£1000 AliExpress Carbon Road Bike - 600 miles later

My £1000 AliExpress carbon road bike. After 600 miles, what’s been great, and what caused major issues???
SIROKO CLOTHING - 10% off (automatically applied via link below):
srko.co/tracevelo
My size and weight:
Height - 6ft 2In (188cm), Weight - 11.5 stone (73kg)
My sizes for Siroko clothing:
Jersey & Jackets - M, Bib shorts - L
So, a few weeks ago I built myself an ultra-budget disc brake carbon road bike, and nearly all the parts were bought from AliExpress. It has a completely unbranded Chinese carbon fibre frame, deep section carbon wheels from EliteWheels, a 12 speed groupset from L-TWOO, and weighs just under 8kg. Plus the cherry on top, the total build cost was only £1000!
I was really pleased with the build, but after a few rides several problems started to arise. The unbranded carbon frame caused a number of issues, mainly around the seat post and saddle clamp, but more worryingly, the set of integrated carbon handlebars I purchased (from a brand called RXL-SL) developed a MASSIVE crack at the steerer tube. I replaced them with a set of carbon bars from a company called Aeronova, which don’t seem to be all that good, but they have held up so far.
However, a number of the budget parts chosen for the build have been absolutely fantastic. The RX 12 speed groupset from L-TWOO has been incredible. It was easy to install and setup, it shifts well, and looks great too. The mechanical disc brake calipers and disc rotors supplied with the groupset are from a brand called ZRACE (their BR-005 calipers), and they too have been great. The lightweight TPU inner-tubes from RideNow have also been flawless, alongside the SROAD 12 speed cassette, and the carbon wheelset from Elitewheels.
So it has been a mixed bag in terms of the parts, but after some work on the bike, it now rides beautifully. But the real question here, should you replicate this approach, or just but a name brand bike?
Timestamps:
00:00 - Start
00:26 - Sponsor segment
01:50 - Intro
03:23 - The good stuff - EliteWheels
03:43 - The good stuff - RideNow TPU inner tubes
04:27 - The good stuff - Senicx crankset
05:17 - The good stuff - Costello pedals
05:56 - The good stuff - L-TWOO RX 12 speed
06:48 - The good stuff - SROAD 12 speed cassette
07:57 - The good stuff - ZRACE BR-005 calipers
11:32 - SUMC 12 speed chain
12:17 - The bad stuff - RXL-SL carbon handlebars
15:47 - The bad stuff - Unbranded carbon frame
21:12 - Unbranded frame - additional points
24:17 - Conclusion
26:17 - Should you replicate this approach?
28:13 - BONUS CLIP
Music:
Birocratic (birocratic.lnk.to/allYL)
Lakey Inspired ( / lakeyinspired )
Noir Et Blanc Vie ( / billyoce.. )
NoMBe (kzbin.info/door/a2L...)
BioDrive (biodrive.bandcamp.com/)
Intro roll:
Created by Dev Joshi - www.go2dev.co.uk
About Trace Velo:
I love cycling, and I love getting pro cycling kit for less. If it’s cheap, from China, and made of carbon fibre, I’m interested!
Instagram: / tracevelo
Email: [e-mail]
Please note:
With the exception of Siroko and Senicx, other 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!!!

[@marcuswong1797]

This guy literally is risking his life and safety to make videos for our enjoyment. No one, except for this guy willing to do what he is doing. kudos to you bro! He deserves a like and a subscribe.

[@lamoded7926]

fr tho

[@nascarisawesome5018]

Go to love Luke.

[@crunchycrispybacon]

You think testing out bike parts is risking your life?? Hardly Lol Here are people who really risk life every single time they go into work: Infantry deployed into an active war zone Police and first responders Iron workers Construction workers Rough necks (oilwell workers) Fishermen

[@AverageReviewsYT]

Cough cough… Houston jones

[@TraceVelo]

Cheers Marcus, what a wicked comment! Please accept this humble 🥖as a token of my appreciation

[@whizler]

Just wanted to thank you for risking your life as a Chinese bike parts tester so we don't have to! ❤ Here's a 🥖 for your efforts

[@veganpotterthevegan]

The only thing he's tested that I've been comfortable buying is cassettes. Always entertained though!!!

[@thiosemicarbizidebenzoylal2921]

Its ALL Chinese.

[@philipsimmonds1103]

94% of all bikes/parts are manufactured in China.. what are u riding ..

[@glennoc8585]

@@philipsimmonds1103 it's not where something is made it's the company and the workers that determines good or bad products.

[@philipsimmonds1103]

@@glennoc8585 they have the supply chain 2 the most resources .. workers have become highly skilled .. easily building the best quality product on the market .. ie trek/giant/specialized/bianchi/scott

[@feedbackzaloop]

Luke: let's crack on Seatpost, handlebars: and I took that personally

[@madyogi6164]

🤣

[@micahsherer7189]

Best cycling channel on KZbin. Baguette about it.

[@pramagetable]

Remark :the aluminium seatpost you used previously is unsafe because the rail clamping area is too short for carbon rails You should have used a saddle with metallic rails

[@TraceVelo]

Yeah this is a great comment, I'll check it out this eve see if it needs some attention!

[@mizushima76]

You are pure gold Luke. Thank you so much for your precious videos. Lots of useful tips and high quality content for free during these years. You are finally receiving the attention you always deserved. Since there isn't a subscription option I will gladly drop a lot of 🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖 to you. ❤️

[@TraceVelo]

Francesco, thanks so much, what an awesome comment 😊BAGUETTES FOR EVERYONE!!!!! 🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖

[@livings118]

That GCN office bit had me in stitches 😂

[@TraceVelo]

Little bit cheeky on my part, but it's gotta be done 😂

[@livings118]

@@TraceVelo Please keep up the amazing Videos Luke. The welcome to another trace velo production gets me every time too 😂.

[@blackfi12e622]

Dropping them 🥖s for the most relatable cycling KZbinr. Hopefully you can get your hands on the Ltwoo RX Hydraulic groupset. Could be a game changer if it's good.

[@TraceVelo]

Please accept this official _Trace Velo_ baguette as thanks for this comment 🥖

[@boostbutt]

Wonderful account of the build journey and experience! Thanks for all that you do!

[@TraceVelo]

THANKS JACK 😁Also you're very welcome!

[@mikl3359]

@@TraceVelo 🎉

[@stuartgrady2567]

I have been waiting in anticipation for this review.

[@ibanjusip]

thank you for another quality content luke! looking forward to your review for the latest LTWOO RX Hydraulic groupset. Nobody does these in-depth review like you do. cheers mate!

[@waynehollard]

Always a joy to see a Trace Velo upload, merci Luke 🥖 thanks for the content and introducing me to Ali Express. Sensah first timer on my gravel build after your own gravel build 👍🏻🥖

[@MegaNugent]

Thanks for everything, a pleasure to watch your reviews. Happy Christmas and a velo new year.

[@TraceVelo]

Happy holidays MegaNugent!!!!!

[@stevenlee2805]

Thanks for the content, awesome intel on the max spacing of 50 mm between stem and headset bearing! Look forward to seeing the upgraded 4 piston brakes!

[@gregoxenham2842]

Well done Luke. Inspirational.

[@TheMichaelInglis]

Great content as always, love the long term testing that you do on all these parts!🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖

[@TraceVelo]

As they say in France muchas gracias 🥖🥖🥖🥖

[@geoffbuck6890]

Loved the Christmas dinner comment of your Mum🤣. Your vids are both informative and extremely witty. Thankyou…

[@niwrad84]

Excellent summary We all learn a lot from you by doing that build.

[@XNR750]

best cycling chanel period and the guy seems to have a great personality

[@conoreames9825]

Luke, watching your videos inspired me to put together a budget carbon bike, mostly 2nd hand parts, but with a bit of time, effort (and swearing), it's finally done! Bloody love it, and I reckon it can hold its own! Je dors avec mon baguette!! 🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖

[@TraceVelo]

Amazing! Really pleased I help insipre your build, that's so freaking cool! Also 2nd hand parts is a great shout, tbh most of the time you get a better deal anyway!

[@newoldsteel]

I’m just glad I’m a steel and new old stock kind of rider lol! Props to the risk taking for us!

[@omerduzyol8741]

Quite educating and entertaining at the same time. THANKS! :0)

[@mentholgreen]

Nice to see an honest review without any BS. Have a baguette or 2 🥖🥖

[@fauxtool952]

I did 3000+ on my 4 year old AE carbon frame. Its visually identical 2 yours. Its still running great. I also torqued everything properly

[@mczoom]

got my first chinese carbon frame (Delihea Rest) in september, spent about 400 km on it before the end of the season - very satisfied with it: feels much stiffer, lighter and even faster then my previous Trek alu frame. and also more comfortable, rides really smooth. had zero issues with assembling. now looking for another one for gravel build.

[@TraceVelo]

Nice, pleased to hear it. I've never ridden one myself, but i have heard good things about Delihea frames!

[@naldyano]

@@TraceVelo you should try it 😁

[@themediocretriathlete]

One of the most entertaining channels on KZbin...keep up the great work brother! 🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖

[@TheraPi]

Thank God you're alive :)

[@EddieCdeejay]

Thanks for the review on the J1 jacket and bib pants. Had my eye on both of them for a few weeks.

[@BrianRPaterson]

Me too - the weather's cooling down, so I need a jacket and the J2 looks like it's worth giving a try. I just hope I get the size right.

[@davidkan5469]

Great video...I"ve completed two AliExpress carbon builds and enjoy watching/learning from your videos...

[@nielsvandoorn3892]

Hi David, hope you see this. I want to ride the Alpe D’Huez 6 times in June next year. I am looking for a bike around 1000 dollars. Do you have a suggestion? Can be from AliExpress or used.

[@johnstygall860]

Thanks for rhe heads up kn the Siroko gear...brilliant kit

[@31.8mm]

When i want to build cheap bike someday, u'll be on the top of my mind

[@simonmoss5672]

Great vid, good sense of humour and honest build feedback 🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖

[@rayF4rio]

The entertainment value of your venture into Chinese Cheap Cycling Parts is massive! 😂

[@h-works9071]

Great video. Thank you Luke.

[@lpoolck17]

For your unrivalled unbiased reviews and efforts 🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖

[@SteveKimbo]

🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖 fresh from the boulangerie! Was worried you'd left KZbin Luke, I've been staring forlornly at your channel icon hoping for an update for what feels like weeks...😂 As usual your video left me satisfied and eager for more. Roll on the mad four-piston brake review! Be interesting to see if they're noticeably stronger.

[@merckxy54]

Great video well done explaining the ifs and buts of chinese parts!

[@anielyantra1]

You illustrate to me why my choices to stick with 80s-90s tech was such a good choice. Money, reliability, ease of repair all seem to be worth leaving anything carbon and disc alone and not buying into recent bike manufacturer's trends.

[@poopscoop2000]

I totally get where you are coming from but I'll confess I'm a mountain biker and fell for all the luxuries of suspension and disk brakes long ago.😐 Not disagreeing with you though mate!

[@richardburns5925]

Carbons lighter and more compliant on a 60, 80, 100 miler, alloy will beat you up. Drivetrains now are so good, even modern lower spec is far better than 90s top end. They shift so crisp and accurate now. Bearings are sealed, no messing about servicing and adjusting. Headset, cranks, sealed, just replace the sealed unit, one out one in. I've got Ultegra rim brakes on the road bike and they are so good, unbelievable. I've got disc on the mountain bike, so much better than V brakes, remember those? And cantilever brakes, terrible! Geometry? Modern mountain bikes are far better, wider bars, better stance, easier to ride off road. All in all, I can say everything new is better! I've a bit of experience, I've been riding bikes since 1985. I wouldn't go back.

[@miquelb7171]

amazing bonusclip xd 7.9 is awesomee!! congrats

[@mohanadbasuoni6191]

Great video as usual !

[@hisdadjames4876]

All credit to you, Luke, as Ive never seen a better advertisement for buying a reputable bike from a reputable retailer😂

[@okantichrist]

Don’t kid yourself,neither exist anymore 😢

[@hisdadjames4876]

@@okantichrist 😂

[@jamesowen418]

Top video as always 👍🏻 I've tried a couple of AliExpress carbon handlebars and had problems with them all, so now use a name brand handlebar.

[@TraceVelo]

Yeah the last few bars i had from AliExpress have been a bit crap tbh... Time to explore some slightly more premium options I think!

[@newoldsteel]

8:08 LOL seriously that was on point XD Another trigger that they actually replied to me once was when I commented about single pivot rim brakes!

[@tonystrange7224]

We need to baguette 🥖 up this channel and get it to 100k subs. Luke is a legend

[@fede1275]

Great video as usual, such an inspiration! I can also recommend, as a fellow Siroko rider, the J1 jacket and BX Envalira bibs, my new favourite pieces for under 5 C degrees 😄

[@domestique3954]

Yes,absolutely satisfied with Siroko products-good quality/price ratio and a nice design! 🤙

[@TraceVelo]

Cheers Federico! Love your stuff btw. I need to take a leaf out of your book and post videos more often!!!!

[@fede1275]

@@TraceVelo would definitely welcome more of your videos! You also contributed for me to get my Velobuild, partly your "fault" 😄

[@charliecook6909]

Great video dude , was thinking about purchasing some elite drive wheelset for one of my bikes , nice to see the brand reviewed on a long term basis 🤙🥖🥖🐸🐸🐌🐌

[@party_boy69]

Hilarious and entertaining content as always Mr 🥖

[@seanicky]

🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖 Another 'CRACKING EPISODE'! Thanks Luke. My recommendation for non-cracking bars are ones made by EC90. 2k miles on mine, still super lovely smashin' smooth!

[@TraceVelo]

Yeah I have heard good things about EC90 stuff... 🤔

[@richardharris8538]

I also bought a 'cheap' aero frame on AliExpress. I had to re-engineer the head to stop it coming loose, using wood filler. The front shifter cable wasn't properly supported at the bottom bracket area, and the wire started cutting into the frame. I could've taken the BB bearings out and re-routed the cable under the bearings and drilled a hole down at a near-vertical angle so that the wire probably wouldn't cut into the carbon fibre. But I decided to go 1x11 instead. In that set-up it works fine now. But I've also recently modernized a 1980s steel frame Nishiki Olympic with brifters and 2x9 speed. I finished the year riding the Nishiki preferentially. It's a couple of kg heavier but that isn't really detectable while riding. Riding with a steel frame just feels like riding a real bike.

[@LOZUPONEJ]

Thank you for testing out. It’s very dangerous and I appreciate you

[@nathandeatheragevlogs8608]

Good stuff man🎉

[@1sigmabikes]

I salute you sir, 🥖👊 for risking life and limb for our entertainment

[@gregorrychlicki9736]

MAN... i like your style to talk. I have sometime problems to understand .... but i understand you clearly. And of course im an enthusiast too. I feel sorry for the failures in the bike parts.... man... this could get really worse. I was always interessted into other brands and maybe i try some from Ali. Thanks for he view into it... Greetings from germany. Thumbs up!

[@mohapagla]

My seatpost started doing this shit after using it for 2 years suddenly. I did the same as you did (put a lot of carbon paste , changing the clamp screws etc.) before watching your video , after I also added a gorilla tape instead of plastic now it is fine. Thanks to this video as our local bike shop mechanic couldn't figure it out.

[@TraceVelo]

Ok awesome. Yeah hunting down creaks and groans on the bike can be super frustrating, so glad this helped!!!

[@noburt9]

I love your content. Can't wait for the review of the groupset. Especially the hydraulic one ltwoo made 👀🥖

[@deinemutterhatweed]

is it oficially released by now? Couldnt find it on Ali a week or so ago.

[@renegadeflyer2]

I had seen it on alliexpress. To bad I had already built my new velobuild.

[@TraceVelo]

Yeah I've literally just bought it on AliExpress about 5 mins ago.... Just need to wait 6 weeks for delivery 🤣

[@renegadeflyer2]

@@TraceVelo 👍😁

[@deinemutterhatweed]

@@TraceVelo hell yes!

[@Lazy_Jay_Racing]

I love your channel and your presentation style... Funny, interesting and definitely on my level... Keep up the good work Luke 😎👍🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖

[@maxbiaggi30]

Very useful video, I'm currently thinking of trying the same to replace my old training/wet weather bike.

[@a1white]

You’re a brave man, riding on either of those handlebars 😬

[@qibble455]

If everyone had a bff like Luke imagine how much better the world would be

[@wtfiswiththosehandles]

Great video, I laughed at the GCN poke :)

[@Jonnysmithwillis]

I'm pretty sure I saw you ride past my house in Marston a while back - It was the fluorescent diamonds on the wheels that gave you away! Love the content - hope it's going well since you went full time 🥖

[@davidcharnes9161]

You are not a d…. bag. Your videos are brilliant and you are very knowledgeable.

[@poopscoop2000]

Honestly, who gets up in the morning goes to work and drills those holes in that stem and thinks- "good job"?😐 Great vid as always, my favourite channel across all my hobbies and interests.👍

[@lm2906]

The best and complete video ever of aliexpress bike! I want to build my gravel bike with these Ltwoo groupset and zrace brakes, very good option for cost savings! I can't afford a premium brand bike, that could attract the attention of thieves as well. Thanks very much for spending your time and risking your life and safety to provide these valuable content! Deserve a like and subscribe for sure!

[@TraceVelo]

Cheers LM, glad you liked it!!!

[@madallysse7994]

ton Français s'améliore avec chaque baguette que tu demande :) have a baguette from a french dushbag who is always happy to see you survive your last carbon madness🥖🥖🥖

[@simonbailey6592]

I've used these common AliExpress carbon seatposts for years on all my bikes. I'm 6ft4 and not light and they have served me well. One failure, this summer. Saddle started rocking and the rear bolt had broken and damaged the carbon. 2012 I put it on. I adjust my saddle a lot due to back problems so I'm not surprised. It didn't fail dangerously, enough warning things were going south. I fitted a new one. They seem to have beefed up that rear section.

[@apagunaberlari2929]

Tasty content , always looking forward new video from you

[@daspic1974]

🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖 Great video Luke. Thanks for taking your life into your hands letting us what is good and wonderful on ol' Aliexpress!! I will start my project as soon as my frame arrives! 🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖

[@stickmenkissarmy6907]

Great fun, thanks

[@TraceVelo]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@albinpopot8631]

Thanks for giving us your best French. Longue vie à la baguette. Cheers

[@drewbase]

I don’t no much about video productions, but it’s looks professional!

[@djcheamor]

Ill never forgrt your headset spacing now that ya pointed it out lol.. anyway, thanks for being tha guinea pig for us, much love from iowa!

[@campbell510]

Think I’d be changing out those Aeronova bars sooner rather than later… Thanks for your good work!

[@littleduckschildcare120]

🥖🧈. Great share

[@2wheelsrbest327]

🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖 Struggle to find these Luke. Another great video. I think if I ever get around to building one of these, I'll either label it TraceVelo or OGANLOC given their prices it's the closet this old boy will get to owning one. Looking forward to the next one.

[@80erinm]

🥖🥖🥖🥖 Nice video Luke, excellent info as always, cheers! 🥖🥖🥖🥖

[@SergioCristancho]

well Sr. you finally convinced me... am suscribed, has been a long journey for you... and why not?I said to myself if I have the half of skills about mechanics (bike mech) whould be awesome, keep it comming I will keep tracking your evolutions and your fancy mech disc brakes... long live the fancy disc cheap brakes!

[@TraceVelo]

Cheers Sergio!!!! I actually fitted those JuinTech GT's this eve. Went for the first ride, and gotta say I was pretty freaking impressed actually! Anyway glad you like my videos, and thanks for the comment 😊

[@empelz09]

congratz mr baguettes 🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖 nice episode as usual

[@adammilligan722]

If you are genuinely concerned about the height of the headset spacers, the easiest solution (but the least 'roadie' looking) is to replace your stem with a high rise model that keeps the handlebar clamp in the same position but lowers the clamping point on the steerer tube.

[@renegadeflyer2]

I hope, the new ltwoo groupset with hydraulic brakes, show up on your doorstep. I'm very interested in how well they work and last. I had built a Velobuild bike. Everything went together pretty much flawlessly. So far impressed. Can't wait for spring, hoping for a mild day in Canada for my first ride.

[@franciscojoseortegamanzane6200]

Muy buen episodio muchacho!! Un saludo. 🥖

[@parvez1]

Trace/Luke, where’s the detective sketches you used to do? Miss them! Ace video as always 👍🏾

[@EnduroPo30]

I laughed so hard after that gcn cameo ! Here are some baguettes for You mister. One baguette 🥖 Two baguettes 🥖🥖 Three baguettes 🥖🥖🥖 Four 🥖🥖🥖🥖 Love your projects and we want more ! Maybe a mix of ali parts and shimano groupsets.

[@JonnyPsyclo]

The man deserves baguettes! 🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖

[@Capitaineaa]

J'adore! Mon nom est, comme toujours, Antoine ! Je suis un grand fan !🥖🥖🥖

[@kukulele]

freezing hello from Finland, I love videos

[@tonywatson8101]

🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖 Gracias ....or should that be merci, for another great video Luke. Hoping you can elucidate what saddle bag you're rocking there at 18:48, under your creaky saddle. Looks sleek, even svelte !. Plus de baguettes!! 🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖

[@TraceVelo]

So it was a saddle bag from a brand called Ostrich... I got it in 2018 from PlanetX in the UK. Not sure if they make them anymore unfortunately

[@tonywatson8101]

@@TraceVelo Thank you 🙏. Had a look online but no joy - looks like they're not made any more. Ahh....the search continues...

[@mikehart6426]

🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖 another great video, your so brave to ride those bars and stems. My hero 👍

[@mikehart6426]

@Nicegram-me-Trace-velo but I’m not on Nicegram and it looks like you have to pay to join 😪

[@TraceVelo]

Yeah so this was scam. I try and remove these comments as soon as I see them. Basically people trying to impersonate me.

[@mikehart6426]

@@TraceVelo it’s because your great 👍 I thought I had won your integrated bar and stem for a second 😂

[@mpvsystems9302]

I have been doing handmade carbon components for sailing and biking over the years. If you want to add some strength to the fork steerer, and you have an old 1" O.D. steerer or are willing to buy some 1" carbon tubing, you can make an insert and epoxy it into the steerer. This will double the wall thickness and increase peace of mind. Cheers/

[@tubularmonkeymaniac]

Heads up high strength fabric tape works fine on those TPU tubes. I run them on my MTB, and they handle everything.

[@christophbosshard4028]

Interesting... I found my set uses the same "smaller" break pads at the front and back on my BR-005 set. Other people have reported that their version uses larger break pads.... seems there are different versions of these brakes out in the wild, under the same model name. I hope somebody can clear this mystery - and here 8x 🥖 for your efforts 😎

[@TraceVelo]

Hmmmm interesting, maybe the have been through a couple of interations. I wouldnt be surprised with the number of differences from the previous generation...

[@christophbosshard4028]

@@TraceVelo you are spot on with changing the brake pads. The original copper pads reduced breaking power over time and showed a lot of wear. After 1000km I changed to similar resin-metal brake pads which improved the performance… The Juintech GT‘s might be overkill on a roadbike…. I use Juintech F1‘s in the Swiss Alps without desire to go full hydraulic 😁

[@radimvavrecka3481]

Hi Luke, interesting vid. Anyway there is very good reason why I never fancied integrated bars with stem... I needed to be more upright after injury so I turned my system upside down and problem sorted for free. ;-) Drop the spacers and for standard stem, maybe even with bigger angle (12° or 17°). It may not be so aero but comfort is more important in my opinion. And to your surprise my carbon stem has only one bolt as well and holds perfectly without any signs of fatigue for more than 6000km. Contrary to your channel it's rather expensive piece of engineering from Easton but my nearly 100kg put lot of stress on any component and that crack you showed would probably have much worse consequences for me...

[@WakizashiSabre]

Might be overtighted from the look?

[@Ob1sdarkside]

I've been trawling aliexpress for a budget frame, noticing huge differences in headtube sizes. 58cm frames with headtubes the length of an old 54cm frame. Absolute 🥖🥖🥖

[@jonathanwinsper9928]

Bars and stems are really hit and miss from AliExpress, glad you caught them before they failed 🥖🥖🥖

[@sepg5084]

What's the point of 4 piston calipers on a road bike? It just adds weight, complexity, cost, and it might wear down the brake rotor faster. Bigger floating rotors make more sense. Also, i will never use integrated stem handlebar.

[@lunam7249]

👏👏$$$$ 9 piston calipers comming soon!!!

[@Drago0900]

Also give the road avid bb7s a try. They are amazing, and you can find a used set for relatively cheap. Then just a simple rebuild and they are as good as new. I find that their braking performance rivals even the best hydros.

[@hkchew03]

I don't see them avail in flat mount

[@Drago0900]

@@hkchew03 Some of his bikes aren't even flat mount but for the ones that are an adapter could be used.

[@hkchew03]

@@Drago0900 road bike mostly if not all are flat mount, at least those that came out in the last 5 years. And not all frame will be able to fit the adaptor

[@Drago0900]

@@hkchew03 Yeah not every frame in existence but in the video you can see a post to flat mount adaptor in use on the fork. And in the last 5 years would be 2017 and later. Which flat mount wasn't really common until around 2020, which is the really new bikes. My road bike has post mounts and it's a 2018 model.

[@hkchew03]

@@Drago0900 that's a flat mount to flat mount adaptor

[@reginaldscot165]

🥖 🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖In my shop I don’t recommend anything more than 20mm of spacers under the stem. Honestly 40mm is a big risk, you might even be better off cutting the steerer shorter and fitting an aluminium steerer extension to the top. At least then the carbon will be Reinforced by a thick aluminium clamp and you will have a solid aluminium steerer to fix your bar to. BBB make one, it’s called a BHP-22, just Google it. 👍🏻🙂 Safe riding Sir.

[@chanito_nyc]

Finally a different name, bonjour Luc

[@cesarcardozo6551]

hahhaha loved the GCN mention, sure they also loved it too :D

[@bdogsp0012]

Awesome content as always .🥖🥖🥖

[@malz3836]

I was sceptical about the single bolt stem when you posted the original build video, but at least you’ve found the failure without any injuries. Good to hear the Ride Now are proving successful, I’ve run them for 4 months on my summer bike and really notice the difference when I switched to my winter bike with latex tubes. What’s next on the agenda?🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖

[@perasperaadastraandback]

Could you tell us the differences, please?