AliExpress Cycling Fails - 5 of the worst!

[@JimWattsHereNow]

Congratulations on the 100k Luke, well deserved. Love your manner and positivity.

[@TraceVelo]

Thanks so much!

[@Crashawsome]

it's just a number, and half of that are duplicate or dormant accounts and people that don't watch. Chill out.

[@KazuyaST]

​@@Crashawsomewhat's your point? You are so negative.

[@andycreese85]

​@@Crashawsomewhat a dickish comment. How do you know how many people engage with the channel? 100k is an achievement

[@denislitisha7136]

@@Crashawsomeanustart

[@tomreingold4024]

Cheap carbon fiber handlebars from unknown makers sound like a suicide wish. Thanks for proving my intuition is right. You’ve tried things I would never try.

[@MaciejWiniarczyk]

About the tubeless tape. On road bikes you need to go around the rim with tubeless tape at least twice because of the pressure. With single wrap even branded tapes will fail, I can tell from the experience. Both, Mac-off and Stans No Tube tapes failed me on road bike when single wrapped. Single wrap is OK on mountain bike wheels, where pressures are generally 3 times smaller.

[@jimbrittain402]

🥖Luke, while your humor is always on point, you do a real service to the affordable-cycling community. Thanks. It's always a good day when there's a new Trace Velo video in my feed.

[@TraceVelo]

Awesome, thanks Jim, really appreciate it!

[@namebrandmason]

I swear I've never seen this channel before, but somehow I could tell from the thumbnail that the host was British.

[@philso7872]

Congratulations on reaching 100k subscribers, Luke. I love your sense of humour and the thoroughness of your reviews and how-to's. You so entertaining and engaging in how you present your material that I will watch your videos even when you are talking about stuff that I am unlikely to buy or do. Looking forward to you reaching your next milestone.

[@TraceVelo]

Thanks so much!!! Yeah it's been a pretty long road to get here, still can't believe it, pretty bonkers tbh 😂

[@Storm958]

That thru-axle is terrifying.

[@TheMichaelInglis]

Yeah, like a failure in most other components might end a ride, but if the axle fails, your ride could end in the back of an ambulance.

[@TraceVelo]

Yeah I'm tempted to try and break it, to see just how strong it is. I have had loads of comments to say that it's probably fine, but for 7g difference over a solid alu one, it's def not worth the added points if failure 😂

[@ev-ezaye3580]

​​@@TraceVeloRiddle me this, of all the weight savings you want to gain, why gamble with an axle!?!? Why? An invention as old as time and so critical, this carbon fibre thing is a fad! Nothing will replace a metal axle for me

[@strokenumber3]

Finally I found a decent cycling channel; Subscribed.

[@mike_f]

Carbon thru axle is scarier than a Steven King and Clive Barker movie marathon. I literally had a shiver when you held it up.

[@Ndriver0458]

Im probably late but congratulations on 100k subscribers!!! Really happy that ive witnessed one of my favorite bicycle youtube creators hit 100k! Keep it up luke!!

[@TraceVelo]

Thanks a ton! 🎉🎉🎉

[@auerswo]

Well deserved for the top notch content you always provide. As for someone who had to take a step back financially since I startet to study, your videos are always a greate source for viable info on tech and stuff from the overseas. Thank you ❤️

[@TraceVelo]

No problem, glad you like them 😊

[@ryanw8987]

Congrats on 100k! Definitely well deserved, though it should have happened earlier 🙂. Best cycling gear channel on YT! 🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖

[@TraceVelo]

Thanks a ton!

[@BroadwellElectrics]

Congrats on 100k! Unlike this trash, you're treasure. The local raccoons told me so.

[@garethholler6771]

Mixed 5d carbon saddle is a winner. Best saddle i have ever ridden and only $40

[@rubenvor]

I also tried the blue rim tape, it's trash. And for any MTBer reading this, stay away from the Fox 36 forks knock offs, I've cracked 3 of them. Congrats on the 100K!!! 🥖🥖🥖

[@davidcharnes9161]

“Carbon saddle clamp assembly”. Respect for your unending search for lighter components.

[@hockysa]

🥖grats on 100k luke! 🥖 glad you're able to do this full time now and love all the content. p.s. waiting for some Siroko x Trace Velo merch to drop

[@TraceVelo]

Thanks so much!!! Yeah I'm taking with Siroko atm, so stay tuned 😊

[@RenghisKhan]

Hi Luke, congrats on the 100k, well deserved, watching your vids is as fun as riding a bike with a 4bf tail wind. I bought that Zeius saddle cpl of weeks ago and was surprised how comfortable it is. The SMP Gel saddle on my other bike is maybe a bit more comfy but it does weigh three Zeiuses. Tally-ho towards 200k, bro! May your 🥖🥖 taste French!

[@TraceVelo]

Thanks so much! Yeah glad you liked the saddle, it's definitely impressed me over the last few months!!!

[@philipjamesparsons]

I brought some RXL bars, a stem and seat post back in 2020. They are still going strong and have been a good buy. I also brought a carbon saddle from RXL. This was comfortable, but tore my old shorts due to a weird design. I also brought some, replica SPL-SL cleats from Merlin Cycles in the UK. Good value, but not as durable as the real Shimano ones.

[@TraceVelo]

Hmmmm, maybe time to give RXL another chance....

[@Astronomater]

Happy my budget saddle was a recommended one and not a bust.

[@talibe801]

I have 3 sadles,full carbon for more than 5 years and they still good,and very comfortable.

[@jbkltc4469]

You can use Kapton tape (aka polyimide tape, used as high temperature tape in electronics) as tubeless tape, if you want to go cheap without the branding. It's pretty strong, also i would always double wrap any tape. Fun Fact: even the DT Swiss tubeless tape is Kapton Tape with black printing on top of it, you can wipe it off with acetone...

[@TraceVelo]

Ohhh interesting, def going to have to give that a go next time! And yeah, time to start double wrapping I think 😂

[@jbkltc4469]

@@TraceVelo also keep the tension really high when wrapping, so that the tape conforms better to the rim profile to avoid air bubbles

[@bjorne46]

@@TraceVelo @jbkltc4469 , Yes I can attest to that, though I'm using it on MTB rims with lower pressure. I do wrap twice, but the tape is much thinner than regular rimtape, so no real downsides there.

[@tatokutalia]

wow 100K. congrats!!! been here since the first video. well deserved! Thanks for the awesome content

[@danielquintana8533]

I actually have that aero Toseek handlebar (like that one of yours that snapped in two), and well... so far so good, so... fingers crossed🤞🏻😅. As for the 100K subs, pretty much well deserved, Luke! Most our bikes have parts and gizmos we've previously seen on your channel that have made our rides lighter and more comfy.

[@n22pdf]

Well done on 100k dude awesome channel 😊 Pete

[@eatingMagniDezmondscake]

I thought I didn't set the torques right for my Aeronova handlebars since they also feel flimsly, good thing I found this video, might switch back to Aluminum handlebars. Also Congrats on 100k!

[@Haplo59]

Aliexpress is a goldmine where you can find valuable ore. This channel is the map to find the ore :)

[@aveedub7403]

Wey hey, 100k, well done Luke, time to pop the champers with mrs Trace Velo! Excellent achievement and well deserved for all the effort you put in😁😁😁😁🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🍾🍾🍾🍾🍾🍾

[@TrickyTree84]

I got one of the ryet saddles for under 50 quid. Selle Italia boost rip off but 110g. It's really well made and no sign of any issues after about 2 months

[@Psyopcyclops]

Bro your facial expressions are hilarious lmao. You remind me of my mate who used to enjoy a few too many nose beers. A million miles a minute, and pulling heads for days!

[@bewster7]

Congrats on the 100k - couldn't happen to nicer bloke 😁. Wishing you loads more sucess

[@TraceVelo]

Thank you so much 😀

[@outsidestuff5283]

I bought a set of those Toseek bars and they were destroyed before they even arrived. Luckily they agreed to send another set for free, which have lasted me a couple years so far and absorb road vibration much better than the aluminium bars that came stock. So yeah, like you say they are very hit and miss.

[@TraceVelo]

Good to hear they have lasted! To be honest I have only had one set of Toseek bars totally fail, the others have just felt really flexy... I'm not sure I can trust them 100%

[@themoodyteam]

8:28 Welcome to the Cheap Cleats… Thank you, I’ll get my coat… 😂

[@prlato1974]

GRATZ ON 100K! More baguettes!!! 🥖🥖 😁 Luke, have you looked at the MIXED 5D, 6D and 7D saddles? I have been riding the 5D for several months and it is great!

[@graphediadesign3294]

Still using the toseek model that cracked on you for the past 2 year (90kg rider, I don't hold back while sprinting). Still strong, no cracks! Fingers crossed lol

[@MTBScotland]

I take offense at that sign 🤣

[@TheImprobableIronman]

Congratulations on the 100K subs fella - well deserved.

[@onederment]

I have one of those 3d saddle's, and it's transformed my riding for the better

[@jekyll8004]

🥐🥖🥐🥖🥐 Congratulations on the 100,000 subs! Well deserved!! 🥖🥐🥖🥐🥖 Hopefully you enjoy that wonderful South Pacific (British) summer! 😃

[@georgewatson3166]

At the bike shop I work at we tend to do a layer of electrical tape before tubeless tape. Helps with adhesion and sturdiness of the tubeless tape

[@englishcyclist]

loved the MTB'ers will be shot sign - congrats on the 100k - very well deserved Luke.

[@matthewbarnes472]

Congrats on 100k! For the Garmin mount, you might be able to add small o rings as washers between the handlebars, may work as a shock absorber

[@josephlatuscha8043]

Dude, the Mixed 5D saddle is like $35 usd and it’s been great for me. Would love to get your review on it. Also, the Elita One Seatposts and parts are incredible. I’ve been using the Elita One 27.2 seatposts and replacement parts to lighten up the factory post on my Cervelo. Great content overall!

[@thomaskranked562]

Got the Mixed as well. Very pleased.

[@flippers420]

Same. Super comfy and held up well from 2000km tour. Since then got it for all 4 of my bikes. Comfort compare to plastic base is noticeabe

[@JonnyB_UK]

Another +1 to the Mixed saddles. Mines taken a hammering on gravel and cyclo-cross and still great!

[@Natuh21]

They say EC90 are the bad Elita stuff

[@josephlatuscha8043]

No idea. I have 4 or 5 Elita One seatposts, and they have all been rock solid (and it helps that they are darn light to boot). @@Natuh21

[@rg807]

Thanks for risking your life for us with those handlebars, Luke! 😂😂😂

[@TraceVelo]

No worries!

[@kevinfrost1579]

Put simply ………🥖🥖🥖 Congratulations, loved the ending 🤣

[@sutherlandrb32]

Yikes i wish you did this video a day earlier. Just got one of the cheap wahoo out front mounts for integrated bars. it is by toseek and aluminum. It is similar in design to the carbon one you had that did not break yet so fingers crossed

[@Crashawsome]

I've ordered plenty of cleats, but never had ones that were rubbery like that. Odd. Mine last for ages.

[@kristiaandoms2822]

I use a SPCycle carbon handlebar/stem, around 100GBP. I have done 10,000km without any issues (so far).

[@Chickenmusk]

Interesting vid. Enjoy your Island. In view of your new Purchase I thought I'd give you a couple of 🍍 🍍 instead of the obligatory 🥖

[@Alan_Hans__]

Congrats on 100k subs Luke. The cheap integrated aero bars look appealing to me but I'd never trust carbon handlebars. Due to resembling that Scottish Mike Myers character on Austin Powers a bit and having arthritic hands I'd like to have the additional flat surface of an aero bar but I'm sticking to round aluminium until I/you find a cheap Ali aluminium set.

[@TraceVelo]

Yeah fair enough. Like I said, the mega cheap ones can be very hit and miss 😂

[@MarkusFolkesson]

Here is a thing: skip cheap carbon. If you want cheap - go for alloy. That have stop you from everything beside the computermount.

[@Cicadawee]

Thank you, luke for your honest review.Always!!!👌

[@H20-Paul]

🥖🥖🥐 Great work on the subscribers Luke. Any thoughts on the even cheaper "more standard" EC90 saddles made with CroMo rails & a bit more padding? Just bought a couple to alleviate some numbness with Charge Spoons; seem to work fine on the turbo but just wondering about longevity! Thanks & enjoy the "holiday".

[@ElRealista.]

Excellent

[@krazed0451]

Carbon _is_ glue for the most part... The fibre is just binder. Bonded carbon/x parts are very common ;-)

[@neocortexv15]

Interesting, imagine making a submarine out of glue and fibers.

[@szurketaltos2693]

I think you're discounting the fiber too much, it allows for more load in tension. Which by the way is probably the only load on a thru axle...

[@andomare]

Carbon parts are just for flex anyway, unless you are a pro racer

[@laRapidafroome]

Hola Luke , muchas gracias a ti por la informacion y alegria eterna !!

[@marcmilne9228]

Congrats on the 100k! Love what you do!

[@TraceVelo]

Thanks so much!!

[@jevgeniardassov]

I have RXL SL handlebar, it is a normal rounded bars, have around 10k on them, no problem whatsoever, cost me around 70.- euros. Dont have any problem with them. I suppose the design does matter quite a bit.

[@dilvastak7351]

The same can be said about mtb SPD cleats - analogues are usually very soft and wear out quickly, and fakes (outwardly it is difficult to distinguish them, except by packaging and fonts), although they are better than analogues, they are still inferior to the original in terms of rigidity and, as a result, in terms of resource. Also, most contact shoes on Ali do not have sufficient rigidity and there is always confusion with sizes - I can’t recommend it, although there are also a couple of brands that are not bad with this.

[@DanHoopes211]

@TraceVelo Tubeless tape: I've had good luck with the ZTTO tubeless rim tape. Curious if you've ever used it. If not, would live to see if you think it's any good compared to the Muc Off.

[@kulit5610]

Hi Luke any carbon rims disc you would recommend that’s between 35-40mm depth with a 24-25mm internal width? Love the channel btw

[@chrislambert2875]

I bought the tooseek handle bars. When I got them, it looked like they got broken in transit. When I put pressure on them the " crack" never opened but just to be sure I put them on my zwift bike 😅

[@TheAnimejosh]

Congratulations on reaching 100k!! thoughts on trying 12 speed ztto cassette with 10t like sram use on your 12 speed ltwoo? will it work? 🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖

[@antonwearsakilt5209]

A Brooks leather saddle is the best, classic style and great comfort once broken in.

[@ex3qtor]

If you want to check out something to break try some of OG-Evkin bar stems :) I`m a fan of their products but those stems are rubbish. I`ve had 3 of them and two have broken while tightening up bolts. I`ve used torque wrench set well below max spec and they just can`t hold up.

[@Gregory_tottie]

I’d like to see some AliExpress power meter reviews. I guess GP Lama has the market covered there but I’d love to get your thoughts too

[@MrJ9212]

Hello! I really appreciate your honest product reviews from Aliexpress. Do you have any saddle recommendations, whether aluminum or carbon, that are both durable and comfortable for MTB use? I'd love to have full confidence in my gear. The one you recommended is unfortunately out of my budget and is priced similarly to top-tier local options, like the original Specialized Power Comp.

[@SamuelBlackMetalRider]

RYET & OG-KEVIN are both great, reliable brands

[@dioright]

Nice production quality. Close to Rides of Japan day after day

[@kev81987]

Mine Toseek seat post crack during the third ride , stay away from it

[@slickfast]

HOLY CRAP 100k! I'm surprised it's taken this long, I hope you're getting paid enough to sustain yourself all jokes aside! Cheers from the USA! I have the RYET version of that saddle and it's fantastic, by the way. The nose is nice and wide and the central cutout is nice and large, so you can scoot forward and still be pretty comfy. 50 bucks well spent in my opinion. I think you're starting to hone in on what people really want to see... someone sifting through the swamp of aliexpress and digging up all the gems! I very much enjoy this type of content personally, especially on the "cheap gravel frameset" side of things!

[@breathestrongcycling3672]

I use the cheap cleats, weirdly the red ones last at least 4 times longer than the yellow ones from the same brand. There's no difference in float either and i pay about 80-90 philippine peso so compared to the 900 for originals it's worth it.....just don't walk around too much 😉

[@EnidAgnusDei]

I am fat and old, so will steer clear of anything Carbon, I have ally framed cycles but prefer steel. Well done on the 100k subs, you deserve it, all the best and here is to 200k!

[@mosestrosin]

Great content! Congratulations with 100k, well deserved 👏

[@TraceVelo]

Thanks a ton!

[@ulycination978]

Bought some cleats from Ali in 2019, still on my shoes and I'm doing 7-8k a year. I paid 12$ for them though, not the 3-4$ ones. I was thinking to change them, but a bit afraid to order some now.

[@ulycination978]

Went and got a new pair. As I did the last time, I didn't picked the cheapest option, but one that had all pictures with logos and QS numbers on the cleats. Received them in record time and the really look legit. Time will tell if they last.

[@marccale9890]

🥖🥖🥖🥖 After watching this channel over the years it's been a really useful guide where to dabble with the cheaper carbon parts. I've had mixed results...a cheap carbon saddle has been a big hit...super--light and still not showing any sign of breaking. But then I bought a similarly cheap carbon seat post which broke very quickly...worth the punt though as I can't stomach the premium prices for the known brands 🥖🥖🥖🥖

[@TraceVelo]

Yeah exactly, the mega cheap stuff is definitely hit and miss, but glad you found some bargains 😊

[@william3k]

Love the outro Luke. Congrats on 100k subs. 🥖🥖🥖

[@Technotranceism]

Congratulations on your 100k subscribers Luke 👍👍 Out of all the inexpensive frames, which is your favorite? 🥖

[@TraceVelo]

Gotta go with the OG-Evkin CF-025, fantastic frame for the money, can't really fault it so far!

[@alanleclair1]

Congratulations on 100k my friend! Love your show. Keep up the fantastic work! 👏💪🎉

[@stefanohbellote9948]

Congrats on the 100k Luke! Been here since the 1st build and it's nice to see the evolution, of the channel and yours!! About the cleats, another issue is not being inside the dimensions and tolerances, I've tried 2 cheap pairs and none of them worked, really hard to clip in because the dimension was wrong, so not even usable. I'm using some parallel ones but from real brands (not the shimano copies) and I gotta say it's worth, since it got some quality control, and at least here in Brazil the original Shimano is very expensive...

[@miroalavcernin1542]

thanks for this. every warning is good.

[@simoneller5194]

Tesa 4288 or 4289 is the best "cheap" tubeless tape. A roll usually is in the range of 5-10€ depending on width and its a whopping 66m

[@Tilemason1]

Thank you for your enthusiasm and awesome sampling. I have to admit i have never taken a chance on cheap bars or seatposts. Had an aluminum pair of bars fold in half on the track in the 70s and my friend Cindi Whitehead had her seatpost head break 8 mils into a 50mi point to point. The great flume race. She road the whole thing standing up and won by a couple minutes.

[@benshepherd6398]

What about Chinese bike computers? Magene has a rear light/radar that is similar to Garmin. Have you tried it? What about cheap speed, cadence or power meters? Thanks

[@ryanw8987]

Pretty sure he did a little review of the IGPSport IGS 630 computer and gave it good marks. I've been tempted to try their BCS200 model as a cheaper alternative. DC Rainmaker and GP Lama have done some reviews for some of the Chinese radars that are detailed. I believe at least one of either the Magene or Bryton radars wasn't rated too well, at least compared to the Garmin Varia.

[@iMadrid11]

In the wonderful world of Chinese carbon fiber manufacturing. You can go wild and cheap. Since there is no international safety standards set for bike parts. Like they do in the automotive industry.

[@szurketaltos2693]

There certainly are ISO standards for bike parts.

[@DerekGreen123]

Massive congrats on the 100K subscribers 🥖👍😀 Love your videos, both for the entertainment and the genuinely useful info 🤓

[@TraceVelo]

Thanks so much!

[@boreqyas]

Hey Luke I got the "The One Pro" Handlebar and so far a very good feel and nice to set up, clean look as well. It is more pricey, but apparently it stands it's ground. Can you maybe test it and review it? Greetings and congrats to 100k, well deserved

[@kurtkuehnert]

Hi Luke, congrats on the 100k subscribers. Your videos are truly great. I really appreciate the work that you do. Thank you. I would love to see some coverage of RYET/LEXON parts. They seem really affordable and quite good quality (at least in the product photos). I own one of their padded carbon saddles (RYET unox saddle) and it is just awesome. 25 Euros for a 130g saddle, which is extremely comfortable. Maybe you could take a look at their handlebar and wheel offerings as well.

[@TraceVelo]

Yeah I've heard some good things about the Ryet stuff from a few comments. Next time I'm shopping around, I'll pick something up for sure!

[@jamespatrick0023]

Congratulations when i watch you for the first time its was 70k only 🎉

[@robertklep]

Whoopsie, I just bought that exact tubeless tape 🫣 I've been using Tesa 4289 for some time now and it works fine, but it's only available in 25mm which is just a tad too narrow for my rims so I bought some 27mm cheap stuff. Even though this is for a mountainbike (lower tyre pressure) I don't think I'll use it though...

[@TheChipMcDonald]

Congrats, and I commend your willingness to risk life and limb with sketchy cf parts. I know you're a roady, but some of us old Gen-Xers are trying to keep our 26" 90s era mtbs going... do a video on safe upgrades/lighter AliExpress parts ... 1x9/10/11/12, bb, group sets...

[@doncrescas]

Congratulations man, I'm curious if you've bought any carbon forks. A decent one is great for turning a cheaper MTB into a light sturdy commuter or gravel bike .

[@ΝικοςΣ-ψ7λ]

Hey trace! I'm a racing cyclist from Greece, lately taking races seriously. I have stock wheels on my bike (bianchi aria disc 2021) and I Need to upgrade, as the wheelset weighs over 2kg, and having tried a friend's carbon wheelset on my bike, I can tell you that mine fell like a pair of rocks... I really like the specs of the Elite wheels drive 50D, but as an engineer myself, and having many discussions with friends, engineers and cyclists alike, I get mixed opinions on this wheelset. My main concern is, if they are stiff or not, as the spokes have two flanges (nipples), one where they meet the hub and another on the rim. That's usually a point of weakness and flex (see old mavics)! As I really like your work, and trust your words, should I consider this pair of wheels, are they generally fast and stiff? What's your opinion, compared to other wheelsets, is there anything stiffer out there for around the same price or are the differences in stiffness minimal? Really looking forward to hearing from you! With kind regards, Nick.

[@MiegmaishMenas]

Got the Zeuis saddle based on your recommendation. The build quality is exactly as you described, the ride quality is great. Not sure if the shape is perfect for me, but it’s better and more comfortable than the Selle italia series x that came with my bike, so it’s an improvement. So far have some 400km on it, with a 100km ride and a 50km race.

[@user-shaftsberry]

Hi luke. Keep up the good work. 😊

[@eLpELoNdeJaPoN]

I'll suggest the possible solutions to the items of your video Luke by recommending my own experience with similar items. 1:20 Toseek TR5500 the Garmin support is strong and not long as the one you show probably the price is higher but the way it's built makes it stronger in that specific area. I saw the video and agreed with the saddle option but please don't risk or trust that much carbon accessories! Specially those used in very important places as the axel

[@ianwhiteford2060]

Happy to say my Toseek handlebar is still going strong after three years

[@renegadeflyer2]

My handle bars are good also. No creeks or flexes. Just had to file the sharp cable holes.

[@Steven-Sea_gull]

🥖🥖🥖🥖🥐🥐🥐 congratulations on 100k subs your smashing it . Be interesting to see more 3d printed saddle with out carbon rails . Also what about tpu tube everyone's done tubles to death but no longevity on tpu great content as always 💪🥖🥖🥖

[@dperreno]

I appreciate that you are giving some recommendations along with your wave-offs. Thanks!

[@TraceVelo]

My pleasure!

[@Lesley_Pokemon]

congrats on 100 K and enjoy your island lol

[@GrahamB29]

I’ve got 2 copies of a 30-ish quid conventional bar. Bolt it to a uno stem and you’re rolling with 300g of bar + stem and nicely stiff. Not nearly as sexy as an integrated bar, but probably lighter and damn near as aero. It’s an rxl-sl. Similar story for carbon seats... I have one fully padded that weighs 135g and it’s still doing its thing after a year...