Is it worth it to build an AliExpress MTB?

The reviewer discusses building a mountain bike using parts from AliExpress, with the frame being a carbon frame from the brand Spy Cycle, model T1000 carbon hardtail 29er mountain bike frame. They mention it was quite cheap at about €300, including the seat post clamp and derailleur hanger, and weighs exactly 1 kg in size S. The frame and seat post are made of T1000 carbon, which is described as relatively high-end and common for good Chinese bike frames. The frame is designed for 29-inch wheels and includes necessary parts like the headset, seat post clamp, and bolts for bottle cages. The reviewer notes the frame has performed flawlessly over 2,000 km of use, including commuting, single-track trails, and small jumps. However, they express some concern about the durability of carbon parts for rougher trails and jumps, mentioning a slight eerie feeling about potential failures.

The reviewer mentions the Spcycle Full Carbon Seatpost as part of their bike build, noting it was ordered as a set with the frame. They describe it as being made of T1000 carbon, which is considered relatively high-end and common for good Chinese bike frames. The seatpost is mentioned to be quite sturdy and standard for mountain bikes, though not super light. It comes in the size 31.6mm and was included with the frame purchase.

The reviewer mentions the BOLANY crank set as part of their AliExpress bike build. They describe it as an alloy crank set that is nothing special but was super cheap at around €25. It is noted to be pretty heavy but functional for their 12-speed drivetrain setup. The reviewer combined it with other components like a ZTO shifter and derailleur, and a Sunshine cassette.

The reviewer mentions the SUNSHINE SZ Ultralight MTB Cassette as part of their 12-speed drivetrain setup. They describe it as a cassette from the brand Sunshine, which can also be found in Western online stores. The cassette is paired with a 32-tooth chainring in the front, providing a 11-52 gear ratio that the reviewer finds excellent for climbing steep gradients (up to 18-20%). They note that the shifting performance has been flawless without needing adjustments, and the cassette's ratio is perfect for a 1x drivetrain in mountainous terrain.

The 2PC AVID Disc Brake Rotor G3 HS1 Bicycle Rotors 160mm 180mm 203mm Ultralight Hydraulic Brake Rotor for Shimano SRAM is not mentioned in this video.

The ZTTO Mountain Road Bicyle BSA30 Bottom Brackets BB68 BSA 68 73 MTB Road Bike External Bottom Brackets for BB386 30mm Crank Set is not mentioned in this video.

The LTWOO MTB AX12 1x12 Speed Bicycle Transmission Groupset SL-AX12 Shifter and RD-AX12 Rear Derailleur 52T Shadow 12S 12V parts is not mentioned in this video.

The RISK 1.5M/lot Bike Frame Internal Housing Damper 6mm Foam Sleeve Bicycle Cable Dampener MTB Road Bike Shift/Brake/Hydraulic Tube is not mentioned in this video.

The reviewer mentions the Maxxis PACE tires in the context of their bike build, noting they are paired with Hunt Wheels and set up tubeless despite not being officially tubeless compatible. They describe the tires as 'racy light XC tires' and mention using them for various riding conditions including commuting, single track trails, and fire roads. However, they express some dissatisfaction with the tire width and tread depth for rougher terrain.