5 Cheap AliExpress Bike Upgrades!

[@the-mighty-taco]

As an MTB enthusiast, I've found Ali to be an excellent source for chainrings. Back when SRAM was charging exorbitant prices for ovals, I snagged an Ali alternative for under $14, and it's been running flawlessly since 2019! Ali excels at providing "simple" bike parts at great prices. Luke, thanks for doing all of this. More than once I've bought things based off your IRL experiences, has always worked out well for me.

[@PuerRidcully]

What's annoying about ali, is that they always f around with prices. So you might get one price, another account might get different price and the same item can very in price by a lot. It has not a very good interface to find items either. Maybe it's done on purpose so they can easier screw you over, lol.

[@Broodjemetbeleg]

​@PuerRidcully those lower prices you see are for new account only though.

[@PuerRidcully]

@@Broodjemetbeleg not really. but I won't go into details

[@SkippyTick]

​@@PuerRidcully Hahahahha yeah. They never stay on one price. If there's some sort of "event" like 11.11, price could stay the same even though it is said to be a discount. I've met several seller, where 2-3 days before the "event", price would be $14.50, suddenly on 11.11 price would be $16.70 😂 idk why would they do that, but if consumers aren't paying any attention to the price, then yes, they could fuck you over 😂

[@DanVee94]

I would advise some caution with the Ridenow 19g inner tubes. I purchased 8 of them and punctured all 8 within 200 miles of riding (both wheels). To be fair to the tubes I am a heavier rider at 97kgs, however I contacted the manufacturer and they said the weight limit was 130kgs. My total weight including bike and items I carry puts me well below the maximum recommended weight. Tubolito make tubes that weigh 19g that they label as a "spares" tube- which would suggest it'll get you home in a pinch but shouldn't be your primary tube. My guess is that these tubes function like the tubolito spares tubes, but either due to unclear marketing or translation issues, they're sold as simply a lighter TPU tube. I use the 36 gram ones currently from Ridenow and have had no issues after hundreds of miles in wintery conditions.

[@P4P5]

36g ones after 4000km all good. GP5000 tires

[@M5Dri3rz]

Also have run the 36g ones for winter commuting. No issues at all. It's been top shelf

[@PAjaDO711]

I‘ve been riding the 19g Ridenow tpu tubes on my road bike for almost 3000km now. So far, only one puncture when I rode into an inch long nail. Repaired the tube with a turbolito patch. Runs without loosing air ever since. I run Michelin Dynamic Classic tyres in 28c. 80kg rider weight. So these tubes have been fantastic for me so far. But I get your point with the confusing description.

[@robertcatuara5118]

My 36g Ridenows popped twice on steep downhills with rim brakes. I switched back to butyl but carry the Ridenows as my spares.

[@pigupigu]

Just go tubeless

[@shepshape2585]

Thanks for another great video. I wish there were many more channels like yours, dedicated to saving us money rather than bowing to big name sponsors who vastly overcharge for everything. We need to make cycling a more affordable sport so that more people are out there riding.

[@nihilisticfella]

Exactly 🙌

[@the-portuguese-guy]

I agree with you.

[@mydwchannel]

Got a BSC200 6 months ago, accidentally dropped it and smashed a button. iGPSport replaced on warranty NQA, and gave me an out front mount and silicone case as gifts! Top marks!

[@mmarkkos]

I used to use an IGPS50S . One ride, I rode it 6 hours in heavy rain, as a result, it had an ingress of water. At the time, it was already over 2 years old, so the warranty had expired. I contacted IGPSPORT support with the hopes of arranging something, but I wasn't very optimistic since the warranty had already expired. After providing the basic information like serial, invoice and date of purchase, they offered to send me a replacement. Since the IGP50S was no longer available, they instead offered to send a BSC100, which is actually an upgrade. I gifted the BSC100 and actually bought a BSC200. Been using it over 6 months and works perfect. Connects all sensors, the GPS is consistently accurate . The battery lasts forever, the app is decent and the product is really worth it's money (about 60 EUR sans case and mount).

[@juanpecan7089]

Love your energy in your videos. All the enthusiasm, none of the cyclist smugness.

[@c0olcast]

The 2g stuff cracked me up! Great content as always

[@markvonwisco7369]

3:58 Everything old is new again. Riders of a certain age will likely remember Shimano Biopace chainrings. I had them on a Trek 400, which was my main bik for most of the 90s and early 2000s.

[@andybarnard4575]

Except the oval is the other way round for Biopace I think, with the shorter diameter engaging when the cranks are horizontal. Unless I fitted them wrong. I can't tell any difference to be honest, but the oval in this video seems more pronounced than mine.

[@SchoolforHackers]

This video sent me to our shed to look at my wife’s bio pace chain ring on her ‘90s Cannondale. Nothing new under the sun…

[@markvonwisco7369]

@@SchoolforHackers So very true. What goes around comes around.

[@chinabicycle]

from my experience, I can say that many drivers will not understand this flashing light that you are turning or not, for them it will just be a light of some kind

[@hambo76]

I reckon they should change it to each light turning on sequentially in the direction you want to turn. This would at least give a better idea of which indicator is on.

[@kjeldschouten-lebbing6260]

and they are illegal in many jurisdictions as well.

[@babyneon]

I'm a casual single speed bike rider.i like to make my bike fun to look at. Bright colors and fun accessories. I even have green and yellow tires. I'm always looking for new stuff

[@Ronald-qj5nx]

I've fitted a number of these Ridenow TPU tubes (36g, 700x18-32) onto a set of carbon wheels with an internal rim width of 19mm and 3 different 28mm tyres: Continental GP4000II, Goodyear Eagle Sport, and Vittoria Corsa N.EXT G2.0. All 3 tubes installed into the Continental tyre developed micro leaks withing hours (all were good out of the box) whereas the 2 tubes installed into the Goodyear and Vittoria tyres are still fine. I note that the Continental tyre inflates to a size much bigger than the Goodyear and Vittoria tyres which inflate very similarly. My hypothesis is that the bigger size of the Continental GP4000II casing resulted in the tubes being stretched too thin thus resulting in the leaks forming, even though the actual inflated size was still within it's max 32mm limit. It could be coincidence that the tubes that I used in the Goodyear and Vittoria tyres happened to be good and the 3 that were put into the Continental were already bad, I would need to fit more tubes into each tyre to confirm my suspicions, unfortunately these tubes aren't cheap enough for me to keep fitting my brand new tubes and risk having them get punctured. I will just use butyl or latex tubes in the bigger tyres for now. The tubes that did hold air are performing very well, I love them.

[@mathewemden2068]

I have been watching this channel for a while now. It dawned on me the other day, I don't use ali express, I'm not really interested in buying knock-off parts, yet I still really enjoy this channel. I do learn a lot about bike maintenance, manufacturing processes, bike tech, and so on. Also, I really like Luke's goofy sense of humor; It's very entertaining! I'll keep watching and clicking that like button!

[@edwardjones4550]

Regarding the oval chainrings, the huge change in feel is when going back to regular chainrings. It's there that my bike felt 2kg's heavier. Love oval

[@BeyReaper]

Hey Luke, I really want to build a gravel bike build but I'm afraid I'll forget something small that I'll need. Can you do a video basically creating a check list of things to buy in addition to the frame/drive train/seat/wheels/handlebars, all that stuff and all the additional small things that are needed for an entire build. Basically list everything needed to build a bike plus the tools for the job assuming that I don't have all the required tools.

[@maiconleonard69]

Happy to see that my bottle cages get lukes seal of approval...bought them randomly and a bit sceptical but now my confidence has risen

[@guestd80]

Luke, just started watching your vids and I’m super impressed with your enthusiasm and content… wishing you and your family a Happy Christmas and New Year…..

[@AverageMax13]

Indicators are something I've dreamed of for the bike so I'm absolutely ordering one! Thanks Luke!

[@juliusvdl2204]

How's your experience with them been? Want to buy one as well, thanks

[@roadsquadra]

Love that oval 42T passquest chainring + senicx pr3 165mm combo on my roadbike! Never going back to round chainrings!

[@truthseeker8273]

That taipan joke killed ☠️🤣 kss!

[@alancritchley8835]

Very funny. Like the comedy. Makes bike parts even more interesting ! Well done and Merry Christmas luke.

[@Haplo59]

Your videos are gold: solid content, humor and a little bit of WTF, just the right amount ;)

[@frazmars]

Luke my man, you're a gem! Useful videos for the masses. Btw, the baby related sleep deprivation is showing, but keep at it cycling and doing the good work, and you won't balloon up like I did after my baby came along.

[@Frostbiker]

Haha, another parent than noticed the same. Avoiding carbs when I'm not on the bike appears to be working for me, after gaining a ton of weight with my second kid.

[@_Schreintime]

The oval works well on my fat bike. It helps eliminate the pedal bob at high cadence.

[@leosarrade8995]

My Siroko bib is in the mail! Thanks for the special pricing!! I always enjoy your content.

[@dtsybulskyi]

The problem with turn indicators that I've read about - drivers don't expect to see them on a bike and they are sre pretty small - so it's a big question, if they actually add any security. But then again, I've never seen them live during driving, so have no first-person experience. Would be amazing to hear from someone who has :-)

[@MichalJanata]

and also you indicate to the rear, but not for those coming from opposite side

[@-COBRA]

@@MichalJanata unless you buy second unit

[@MichalJanata]

@@-COBRA if you can pair two units to one remote, then ok… i wouldnt like to have two remotes on handlebars… all those indicators looks to me like solving problem, that doesnt exist

[@Fritz_Salad]

​@@MichalJanata yup, at that point it's less effort to do hand signals

[@marks.steven4695]

Excellent informational presentation. Appreciate not having to hear corny joking and sarcasm like many others use. All the best. Los Angeles.

[@emyrnamara5059]

cant wait to see fork suspension on the bike!

[@visjenl]

I totally agree on those bottle cases, i have them on all my bikes. Lightweight, strong, rarely it drops (if i go hard on my gravelbike on rough terrain), never had any problems and they are cheap. For the same price for 2 you can get 1 plastic one from a retail store.

[@qwertyazerty2137]

I have them as well but one of them actually snapped at the bottom, but it was around 2015 so maybe they improved the quality. Anyway I've got another pair in use since 2016 and no issues at all. They do hold well but scratch the bottles a lot, but tbh, which bottle cage doesn't?

[@andrewmurgatroyd9214]

Wow you changed the chainring and the whole bike was clean again. Great bargain.

[@lmichnowicz]

im glad i stumbled on this video randomly browsing yt. great content and execution!

[@bruuhhhh]

Another banger Luke, you're such a genuinely funny and entertaining guy thanks for the video

[@nickcardeneo6852]

I ordered the BSC 200 because i'm on a budget (student) and it works absolutely amazing! really recommend these computers. The app is really user friendly and gives a lot of info. Pairing with HRM and other things is no problem!

[@luukrutten1295]

The only problem with lightweight rotor is that almost all of them are only 1.6mm thick. Which is thinner than the shimano wear limit on standard rotors. Standard road rotors are 1.85mm and some mtb ones even more.

[@stoic.little]

I have the same ones as Luke and they come at 1.8+ mm.

[@aleksarajkovic3471]

None of them are 1.6 lol, 1.7 1.8 is the norm, and shimano minimum wear is 1.5mm

[@doncrescas]

As mentioned, the recommended minimum is 1.5

[@richiejames928]

Been using Luke’s link to sirokos clobber now everytime I need some new cycling garments, been well impressed with everything I have bought so far! big big fan! cheers Luke!

[@tacituskilgore8379]

I'm so glad you did this video just in time for things to arrive 3 weeks after Christmas 😂

[@mtbboy1993]

6:22 I'm one of them, it eliminates the heavy part of the stroke and my knee pain, I was in agony with round chain ring.

[@kelvindavison3314]

All the best Luke, great video again 🥖, I especially like the behatted guest appearance of Tracevelo Dundee 🤠. Merry Christmas!

[@Miekzz]

Loving the banter as always. Will for sure look into some of these tips, thank you Luke :)

[@Rose.Of.Hizaki]

The BSC300 is most interesting to me because like yourself. I too am a runner of le old Garmin 520. Its already had one battery swap but it will probably be needing another sooner or later. Reviews seem be quite positive.

[@flaksirus]

About the blinkers/turn signals - as a driver i can say that I can't distinguish turn from just rear light. Them just placed to close and shines too bright in dark so merges in a single dot. So don't be bothered, use your hands - that what drivers expect.

[@JMJM75257]

I run cyclami tpu tubes on my racey steel flatbar bike. They are paired with continental contact urban 28c and so far after two months no issues. I too run ali Express chainrings. Nameley the litepro 46t atm. They work well and last a surprisingly long time.

[@TieuBachBach]

When i saw that tpu which at pink color i was going to suggest you buy the purple one but you was bring them up after 😊. For the weight saving you can change another crank arm (evosid) for 400g at 165mm and 410g for 170mm, and goldix cassette for more saving weight. And chainring with kmc sl(super light, hollow tech) for 190g at 12 speed. 😊 they are super cheap and get weight almost the same with dura ace 😂

[@fieteferrum3441]

After your recommendations I picked up some lighter innertubes, they really work like a charm 🥖

[@DG-mi2mc]

15:52 Locktite is your friend!

[@Toastybear1]

That bike computer is basically a 520 that has an updated map. Something you can do on the 520 with a bit of finegaling and a laptop. The only difference is that Garmin added crash detection to the 520 in a firmware update, and has an excellent up to date companion app. Don’t forget that garmins last firmware update for the 520 was in 2021, it has most of the features of modern devices without such good usability or on board navigation/ routing. If it has the computing power, or the sensor, garmin have added the functionality. It’s pretty impressive really.

[@andredovale7845]

When I saw the fork 🤩 when are you doing an MTB build? Tractor users are feeling left out 😅. Cheers mate and keep it up 🙏

[@thewreckingball1150]

I use those rotors too on my bike builds and they are epic! Cheap and light

[@CanyonWanderer]

Great video once again! Lol, I did use your Siroko link once again (2nd time). Completely by coincidence, I actually clicked "confirm order" when you started the Siroko block 🙂

[@szymonzak6681]

i bought a blackspire mtb chainring and it really makes going uphill wayyy easier

[@InvertedProphet]

Thanks Luke. Love the content. Always amusing, informative and honest.Have a wonderful Christmas.

[@fathybalamita1537]

When I am descending , I alternate between front/rear brakes. Doing this carefully can prevent over heating. Thank you for all the helpfull tips.

[@williamko4751]

Good tip. Thanks🎉

[@vladimirsvorobovich541]

I used same pass quest chainring oval 42t for over than 20k km and it was like new👍

[@thorstenmauch5346]

I used this rotors in a lot of CX races without any problem. Braking is short, so no problem with heat, And also not problems with mud. Only unter these conditions they are not very durable. Every season i need new ones. But given the low price, that's ok.

[@richardggeorge]

Your Australian accent was half South African. Bloody hilarious! 😂🤣😂🤣 All the best from sunny, hot Melbourne 🇦🇺 🦘🌴🚵‍♀️ ☀️

[@Fatbutnotflat]

Absolutely love my passquest. Lasts very long, well machined, looks good light, comes in oval. Zrace, deckas, snail are trash and wore out super fast in comparison.

[@BigMut91]

“Just looking through this magazine here, it says you should subscribe” 😂😂😂😂

[@AyataniAsha]

Hilarious episode indeed. I loved the Baguette on the table, nice touch. Marry Christmas Luke.

[@bilgerat6060]

I also endorse these brake rotors. Also the oval chainrings on my MTB.

[@ΘωμάςΚονταλέξης]

For a cycle computer i use my old and trusty lg g6. New battery. Last all day. Many apps. Many maps. Waterproof. Huuuge screen in comparison. Connects with everything. And the best of all its free.

[@fennec13]

Oh sneaky boy ! I see you have a set of TRP - HYRD cable operated hydro brakes. Did you ever go over those on the channel ? TBH those were the best brakes before I went to full hydro.

[@merckxy54]

Great vid Luke, all the best for xmas and the new year to you and your family!

[@Killroy76]

Nice Christmas with the new Family member. Happy riding and good Health in 2024

[@conceptcs]

TPU's are best the way to be left stranded on the side of the road even after bringing two spare TPU's. They have a defect rate of about 8/10 tubes in my experience. My local bike shop even refuses to sell or install TPU tubes due to this issue. They had so many customer come back and complain about leakage, they just gave up on it.

[@WillEDC]

Same. Tpu is a spare tube. Latex for racing and butyl for normal rides.

[@LawrenceSeetoh]

Thank you Luke, you always recoomend such practical items to get. I wish you and the family an amazing end of the year.

[@badwulfe79]

I vouch for the iGPSport cycling computers. Their batteries are VERY hard to kill especially on the non colored screen ones basically anything below bsc300. I do admit that when updating datas on strava gets weird sometimes but it's due to poor internet connection or signal. Just delete the record, unbind and bind then restore the data when you have a better signal.

[@CarnivoreDMD]

I started using “OVAL” chainrings in the late 1980’s with Shimano Biopace. They got a bad rap as I always favored them as well as 170 crank arm length VS 175.

[@dangurtler7177]

I like an oval chainring on my mountain bike with a single chainring. Those definitely work better on steep, loose climbs compared to a standard chainring. My initial impression on the oval wasn't entirely positive, but I am now convinced. Never tried AliExpress for those.

[@joegamas1194]

Awesome video 🥖🥖🥖 I just wanted to say I really enjoyed the little twist of the addition information in the safari suite…it was awesome 👏 Great job 👍

[@abedfo88]

My igsport 630 is my favourite purchase for the bike in a long time.

[@znicho]

Big fan of my Pass Quest oval chainring on my road bike.

[@carlosgaspar8447]

makes sense when powering off the saddle given the uneven power stroke distribution. the original o-rings actually had the opposite profile (power on the lower diameter) and Alan at the sheldon brown site still swears by them...

[@danielbirchett6439]

Definitely gonna pick up some tubes and some of those discs. Another great video ty Luke 🥖🥖

[@RFKANGOO]

Can you make a video about Alie bike tools? To carry with you and to have in your work shed.

[@vaulthecreator]

NGL caught me off guard a bit with the Aussie accent. Heard some horrors in my time but that was not a bad go though 👍🇦🇺 Some interesting some here, mate, though I am thankful for the heads-up on those thru axles. I had been thinking about them but also eyeing some titanium ones too. I will be carrying tools (stupid not to 50 clicks out on an Aussie dirt road) so those 'rattlers' would be pointless. Anyway, you just sealed the deal, thanks mate.

[@madpeddler8263]

I'm a fan of the Ridenow TPU inner tubes but have been left wondering whether they are made out of leftovers from the production of inflatable love dolls.

[@martintobycorker4562]

Luke I've got 80s shimano Biopace chainrings,they knackered my knees,round rings give better mud mashing for real feel and happier knee

[@CandCForsyth]

Shimano Biopace executed the oval ring idea differently than the current crop of oval rings. Shimano matched the tall part of the oval with the top and bottom of the pedal stroke (the dead spot). Their theory was the effective larger diameter was faster through that section of the rotation thus your dead spot would be smaller. It was a terrible idea. Current oval rings have flipped the idea and you use the larger diameter on your down stroke and the smaller diameter through the dead spot.

[@martintobycorker4562]

Sorry just didn't know new oval rings were opposite rotation

[@connornial8237]

I use the ride now 36g inner tubes and some people have complained about them losing tire pressure so I was hesitant to buy them. I tested the air retention of them and they seem to be good. I’ve had them mounted on 32c tires for ~1 month and they’ve only lost about 5 - 6 psi

[@williamko4751]

Yes and no. All tires lose pressure. My RideNow holds pressure for good five days. Check pressure once a week. How hard could that be?

[@bonbonflippers4298]

I don't know why people complain about losing pressure, unless it's defective you really should be pumping them up before every ride

[@williamko4751]

@@bonbonflippers4298 yes yes yes. A quick check before a ride, that's too much work for some people I guess.

[@integspec]

Useful channel with a good dose of humour!

[@pdlngsqrs9547]

You need to do a video an how , if at all, robust the TPU patches truly are. IMO, most inner tube patches are useless, as they do NOT hold for any substantial length of time.

[@jaredfink5146]

I love your stuff, Luke. Been watching for years now and love the Siroko kit. Thanks for finding them and teaming up. Methinks it may be time for you to start looking into baby bike carriers and let us all know what you find. I’m about to start looking because I have a 2yo granddaughter and one that just arrived. Cheers from the U.S.

[@mathieunorry]

Top vid man, great channel , alot of hard work goes in to this channel

[@simoncee9011]

Thanks Luke, great as ever. Happy Christmas.🥖

[@GingerBoy1974]

Great video, can you let me know what front night lights you use and the mount? Thanks.

[@loetzs.878]

I had two old mountainbikes back then that came with oval biopace chainrings. Used bikes because i rode what i could get. At first i thought rubbish and that there is no difference, but i also think there is a kind of placebo, because with every stroke you wonder if it helps... Maybe there is a special technique to pedal, that would be the goat?

[@mikkuun22]

One comment I have with oval chain as an oval user. It isn't a pleasant feeling to be switching between a mixed round and oval 2-by setup, especially when training, load vs. phase angle profile is very different (Garmin's cycling dynamics also shows this). Personally, I feel better pedaling with ovals than round but it maybe because I have already gotten used to it.

[@davideastwood6365]

Excellent use of blue tack there.

[@gammelgemse]

Have you heard of mudguards? They are amazing in keeping you and your bike clean.

[@eshaansharma8426]

Hey, I also use the igps bsc 300 bike computer but struggle to load the map for navigation, can you do a different in detail video of how to load map to the device l. Thank you

[@johnpaultalaran8190]

As always, luke really is a big help to budget cyclist like myself 😂 I'm gonna try the tpu tube for my spare.

[@123moof]

I’m a fan of RideNow TPU tubes, but so far none of the patches have held up for more than a couple days, and usually they go flat overnight. So fine to get you home, but not a permanent fix. I might try some of the other “real” branded patches, but not holding my breath.

[@sonicart77]

i use the 19g inner tubes in my rim brake wheels and I've never had a problem with them. On descents I just have to be more careful

[@BroosDager]

I hated the biopace oval rings back in the 80s, still have some in my parts box. Maybe I should try them again lol.

[@dexterx55]

been riding the cycleami tpu-tubes for close to 3000km and have not had any issues so far. The one thing that is kinda annoying is that they deflate quite quickly compared to regular butyl tubes.

[@zachrichardson7099]

Another banger of a video, thanks a lot for the recommendations

[@trainingcyclist]

TPU self adhesive commonly used for water bed repair and tent repairs

[@troy45uk]

I was thinking the thru axles looked like a decent upgrade till you started rattling them about. If they’re fussy on how you tighten the grub screw maybe some loctite (or an Aliexpress equivalent 😉) on it would help set the position needed

[@Przemo-c]

TPU inner tubes make a lot of difference it's best bang for buck upgrade I've made. Good tires will make a bigger difference but are considerably more expensive. I use ridenow 45g but thats for my wife tires. I wasn't expecting much but bine feels snappier and it may be a placebo effect or that I pay more attention to tire pressure but they do feel like they create less rolling resistance.

[@daviddjerassi]

Happy Christmas and a great New Year Luke love all your videos thank you.

[@AboutMyBikes]

Another awesome video! Oval is the best, I using ovals since 2015. The best decision in my bike career 👌🏻

[@tom0kiely]

I bought 4 of the 32 gram tubes and they all eventually leaked air around the valve stem. Not sure if they were a bad batch or if this is a common failure. I weigh 77kg and use rim brakes wheels.

[@Marco-hf6rl]

Thanks for the vidis and have a great holiday season.

[@robs7446]

I can’t get the voucher code for the gps computer to work on Amazon?