Cheap bike parts - My best & worst of 2023

[@pierrex3226]

The biggest irony is that by far the worst product in this list, the one that puts you in direct danger, is the Hutchinson tyre, a French product, and not a Chinese one.

[@Frostbiker]

It may well have been a counterfeit product, unless Hutchinson has its own official shop in Aliexpress. Counterfeits on Amazon are the reason I have nearly stopped buying stuff there.

[@necrodefecator]

J'attends toujours de tester un Hutchinson de bonne qualité, il y a bien mieux dans les mêmes segments de prix

[@hockysa]

Damn the 🥖

[@a1white]

@@necrodefecatorChallengers

[@tsoras_alex]

I actually had some bad experiences with the new ones Luke bought, the Schwalbe pro one, whilst winter racing. Really sketchy. Went back to my GP5000 asap.

[@revolvo5519]

Falling over in front of the unicycle guy is hilarious. Keep bringing us this comedy gold Luke!

[@Stoffendous]

That was the best part of this video. Really cracked me up 🤣

[@bradsanders6954]

Reminded me of the clips and toe straps days. Everybody crashed with those sooner or later.

[@All4Grogg]

Don't try to tell the hipsters that, showing age knowing why clipless is just flat out better.@@bradsanders6954

[@TraceVelo]

HA! Yeah I tried to style it out after I fell over, being like _'Yeah im fine, just a little malfunction there, definitely not my lack of skill, it was the pedals...'_ And the fact the guy was on a freaking Unicycle, and I can't even stay upright on 2 wheels, on completely flat ground 🤣🤣🤣

[@squngy0]

@@TraceVelo Time to start learning the track stand :D

[@mjock392]

This chad risks his wellbeing to tell us what AliExpress cheap stuff is crap and which isn’t. You Sir, are a treasure! 🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖

[@TraceVelo]

_"MARIE, THE BAGUETTES"_ 🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖

[@RubenFRS]

He's like the first humans discovering which foods are and aren't safe to eat, blessed 🙏

[@albertkikstra]

Hi Luke, I bought a ZTTO 11 speed cassette for my gravel bike after watching your video. Very nice cassette, super light and good value. However on the very first ride the little bolts (3 of them) that hold the main block of the cassette together came loose and basically locked up the cassette onto the wheel and gouged a fait bit of aluminum out of the hub. Couldn’t stop pedaling as the crank just kept spinning and threw the chain off as soon as you stopped pedaling. So 30 km from home turned around and had a fairly interesting ride home as I live in the mountains. On the last downhill home had to keep the brakes on and pedal at the same time 😂 Pulled it off at home and the 3 tiny bolts were all loose. Send a message to the seller but obviously zero response. Have put the bolts back with a drop of locktite and hopefully it’ll hold together but I don’t think it will. I’ve got a few photos of the problem if you want to see them.

[@ElderlyAnteater]

It's great that you're actually showcasing cheap products worth buying! It's always a shame when you see a big company/network like GMBN doing a 'cheap vs. expensive' and they just pick something unreasonably cheap and crap that no one would actually buy. This is what's actually helpful

[@KurtisPape]

As much as I hate sponsor segments, I respect that you have kept the 1 sponsor for such a long time unlike everyone else who just keeps jumping on who ever is paying the most

[@paulcharlton4788]

Rattling floating disks is a well known thing in the motorbike world, it’s very common on race bikes. It means the disk is nice and free to float.

[@GGGMotovlog]

yeah if it was meant to be. but idk about this bicycle. i don't think on a bicycle that made no noise except the grunting noise of a grown man, that rattling noise sure would be annoying af. on a motorcycle this disc that made rattling noise is full floating disc brake, while there's other disc brake with the same thing that didn't move that much and made noise by having some spring in the button rivet is semi float disc brake. seeing how the disc button on that decas i think there's no spring on the button. maybe it was meant to be like that luke... not that i know full floating disc usage in road bike competition

[@gamecat1923]

Moto brakes run much higher temps, I'd warrant they don't rattle once up to operating temperatures. If your cycle rotors rattle, and you can't do anything about it, then it's time for new rotors.

[@nelsonglover3963]

I've not seen any 'floating' bike rotors that actually float Edit: serves me right for not watching the whole video, these ones do float!

[@TraceVelo]

I mean this does make sense on paper. The steel brake surface is going to heat up and expand, so being ever so slightly loose would be normal, but on all other floating discs i've tried, rattling hasn't been a problem. Plus the sound was INCREDIBLY annoying, and it didnt exactly inspire masses of confidence in the disc rotor 😅

[@paulcharlton4788]

I totally get what you mean. I’ve had Hope floating disks for many years and none of them have ever rattled.

[@ultramaterunner]

SIROKO is the absolute best! Luke does not lie when he peddles this brand. LOL. SIROKO’S quality and attention to details is spot on. And the pricing is unbelievably affordable.

[@TraceVelo]

Ahh amazing, really glad you like the Siroko stuff 😁 I've honestly been wearing it for YEARS on every ride i do, i swear by it!

[@1874rb]

Hands down of my favorite channels. Such good info here and will certainly use it for future purchases.

[@samgraham4168]

That out front mount bodge repair makes me moist. Top work sir!

[@TomaszChrapek]

Big kudos for repairing a Garmin mount and not throwing it to the bin - little things like that can really make a difference in this world!

[@RenghisKhan]

My best Ali express purchase this year was a Zeus 3d printed saddle. Even though the snow last week proved to be too compatible 'for comfort'. Thanks for the sum up, Luke, and for the occasional dive you take on our behalf. Another ten baguette video!

[@headofmyself5663]

I can only confirm that! Really, really happy with it riding on it for 8 months now.

[@PieterReuse]

The 3D printed part of my Zeus saddle came loose after about 1000km of riding, the glue just completely came undone. Has anyone faced similar issues?

[@baxteroh1822]

Can I have a link on that ?

[@RenghisKhan]

@@baxteroh1822 I bought the one with the full carbon underside.

[@RenghisKhan]

@@PieterReuse I haven't but considering the materials it should not be very difficult to re-glue it.

[@ltu42]

Fixing stuff is always good, well done, Luke!

[@qwertyazerty2137]

As for ltwoo - I just installed my GR9 groupset and I am disappointed. The shifting resistance is appauling. I used lteoo's supplied cable and a jagwire housing. The cable looks good quality. Copper-colored so maybe it' coated with something. It' definitely polished and smooth so maybe it's the cheap housing or the fact that I routed it on the front side of the handlebar where the horizontal bent is bigger forcing the housing to bent more. The levers have another groove to route the housing on the back side of the handle bar for a less bent of the housing so I must give it a try. But the worst thing is that the left lever bleed port screw is tightened so hard that it won't budge. I stripped and rounded its head trying to loosen it and now it's stuck forever. Suprisingly I was able to bleed the system using just one syringe plugged into the caliper so from top to bottom. But anyway I am waiting for the seller's response and his solution becasue this lever qualifies for a replacement. Other drawbacks: 1. Rubber of the hoods is slippery although it has a matte feel to it and has a texture. Shimano's hoods are way more grippy. 2. To save manufacturing costs, for the left lever they use a lever from a 2x groupset (maybe rx) because it has guiding groves for the shifter housing under the hood. They simply just don't put the cable ratchet pulley and shifitng paddle and trigger. That's ok but without this ratchert, there's a gaping hole underneath the lever where all the gunk and dust may build up. Also while on the hoods having your index and middle fimgers wrapped around the hood, you can feel that hole and it's edges under the fingers tips which is uncomfortable. Especially when you grasp firmly while pedalling hard out of the saddle uphill. How much would it cost them to desing a simple plate cover with an i.e. elastic latch similar to those of battery compartments in tv remote controllers? 3. Downshift trigger is in awkward position. On the hoods to reach it you have to sort of lift your hand and twist it inwards. also when pressing down the trigger, if you have your fingers wrapped underneath the lever, they are right under the trigger and obstruct its downward travel so you also have to move them away. I would expect the trigger to be place more towards the front of the lever just like it is in ltwoo's mechanical road levers like r9, r7, r5... Also, it offers up to 3-4 downshift with single push. I think this is unnecessary, because it causes excessive unwanted downshifts. It could be justified in the road RX groupset in finish line sprint situations, but this is a gravel groupset so I think it's pointless and useless. On the plus side, the trigger is ergonomic and right were you'd look for it while on the drops. 4. Lever instllation is troublesome. The bolt clamp is located in the center of the lever body so the vertical part with the master cylinder obstructs access to it to an extent. Also, the bolt is very hard to reach becuse the rubber of the hood is very tight and does not peel off enough to expose the bolt. You need to have an extended hex wrench with a ball-head end and prefferably with an attachable handle. With a standard-sized wrench it will be very hard to reach the bolt. For comparison, in Shimano levers the bolt is on the outer side of the lever body and it only takes to slide the wrench under the hood to reach it. 5. The rear derailleur isa bit too big. I've installed it on an Accent Furious Pro frame and noticed that if I loosen the b-tention screw too much, the front of the derailleur where the clutch is located touches the chainstay and wedges on it preventing normal operation. Also, the part of the derailleur with this clutch is visibally made out of some kind of composite material, probably based on nylon. It's definitely not metal. The rest of the parts, like the pantograph, pulley cage are indeed metal. Unless you buy a version with a carbon pulley cage of course. Pros: 1. Overall quality is good. The logo imprints are good. They are thick and have a nice sort of brushed aluminum texture. 2. The shape of the hoods and lever blades is ergonomic. They feel good under the fingers both on the hoods and on the drops. A this point I honestly do not recommend GR9. It's not worth the risk. I can recommend R5 because I have had these levers for two years now and they have not failed so far. The overall build quality and shifting is comparable to Shimano Sora.

[@robfti]

I always love the intro for the Bonus Clip Time. Nice rework on the weak mount.

[@andor_yoko]

Absolutely beautiful abomination that you crafted in the bonus clip! Got me thinking, this thing could be perfect for you to 3D print. Maybe you want to dabble in that, since you seem to like to tinker a lot. I've designed and printed a lot of washers, valve caps, adapters and decorations for my bikes. Quite fun!

[@juliolopez6069]

Road rider using the Zeray pedals. Quick hack is to remove the locking mechanism from one side of the pedal (2 sided not really needed for road riding) and the pedals drop in weight to only 220 grams - outstanding!!

[@pierremaggi8661]

Thanks for the tip, is it easy to remove one clip ? Went from the basic shimano pedal (2 sided at 444 g) to their single sided at 282 g, would not mind an extra 60g saved (bit of a weight weenie)

[@deek9043]

I’ve no intention of buying parts from Aliexpress or cheap carbon frames. Yet I still watch the channel, Luke’s such an amiable fella you just have to watch 🥖 🥖 🥖 🥖 🥖 🥖

[@leedorney]

I don't know why cause they're ok if not great!

[@headofmyself5663]

I ordered a lot of stuff like frames, wheels, clothes, helmets, tools, saddles, etc. There were so many postive surprises... I am not going back to the old days and my mates are getting into it too.

[@Robutube1]

After watching Luke I made my first Ali Express purchase (some Ridenow TPU tubes). The top line of my address was apparently missing on the package so the Post Office returned them. Supplier said they'd resend once the returned items were received. Guess what? Yep, crickets. That's me done with them.

[@leedorney]

@@Robutube1 That's crazy weird, are you sure you got your address right? I've ordered stuff over many years, like over 5yrs + and I've never had that, crazy weird - you talk about 'them' being the Chinese, they're super friendly, I had a prob with my BXT frame and was talking with the guy who owns the company, told me how they've started, 20yrs ago, family firm..they'll usually go well out of their way to help, and if I want to be extra clear, even tho I don't 99% of the time, I'll add simplified Chinese to make sure they understand and they appreciate that... for the record I've bought, tpu tubes, frames x3 (all bxt), carbon wheels, pedals, cleats, helmet, sunglasses x5+ at least - so I don't have to swap lens, forks...I hardly ever buy from the UK now, why more don't I don't know, in fact after Brexit it's gone worse as the postage is higher, sadly

[@markvonwisco7369]

You're missing out on some great, reasonably priced products then. Rock Bros. and Spexcel are brands that have proven reliable for accessories and clothing respectively. Also,at least in my experience, most of the sellers on Aliexpress are good about resolving issues with your orders.

[@molucas3797]

thanks for having the guts to gamble on which cheap parts are worth the risk, as due to cost of living costs most if not all of us are not prepared to take the chance without somebody trying out & reveiwing them, so many videos on mid to top end products compaired to the lower end parts,

[@billcaveny9495]

Luke. Floating discs do need to have movement at the rivets. That’s the whole point of them. Ask any motorcyclist..👍

[@larsk7744]

If its not too much,yes. In the Video it looks good to me.

[@PhilOsGarage]

Yup, completely normal. The motorcycle disks that don’t rattle are called ‘semi floating’ and have little springs on the bobbins to take the rattle out. Race spec floating disks rattle.

[@JoshuaBorrow]

Re: tyres - I just use soft compound gravel tires for everything now, I am not giving up the grip for marginal gains on contact rolling resistance! The 32mm gravelkings are great.

[@glennoc8585]

Have to say the computer mount repair was well done Luke. Those single sided zeray pedals look like Shimano copies.

[@kpizzle1985]

The bonus clip round never fails to deliver 👌🏽

[@TonyUpton-n8s]

unicycle guy looked well impressed at your dismount!!

[@LawrenceSeetoh]

Thank you for the video Luke, as always it is very informative, and that hack is a really good idea

[@michaelmechex]

I'm feeling the second hand embarrassment from that one at 12:24 😂 I got some Xpedo M-Force 3 pedals for my upcoming gravel bike, so I'm really hoping I don't eat the mud like that 😂 🥖🥖🥖

[@Weisser.Teufel]

I have those pedals on my gravel bike, they work fine. It says in the instructions that to clip out you need to press your foot down before twisting it

[@luminodotcity]

The "Xpedos" in this clip are fake, I dare to claim. They are discontinued for years already, and my pair from 2018 goes strong, I never fell, and they are 170g/pair and closer to 200,- Euros, go figure ;) Ride safe!

[@TraceVelo]

HA, yeah was pretty cringe worthy! I mean XPEDO generally has a pretty good rep in other markets, and they produce some really premium gear, so you will probably be fine, but my set of pedals were just problematic. I've seen some comments from people saying you need to run them with specific XPEDO cleats. They claim to be SPD compatible, and you might have seen, i was running Shimano SPD cleats, but maybe this was what caused the issues i had... who knows!

[@mellis4726]

I highly recommend Giyo's neoprene bar mitts for the coldest days. I'm also using their slightly fleeced vinyl shoe covers. They aren't very durable, but they're so much cheaper than the name brand ones, that I just keep a new pair on hand to replace torn ones.

[@TraceVelo]

Yeah the Giyo gloves are a great buy IMO!

[@MerlinMan1579]

TraceVelo is brilliant, such a great channel.

[@daviddjerassi]

Loved the video so many products covered in 17.15 minutes amazing Thank you Luke.

[@thelonesculler]

I actually have those exact DHB overshoes you showed and they're fantastic for me. They keep my feet unbelievably warm

[@cornishalps9870]

I have the extreme weather version and they're not the best in the wet. Plenty warm though.

[@thomasreese5000]

I was really shocked to see the Hutchinson tires, I had also used those, I found they behaved very well in dry summer. I remember crashing taking a corner in the same conditions you described were eerily similar. I will be avoiding them as well!

[@TraceVelo]

Yeah i was honestly surprised they were so bad. Like i mentioned i had a pair of their Fusion 5's, and they were a little soft actually and punctured pretty easily, but atleast they gripped in the wet...

[@phillipdennis6690]

Great video. I love the hack straight out of Frankensteins to draw.

[@the-mighty-taco]

Luke, glad you had good luck with the ZTTO cassette. Just wanted to throw out there that it did not work with my XTR rear mech & KMC chain. No matter the level of adjustment (or who did it, got the lbs to step in) I could not get it running right. Once I swtched back to a sram cassette everything ran as it should. Keep doing what you do, love the channel.

[@statom985]

have you tried with new chain ? is your xtr compatible with new cassette range ?

[@garykrivo3903]

The shimano 12 speed mtb system doesnt work well with other stuff. The cog spacing is slightly different than standard. Can get an SLX cassette for pretty cheap though.

[@TraceVelo]

OK i see. Like i mentioned, i found that the SRAM cassette just about had the edge in shifting performance, but for the ZTTO one to be so problematic is a surprise. Having said that, while I was using a super cheap chain (from VG sports), the shifting on the ZTTO cassette wasn't up too snuff, but once i swapped it out for a decent YBN chain, the issues sorted themselves... But who knows, sometimes the tolerances can be off with the cheaper cassetes, so maybe you got a dud...?

[@the-mighty-taco]

@@garykrivo3903 I've got 12 speed XTR & XT to play really nicely with Sram GX and NX cassettes (using either Sram or KMC chains) . MTBs I get for myself and family all come with Sram groupsets, I can't stand their rear mechs (personal preference here) so I'll sell them as a factory take off and put a Shimano shifter / mech on. Never any issues and I don't need to shell out for a microspline freehub body.

[@McHayes76]

I got a pair of the Giyo gloves as well. Very dine gloves for spring/autumn. I love how they are thin yet add that extr abit of warmth.

[@pinkshinyalan]

That fix for the bike computer mount is absolutely aces. Well done. 👏👏

[@Speedy.V]

It's ya boy Luke back at it again with the awesome videos. 🥖🥖🥖

[@KNURKonesur]

ZTTO cassettes are amazing value for money, I'm on my second one now after a year of bikepacking, gravelling and cycling to work every day in every weather.

[@stickmenkissarmy6907]

Thanks for all the fun in e2023 looking for more in 2024

[@nizam_mr]

Thanks Luke for all the AliEx parts reviews over the years. I'm about to embark on self building a bike using Seraph tt frame n other cockpit parts 😊

[@Carftymk]

i'm glad i'm not the only one being recommended the competitive hot dog mask thing... i was starting to think i was weird or something

[@michaelthomas6419]

Love that the Hutchinson tyre has strenghts and not strengths. Red flag!

[@nicokop7078]

Love the channel again with the awesome video and the weird epoxy repair 😂

[@mrendo4742]

The falling in front of the uni cycle guy was gold buddy. But ouch on the tarmac i hit ice last weekend and went for a tarmac slide ride.

[@_NoName...]

16:41 Those nails are totally against the Weight Weenies Union, they may take your membership back 😂 Thank you for the video good selection of products, I was holding myself back of using those spd pedals but if our official tester says they are good: I'm all for it! Thanks again ❤

[@markjthomson]

Excellent recovery with the brass nails! Nicely done indeed. Brass and carbon make a nice combo - tastefully set off with the black cotton binding.If you are interested in a tire to compete against the Schwalbe... check out the Specialized Roubaix Pro, 7500km out of my front tire and still going strong. Great performance all round in a 32mm.

[@joneinarmattiasvisser6113]

Yeah. I would suggest for tires: panaracer gravelking slick for road bikes. Works well even on dirt roads and some occasional gravel. It has awesome puncture protection AND good rolling resistance from what I've tested, I have a 28mm one. Grip is also good, the rubber feels sticky throughout but not overly soft! It's available up to 38mm which is crazy wide for a slick tbh. I chose 28mm because of rim brake limitations, but 32 seems my choice on disk brake bikes, it is about the fastest after width ish it seems. I guess their other gravelking semi slick, sk (dry nobs) or even the EST with agressive nobs up until 38c are also great options if you venture offroad, price is not too expensive, like I've seen many of the models for €25 on some sites (VERY good deal actually)!

[@godismeme272]

Luke the Legend 💯 I got the 3D saddles on all my bikes now

[@bama95]

Love the channel and the weird epoxy repair 😂

[@Ben-xf8io]

Love your channel mate. I'm a bit of a Rockbros fanboy, I've bought a fair bit of stuff from them and it's always been good and fast delivery to Australia too.

[@galenkehler]

Repairing that computer mount: Nailed It!!!

[@aveedub7403]

Hi Luke, happy new year to you and your family! Lets hope your channel grows even bigger and garners more praise from fellow content providers. Oh, contrary to my previous observation on those Hutchinson 'drift' tyres, dump them asap. I use Contis/Schwalbe in various guises and apart from really sketchy conditions like black ice they have always served me well! I've also swollen the Trace Velo kitty by odering a pair of those Siroko SRX bibs, can't really fault their clothes (already have two Furkass jackets for example) but their sizes are distinctly Spanish and don't always cater for 6' 2" 95kg Anglo Teutons!😂😂😂

[@merckxy54]

Another class video Luke 😊😊

[@chris1275cc]

I've been using the IIIPRO/ZRACE Centre lock Rotors and they have been great with KORVELO "New Formula, now with more red" 🤣 (taken right from the listing) pads and I can't fault them. Glad you are coming around with the Tri-Fox frame my DELIHEA has been nothing but a joy to ride. And to be fair to Tri-Fox lots of mainstream fames suffer with the same issue Pre 2020 Cannondale's were prone to it.

[@TraceVelo]

Yeah the TriFox frame has grown on me since I fixed the FD hanger, it does ride well, and like you said alot of frames in the 2010's suffered with the same problem. BUT I actually have another OG-Evkin frame on the way, so it will be good to compare the two. They are a similar price, but from what i have seen the OG-Evkin stuff seems to be a cut above... But i guess we'll see...

[@mickp10]

Gravel and road bike in one. Would be great if you did a bike build where you want one bike to do both road and gravel. Understand there would be compromises, but for a lot of us this would be relatable. Thanks

[@wouterandriesse1739]

Awesome video once again. Regarding the xpedo pedals ive read on numerous forums that they dont play nice with any thing other than xpedo cleats. So maybe that explains the issue.

[@luminodotcity]

I use four different sets of Xpedo with Shimano cleats, and never once fell ;) The pedals shown in this clip are fake, I would take a bet. Price and weight do not match my (supposed) originals, and I ride them since 2018 without issues (also, this model has been discontinued for years already).

[@TraceVelo]

Thanks so much! So the XPEDO pedals did come with some wierd looking cleats and i would have used them, but they were designed to fit road shoes with a 3 bolt interface, not the standard 2 bolt MTB shoe interface. They claim to be cross compatible with SPD, but maybe you are right and the XPEDO cleats would have been better. Still not particularly impressive either way IMO.​ @luminodotcity, in terms of they being fake, I dont think so. The packaging was really nice, and it included all the extras and a proper manual and warranty card... Maybe i just got pedals from a bad batch, but i think it is something to do with the design. Like you say, they seem to have discontinued it, maybe this was for a reason...

[@eugenem.9428]

Thanks mate. You’re a legend. All the best for 2024

[@denisalexandrekannenberg7516]

Great video. I always smile while listening to the Bonus Clip Time

[@Saltydog547]

Tyre is one of the most important part of a bike as it is the only thing that come in contact with the road (hopefully). So i usually don't skimp on tyre and prefer to go with GP5000 or Vittoria.

[@charliebamford2807]

I use a ZTTO 11-36 cassette on my road bike. It is an 11 speed mechanical Shimano 105 setup. I've had the ZTTO cassette for almost a year & am very happy with it, The 36T cog really helps with higher gradients. Shifting is fine rather than perfect. I'll definitely replace it with an identical cassette when it wears out. 3,286 Philippine Pesos from Lazada (about GBP50)

[@mr.raindrop3971]

I admire this kind of content, a big help!

[@abedfo88]

Those zeray pedals lasted one winter for me. I went back to the shimanos, and they are miles better in every way !

[@Gribs666]

I bought a set to try 2 years ago and used them on my MTB where they weren't confidence inspiring as they'd unclip randomly even fully tightened. I swapped them to my turbo bike and the bearings were rough within 18 months. I've got a set of m540's that are 15 years old and still work fine. I recently picked up a pair of ztto SPD copies for about £10 and they seem much better but I've only done about 200km on them.

[@oheso]

You are justifiably proud! What a beautiful hack!

[@KNURKonesur]

Hutchinson tyres were supplied with my first ever gravel bike, the Overide 38mm ones. While cycling to work around Dundee, I had a puncture about once a week. Switched to WTB Nano since, as they were on offer on Wiggle for 8.99 and never looked back. Third pair in and I didn't have a single puncture in 2 years.

[@malcontent_1]

Thanks for another good list Luke, plus a few cautionary tales

[@brif56]

Love the channel! Please do more content about rim brakes frames and parts.

[@edwardhomson6005]

The computer mount is a definite bodge. It may be a thing of beauty, but think of the weight. You have added grams not taken them away 😉 This definitely deserves a few 🥖🥖🥖

[@Technotranceism]

Love the channel and hope you the best Luke 🥖

[@1sigma]

4:49 Ive heard good things about Sidebike shoes, but i just get over their styling

[@mclarenf1V12]

Love a good hack. Nothing like taking things and making them live on. Much like my older Jaguar XJ8. Just glorious but needs a little lip and tuck now and then. Solider on!

[@TheRickysee]

Your channel is pretty famous, i often hear other channels mention Trace Velo, and I love your videos. Do you have a video recommending the best Ali E Carbon Aero Bar?

[@ioanbola]

hahaha righ next to the unicycle guy....hahaha priceless

[@alexanderlawson1649]

Good stuff, informative.

[@artempetrov5377]

OG Evkin makes excellent frames, I built an AEROBIKE on their frame, I’m satisfied with everything

[@lauig]

I've had 2 very bad experiences with Hutchinson tyres, first one was with the first gen 5eleven storm that i got with a pair of aero tubeless ready wheel and it was a nightmare to sit on that very rigid 90mm deep rim, even the Giant store i brought them to and their powerful compressor that usually does this shit in miliseconds could not have it sit properly in the bead, they were baffled, told me they had stopped working with them 6 months prior due to this ever inconsistent quality which had them lose time and freak out clients. But i then heard 2 to 3 years later Hutchinson had changed things out, that quality seemed to have improved significantly and i tested out their new challengers, fantastic tyres on the dry, sturdy, puncture resistance and yet light and really low rolling resistance but man when tarmac got wet... so did my bibs ! Had a few too many scares, changed them out for conti 4 seasons. I rather lose a few watts than years of life expectancy.

[@lauig]

Anyway too long of a post, thanks for all your work Luke, it's been a blast watching your content through 2023. Wishing you a fantastic year 2024 with plenty good fun rides !

[@sutherlandrb32]

I wonder if those xpedo pedals had an issue with the cleats? That sounds like it could be a cleat issue

[@luminodotcity]

That totally could be, good point! I own that pair since 2018, used it only with Shimano cleats and never had an issue. Also, price and weight do not match reality, and they have been discontinued years ago - I would dare to claim the ones in this clip are fakes.

[@ExcelInstructor]

Luke, I would caution with Schwalbe - I was using them also on my MTB, however each time i used them, after 1-3 months the thread was in good / ok condition, however the connection between left and right side of the tire itself was leaking and braking alot, I basicly lost like 3 liters of stan's tyre patching liquid due to this, new tires didnt help - the problem persisted, and as it turned out - my friend had the exact same issue. since then I am using MAXXIS and I am super happy with them.

[@jaredlash5002]

I remember a video where your Siroko ad included you sharing how tall you are and how the sizing is for you. Does anybody remember which video that was?

[@jonathanwheeler86]

I had my side bike spd shoes for 2 years before the heel caved in on me but they took all the abuse one could throw at them and did well arguably as good as any brand shoe I have had since that hasn't been mouldable

[@larrylem3582]

How was the sizing of the shoes? I normally wear a 9 which should be 43, but the site says 42 is 9. I'm not sure which to buy, 42 or 43.

[@TraceVelo]

Yeah i have been SUPER impressed with my sidebike shoes. My set of road shoes are easily the best shoes i've ever had. They are priced really competitively, and the build quality is great!

[@jonathanwheeler86]

@@larrylem3582 I went with my European size and they felt right for my foot #keepitmetric

[@larrylem3582]

@@TraceVelo But how is the sizing? Do they run small, large, or ? I wear a 9 and a 43, but those don't align in the sizing info. I don't plan on returning shoes via AliExpress, shipping to China. Thanks

[@vivaaloha2020]

@@larrylem3582 that is my question also. I do wear Shimano 41.5EU and Sidekick does not offer half sizes.

[@e_n1984]

Great video, for rotators i buy the iiipro you viewed one time they light and does not heat too much, for tires i prefer gp5000 they little expensive but really good on the ride i was all about cheap tiers before but i treat my self once with gp5000 and i can't go back to cheap tiers any more i think and that's only my opinion for my self i shouldn't go cheap on tires or braeks

[@黄辰旭]

There cheap brand shared the same design of brakes and rotor. That means they will leak after very short distance and need the shimano spare parts to repair.

[@TraceVelo]

Everyone RAVES about the GP5000, but they are just SO expensive. I've never seen the tubeless ones go for less than £50 a tyre, but maybe they are worth it...

[@e_n1984]

@@黄辰旭 am using mechanical disc brake it's strong enough for my rides

[@e_n1984]

@@TraceVelo you are right it's sooo expensive but i bought them to see if it's going to make any difference it's smoother little faster but you know what they said " it's not the horse it's the horsemen "

[@jani724]

😂😂 those Rockbro shoe covers

[@triatheletewolf7279]

I have 2 of those frames and have ridden them to death over the last 6 years. They are FANTASTIC bikes.

[@poudreuse8391]

Love your work, thanks so much!

[@mrrodriguezHLP]

Your computer mount repair is an absolute hack. I fixed a saddle that snapped horizontally, the exact same way. You can't just glue things together, it needs reinforcement.

[@davidgarza2267]

Great video Luke! That is both the best bodge and hack I'v ever seen on that mount. Its only bad if it doesn't work amirite?

[@skinnie88]

Great video. I had those zeray pedals long time ago and maybe I got a lemon but one of the side was complicated to clip , bizarre stuff. But definitely light

[@trackar134]

Ordered the same Og Evkin, it was between the tri fox and the OG. Scored it for $390 USD so it was hard to pass up. Although the tri fox is in sale for $499 usd at the moment

[@mtb4life817]

I snapped one of there hardtail MTB frames at the headstone but it was good as it lasted

[@TraceVelo]

Ahh amazing, yeah that CF-025 frame is fantastic IMO. The trifox frames are generally ok, but in my experience require more more faffing around to get everything working smoothly. The OG-Evkin frame was just easier to work on, and basically problem free, so is def what I would reccomend out of the two.

[@MrReenie44]

I ve had good results with the Wellgo Xpedo single sided SPD pedals . My 2 sets look the same as Lukes but are heavier at 244 g . The bodies look like aluminium but a magnet sticks to them so must be some sort of Steel .. i have Wellgo Xpedo M Force 8 pedals too . Thry work fine too , but a ot more expensive .. i use Shimano SPD cleats

[@luminodotcity]

Same, agreed! The ones in this clip seem to be fake - too cheap and too heavy. My pair is 170g for the pair and play nice with Shimano cleats since 2018 :-)

[@TraceVelo]

Yeah tbh it surprised me, because i know XPEDO have a good reputation, and make some decent and well respected pedals. I honestly stuck with them for AGES thinking they would loosen up over time, but time and again i had issues unclipping. I think i may have had better luck if i stuck with the cleats that they came supplied with, but they claim to be SPD compatible, so in the end i got fed up and swapped them out.

[@TraceVelo]

@@luminodotcity The weight difference is a bit odd, the box they came in said they were 215g, so coming in at 210 seemed resonable. I know they come in a lighter titanium spindle variety... Are these the ones you have?

[@luminodotcity]

@@TraceVelo I thought you had the TI ones as well, as that was what I read on your box. Clearly, right next to it, CR seems to be highlighted and that escaped me. I have the TI-spindles, yes, that explains the weight difference. But clipping in or out, with three different shoes on Shimano cleats was never an issue in 5 years now. What I am not a fan of is, that they only have one bearing and one bushing each. Well maintained (i.e. re-greased) they should not loose too many watts - but I went with the double sided ones now, which have ball bearings all the way through, and weigh only around 260g/pair. Are the CR ones still available this year though? When did you buy them?

[@edsandheinrich3759]

I love my Hutchinson Sectors. I've never had those problems

[@1000750]

I'm sorry but I am rolling laughing at the unicycle part 😂😂 dude just did what almost nobody else can do and you roll up and fall over, he was probably just like wth 😂😂

[@LamyCND]

That computer mount... wow! Benvenuto Cellini could never!

[@cybertonto72]

I have had the opposite with the tyres. Might be worth having a chat with Mr Cade, after all Hutchinson are one of his sponsors ;)

[@nelsonglover3963]

If you like the XPEDO pedals then maybe try some Shimano ES600s, very similar design, less than £50 and lighter than XTR

[@katepollitt4033]

Evans Cycles sell the Zeray pedals branded as Muddy Fox pedals, at £22. I bought a pair for my tt bike as they are so light. They are fine for what I use them for and clipping in and out has never been a problem. I use M520's on my other bikes.

[@dcv9460]

Love the BONUS CLIP hack!🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖

[@TobiMcTobeface]

Brass nails to fix the carbon Garmin mount, nice! I got a frame round here somewhere that could do with the glue tack Luke-hack. How many brass nails for a down tube ya think?

[@DanCave]

Siroko stuff is great..brought several things from them. Really nice fit..

[@travispyle2905]

Thank you. How is the ERX groupset going? Any updates on that?

[@TheAnimejosh]

keep at it luke!

[@sebastianm2381]

I liked the Zeray pedals as well. However, they developed axial play in no time. Especially the right one. And the pedal body is impossible to get off the axle for bearing service. There is a nut on the end of the pedal spindle but just no space to get a tool in. I managed to loosen the nut but I cannot for the life of me get it all back together and tighten the nut down properly. Just not a great design. I ended up with a pair of Xpedo titanium pedals. Even lighter and super easy to service.

[@Thosewhowander]

Can be serviced, i have done it a couple of times. Only a few ball bearings and a bushing inside

[@Emtbtoday]

Love these type of videos

[@chrisdown2591]

Nice fix for the carbon thingy!