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Messages - eddietheengineer

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31
Update on Airwolf fiasco, I've repeatedly tried to get info from Airwolf on when my frame will get shipped but other than one message "I'm asking the paint factory" I haven't heard anything from them. Today, I asked if the frame was going to ship before the ship time ran out, and they didn't message me back, but marked the frame as "shipped" with no tracking number. Suffice to say, this isn't very confidence inspiring. I'm 35 days into this order--I've definitely given them the benefit of the doubt, but this feels fishy to me.

Hopefully they will update with a tracking number early next week.

32
I ordered tubeless valve stems since the wheels didn't come with any--and promptly ordered the wrong size. I had selected 80mm, but then picked a different color and it auto selected 60mm instead  :D so I had to order another set. They arrived today, so I was finally able to install the tires!

I used the included rim tape from the Elitewheels box--I was debating one or two wraps, but after one wrap on one wheel it looked like there was definitely not enough for two wraps, so I stuck with about 1 1/4 for each wheel.

I was really worried installing the GP5000s since I've heard so many nightmares with tubeless tires on road bikes, but I was able to get them installed by hand. One thing that helped was getting the tire to "straddle" the rim for the first bead so it didn't want to pop off so much.

I was also able to seat the whole rim with a floor pump as well. I didn't put in sealant yet, but pumped up to ~70psi, which is close to the max recommended for 30c tires on these rims. I was surprised that even with the 30c tires, they didn't overlap the external width of the rim too much.

As far as other parts--frame still hasn't shipped, though the last communication I had a few days ago was that it was possibly in paint. There's a few days remaining in the (extended) shipping time, so hopefully I'll see movement yet. At this rate even the power meter will beat the frame here!

33
Component Deals & Selection / Re: Chinese cycling clothes
« on: December 10, 2023, 04:29:48 PM »
First ride with these today since the weather has gotten colder again where I live.

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256804743883744.html
-Winter cycling jersey - pretty heavy/thick, good size for me (Asia XL/EU L, 185cm, 81kg). I wore a thin summer jersey underneath since the inside is pretty "fleece" like and I was worried about sweat. Throughout the ride (38F, 8mph winds) I didn't feel warm, but I wasn't uncomfortably cold either. I did feel a bit damp though--so it doesn't quite feel like it was breathing all that well. I was really glad with the wrist/sleeves though, since they sealed off well to my gloves. Overall--I'm content with it.

-Winter thermal bibs - These are really nice, the only thing is that they are right on the verge of being uncomfortably tight (same Asia XL/EU L as above). They don't stretch as much as a typical bib, so pedaling feels like your legs are being constricted. If I could order again, I would get one size up.

-Gloves - https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256803497513742.html
- I measured my hand and picked the L based on the sizing, but the sizing is really tight. I can barely get my hands in them. They were warm enough for this ride, but I don't think they would be enough if it was a bit colder.

Edit - just checked their current price ($135 for this set!!), I paid $68 for everything. I don't think I'd buy them at all at their current price.

34
Small update--I ended up getting some more odds and ends during Black Friday:

-Magene P505 power meter (will use my Shimano Ultegra chainrings)
-Brake bleed kit
-Internal housing foam/damper
-Brake hose cutting tool
-ExAid ultralight bottle cages
-OG-EVKIN bar tape

Nearly everything has shown up so far except the frame and power meter (was a pre-buy--shipped yesterday). The frame is still stuck in paint I think--it's taken way longer than I expected to get everything through.

Weights:
-Shimano 160mm rotor - 117g w/ lockring
-Shimano 140mm rotor - 98g w/ lockring
-Elitewheels Front - 635g
-Elitewheels Rear - 731g
-Ultegra cassette - 244g

35
Component Deals & Selection / Re: Chinese cycling clothes
« on: November 26, 2023, 06:41:41 PM »
I've been liking my YKYW kits enough (short sleeve jersey + regular bibs, and then long sleeve lightweight jersey + 3/4 bibs) that I ended up asking for their ~-5 to 10C thermal bibs and jacket and -10C thermal gloves for Christmas. After coupons, the entire set was only $~65 which I was pretty happy with!

36
Hello everyone and happy thanksgiving to the US folks!

I wanted to create a build thread for my Airwolf YFR066 to document my experience with the frameset, as well as all the rest of the Aliexpress deals I have gotten over 11.11 sales (and soon to be black friday sales).

Overall goals:
-Less aggressive geometry (my current bike I don't have steerer tube left and I need a >17 degree stem to get the handlebars up enough)
-Space for larger tires (25c barely fits with my current frame, 28-32C is ideal with room to grow)
-hydraulic disc brakes
-full carbon ~50mm wheels with wide rim width, tubeless compatible
-newer groupset with at least 11 speed
-Compact/semi compact crank with shorter crank arms (and power meter)
-Similar weight or lighter than my current ~2010 era road bike (~18 lbs)
-As many random Aliexpress orders as I can get  :)


Here's a link to a Google Sheets with parts list and Aliexpress links: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1y6uIFHe2vutMn3ikGuVbpPe8hX08V3uloqBeOdkRBoc/edit?usp=sharing

I've also attached a screenshot of the document to this post as a reference.

Quick overview:
-Airwolf YFR066 frame without integrated cockpit
-Elitewheels Edge 50mm wheels
-OG-Evkin stem/handlebar
-Shimano Ultegra 11 speed hydraulic disc groupset
-Magene P505 power meter
-GP5000 ~30c tires

Currently rolling up in the 16-17lb range.

Received so far:
-OG-Evkin handlebar
-Shimano Ultegra groupset

37
Component Deals & Selection / Re: Buying GP5000 from Aliexpress?
« on: November 22, 2023, 08:47:16 PM »
Ironically I asked Anarace about this listing:
https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256805110414623.html

And they forwarded me this link to a random store, so I guess the one I had originally wasn't tubeless ready.
https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256805132886783.html

38
Component Deals & Selection / Re: Buying GP5000 from Aliexpress?
« on: November 22, 2023, 07:58:45 PM »
I bought a pair of 5000s and Grand Sport Race. All came in original boxes and very well packed. During 11/11 sale I also bought no-box GS Race for even more savings. I'll report how those come but I am not worried.

Which stores did you purchase from? The toughest thing I'm finding is making sure I'm getting the tubeless versions since the markings aren't clear and the listings can be vague.

39
Component Deals & Selection / Buying GP5000 from Aliexpress?
« on: November 22, 2023, 06:51:33 PM »
I'm wrapping up purchases for my bike build (most of which I got on 11.11) now that the black friday coupons are coming around. Has anyone purchased GP5000s from Aliexpress before? I know the base cost may not be that much less, but once you add in the coupons it looks to be a good bit less expensive.

Thoughts?

40
Component Deals & Selection / Re: Chinese cycling clothes
« on: November 12, 2023, 08:02:02 AM »
Ordered a small haul from YKYWBike in the 11.11 sales. Chose YKYWBike since what I've had from them so far has been consistent in sizing and quality. Spexcel has been hit and miss on quality, sometimes it's great, other times it's terrible and sizing consistency between pieces is so-so. Happy with some of the cheaper pieces so trying some of the more premium pieces (e.g. Elastic Interface pad in the shorts).

YKYWBIKE Cycling Base Layer Men Undershirt Bicycle Bike Vest Summer
https://m.aliexpress.com/item/1005006157069096.htm

YKYWBIKE Cycling Bib Shorts Men Mountain Bottom With Elastic Interface Cushion
https://m.aliexpress.com/item/1005005495749706.html

YKYWBIKE 2023 Men's MTB Bicycle Clothing Bike Jerseys Short Sleeve Pro Team Aero
https://m.aliexpress.com/item/1005005476142982.html

Ykywbike Cycling Bib Shorts 3 4 Men 4 Hours Ride Padded Shorts
https://m.aliexpress.com/item/1005005947951120.html

YKYWBIKE Autumn Cycling Jersey Breathable
https://m.aliexpress.com/item/1005001652429034.html

YKYWBIKE Cycling Short Socks Professional
https://m.aliexpress.com/item/1005003727127197.html

Total cost was $118 USD after discounts. The store is also advertising a free winter cap and winter gloves for >$100 spend, so with some luck I'll end up with those too.

I've slowly been stocking up on YKYWBIKE clothes, I have short and long sleeve jerseys as well as standard bibs and 3/4 length bibs, and have a base layer on the way. I haven't tried their socks yet but I have a variety of socks from different sellers on the way!

I've been attempting to not buy another set of thermal bibs and a thermal jersey :) but we'll see how long that lasts.

Edit: List of things I've tried (6' 1", 185lbs)

6 hour bibs - EU L (could be a bit longer on the thigh--maybe I'll try an XL? but great otherwise)
https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256804421879566.html
note - here's link to Choice store that's cheaper: https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256805079818596.html

Short sleeve jersey - EU L
https://www.aliexpress.us/item/2251832816604956.html

Long sleeve jersey - L (race fit, lightweight material)
https://www.aliexpress.us/item/2255800907658475.html

3/4 bibs - EU L YSPBZ863 (lightweight material, decent length upper calf)
https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256805761636368.html


41
I didn’t get the integrated handlebar! Since I wanted to have more adjustability.

42
I would take carbonda over airwolf 24/7.
Carbonda is an well known established brand, and airwolf is some aliexpress shop.

Oops  :-X I had already purchased the Airwolf when I saw this this morning. I almost tried to cancel, but the Airwolf ended up under $400 shipped and can take 38C vs. 32C tires, so hopefully it won't be the end of the world.

43
Road Bike Frames, Wheels & Components / Re: Best value carbon wheels?
« on: November 11, 2023, 05:49:53 AM »
Circling back to this, the Elitewheels Edge are on sale now for $617: https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256804581390724.html

I've already used my bigger Aliexpress coupons, but I still am seeing $568 shipped in the cart ($30 off $200, plus $18 in coins).

Is there any real reason to go with the Yuanan direct option now ($500 + ~$100 shipping and less purchasing protections)? Also, will Aliexpress possibly have other coupons later in the 11.11-11.17 window?

Thanks!

44
I'm looking at this frame as well, I was considering the CFR1056 but this is almost identical geometry

45
I'm seeing Anarace has an Ultegra R8020 groupset for $665 *maybe* - $100 store coupon? Sounds decent?
https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256805013196295.html

Elitewheels ($60 coupon off of $300, prices not including this):
ENT-Disc - 50mm/25mm - $367
SLT-Disc - 50/25mm - $460 - https://www.aliexpress.us/item/2255800792743145.html
Edge - 50/21mm inner - $617 -

ENT-MTB - $335 - https://www.aliexpress.us/item/2255799929096453.html

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