Interesting Aliexpress finds! - good deals, interesting stuff, new products etc!

[jonathanf2]

Quick question, has anyone used the AliEx unbranded suspension stems similar to Redshift and the Cane Creek EE Silk? On AliEx they cost like $65 USD versus $250 USD for the official versions. I want to try one out on my gravel bike, but I'm not sure if I'll like it or not.

[jannmayer]

I haven't tried an AliExpress version, but I do like my RedShift ShockStop stem. It helps take the edge off a bit, although it's certainly not comparable to a good suspension fork.

The standard ShockStop stem is listed on Redshift's website for $170. I got mine during one of their 25% off sales. Still more than the knock-offs though.

[00Garza]

I remember when they popped up. I saw one review by a no name vendor that has since disappeared. It had pictures of the internals which is where they cut corners. Basically it locked up after a few rides and couldn't be fixed. Could've been a one off dud.

After 150 miles on rough gravel I'm looking into suspension options as well. I'm leaning towards suspension posts though. Let us know if you give it a go!

[coffeebreak]

Does anyone have recommendation for rim brake pad holders on Alix? Don't need pads just the metal holder that holds the pads and attaches to caliper

[kbernstein]

Does anyone have recommendation for rim brake pad holders on Alix? Don't need pads just the metal holder that holds the pads and attaches to caliper

Yes! I had this problem last year and couldn't find pad holders at ALL on european websites.
I think this was my first cycling related purchase on ali
https://aliexpress.com/item/1005003620176366.html

They come with pads which I did not expect, I've never tried them since I already had swissstop pads. I don't think there's much else to say about them, can't really go wrong with pad holders.

[coffeebreak]

Yes! I had this problem last year and couldn't find pad holders at ALL on european websites.
I think this was my first cycling related purchase on ali
https://aliexpress.com/item/1005003620176366.html

They come with pads which I did not expect, I've never tried them since I already had swissstop pads. I don't think there's much else to say about them, can't really go wrong with pad holders.

Do you have the brand name? The link goes to Alix home page. Edit never mind, works on desktop.

[jonathanf2]

I recently switched to narrow drop bars which didn't fit my bar clamp gps mount, so I had to get a stem gps mount. I ordered the OG-EVKIN stem gps mount and the quality is top notch. The carbon mount is well-machined and solid and the mounting hardware is very good. It even comes with a pair of M5x30mm rainbow titanium screws.

I'm really impressed by the quality of hardware coming from both LEXON/RYET and now OG-EVKIN. There's a lot of shade/hate being thrown at AliEx bike gear, but at this rate this stuff is going to surpass western brands.

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256804856697418.html

[sbellote]

I recently switched to narrow drop bars which didn't fit my bar clamp gps mount, so I had to get a stem gps mount. I ordered the OG-EVKIN stem gps mount and the quality is top notch. The carbon mount is well-machined and solid and the mounting hardware is very good. It even comes with a pair of M5x30mm rainbow titanium screws.

I'm really impressed by the quality of hardware coming from both LEXON/RYET and now OG-EVKIN. There's a lot of shade/hate being thrown at AliEx bike gear, but at this rate this stuff is going to surpass western brands.

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256804856697418.html

my whole cockpit is og-evkin, the mentioned mount CM002, plus HB002 and SM004 (the exact combination in the description of the link you shared, lol
each part is really well finished, it's 2yrs of use and all good, I only had some issues with the torque, it requires a bit over the spec to properly fix, but other than that all good

[jonathanf2]

my whole cockpit is og-evkin, the mentioned mount CM002, plus HB002 and SM004 (the exact combination in the description of the link you shared, lol
each part is really well finished, it's 2yrs of use and all good, I only had some issues with the torque, it requires a bit over the spec to properly fix, but other than that all good

Was the torque issue with the carbon stem? I ended up going with a lightweight sub-100g UNO stem. The mounting hardware works great and even though they say 4nm for carbon bars, I tend to still push it to 5nm. I had an issue awhile back with 4nm not being sufficient (bar slipped paired to a carbon stem).

[jonathanf2]

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256804094561235.html

I've become partial to plastic water bottle cages, mainly because they seem to scratch my bottles less (versus carbon) especially when riding gravel due to trail grit. These plastic cages seem to work quite well and aren't too heavy at 21g.

[s3si1u]

Banana holder? Adding this to the list of Aliexpress items I didn't know I needed 
https://aliexpress.us/item/3256803238763132.html?

[japjoe7]

Banana holder? Adding this to the list of Aliexpress items I didn't know I needed 
https://aliexpress.us/item/3256803238763132.html?

I’d buy one just for the laughs I’d get on the trails. 

[sbellote]

Was the torque issue with the carbon stem? I ended up going with a lightweight sub-100g UNO stem. The mounting hardware works great and even though they say 4nm for carbon bars, I tend to still push it to 5nm. I had an issue awhile back with 4nm not being sufficient (bar slipped paired to a carbon stem).

yes, both in the stem. lol
stem-fork interface 1st, had issues but after adding some extra torque it fixed well (it's originally spec'd at 5 or 6Nm). Talking with my mechanic, we found that the stem is a bit out of tolerance, the 'cylinder' is not as it should so you need it extra tight otherwise there's some play.

then when installing the computer mount had the same situation, on the mount-stem interface had to add some extra torque to properly fix it, but is working well since then.
worth mentioning that when assembling the handlebar to stem with the original screws and according to spec, all worked well. it's when I changed to the computer mount screws (longer) that the issues appeared (with spec'd torque it needed some vibration, or hitting a pothole, and the handlebar twisted)

[coffeebreak]

Didn't see this thing mentioned before - an adapter/convertor that converts any mechanical derailleur into electronic wireless shifting unit.

https://a.aliexpress.com/_mOzmTlw

Trigger lever, so I guess only for flat bar bikes

[Tijoe]

This  is really cool.  First time I have ever see something like this.   Looks like if you remove a front shifter, (most weigh about 120 to 140 grams), plus a portion of housing and cable, and then if this unit weighs 155 grams / 5.5 oz mechanism and battery, then it is probably a wash weight wise.

OTOH,  the EDS electric shifter has a battery life of around 10,000 shifts,  but the battery for this says it only lasts 4500 shifts.  Says to me, you might have to carry the second battery, 45 grams, with you in case it runs out of juice.

Overall, I like it, because I have been getting index finger, thumb and wrist pain due to repetitive shifting of my mtn. bike shifter in my old age.
(I went with a Wheeltop EDS recently and it really help only having to push a button rather than push/leverage a lever on a shift pod.)