/42cm drops with 55cm flared drops. I was previously using Ritchey Comp Beacon flared bars at 44cm and 59cm flared drops. The Ritchey bars were better navigating technical single track, but was less aero on the road. My current bars are definitely more road aero, but don't offer the same stability on the trail, but still very good. I think it really depends on the conditions you ride in and what your body feels comfortable using.
March 06, 2023, 01:09:59 PM |
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Re: Are AliEx/open mold carbon bikes common in your area?
I'm also in Southern California (San Diego) and I don't recall ever seeing one. Seems like most of the roadies are on Specialized and Santa Cruz is really popular on the trails. I was recently at a fairly big cycling event with a few hundred riders and I purposely tried looking for other open mold/AliEx type bikes. The most I saw was one cyclist with SuperTeam wheels! I do own a Poseidon X gravel frameset and that's the only domestic direct-to-consumer bike I've seen grown in popularity. I even built a "proof of concept" 1x road bike using a spare carbon frameset and AliEx components and so far that bike rides amazingly smooth. I have been on open mold frames exclusively for about 6 yrs now. My fat bike, MTB, road and gravel all are open mold. I have only come across a few other riders on them. they are more popular in the fat bike world but still not common. I do agree that it is crazy how much people spend on bikes just to have that name brand. I run exclusively shimano drivetrains just because when I started, sense didn't exist and I had to pick one for continuity of repair parts and processes. the ability to have a top spec drivetrain on an open mold frame gives me a riding experience on par or above most riders at a fraction of the cost. I would rather have multiple bikes tailored for a specific riding type then one uber expensive bike that I have to use for everything. I probably spend the same amount of $$ on bikes but I have a whole fleet. I currently have 3 bike builds. I only run Shimano RD/FDs, but I've been experimenting with Sensah/Ltwoo shifters, AliEx cranksets and brake calipers. I have an itch to build a lightweight 1x disc climbing bike, but just using affordable components. I like the idea of building affordable lightweight mechanical bikes tuned to perfection. March 10, 2023, 12:11:57 PM |
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Re: Cyclami TPU tubes - more TPU tube options!
The Cyclami TPU tubes are crap in my opinion. They are currently running some sales on RideNow TPU tubes and I can confirm they've done some silent upgrades, enough so that I now recommend them as being the better option. It appears the screw-in presta valve appears more secure and the plastic valve tube also seems to be a firmer plastic. They've switched to plastic valve caps (originally were alloy) and also come with a decal sticker that goes over the valve. On a side note, I recommend using a schrader to presta valve adapter when pumping the tubes. The plastic valve core while sturdy, can be prone to breakage if not careful. I do this now when pumping. The one perk over latex is that they don't lose air overnight. Latex tubes have to be constantly pumped before every ride. This seller sent my RideNow tubes in about a week to the US: https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256804954468515.html March 10, 2023, 12:19:42 PM |
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Spcycle SP-027D Frameset
https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256804571715408.html I've been looking for a cheap carbon road frameset for a 1x road bike build, running budget components. I was looking at a couple of other frames, but this one hits the budget and spare parts are a bit easier to come by with Spcycle. The design is a bit dated with semi-integrated cabling and longer seat stays, but I think it'll be fun once built out! Parts I'll be using: RXL carbon drop bars Cheapest UNO stem Sensah Team Pro shifters Onirii BR-005 calipers Goldix hollow crankset Racework 44t chainnring 105 R700 RD Elite Wheelset ZTTO PF threaded steel bearing BB (may switch to a Token Ninja BB if it turns out to be real crap) Once the frame arrives I'll update this post when I start the build. I wanted to share the link if anyone else was interested. March 13, 2023, 09:43:24 AM |
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Re: Caved in and ordered a clearance Spcycle SP-027D Frameset
Any budget threshold that you don't want to cross? It's a hard thing to do (at least I couldn't do lol) but I'll be curious if you have set a limit. It's not that I can't spend more money on fancier equipment, but I don't see the point at least on a non-competitive level. I'd rather focus on proper bike tuning and maintaining a strong fitness regiment. If I'm not cycling, I'm strength training and doing HIIT. I like constantly tuning my bikes and examining my technique for areas I can improve in. I also examine other cyclists with their techniques, cadence, physiology and their max limit potential. I have a bad habit of picking uphill and downhill battles with other cyclists at my local riding spots. The fancier the bike, the more elitist the kit, the more driven I am to drop them! Lol I ride with quite a few fixed gear riders and they have the most simplest of bike setups. Yet these guys are always at the front of the pack when it comes to the flats and even hill climbing. I've adopted a bit of that mentality when it comes to my road bikes. Less is more! March 13, 2023, 11:32:19 AM |
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Re: Are AliEx/open mold carbon bikes common in your area?
I hardly ever see open mold or AliEx stuff around NE oklahoma. I know one person with an older chinarello and that's it. I'm the only I know who is tossing AliExpress parts on their bikes. But, I don't go group rides and keep mostly to myself or one or two riding friends. I would actually get more excited if I see someone with an open mold/AliEx bike. I ride on the occasional group rides and it's always the same LBS purchased or direct-to-consumer brand bike. I'm more interested in the custom builds. Nothing irks me more when someone has a $6k plus bike and you can hear a poorly tuned derailleur! Even in a big city like LA, it's always the same name brand stuff everywhere I go. March 13, 2023, 12:37:49 PM |
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Re: Newish ZEROING crankset - Ingrid clone
I'm using 3 bikes with 24mm alloy axle spindles (2 carbon, 1 hollow alloy). I'll report back after a few hundred miles/kilometers. I'm wondering if the issue is with improper clamp bolt torque settings? Just ask any of these sellers and they have no clue what the settings are.
March 13, 2023, 01:43:47 PM |
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