Am I sick of cheap bike parts???

[@michaelbatterbee448]

I rate this channel massively not everyone has the money to buy western parts so it’s a thumbs up from me

[@MalamuteMan1]

Me too but there's a caveat. If he doesn't regularly ride the top of the range expensive stuff too then he's not really in a position to compare and fully judge the cheap stuff 🤷‍♂️ Just playing devil's advocate and pointing out a massive gaping hole in his overall judgement. He may well think his latest elitewheels are amazing but if he's not ridden the latest top of the range Zipp wheels then he hasn't got a top of the range baseline to work from. He could try a £3k wheelset and realise the £500 elitewheels aren't in the same universe and are totally crap in comparison. Just saying. You need a good working knowledge of everything available to give a true judgement.

[@jimhize]

True but I imagine for most people starting out in cycling, the extra money they spend getting the bike shop to fix or replace things that break will be more than money saved on parts. If you have someone on a tight budget but a competent mechanic, there’s savings to be had potentially

[@Detroit_Q]

​@@MalamuteMan1he's done a video of him riding a top tier mainstream bike. Don't be so quick to judge a person's knowledge based on one video. This is a budget bike channel not a let's crap on "cheap Chinese" parts channel. Some of these "Chinese" brands also make the same components for the "mainstream" brands.

[@sylvainmichaud2262]

​@@MalamuteMan1 You really don't get it. If you want Chinese direct sale brand that are equivalent to known high end products, you're simply on the wrong channel and in the wrong price range. It's all about being satisfied and happy with what you've got, not constantly complaining because it's not equivalent to the most expensive stuff. Luke's pleasure comes from finding hidden gems, building and riding these bikes and sharing his experiences with people. Your comment sounds more like the one of a guy who wants to buy things he doesn't need at a price he can't afford to impress people who couldn't care less.

[@rossismokesall]

Western parts? When did Japan become western? Haha

[@Andresapal]

Don’t stop making these kinds of budget bike videos. In countries like mine, these items are sometimes more affordable compared to the high prices of exclusive brand names. Your videos help a lot by showcasing good items and ideas. I really appreciate it, many others don't

[@PeakTorque]

Tracey! Loved this video. Just be bloody careful please riding those bars and snappy cranks. We couldn’t do without you. Love the inner tube idea, put a knot in both ends and make a straight pipe so its all inside the DT otherwise you’ll not even get a few psi in it as the external bit will just expand forever. Get some mold release film from easy composites and wrap the tube in that first.

[@elbatch]

He's in a new rabbit hole now 😂 Definitely not the easiest spot to start composite repairs tho, will be interesting

[@TraceVelo]

Cheers Peaky!!! I think you might be onto something with the inner tube. I was going to try without cutting it, but you might be right. I'll do a dummy run first and see if it can keep a decent psi in the downtube. Should be an interesting one for sure. Hopefully the resin will also manage to seep into the crack slightly too, but who knows. I think I'll only get one shot at it tbh...

[@emmabird9745]

@@TraceVelo Hi Luke. I had an overnight thought. In using the inner tube, you could make a plug (wooden?) to fit in the steerer tube and another for the BB for the tube to press against and avoid Peaky's knots. Of course you'll need to drill a hole for the valve in one and it might mean a long valve. Also a tube for a fat (gravel or MTB) tyre might be best. In the early days of carbon frames they used newspaper to isolate the bladder. You'd need a few experiments to work that option out.

[@alannkevin]

@@TraceVelo hey man thanks for your videos I always (I try) sit down with a glass of whiskey and cheese to watch your videos, so if you make more than 2 videos I might end up drunk 😆. For the inner tube, I did a repair on a bike and as the epoxy was curing, it popped the inner tube, I wrapped the inner tube with wax paper for baking but it looks like one of those ends of the fabric that unveiled at the end was pointing upwards and as the epoxy was curing it kinda end up like a needle popping the inner tube, i hope it helps!

[@TRiX_ONE]

@@TraceVelo There is an other option how to try to "fix" inner crack: If You can locate the crack, then Bore one very small hole (1mm) in its place and push there superglue (btw you can test superglue on small piece/s of carbon fabric as a alternative to epoxy resin). Of course, that better way is put in place CF, maybe You can arrange everything on a tube and then move everything in place. If You do not have any release agent, You can glue (with few drops of glue) an plastic piece / square on na tube and on this plastic You can put the CF with resin, then everything put in the place in DT, close ends of tube e.g. by rolling it over and put in clamps, pump it up and after cure remove the tube and leave the plastic piece inside. 😉

[@ssflg]

Please don't stop making this kind of videos. You motivated my to upgrade my bikes and to repair myself things I thought I couldn't repair. This is one of the best bike content on youtube.

[@ChangeTomorrow]

I just spent a rainy afternoon watching your channel. You're doing a great service to the lazy masses of cyclists who can't (or won't) take the time to "jump down the rabbit hole" to see where it leads. Thank you. I am nervous, however, about how neat everything is in your work area but I'll get over it.

[@yocyclo74]

Bonjour Luke, je suis un magasin de vélo en France depuis 12 ans. J'ai toujours vendu les marques connues comme Specialized, Cannondale, Colnago, Factor... Mais depuis l'année dernière j'ai voulu trouver des marques avec des prix plus abordable pour les clients. Grace a vos vidéos j'ai pu trouver Elves, Ican, Sensah, les cassettes et les discs Riro, les chambres a air RideNow et également éviter les mauvaises marques comme Trifox ou les pédaliers vraiment pas chers... Maintenant je vend régulièrement des vélos avec des pièces qui proviennent seulement de Chine et mes clients sont très contents car le prix est bien meilleur ! Donc merci pour votre excellent travail avec ces marques !!!

[@khchan8341]

This is the unique selling point of your channel. Otherwise you'll be like the rest of them building up bikes with common components. Where's the fun if everything just works 😂 The way that you discover and then solve the problems is what draws the audience. Also your great personality 🥖🥖🥖🥖

[@jgreenjeans]

I built a fully, chinese, carbon road bike during the pandemic because of your channel. Like you said, it was a lot of fiddling to get thungs right, but i love tinkering. I was trpedacious when i first test rode it, but quickly gained confidence. I have no problem doing it with another build.

[@TraceVelo]

Great to hear!!!!

[@hill160881]

I love cheap parts. So love the content. The industry went away from the main consumer years ago with out of control pricing.

[@MegaRobboz]

the only channel where I watch videos on normal speed

[@1986richi]

This channel made me try it out actually for fun, since I live in China, have access to all aliexpress parts and more within 1-2 days delivery time. Building bikes is now as much of a hobby as riding them. Had 3 builds done each around 1,5 - 3 K euro. As you said the development of brands is very interesting and seeing XDS sponsoring their own pro team (bikes at Olympia)we in China can get a of the shelf pro team bike now for 1/3 of the price of the other brands! I hope that makes it to Europe, but I have too much fun in building them myself and I don’t trust a bike anymore I haven’t build myself 😁. I love your channel and please never stop to try the “crazy stuff” very entertaining.

[@daviddjerassi]

YOUR FANTASTIC YOUR SAVING HUNDREDS OF SUBSCRIBERS A TON OF MONEY IN FACT YOU SHOULD BE REWARDED BY KZbin FOR WHAT YOUR DOING please keep your videos coming.

[@bsothefirst]

One of my favorite youtubers, when your vids drop I often see it within 10 mins😂

[@rupiamasterconfig]

Thanks, Luke, for mention my comments! I agree on all your points. At the current scale of bikes and bike parts price, I think it’s impossible to assemble a lightweight and reliable bike without spending a fortune on it. The balance between Chinese “almost” cheap parts and high end parts brings great results. Manufacturers like Elitewheels, Elves and so many others are at the same quality level as the ones present at Pro Tour. I think the closer we are from mud and water, the better and higher level the parts must be on a scale MTB-->gravel-->road. And, most important, manage risks: do not plan an important race or bike trip on a recent-assembled-cheap-parts-bike. On my (past) days of bike shop owner, I experienced all kinds of products and, my advise for cyclists and enthusiastic: cheaper bike parts and/or alternative brands are more suitable to ones that have some experience and tools for bike maintenance, ‘cause they do are more time consuming and can drive you to a more “bike-in-a-stand” than a “bike-on-the-road”. As always, Trace Velo bringing great content! Cheers!

[@TraceVelo]

Hey dude, thanks so much for your last comment that I used. I basically saw it just before a quick ride a few weeks back, and mulling it over, I decided to make this video! But you a right in a sense. The cheaper stuff is slightly more suited to a semi-experienced bike mechanic. But I still think beginners can give it a go, especially if they love to tinker and experiment with their bikes. But anyway, thanks again. I always get inspired by the comments, and yours was great!

[@mikeymike1792]

Next video from Luke - Reviewing a Time bike with full Super Record. Honestly, you'd have earned it!

[@michaelbatterbee448]

@@mikeymike1792 here here

[@TraceVelo]

HA! Maybe if I win the lottery 😂

[@herminio001]

Because of you, I learned a lot and discovered parts from Aliexpress and built my first road bike from the frame up that's a mullet build that had the parts you used to include Sensah SRX 1 X 11 Pro with Group set, and ZRace cable actuated hydraulic brakes and Elitewheels EMT Carbon wheelset. I went for an aluminum frameset but everything else Carbon. Those cheap Chinese parts may not be the as good as the name brands, but they come pretty close. They offer an alternative and good value for anyone to get a nice build cost a fraction buying a brand-named bike. To me all the extra work is worth it.

[@TraceVelo]

That's awesome, I always love hearing about people that have taken the plunge and built a bike up after watching some of my stuff! I still find it a bit bonkers that so many people tune in tbh 😂

[@seraph4581]

I love your videos, they have helped me build a nice bike from Chinese parts. Where I live, getting one of the big brand bikes are prohibitively expensive. I never dreamed of being able to afford a full carbon road bike anytime soon but now I ride one and I'm happy.

[@TESTA-CC]

I think it's part of the process, once in a while you find a great product and brand that has pushed the boundaries for 1/4 the price of popular brands and deserves the credit.

[@kckckckc24]

By far, one of the best reviewer(content creator) I have ever watched. Been watching you from the start, witnessed the improvements in different terms of producing videos like these. I appreciate every efforts you've put into making quality videos. Please don't stop making another. Ciao

[@TraceVelo]

Aww, thankyou so much! I try and take pride in what I do, and I put loads of effort into my videos, so I'm glad this is coming across 😊😊😊

[@sjoerdk8163]

Love the videos, Luke! Regarding the frame repair, as much as I'd like to see it succeed, please let it only be for experimental purposes. There's something to be aware of: Usually (Source: LBS, so this might not be the case anymore), a carbon frame repair is done by cutting away the damaged section of the tube and inserting a new tube, which is partially fed into or over the remaining tube ends. This ensures that the Young's modulus (aka amount of stretch) around the diameter stays more or less the same and that the structure remains intact by shape. If you just add a patch of carbon, the layer between the patch and the original tube will be epoxy, which is about 100 times more stretchy than carbon fibers, causing the crack to keep flexing. This may lead to one of two failure modes: 1. In the best case, the patch comes loose after a few rides, and the clicking starts again. 2. The patch stays in place, but the crack keeps expanding unnoticed, suddenly collapsing your downtube. Hopefully not while bombing down a hill. Please be really careful with repairs like that, there's a lot more to it then meets the eye.

[@TraceVelo]

Amazing comment, and yeah this is only really to experiment, so caveats all round! Hopefully I can get the patch in the correct place for starters, but you are right, if it goes 'right', it will add additional strength to the area, but could easily stress other parts of the downtube when under stress. Tbh I'm not all all confident it will go as planned, but should be a fun video 😊

[@j2kub]

​@@TraceVeloCopression bladder have separation agent so if you try bond it from outside it will delamimate quite fast. Actually is much better to grind material from outside and do patch from outside.

[@Ob1sdarkside]

I've an aliexpress aero bike in the garage, would never have done it without watching your channel. I have had a few parts that weren't great. It's been fun doing it

[@loumon2]

I so enjoy your videos and ingenuity in dealing with issues.

[@jorishurk1273]

As always i am amazed by the quality of your videos, nice to watch and very informing! Keep up the good work! For the repair, i also did a carbon frame repair, the frame was “foldable” (broken down+toptube) but has since been riden for a few thousand kilometers. I also did the repair from inside out, here are some points to consider: 1. The inside of the frame contains release agent from the bladder used in the manufacturing process, this release agent needs to be removed to have a strong repair. 2. The crack will form a stress concentration, it might be a good idea to sand the frame from the inside to remove the crack/stress concentration entirely 3. It is probably not possible to neatly lay the fabric against the full inside circumference of the tube, when there are fibers running perpendicular to the tube it will cause bridging. When i did the repair i avoided this problem by using unidirectional fabric along the tube, and the woven fabric (like u show in the video) at an angle of 45degrees. This way the pressure can push the fabric correctly against the existing tube. 4. A sudden stop of the repair will also cause a stress concentration wich can cause delamination of the repair, i made the inside layer (against the bladder) the longest, for every layer underneeth that i cut away ~5mm (like 5mm-10mm-15mm) 5. For the carbon fabric u can maybe look at “braided sleeve”, it is already woven at an angle. 6. It is possible to make the removal of the bladder/inner tube easier by pulling a vacuum on the bladder. Working with composites is not always easy(for me atleast😅), but very rewarding when it works out well! Good luck with the repair!

[@nebbykoo]

I purchased a saddle due to your review. It's comfortable and looks great. Same for the knock-off speedplay ti pedals. I appreciate your upbeat and honest reviews. You give me a bit more confidence in ordering from China. Thanks, Luke!

[@TraceVelo]

Great to hear!

[@Exupace]

Have absolutely loved your warts and all approach to cycling. So many you only see where it goes right but you're so routed in reality it really is a joy.

[@jprez239]

Because of you I got the ryed 3d printed saddle and it’s been super good after 6 month

[@owensnicholas]

Man, please don’t stop. Your channel is a treasure. I’ve bought wheels with a discount code from you, and I’m so close to being convinced by the hydraulic/wireless groupsets. I think another generation or two, and that’ll be it for me. 🥖🥖🥖🥖

[@TraceVelo]

Much appreciated!!!! 🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖

[@Gabepedaler]

Thanks for going thru the trouble for rest of us.

[@jarrettttttt]

This channel is one of my absolute favorites, and it has my highest respect. It’s not about saving money or reviewing bike parts for me. - I own some high-end brand bikes myself. What I truly appreciate is the spirit of exploration, the unique approach, the process, and the humor luke never fails to bring. it's a pure entertainment, a break from tradition, a breath of fresh air, the spirit of adventure and genuine passion for biking make every episode enjoyable and inspiring. Keep up the great work!

[@afonic]

This is my favorite channel in all of KZbin. I don’t even relate with most other content because I would never spend 3 or 10.000 for a bike, I find it absurd. Keep up the good work. By following you I built a Trifox X16 with Shimano 105 rim brake. 7.8kg, 3000kms and counting with no issue. Almost 1200 euros total with carbon wheels. Cheers!

[@TraceVelo]

That's awesome to hear!!! I'm glad you had a good experience with TriFox, it definitely seems a bit hit and miss with those guys, so I'm happy you got a good bike out of it!!!

[@JamesDuncan]

Can you share a parts list?

[@afonic]

​@@JamesDuncan Sure, it's the Trifox X16 58cm rim brake frame, Shimano 105 rim brake groupset (everything included, with Shimano bottom bracket, cranks, cassette). Superteam Classic Series 50mm carbon wheels (I don't recommended these - they are solid but support is non existant), Shimano 105 SPD-SL pedals, OG Evkin 90mm carbon stem, DEDA Zero02 handebars, Selle Italia SLR Boost Superflow L3. I recently installed the Magene PES P505 power meter, very happy with it. (that's not included in the 1200 euros). Small tip, skip any Aliexpress bottle cages and get the ZEFAL Pulse L2, I've have them for 3 years now on two bikes and they are solid (and only 18gr).

[@boyacki]

Definately had a nature break! :D:D:D mini bagettes have not gone unnoticed! im so glad i remember all the previous material you created and so proud of you for the progess and growth of the channel. love the work every time and it always makes my day/week , keep it up!!

[@TraceVelo]

Thanks so much, what an awesome comment!!!

[@iamtoobi]

your channel is priceless honestly. there are just not many outlets for getting an unbiased view on what living with this 'cheaper' gear is like, whether it's frustration or joy. kudos to you Luke! 🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖

[@josecamilojimenez2784]

I really appreciate your work Luke, thanks to you I was able to build my dream all-road bike by buying stuff from aliexpress and since then I have been really happy, I have upgraded the derrailleurs and idk knowing your bike is just amazing. Btw my bike is an aluminium gravel setup that i use for road and gravel with a 11-40 cassette

[@lastfm4477]

I've [re]built / modernized many bikes up using name brand frames and Shimano & SRAM parts. Even here things are always smooth. In fact I'd say they seldom are. There is always some issue to have to work around (unless you use the *exact* parts spec'ed by the frame manufacture's offering).

[@michaelanderson6563]

I bought a Cannondale CAAD13 rim brake in 2020. The first thing I wanted to do was get carbon wheels, the recommended wheels were more than I paid for the bike. I ran across your site (and OZ cycles) and it put me on the "Chinese solution" path. After some research I ordered a wheelset, FL50, from ICAN. They have proven to be great. They have taken the abuse from a beginner rider and have never had to be serviced. Because I do most of the maintenance myself, I do take my bike into the local shop for a once a year "look over" The wheels have never needed truing. From that success I got a carbon handlebar, Toseek, and a carbon saddle, RXL, which have also been trouble free. If I have bought "name brand" recommended components I would have spent more than $1500 more. So yes, your wins, failures, and have helped many of us who want to ride with good and reliable stuff, but cant afford the :recommended" stuff. Thank you and please keep going.

[@rickh6963]

I like your channel's format ..... Don't change a thing!

[@kaseycarpenter73]

"drip-feeding upgrades" you defined my approach perfectly. I had state alllroad with a sensah group on it, then I was hit by an octagenarian and boom, new frame time. Bought a Winspace G2 frameset, installed the old sensah groupset. Got the itch and scratched it via Ltwoo erx. Then a skypivot carbon/ti crank. then some elite carbon 650b rims. the experience, savings, and "built not bought" approach has been priceless for me. You are the reason I eventually pulled the trigger on the erx, groupset and the race brakes, and peak torque/hambini why I went with the elite wheelset, and china cycling for that sick crank. KEEP IT UP. You DO have an audience.

[@d9dga]

Love it Luke, Ive lost count of the number of times I come back to your videos to make some informed, Ali-based decisions. There's no-one out there like you and Im very happy you're here 🫡

[@chillierdavro]

For the carbon repair you might consider putting some "peel ply" between the carbon with the mixed resin on it and the inner tube you are considering using for the compression. The peel ply can then be torn of the surface of the carbon once the resin has dried. Let me know I can send you some peel ply if you need it, think I still have some laying around.

[@TraceVelo]

Great suggestion, and thankyou so much for the offer, but I think I will just use either a bin bag, or a plastic bag. From my research, as long as they are made from polyethylene, it shouldn't stick to the epoxy. Time will tell I guess 😅

[@chillierdavro]

@@TraceVelo yes polyethylene should be ok, the peel ply is good for pulling out excess resin and leaving a fixing surface for future layers.

[@dinodaniel2237]

Hey Luke , great video. I’m not into carbon bikes or components, rather steel and aluminum. I do enjoy watching your videos because of your honesty showing the warts and the latest innovation in the industry. Looking forward to your next video. All the best

[@fentuz]

@TraceVelo you could try a balloon (the type clowns use to make balloon animal to creat pressure on the patch. The patch will work as support though, you will mostly likely need to grid the crack from outside and then patch with something like isopond epoxy resin loaded with fiber wiskers. You could go a speak to a motorsport bodywork place to get advice, loads on them around oxford

[@hellodisdat]

Cant wait to see how the repair goes. Maybe some wax/baking paper would work as an in between for the tube and the patch? maybe even just a piece of inner tube cut to the size of the patch

[@PWbflo]

I’m all for builds on a budget but never at the cost of reliability/quality and especially safety. Channels like this really help guide decisions because we get a good idea of products we can trust /avoid. Stay the course, but maybe up the budget a touch

[@DaveCM]

I am addicted to your channel even though I don't buy cheap bike stuff except for the Ride On TPU tubes. Those things are awesome!! I find your videos very entertaining. I don't want you to change. Over the last year, I built up a Vitus ZX1 and a Cannondale SuperSix CX. Watching your channel and others, I purchased a kit to thread the hoses through the frame. I didn't need it at all for either frame!! The hoses just fed where they were supposed to. Even the Vision Metron integrated bars were easy to feed the hoses through. I guess that is one of the differences in the cheaper frames and higher end frames.

[@pkbeat]

its nice to know when something cheap is truly worth it, some things should be cheaper.

[@chrisbowman2030]

As someone who was into cycling for decades and has worked in two bikeshops i can tell you my experience: expensive stuff won't save you from trouble. Look up problems with carbon frames from name brand companies. Especially from one which rhymes on "fail". Live went on and now im into other things. And guess what? Your channel is the only bike channel i still watch on a regular basis and chat about with old bike pals. Love your content! Btw: stop trying these super cheap handlebars please. Gives me the chills.

[@JR_Dinosaur_JR]

Trace Velo is a bloody useful resource for folks like me that like to tinker with their bikes - Luke takes the hits so we dont have to. And for that I am eternally grateful 🙏🏻

[@galenkehler]

You taking the time to explain the "fettling" processes has literally changed the market, and opened up cheaper stuff to more people. And those skills spill over into repair as well saving more money and keeping more parts out of landfill.

[@Nobody-Nowhere]

Such a cool thing that you are going to try to fix that frame, also kind of highlights what type of people are into this weird cheaper stuff from china. And what type of people just always want to buy safe branded stuff and cant really tolerate frustration.

[@dusty_hoods]

How the hell in the world would we know the true cost of Chinese stuff without you? Your work and this channel is invaluable!

[@piottrek17]

dude the last part of fixing the frame is crazy - love it

[@jgalleg4]

I really appreciate what you do on this channel. As a nearly pathological DIYer it has inspired me to really learn how to work on a bicycle without risking messing up a $1200 GRX groupset. I’ve transformed my old-ish Salsa Vaya with a horribly dated 3x9 Sora groupset into a modern (albeit heavy thanks to its beefy steel frame) gravel and commuting monster with a GR9.

[@Justinb81]

I work a lot with carbon and epoxy (model airplanes) and I recommend you buy "laminating epoxy" that takes 24 hrs to cure. it gives you more time to get it in the correct place and time to seep down into the crack to strengthen that as well. The (MTB) inner tube you can cut and melt together on the open ends. Check how long it holds air before you use it, so you know in what intervals you need to add air. Put in the pre-preg mat, drench in in 24hr epoxy and inflate your waxed (with PVA or silicone) inner tube. lay it with the crack down.

[@petertreadway]

As a self confessed Ali Express addict, I love a good saving, especially when you can sometimes find the exact same product being sold elsewhere for three times the cost. As you say though, Luke, these cheap builds do come with the need to 'fiddle' with the parts at times, but I think maybe I'm just weird as I enjoy just tinkering and seeing what's possible to achieve. Love your vids though, mate, so keep on keeping on! 👌

[@KamikazeCommie501]

Oh wow it's so good to hear someone say 'z' properly. Most Aussies and Brits say 'zee' these days and it just shows they were taught by a tv.

[@Liofa73]

You're right, road cyclists, especially those that ride in groups can very elitist. I passed a group last night going in the opposite direction. I said "hi", no reply, just ignored me. They all had their Universal Colours/Rapha gear, neated matched in colour to their bikes. Snobby AF. I chuckled, I've probably been riding 25 years longer than all of them and I have a 12 year old bike. Cycling is what you make it and can be a friendly sport if you're not going to be an ass to other riders out on the road. :)

[@chrisdelaplante5515]

Yep, same here, i have a decathlon bike but most of the riders have spécialized, cannondale, etc.. They are thinking they are an elite, lol, they are just regular riders.

[@KamikazeCommie501]

I started checking out these cheap bike frames and even planned out a build almost identical to your first one on the channel in 2019 but then I lost my job and couldn't afford it so I'm living vicariously through this channel. Cheers mate

[@editdroid99]

I've been riding my Chinese carbon frame for 4 years now. While purchased before I found your channel, you have given me loads of advice, and belief that I could overcome the challenges. And with some help from that crazy Scandinavian 'ETOE' I was even able to paint it with my own brand, 'CX3' (C x 3 = Cheap Chinese Carbon). Thanks to your channel, I have the cheapest, bestest, most unique bike in the club, and I love it so much! Thanks for all you do!

[@songofyesterday]

7.6kg is impressive new build. I bought a used Emonda and it was 7.05kg for $1600. I use the cheap carbon handlebars, Kocevlo. Around $35 for both the stem and the aero looking handlebars. I’m too weak to have the power to snap them😂. 13-14mph.

[@jorgeeduardozamoraacosta8627]

I purchased the sensah empire pro groupset because of this channel, I still love this groupset. Keep on goin' friend!

[@alistairmacfadyen9365]

I repaired my top tube using the same method as you describe in the video. Over three thousand KM’S, later, the frame is still going strong

[@lenzhaderlein2769]

Some great points here. Love your channel. Thanks Luke. Just finished a 3200 km bike packing trip on the west coast of Canada with on an Ican gravel frame with a Sensah group set. I would never have done that without the guidance from your channel over the years. To your point about democratization - I DID spend a lot of time on this trip explaining my gear choice to other folks on the trails

[@Michael-lw9mo]

I really enjoy watching your videos even though I often dont plant to build something simliar or buy some of the reviewed compontents. Its more the atmopshere/vibe you have in your videos that makes them so good. Your editing, way of presenting/speaking and humour are just incredibly pleasent and entertaining at the same time. Additionally I admire your motivation to tinker around. As someone who likes tinkering around myself it is just pleasent company to watch someone likeminded, but with much more experience and skill so there is always something to learn from. Please keep up the precious work you do!

[@lpoolck17]

I really enjoy your channel as it helps filter out the duds. This saves me time, which I dont have, and as a big bonus, money. I have purchased the ryet 3D printed saddle, which is excellent and ridiculously cheap. I also purchased, but not used, the YBN chain. I notice in this video you no longer seem to be recommending it. Have I missed something? I have been tempted by the elitewheels and L-twoo and sensha groupsets but i just dont think the groupsets are quite there yet.

[@nidhin916]

I enjoy watching your videos, I consider myself a DIY guy, but I would never dare to go to the lengths that Luke goes to get the things working right. But I fully support the channel and its cause, please continue doing what you do. The only Chinese component on my modest bike is a RideOn TPU inner tubes😅

[@mikeypalmer3977]

You are a star. Not all of us can afford top end gear. Always interested in anything off brand but still good.

[@augustlandmesser1520]

This is my favourite biking YT channel, I enjoy every video, not only because of the super interesting content, but the witty presentation and dynamic camera. Thank you, sir! Have ever in consideration to test Chinese titanium frames?

[@wenschobert]

I'm riding a bike where both chain stays were broken after a crash... We repaired it and then sculped another set of chainstays around it... It's stiff AF, can handle my weight... Rides like a charm... But: i wouldn't have done this without someone really experienced having the lead... I'm not entirely sure where your approach will cut it, I highly recommend to consult someone about this. Rob of "carbon bike repair" seems to have a soft spot for KZbinrs, seems to be more knowledgeable than Wikipedia... And hell, I'd love to see a conversation between you two guys 😂 Get it done and I'll pay you guys done baguettes 🥖🥖

[@ellipticalsoul]

I''m very glad you do what you do. It's always interesting to see these kind of parts get a real world test and to see the failures as well as the successes.

[@PhilDiasPJD]

Newish here to the channel. I'm a MTB rider but love your road stuff. . I have built two bikes recently. One with a full xt drivetrain and brakes and the other for a rigid MTB road bike. with just some cheaper Shimano mt200 brakes. I followed your advice on picking AliExpress sellers wisely. Cannot be happier with my purchases and going down the hard trails has been faultless. Your channel is worth a subscription ❤

[@BikeVibes4You]

Hello Luke, i finally bought my first AliExpress bike! You've been such an inspiration in helping me take this step. Keep up the awesome work!

[@inobsobot7564]

I had a good laugh while watching the bonus clip, especially from 17:09 on. It's risky and probably doomed to failure but it's worth a try. Who knows you might get to learn something in the process. That's the spirit!

[@aztecxger3411]

I think this channel is promoting what is somewhat starting to degrade in our society: the passion to actually build something, figure something out, make thinks work and so much more. In other words: I celebrates engineering and I think if more of us would go this way, the world would be in a better place! Go on champ!

[@MBB31]

Youve always been straight up with your reviews. Helped me find a lot of useful parts for my builds!

[@raoulzaragoza4112]

Nothing wrong with being, buying cheap. The quality can be satisfactory, more money to spend elsewhere (cycling vacations, etc.) Also nothing wrong with the Big Three, I see a challenge to build something that rides like a Colnago! I won’t just buy anything, I’ll wait wait to see what’s best. The next challenge is to see which will be my first road e-bike! I’m glad you asked and made this video, Cheap on, Trace!!

[@Yannerson]

I’m a big fan of someone else testing out this stuff so I don’t have to and you do it better than anyone else I’ve watched. I’ve bought quite a few items via Ali express now and my poor or low quality items are almost non existent.

[@EJD200]

Luke if you are able to salvage the cracked framed would be amazing! Just outrun in my 2 cents from some processes I’ve seen of carbon repair, maybe your best course of action is to sand the outside and “reinforce” the tube from the outside like bandage and keep the pressure from the inside with and inner tube or self-expanding insulation foam, although I’m not really sure how much pressure that might offer Really looking forward to the outcome of this

[@66mikkim]

Went the same path about 2 years ago. My first Frame was a non branded one, had no issues with it, till i crashed. Got me an Elves frame, Bars and Wheelset after that.Put 105 Di2, a Ryet saddle, and Assioma Powermeter on it. Came in at around 3200€. Sofar i have 4500km and still lovin it. If you go the China D2C route do your research. Never buy what seems to be the "best/cheap" option. Check the Sellers if they have been around for a while. and not some pop up shop. that is gone in a month.

[@iberiksoderblom]

Your channel has had great value for me, and continue to have. I'm still looking for the "electronic shifting+cabled rim brakes" solution.

[@valderja]

Love what you do Luke. I've been hooked since you started these budget build campaigns. I'm still yet to jump in and I'm so tempted.

[@kevinfrost1579]

Hey Luke cycling is all about accessibility and thats what all your hard work since the beginning facilitates. For new entrants most valuable of all is bike awareness and background knowledge. All that time spent on those frustrating fixes and compatibility issues makes for a better bike mechanic (ie: problem solver) , rather than being a parts fitter without that wider knowledge. Often folk, through lack of familiarity, will spend inordinate amounts of money on (mid ) and high end bikes not recognising they’re not the best option or value for their need. That’s where you come in 🥖🥖🥖

[@ilikewasabe]

I for one love this channel along with the Legend Rjthebikeguy. Managed to build myself a decent road bike using ltwoo and other cheap brand parts. Id say its pretty decent ang light and makes me wnna ride it all the time. I mainly buy products that you recommended and worked out pretty well for me and my friends. Please keep up the good work! Your channel is a blessing! Not many youtubers put out quality content like you do which is both entertaining and informative. Hope your channel would keep on growing.

[@WaltonJonez697]

Really appreciate the ways you go on this channel. I recently built a couple of ICAN gravel bikes that you brought me to through one of your videos. Also i use a sensah hydraulic pair of brifters and actually quite a few tools from aliexpress, that I’d have never gotten if it weren’t for you. You really do the work that gives (i guess more than a few of) us the confidence to go for parts that would otherwise not inspire confidence. Also you prevent us from buying bad quality (control) stuff that would be potentially dangerous. You’re making this sport more affordable and approachable for at least some of us and i thank you for it :) whatever path you’ll go in the future, you’ll always have my appreciation for what you have done for us so far. Wish you all the best mate :) cheers from Germany

[@bama95]

The thing with this type of stuff is that you invest so much time, work and you learn so much about how things work or don't that it becomes your pride and joy. I have completely transformed two 90s mtb into gravel bikes and with all the tribulation I have gone through now I won't change them for anything. I love those bikes: they are definitively not perfect, but surely are full of character and when I ride them with my wife I feel a sense of fulfilment I am sure I won't get from something store bought.

[@core2zero]

also, it reaches a point where you just shrug at some of the "oh my god this thing doesn't work chinessium bad" problems, sometimes it's just a little rough piece, or a small bit of grease i respect that some people values their time at a point that they take their bike to a shop to change a gear cable, but im really tired of the parroting of people that thinks that an hour a month doing your own maintenance is "wasting time"

[@keithallam9098]

Keep on keeping on. Useful info that can save people loads of time, plus keeps suppliers on their toes to supply better quality.

[@tinman7551]

I think if you attach the pre-impregnated carbon to the innertube at a couple of points with some sticky adhesive, feed the tube through the frame starting at the neck. When you get the patch lined up with where the crack is, inflate the innertube. After the appropriate set up time, deflate the tube and pull it from the frame, pulling the sticky glue that was attaching the innertube to the piece of carbon. Put some nonstick tape between the carbon patch and the innertube where you don’t want the carbon to attach to the innertube permanently.

[@ivankooo84]

At first I didn't want to comment anything, because all was perfectly said. Modest, kind and extraordinary person you are Luke! My favorite YT channel. I even unsubscribed from those GCN snobs. I own 4 bikes. One is Gravel and the other 3 are road bikes, each with different groupset. 2 bikes are older carbon Scott CR1 Pro with the Shimano R7000 and aluminum Giant Contend from 2019 with Shimano Claris (both use rim brakes). The other 2 are Chinese Sava Aurora disc with Ultegra R8000 and Sava Gravel G 1.2 with Tiagra. And I don't even care about Slovak "snobs" with their fancy 10000k eur bikes pickocing around Bratislava. I'm anyway faster then majority of them even with my Claris bike. My point is: I don't even know, or feel which groupset I'm using... all of them are working flawlessly. The funniest thing is that I enjoy the most on aluminum Giant with Shimano Claris 😀 the only difference I notice is that Ultegra and Tiagra hydraulic brakes are way better then rim brakes - however maintenance is pain in the butt 🤦‍♂ Yes and the last thing: 🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖 from me 😁 and stay that great as you are!

[@marcbryant8482]

Worthwhile vid because its to the essence of your channel, so well done. "really interesting" on the carbon repair? Understatement of the year 🙂 cannot wait

[@chrisb5824]

Great video Luke - really reflective and honest. Carry on the excellent work... Love Chris and Clare We did the selfie on the underground, and then met out on Brill Hill x

[@TraceVelo]

Awesome, thank you. But yeah, I remember it well! Was super great to meet you both 😊

[@chrisb5824]

@@TraceVelo so - I've gone to both ends of the Chinese frame market. Bought a BXT frame (rim brake) about 5 years ago - £261 including postage, and recently bought a Winspace T1550 (disk) for about £1200. The BXT is still going strong, is as light as the Winspace (if not lighter!), and has a slightly comfier ride. Yep - it's not fully internally cable routed, and not as an aggressive ride, but it's still my go to bike for club rides, chain gangs and even light gravel tracks. I reckon it's nearing 20k miles and showing no signs of giving up - unlike me! I don't think I've had as many frustrations as yourself Luke but the fun and learning I've had building, customising, and maintaining my bikes has been immense. My only addition to what you've already covered is stay well clear of Chinese cycling clothing or shoes!!! Thank goodness for Siroko! 😎

[@philipaddyman7402]

Enthusiastic and informative where GCN is immature and excruciating. Well done, Sir!

[@mangethegamer]

You will never be Luke to me, you will forever be Mr Trace Velo

[@johnp8092]

I’m with you Luke! Love your work and animated explanations. I’ve built and upgraded 2 x Road bikes and a gravel bike with Chinese components with a better reputation for lasting and so far they’ve been great. Definitely some frustrating times but like you the troubleshooting and re-engineering is FUN! Not for every one of course. My riding group laugh at me at times but I’m still riding the bikes years on and thousands of $ in front. Now some of them asks me about how it’s all done 😂. Keep on riding and building! 👍❤️🚴‍♂️

[@charliecook6909]

Friend of mine fixed his own frame with a repair kit , he just wrapped clingfilm and tape round the repair , worked a treat 👌

[@desfoley6335]

I subscribed because of this video. Great to see someone championing getting people on 2 wheels on a budget. Chapeau

[@nizam_mr]

thanks for your past build videos n things dont go well n how to work around. i went chiner bike build path back in Feb, n built myself a budget Tri weapon using tt912 frame. happy with it , despite couple huckups n had to tinker around👍

[@tiagonovais9694]

Go for it Luke! Great content as always! Sure we are just missing those funny intros back there, but no pressure on ya, apart from your new job ahead!

[@GGJulsen]

Hey Luke, your first bike build vid inspired me to build one by myself without any prior knowledge (Trifox frame and Sensah empire pro). Without your help I would have never imagined doing something like this by myself and I want to wholeheartedly thank you for that experience. 3 years later now im still rocking that bike but I totally get your frustration. The amount of time and repairs I had to endure was sometimes excruciating but in the end I think it was worth it as I gained sooo much experience. For my next bike I will definitely buy a "proper" one, but as a cheapskate myself I would highly recommend building one yourself. Cheers from Germany

[@poudreuse8391]

Largely due to your videos and my frustration with the insane prices of modern road bicycles (and learning that almost all the big bicycle brands have their frames manufactured in China) I took on the project of building a sub 6 kilo bicycle for less than $5000. I had to learn many new things like disc brakes and electronic shifting and even the dreaded internal cabling but eventually got it all done. I could have knocked off about $1000 if I had opted for the Wheeltop EDS TX set up however SRAM red was being blown out to make way for their new version. I’ve got over 1000 miles on it so far. I’ve wrestled it up 19% slopes, down crazy long curvy alpine descents and even short sections of gravel. I’m fully a convert! I could build it exactly with the parts I wanted and now have all the tools I need for maintenance. Thanks for a virtual handhold for this project!🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖

[@Agiyi]

Just came to the comments to say thank you for all the content. Really top shelf stuff.

[@marklethbridge481]

This channel provides an invaluable service to the regular Joe who wants a decent steed but without the expense. Thank the cycling gods for you (and the demise of your 'tache).