All Reviews

Flying Tern: size Medium. The quality and finish of these is remarkable. I've seen nothing like this before on Aliexpress.

While I'm on the topic, the corresponding shorts are also very impressive: Nice long leg length, pocket is a generous size, quality of lycra seems excellent, the only thing left to test is what the padding is like on the road. First impressions are truly excellent.

I just received one of these in a size Asian S: I have an 89cm chest, would describe it as a race fit. Length is good - like you I often have the issue in that XS also seems to mean Xtra Short (though I'm only 175cm), but the jersey is ideal length. The only thing I'd mark it down for is that there's no zip pocket, but otherwise, first impressions are extremely good. I would say it is slightly longer than the YKYWBike jerseys I have (but not by heaps)

As a bigger rider (over 90kg with a pretty high power output), I was a bit scared to try a carbon handlebar but finally took the plunge this spring. Out of the box, the bar felt nice and light at around 270g. Gave it a good squeeze and flex test before mounting, and it felt solid enough. After about 2,500km of riding, it was stiff enough for me but not super stiff. Also showing no signs of flex or creaking even during hard sprints. It even survived a crash with no visible damage or structural issues. So no issues regarding the durability. The problem for me wasn't the quality, but the shape. Despite the official 77mm reach, the curve/bend from the tops to the hoods is so early that the effective reach is tiny. I could barely get my hands comfortably on the hoods. Also not nearly as much forearm support in the aero position as I would have liked. Another issue was the lack of clamping space next to the stem. It was impossible to fit a standard Garmin mount, so I had to buy a specific out-front mount to make it work. For the price (around 45 Euros), it's not a bad handlebar if the geometry works for you. If you have smaller hands and are specifically looking for a very short-reach bar, this could be a bargain.

After the Balugoe, I tried the dirt cheap Shikra Handlebar (15-20 Euos), and I've been very happy with this one. It's about 100g heavier than the carbon bar, but for a fat 90kg+ rider, that's a total non-issue. It's also less "aero" and completely lacks internal routing, but I love the shape. The top is slightly flattened and aeroish, but the key difference is the bend. Despite an official reach of 80mm, the curve is much later, giving it an effective reach closer to 100mm. This makes it way more comfortable in an aero position, and I can hold it for much longer. It is also extremely stiff, which I like. I've been very happy with this bar and run it on two of my bikes, with several thousand kilometers on each. They've been great. So if you don't need internal cable routing, this bar is an absolute winner. It's stiff, comfortable for someone wanting a longer effective reach, and incredibly cheap.

Over the past couple of years, I have purchased 4 of these 280 gram rims and built up 2 sets of wheels on 142 hubs, and a set on 148 hubs. These are 27mm wide, and 25mm deep. I run these rims on my Carbon Hardtail, and the wheelset weighs just under 1380grams, with sealing tape. On my Hardtail, I always run 2.0 / 50mm lightweight gravel/bikepacking tires. I have close to 3K of hard rough terrain miles on these wheels without issue. (I did check/re-tension the rear wheel once after a couple of years of riding.) I built up a set of gravel wheels with 142 hubs that clocks in around 1300 grams with tape. I have a little over 1000 miles on this wheel set. I run 40mm on the back and 42mm tires on the front.

My favorite gravel bars on AliExpress. They come in both semi and full integrated cable holes. You can find them from 34cm to 46cm hoods, with ultra wide flare, but shallow drops. Bars feel quite stiff and sturdy. I use them on both my gravel bikes.

My favorite gravel bars on AliExpress. They come in both semi and full integrated cable holes. You can find them from 34cm to 46cm hoods, with ultra wide flare, but shallow drops. Bars feel quite stiff and sturdy. I use them on both my gravel bikes.