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Messages - Eskae

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1
i've stuck with SRAM chains and cassettes so far

2
that went fast!  the listing is gone off Aliexpress now.  Still on eBay.

3
The last rim-brake compatible eTap / AXS wireless shifters that SRAM made were the Force D1 12-speed model.  These date to 2020 and are the only AXS-compatible rim brake shifters available from SRAM.  Given that they have not been manufactured for several years, they are in high demand on the used market.  Used examples typically sell for $500 and up.

Recently, new examples of these shifters have appeared on Aliexpress for $450 and on eBay (from a Chinese seller) for $500.  I want to jump on this "deal" but I'm concerned about whether they are authentic or not.  Given the cost and demand for this item, it seems within the realm of possibility that the Chinese sellers would bootleg them. 

Anyone here purchase SRAM Force D1 rim-brake shifters from Aliex? 

4
Here's some photos of the Cambium copy saddle.  Upon closer inspection, there is no cloth top like a Brooks.  I think the top is just molded from the same material the saddle is made of.  I've attached photos, including some where I held it side-by-side with an authentic Brooks C17 for comparison.


5
looks like there's a new clone of the Brooks Cambium saddle.  Photos indicate a rear width of 15cm, so I guess it would be similar to the C15 model.  I ordered two, as they are about $17 each in the USA.  I ride Cambium C17s on all of my bikes, and I'm curious how these will compare overall.  I'll report back in a few months after they've arrived and I test one out.

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256811556559818.html?

The saddles arrived today and they really are a close clone of the Cambium.  Construction seems to copy all of the Cambium features in terms of the rivets and how it is assembled.  Compared to a Brooks C17, the three main differences are:
  • the rear width is a bit more narrow (as expected)
  • the overall length of the saddle is about an inch shorter than the C17
  • the top cover of the saddle seems to be textured rubber, and has a slightly tacky feel.  The Cambiums use a synthetic cloth cover than is smooth.

I'll have to see how it rides, next.

6
looks like there's a new clone of the Brooks Cambium saddle.  Photos indicate a rear width of 15cm, so I guess it would be similar to the C15 model.  I ordered two, as they are about $17 each in the USA.  I ride Cambium C17s on all of my bikes, and I'm curious how these will compare overall.  I'll report back in a few months after they've arrived and I test one out.

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256811556559818.html?


7
Is this still for sale?  I'm in the USA on the East Coast.  Please email me at skpearson *at* gmail dot com if it's still available.

8
Here's some new reviews of stuff I've bought over the past few months:

VXM 130 BCD 10/11 SPD 1X Chainring
URL: https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256809642663122.html
Review: 6 out of 10.  Super budget 1X ring.  It does not have counter-sunk bolt holes for the chainring bolts, which was disappointing.  Mounted it to an AceofFix 130 BCD crankset and seems to be OK.  Good value for the price (currently less than $10) but don't expect a high-quality item.

SP Cycle Carbon Gravel Fork Max Tire 700x55C or 29x2.1''
URL: https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256806997279423.html
Review: 7 out of 10.  Excellent value for the price ($100 + $80 to ship to USA) and very similar to the State Bicycles "Monster" fork.  It comes with a "flip chip" that allows you to change the rake 49mm or 55.5mm.  I'm running it on a State Bicycles Titanium All-Road, and I initially set it up with the 55.5mm rake.  I didn't like how it handled with that rake (not nimble enough) so I flipped the chip.  That also requires adjusting the disc brake caliper, since the wheel & rotor are moving up and backwards a bit.  That was easily accomplished by flipping the flat-mount adapter upside down.  My only criticism of this fork so far is that a bike shop told me they thought the brake mount wasn't properly chased flat.  However, I haven't had any issues with the caliper rubbing the rotor, so it hasn't been a problem.

TOSEEK RS-wrc Carbon Gravel Handlebar
URL: https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256805395551242.html
Review: 2 out of 10.  Handlebars were weirdly out of plane.  The right side of the bar was higher than the left.  Must have been a manufacturing defect.  Toseek refunded my money but I had to ship it back to them, and mailing handlebars is a PITA. 

Double Ball Bicycle Pedals Ultra-Light Anti Skid Mountain Bike Pedals
URL: https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256809667322713.html
Review: 7 out of 10.  Decent-looking set of pedals at a sub-$10 price.  I think they are made of cast aluminum.  Cheapo steel axles, but what do you expect at this price point?  Does what they're supposed to do.

Aceoffix 130BCD Retro Crankset
URL: https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256804886503003.html
Review: 9 out of 10.  Handsome and inexpensive copy of the classic Topline crankset.  I was impressed with the quality of this crankset.  Good quality machining throughout, easy to install.  My only criticism is that it uses a proprietary direct-mount system and I could not find any spiders or chainrings with this system.  I thought it used the SRAM 3-bolt system but nope; it's a smaller diameter.  So, you're stuck with the 130 BCD adapter that comes with it.  If that's not a problem then this is a great choice for a vintage or vintage-inspired built. 

Knockoff Paul Canti Levers
URL: https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256806401554123.html
Review: 8 out of 10.  I can't remember if I've already reviewed these in the past, but I've been running a set on my daily commuter for the past two years.  They are a good buy for the money.  I'm sure the actual Paul canti levers have a much higher build quality, but these have never let me down.  They do what they are supposed to do, with no issues or incidents in two years.  I just bought another set for my wife's commuter bike.  Whatever your thoughts are about using knockoff parts, on a purely functional basis, these are a good buy.

【Simmir】Cowhide Suede Genuine Leather Grips 130mm
URL: https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256808417869597.html
Review: 8 out of 10.  These are a copy of the Brooks stacked leather handlebar grips.  I haven't installed them yet but opened up the box and visually inspected them.  They're not inexpensive (around $40) but are a good copy of this grip style and come in many different colors. 


9
Component Deals & Selection / Re: Cheap 1x crankset
« on: November 03, 2025, 09:37:16 AM »
i bought the Skeace crankset a few months ago.  It's a copy of the famous SRAM Omniums.  Worked well, no issues.  I didn't use the BB it came with, so now opinion on that.  The only complaint I'd have is that the crank arms felt relatively heavy; there isn't much effort made in the design to remove weight the way that most road and gravel alloy cranks have. 

10
Link doesn’t work for me

I use a very similar light from "Offbondage" on my gravel bike that works fantastically well.  extremely bright, sturdy, and easy to take on & off the bike. 

11
I haven't bought an AliExpress leather saddle, but I do have experience with off-brand leather saddles in general, and it's not good.  They are generally made of very stiff leather, or sometimes a fake leather composite.  In either case, they tend to be much harder to break in than Brooks saddles and do not develop the same suppleness & patina.  The only reliably quality leather saddles I've found are Brooks, Gilles Berthoud, and Selle Anatomica.  The Selle ones use a thinner leather and sometimes develop a sag in the middle, but are still better than off-brand leather.

12
great finds as always!
quick question though - what sort of problem did you have with stamped steel cogs? I've had kind of the opposite experience - not running Al track cogs ever again, they're too soft imho.

Stamped steel cogs I've come across tend to be too thin and eventually flex out-of-round.  Shouldn't be an issue with a nice steel cog, just the cheapo ones. 

13
Some recent buys:

Skeace GXP Track Cranks, 48T 165mm
URL: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/3256807668147300.html
Review: 8/10
Details: These are knockoffs of the SRAM Omnium track cranks.  This type of copy has become commonplace and sold under a number of brand names or totally unbranded.  I spent $80, shipped to the USA.  No issues installing them.  The chainring is for an 1/8" track chain, and is thick and sturdy as a track chainring should be.  Weight is close to the SRAM Omniums - Omniums are 825g and these are 880g. 

Pass Quest Single Speed 21T Cog
URL: https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256808681542105.html
Review: 9/10
Details: Thick aluminum body, very clean machining.  I haven't compared it side-by-side against WolfTooth and other name-brand single-speed cogs, but it's half the price of the next cheapest option out there ($55).  I installed this on a single-speed bike and it's providing flawless service so far.

TANKE Single-speed conversion kit
URL: https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256806823907942.html
Review: 2/10
Details: Cog is poorly machined and did not fit onto my freehub.  I had to spend about 45min carefully filing out each slot with a jewelry file before it fit.  Cog itself was notably thinner than the Pass Quest, but probably fine (and still better than the ones that use a stamped-steel cog).  Overall, I'd suggest avoiding this item.  Get a Pass Quest cog and buy the spacers separately.

14
Component Deals & Selection / Re: Leese carbon crankset
« on: April 28, 2025, 02:37:01 PM »
does "not for fussy mechanics" mean it has the kind of fit & tolerance issues requiring some minor modification to the component (sanding, filing, etc) to install it?

15
no experience with the Sunrimoon brand, but I have bought and worn Chinese helmets in the past.  A few months ago I watched a YouTube video by a bicycle content creator who did destructive testing on AliEx helmets vs. those sold in the USA by name brands.  The AliEx helmets shattered on impact, as opposed to deforming like they are supposed to.  It was kind of a wake-up for me that at least some Chinese off-brand helmets are made of inferior materials and could fail when I need them most.  After seeing that video, I've stuck with more expensive, MIPS helmets bought in the USA.

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