I was a bit panicked by this post as I just bought Cruz bike crankset.  It looks the same but the axle is steel (I just checked).  The weight is the same as Shimano 105 and they came in shorter sizes as I wanted my sister to get something works better for her than 170's. 

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

UNO stems are CHEAP and the lightest.  I have been using one for years. 

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!