https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005009092545996.html

this might be the supposedly the cheapest EI pads, although they arent advertising them as such.

He made a video about it, and I saw one picture of them on reviews. They could be fake EI Paris HP tho.

It's a fake Paris HP that Spexcel put in their bibs last year. Source: I have a pair in Spexcel bib tights - decent for an outdoor training ride under 40mi but not as comfortable as a legitimate pad. EI must've sent cease and desists because most of the bigger Ali brands aren't doing fake EI pads anymore, with some using legit EI pads and some shifting to mediocre alternative pads (i.e. Spexcel). I'd recommend bib shorts with legit EI pads.

The problem with going close to the 2k usd mark is you are then competing with a different level of competition (winspace, Tavelo etc.) which will all have a higher level of resale value and high quality control. Not for one second saying that Xmcs isn't at the same quality level (I'm very very happy with my bike)

Totally agree. Additionally, Winspace, Tavelo, Quick Pro all sponsor Conti/WT-level teams and are proven viable race frames. Also Winspace does wind tunnel testing (can't recall if Tavelo Arow or QP ER completed wind tunnel testing). We know Peter puts out good wheels but frames are a big question mark at that price and likely DOA, with the exception of XMCS followers. To summarize, the onus will be on XMCS to prove they justify the price in an already competitive market.

Looks like anrancee and other Ali sellers stopped shipping to the US as of today.. My anrancee order from a week or so ago has shipped but is still in China. Unsure if it will make it over here due to the de minimus removal. Will follow up in this thread.