I buy constantly from Aliexpress.  I have actually have had good look with direct mount cranksets.  I have not purchased those that are extremely light that have broken (Shimano has had theirs break too).  What I like is being able to get shorter cranks without spending an arm and a leg.  My latest is a 160mm for my sister's bike from Cruz bike.  I am not sure how that will be but it seems quite ordinary.  I recommend them often for those who wish to try shorter cranks to see if they work out for them instead of laying out bigger dollars for Shimano.   

I love their bike computers.  I pay what I need to and previously had been using Garmins but I have had great luck with Igsports computers.  They work the same as Garmin from what I can see.

The TPU tubes are my favorite buys.  I buy extras for friends as they are a very cheap performance item and they pack so small.

The Continental Gransports are my go to tires now.  They ride like Grand Prixs but are much cheaper.  I am not racing now, so the tiny perfromance beneift is not worth it to me. 

I use the better lines of their handlebar tape.  It has been excellent.   I even bought Fizik from them (I know it is genuine)

Pick up some of the mini hex key wrenches.  They are as good as the Specialized but for a fraction of the cost

The bike clothing is OK as long as you buy the somewhat more expensive items.  I have lots of Castelli and Pearlizumi which I like better, but for winter when I do not ride more than once a week,  I love the tights as they are warm.   The fit is OK,  They work

I have purchased the aluminum and steel cassettes which I like when I am not doing a lot of climbing.  If used for mostly flat rides they are a great deal. 

I am a lap swimmer too, so I find swimming briefs and boxers have been nearly as good as Speedo or TYR. 


I love reading posts on here.    I hope my post is useful for others

I am new here and probably like some of you, I obsessively research for hours day after day.  I have an entire groupset with wheels (disc)    I have been looking at a Bianchi XR4 replica because it looks good and has very good aerodynamics.  I have also been looking at a Trifox X18 and about every Velobuild.  There are so many choices.  I have an old Chinese open mould and will keep it.  What I do not like about it is high speed handling could be better.  I did get it to 15.5 pounds with pedals. 

So, I want opinions, especially from those who have had their bikes for a while.  The XR4 is from Yaoflying (they offer free returns) 

Thanks!