AliExpress Cycling Fails - 5 of the worst!

AliExpress has some GREAT value bike parts, but there is definitely a lot of trash too. Here are 5 cycling products from AliExpress that failed me!
I think I've shown over the years that if you are a savvy shopper, and know where to look, you can build yourself a fantastic carbon road bike with parts from AliExpress. I have built some bikes that perform really well, and easily rival the big brands like Specialized and Cannondale, but they cost a fraction of the price.
However, there are definitely some cycling products that have caused me problems. In this episode I’ll cover a set of ZRACE garmin mounts that only lasted a few weeks, some cheap carbon handlebars from Toseek that snapped on me, some dangerous tubeless tape, carbon saddles that didn't last, and why you should avoid cheap SPD-SL cleats.
Here are the alternative products I recommended if you are interested:
Carbon Garmin/Computer mount:
amzn.to/3s9iBR8
OG-Evkin HB-1300 carbon handlebars:
s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_Ddc...
Muc-Off tubeless rim tape:
amzn.to/3QFw9hk
Zeuis 3D printed carbon saddle:
s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_Dnc...
Timestamps:
00:00 - Start
00:21 - ZRACE handlebar mounts
01:55 - Cheap carbon handlebars
04:00 - Cheap tubeless tape
05:21 - Cheap carbon saddles
07:10 - Cheap SPD-SL cleats
08:28 - Bonus carbon thru axle
09:07 - Wrap-up
09:49 - 100k subscribers!
Intro roll:
Created by Dev Joshi - www.go2dev.co.uk
Instagram: / tracevelo
Email: [e-mail]
Please note:
All products demonstrated in this video have been purchased by me, and I have no affiliation to any of the sellers or vendors shown.
In addition, I am not a professionally trained bike mechanic. There can be risks associated with using products that are unbranded, untested, or come from sources where the provenance is unknown. Please talk to a qualified bike mechanic if you are in any doubt.
In essence, be careful, do your research, and cycle safe!!!

[@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

[@namebrandmason]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@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!!! 🥖🥖🥖

[@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

[@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 😂

[@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 😊

[@alanleclair1]

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

[@tatokutalia]

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

[@marcmilne9228]

Congrats on the 100k! Love what you do!

[@TraceVelo]

Thanks so much!!

[@broadwellelectrics3377]

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

[@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.

[@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...

[@sandromartini7307]

Great content as always and hilarious ending there dude. Congrats and keep it coming

[@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

[@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.

[@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! 🎉🎉🎉

[@dperreno]

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

[@TraceVelo]

My pleasure!

[@poudreuse8391]

Thanks again for yet another great informative video!

[@jekyll8004]

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

[@mosestrosin]

Great content! Congratulations with 100k, well deserved 👏

[@TraceVelo]

Thanks a ton!

[@strokenumber3]

Finally I found a decent cycling channel; Subscribed.

[@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.

[@DerekGreen123]

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

[@TraceVelo]

Thanks so much!

[@YuPeeJay]

Gratz to 100k, and as always, superentertaining! 🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖

[@kool_thing]

Congrats on 100k, Luke! Keep up the great job.

[@jbhorner]

Wow...100K--didn't realize until the end of your video! That's awesome! Congrats!

[@n22pdf]

Well done on 100k dude awesome channel 😊 Pete

[@Pionirish]

As always a great video with salient points and spot on editing too!

[@TraceVelo]

Thanks so much! I really take my time with the edit, so glad this is coming across 😊

[@merckxy54]

Well done Luke, always great content!

[@rg807]

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

[@TraceVelo]

No worries!

[@themusette5894]

Congratulations Luke! Beenfollowing you for a long time, so happy for you! ☺

[@ZizBauer]

Congrats on 100k subs Luke! We knew the day would come. My man!

[@simonalexandercritchley439]

Congrats on getting to 100 subs Luke. Greetings from the not tropical south pacific. N.Z winter,cold and showery.

[@_NoName...]

I have been missing these comical bits on your videos, remember one well made at the begining of the video about a detective (or similar). Congrats on the rising of your channel 🏆

[@colinforester6844Niloc]

Nice one on the 100k And keep going the videos are great 🎉

[@JayHeartwing]

Congratz on the 100k, sir Luke ^^ Great video as alwats

[@englishcyclist]

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

[@Buzzwindrip]

100k!! Congratulations! 🎉👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@ribblevalleycyclist]

100k.... Nice one, Luke. Looks like the career plan is working for you. Generally pleased for you mate 🎉👍

[@rosskilburn3012]

🥖 from a long time fan living in France, your baguettes are delivered! Fun as always!

[@larrymcgoldrick3471]

100k and going higher... Good Luck! Thanks for everything.

[@TheRocketyaourt]

the 100k subs is real !! congrats !

[@not-a-raccoon]

Congratulations on 100k!! It's well deserved! 🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖

[@Questioneverything72]

Great channel. Congrats on subs count. Keep it up 👍

[@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!

[@kevinfrikitona]

Congrats on your 100k U deserve it and more 🎉👊

[@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!!!

[@VishnuRajendranAmboo]

Lol congrats on the 100kbmate... Well deserved and plenty more to come 🎉🎉

[@william3k]

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

[@wiggostheone5424]

Great love your videos and has helped me a lot

[@TheImprobableIronman]

Congratulations on the 100K subs fella - well deserved.

[@keanermitano477]

I am thinking about buying the Carbon seatpost rail clamps, then came this video. Thank you so much!

[@raybraydh2956]

great that you give an informed report on these products wish i had steered clear of Siroko though

[@grantnyenes3742]

100k subs, well done Luke, I was with you when you had about 5k😂😂

[@frazhussain2211]

Takes a lot to make me laugh. End clip had me in stitches. Bravo on the channels success

[@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

[@ThunderStruckMTB]

MTBer here that will never ride a road bike, but will never miss an episode. Tons of fun here!

[@TraceVelo]

Haha, thanks ThunderStruck! I'm only joking about the MTB stuff, I love you guys!!!!

[@Heimbasteln]

@@TraceVelo If ever get bored or run out of ideas for aliexpress road bike stuff, you could just make videos about MTB aliexpress bike stuff. I dont have a road bike either (yet), but your product reviews are still interesting and some could apply to normal bikes /MTBs as well.

[@dchan328]

Congrats Luke on your 100k plus milestone 👍👍👍

[@01FozzyS]

Congrats on the 100k,Luke!

[@stephenwagner2084]

🥖🥖🥖looking good Luke. Glad your channel is growing. Looking forward to future content.

[@c0olcast]

WOOHOO! CONGRATS Luke on the 100k subs, well deserved!🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖

[@TheTomilix]

Keep at it. Love your videos!

[@brockjennings]

Congratulations on the 100K subscribers milestone!

[@aemediainc]

Good list Luke. Ironically my Ali integrated bar has been amazing over 3 years, but it was the garmin mount that cracked in half very early - and it was the style you preferred 😅.

[@TraceVelo]

Interesting. Yeah it can definitely be hit and miss with alot of this stuff. I have def seen over the last year or so, if you are willing to spend just a little bit extra, it can get you stuff that tends to be the next tier up in terms of quality

[@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!

[@Cicadawee]

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

[@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 😊

[@Boodoo4You]

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!

[@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.

[@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😁😁😁😁🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🍾🍾🍾🍾🍾🍾

[@ryanw8987]

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

[@TraceVelo]

Thanks a ton!

[@paulmorrison30]

Excellent advice as always 🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖

[@antonwearsakilt5209]

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

[@aaronricks6490]

My friend thanks for the heads up I was getting ready to do a bike build from Ali Express.👍👍👍

[@jbstillman]

3M 8896 is your best buy for cheap tape. $15 for 55m of it. I am always excited to find cheap saddles! I have a (not carbon) $10 ali express saddle that is so far my most favorite one to date, even over my more expensive name brand ones. Thanks for these videos! I always enjoy budget parts! Congrats on the 100K!

[@steveindorset]

Luke a massive congratulations on the 100,000 subs. I’ve been here since the very start and have to say your vids are by far the most hilarious, wackadoodle and….informative vids on KZbin. I’ve really enjoyed them over the years. Keep up the great content!👍🏻 Most will be offended by you making millions, but I’m just seething about the MTB insults!! 😡😡😡 😂😁😎👍🏻

[@TraceVelo]

Thanks a ton Steve! Glad you like my stuff, and I'm only joking about the MTB-ers 😂 I actually REALLY enjoy mountain biking!!

[@steveindorset]

@@TraceVelo No worries Luke. Really look forward to vids. Great stuff. 👍🏻 But I’m just not having it about you going MTB! With that accent, you’re far too posh!! Where did you go Eaton or Harrow? 😂😎👍🏻🥖🥖🥖

[@davidcharnes9161]

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

[@MrThearijal]

After the hillarious "See ya! whoaa..tsaah" and then casual face.. Always make me smile 😊 🥖🥖🥖

[@kangmi26]

You need add more content like this.. Some podcast said you're too overlooked chinese brand. But for me, your vid is my research 😂👍

[@chrisdown2591]

CONGRATULATIONS! 100K!

[@lesley9888]

congrats on 100 K and enjoy your island lol

[@dygbi]

That bit at the end absolute comedy gold. Worth all the baguettes in the world. 🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖

[@hallsimon]

Congrats Luke, you deserve it. OGEvkin gear is good stuff. I've got a set of their aero bars, a stem and out front mount. I was glad to see you recommended them too!.

[@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.

[@shambles9]

Great tips! thanks !

[@dan_lazaro]

Congrats on a 100k Luke!

[@bitchoflivingblah]

I'm 3/3 - i'm not counting the carbon thru axle or rim tape as I run rim brakes. 1) My aluminium wahoo mount has lasted no problems - i bought the second version shown at the end of this sequence. Bought another one as it was soo good. 2) Toseek handlebars - bought them yonks ago and still am too wary to fit them to the bike. 3) Yep I've got a carbon saddle and it has yet to grace my bike, it's actually more ornamental than anything else - a lovely thing to look at. Things that have worked out okay: TPU inner tubes, oversized jockey wheels, and the odd bit of clothing. Well done on the 100k subs - well deserved and looking forward to you servicing this community of cheapskates for a long time to come.

[@marcbryant8482]

Congrats Luke, bet you're still pinching yourself in some way (maybe not the naughty way). Definitely a helpful vid and loved the 100k sub celebration

[@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!

[@marklethbridge481]

Love you dude! I like that you take the risk using the cheap stuff so I don't have to! 100k? You deserve 500K at least. Just thought if you had a handlebar, rim tape, thru bolt and saddle failure all at the same time who would do this stuff? Stay safe!

[@bewster7]

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

[@TraceVelo]

Thank you so much 😀

[@vicamaral]

Awesome 100k subscribers, love your videos, and still buying aliexpress love it mate.

[@michaelmechex]

Congrats on the 100k, that's amazing! I gotta admit, I have my own experience with a copuple of these 😅the only one of these that I have found good was the ZTTO blue tubeless tape, it's proper thick and sticky and I rode it at 70psi for months. I haven't doubled it up either.

[@TraceVelo]

Yeah I was honestly a bit surprised myself, never had that happen before. The bike was left in the back of a hot car, so that probably didn't help. I think if Id have double wrapped it, it would have been fine...

[@fahimferoz7968]

Congratulations luke for your 100k Love from Bangladesh 🇧🇩

[@WredFawks]

Congrats on 100k!

[@livings118]

That ending 🤣

[@eatingMagniDezmondsAss]

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!

[@george.carlin]

congratulations buddy. All the best to you and your family and friends.