Hi All.

I'm new to Chinese bikes.  I was getting overwhelmed looking through Aliexpress and am very glad to have found this forum and the wealth of knowledge here.

I've got a trail bike I'm happy with, but would like to build a modern XC full suspension bike for less technical trails for races.  I'm a back of the pack age grouper but maybe I'll gain a full place by switching to a lighter bike that climbs better.

The catch is that it's not a top tier bike to rival the top of the line UCI race winning bikes.  No, it needs to be a value oriented bike.

I'm looking for that sweet spot where it doesn't make sense to spend any more on a component to save just a little bit of weight.  The 80% (or 90%) solution for half the money (or less, if I'm lucky.)

Here's what I'm thinking so far.

Frame: 100/100mm or maybe the latest 120/120mm.  From threads here I've seen the Spcyle M868, Carbonda CFM 909, some BXT "UDH" frames on Ebay, Light Carbon LCFS918, and more I've missed...Which of these stand out?

Groupset: L-Twoo and Sensah don't seem to have a Deore-killer (like they do for Shimano 105).  Or do they?   I might go with Microshift Advent X for a rear derailleur and do a mix and match of recommended brakes, levers, and crankset.   I'm all ears for any recommendations.

Forks: Initial research didn't turn up any light budget front forks.  Might look for a used Rockshox SID of some sort.  I have a DNM rear shock on my trail bike and have no complaints, so would happily consider them for the rear shock.   

Bars/seatposts/seats, etc: Will look at weight to cost ratio of the popular items on Ali Express.

Wheelset - that's a big one and I haven't started researching too in depth.  Aluminum or carbon?  If carbon, it would have to be a budget one.  Again, can you at least point me in the right direction of what to consider?

For reference, I'm 50+, 175lbs and don't huck it off jumps.

Finally, I've learned a lot from Trace Velo on Youtube, but he only covers road and gravel items.  Is there anyone doing a good job of reviewing Chinese MTB frames and components?

Many, many thanks.