nikinik - Is it worth it to build an AliExpress MTB?

Description

In this one I am going to give you guys a look of my AliExpress hardtail MTB build. Afterwards, I'll review it and tell you whether or not I would do anything different if I were to build it again.
The build in total cost about 2400 Euros and the final weight is 9.5 kg.
Hope you enjoy and if you have any questions make sure to leave them in the comments!

I have not been compensated by any of the companies mentioned in the video in any way.

Bike Build Parts:
- Carbon bottle cage (s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_okcLdg8)
- Spycycle t1000 carbon 29 hardtail frame (s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_mKgAUNQ)
- Spycycle full carbon seat post 31.6mm (s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_oE1iie8)
- HUNT RACE XC MTB 29 wheelset
- Bolany MTB crankset 36T 170mm (s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_mMoMLJW)
- Sunshine 12 Speed 11/52 casette (s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_mt6o5bq)
- AVID G3 160mm rotors (s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_mNh6cHQ)
- TALRED MTB shift cable
- QILEJVS MTB rubber grips
- ZTTO BSA bottom bracket 68mm standard (s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_olWVagY)
- LTWOO 1x12 MTB shifter & deraillieur (s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_Exn3RBh)
- RISK cable housing foam (s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_mPr9PwG)
- Shimano XT Hydraulic Brakes
- RockShox Race Day SID 100mm suspension fork
- Maxxis Pace 29x2.1 (s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_mPl8wsy)
- Stans Sealant
- Selle Italia SLR Boost alloy
- Shimano SPD 520

Cycling clothing I wear (affiliate link):
- Siroko (https://srko.co/nikinik) for an extra 10% discount

Filming gear:
- Camera: Fujifilm XH2 (https://amzn.to/3SvnNsz)
- Lens: Viltrox 23mm f1.4 (https://amzn.to/3SCx4zn)
- Mic: Hollyland Lark M1 (https://amzn.to/3Wvfw9j)
- DJI OSMO Action 4 (https://amzn.to/3SwTCl6)

Keywords: cycling,mtb,riding,aliexpress cycling,AliExpress Carbon MTB,AliExpress Bike Parts,AliExpress Bike,AliExpress,Spycycle,spycycle mtb,spycycle frame,AliExpress Carbon,Carbon Hardtail MTB,Chinese Carbon MTB build,bike review

Bike part mentions in this video

Maxxis M333 PACE Mtb Bicycle Tire 26 * 1.95 26 * 2.1 27.5 X1.95 27.5x2.1 29 x 2.1 29er Mountain Bike Tire Steel Wire Bicycle 1PC

Created: September 06, 2024

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.

AI-Summary

Pros

  • Described as racy and light for XC riding
  • Performed adequately for various riding conditions including commuting and trails
  • Successfully set up tubeless despite not being officially tubeless compatible

Cons

  • Not officially tubeless compatible (though they worked in this setup)
  • 2.1-inch width considered a bit narrow for rougher gravel
  • Tread profile described as quite shallow, lacking grip for more aggressive terrain
  • Reviewer would prefer wider tires (2.2 or 2.3 inches) with more grip

Key Points

  • Used with Hunt Wheels set up tubeless
  • Described as racy light XC tires
  • Current size: 2.1 inches
  • Not officially tubeless compatible but worked in this case
  • Shallow tread profile mentioned
AFFILIATE by ACTIVE
aliexpress.com
Last check of link:
9 months
Ship-ToCost
πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ$8.37
AFFILIATE by Stefan WACTIVE
aliexpress.com
Aliexpress Rating:
4.6 (22 Reviews)
Last check of link:
9 months
Ship-ToCost
πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ$8.49
πŸ‡«πŸ‡·β‚¬9.19
πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§Β£7.71

RISK 1.5M/lot Bike Frame Internal Housing Damper 6mm Foam Sleeve Bicycle Cable Dampener MTB Road Bike Shift/Brake/Hydraulic Tube

Created: September 06, 2024

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.

AI-Summary

Cons

  • No cons found in the analysis.
  • AFFILIATE by ACTIVE
    aliexpress.com
    Last check of link:
    9 months
    Ship-ToCost
    πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ$4.37
    AFFILIATE by Stefan WACTIVE
    aliexpress.com
    Aliexpress Rating:
    5.0 (32 Reviews)
    Last check of link:
    9 months
    Ship-ToCost
    πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ$3.42
    πŸ‡«πŸ‡·β‚¬2.76
    πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§Β£2.21

    LTWOO MTB AX12 1x12 Speed Bicycle Transmission Groupset SL-AX12 Shifter and RD-AX12 Rear Derailleur 52T Shadow 12S 12V parts

    Created: September 06, 2024

    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.

    AI-Summary

    Cons

    • No cons found in the analysis.
    • AFFILIATE by ACTIVE
      aliexpress.com
      Last check of link:
      9 months
      Ship-ToCost
      πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ$11.41
      AFFILIATE by Stefan WACTIVE
      aliexpress.com
      Aliexpress Rating:
      5.0 (1 Reviews)
      Last check of link:
      9 months
      Ship-ToCost
      πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ$8.31
      πŸ‡«πŸ‡·β‚¬9.09
      πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§Β£7.90

      ZTTO Mountain Road Bicyle BSA30 Bottom Brackets BB68 BSA 68 73 MTB Road Bike External Bottom Brackets for BB386 30mm Crank Set

      Created: September 06, 2024

      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.

      AI-Summary

      Cons

      • No cons found in the analysis.
      • AFFILIATE by ACTIVE
        aliexpress.com
        Last check of link:
        9 months
        Ship-ToCost
        πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ$12.57
        AFFILIATE by Stefan WACTIVE
        aliexpress.com
        Aliexpress Rating:
        0.0 (0 Reviews)
        Last check of link:
        9 months
        Ship-ToCost
        πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ$12.57
        πŸ‡«πŸ‡·β‚¬13.29
        πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§Β£8.92

        2PC AVID Disc Brake Rotor G3 HS1 Bicycle Rotors 160mm 180mm 203mm Ultralight Hydraulic Brake Rotor for Shimano SRAM

        Created: September 06, 2024

        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.

        AI-Summary

        Cons

        • No cons found in the analysis.
        • AFFILIATE by ACTIVE
          aliexpress.com
          Last check of link:
          9 months
          Ship-ToCost
          πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ$8.95
          AFFILIATE by Stefan WACTIVE
          aliexpress.com
          Aliexpress Rating:
          5.0 (2 Reviews)
          Last check of link:
          9 months
          Ship-ToCost
          πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ$11.29
          πŸ‡«πŸ‡·β‚¬7.29
          πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§Β£5.44

          SUNSHINE SZ Ultralight MTB Cassette 11S 12S 10S Mountain Bike K7 11V Bicycle Flywheel Alloy 12 Speed HG for Shimano M4100 5100

          Created: September 06, 2024

          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.

          AI-Summary

          Pros

          • Excellent gear ratio (11-52) for climbing steep gradients
          • Flawless shifting performance without needing adjustments
          • Perfect for a 1x drivetrain in mountainous terrain
          • Available in Western online stores as well

          Cons

          • No cons found in the analysis.
          • Key Points

            • 12-speed drivetrain
            • 11-52 gear ratio
            • Paired with a 32-tooth chainring
            • Brand: Sunshine
            AFFILIATE by ACTIVE
            aliexpress.com
            Last check of link:
            9 months
            Ship-ToCost
            πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ$51.39
            AFFILIATE by Stefan WACTIVE
            aliexpress.com
            Aliexpress Rating:
            5.0 (3 Reviews)
            Last check of link:
            9 months
            Ship-ToCost
            πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ$51.39
            πŸ‡«πŸ‡·β‚¬59.39
            πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§Β£46.19

            BOLANY 170mm Road Bike Crank Chainwheel Oval Dish 104 BCD 34T/36T Chainring Bike Crankset with Bottom Bracket BB68 MTB Crankset

            Created: September 06, 2024

            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.

            AI-Summary

            Pros

            • Super cheap (around €25)
            • Functional for a 12-speed drivetrain
            • BSA compatible

            Cons

            • Pretty heavy
            • Nothing special in terms of quality or features

            Key Points

            • Alloy crank set
            • Used in a 12-speed drivetrain setup
            • BSA compatible
            • Paired with ZTO shifter and derailleur, and Sunshine cassette
            AFFILIATE by ACTIVE
            aliexpress.com
            Last check of link:
            8 months
            Ship-ToCost
            πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ$44.10
            AFFILIATE by Stefan WACTIVE
            aliexpress.com
            Aliexpress Rating:
            0.0 (0 Reviews)
            Last check of link:
            9 months
            Ship-ToCost
            πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ$46.14
            πŸ‡«πŸ‡·β‚¬48.19
            πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§Β£33.19

            Spcycle Full Carbon Seatpost 27.2/30.9/31.6mm MTB Road Bike Seat Post Seat Tube Offset 20 Degree Mountain Bicycle Parts

            Created: September 06, 2024

            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.

            AI-Summary

            Pros

            • Made of T1000 carbon, which is relatively high-end
            • Quite sturdy
            • Standard for mountain bikes
            • Included as part of the frame purchase

            Cons

            • Not super light

            Key Points

            • Made of T1000 carbon
            • Size 31.6mm
            • Ordered as a set with the frame
            • Standard mountain bike seatpost
            AFFILIATE by ACTIVE
            aliexpress.com
            Last check of link:
            9 months
            Ship-ToCost
            πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ$63.45
            AFFILIATE by Stefan WACTIVE
            aliexpress.com
            Aliexpress Rating:
            5.0 (3 Reviews)
            Last check of link:
            9 months
            Ship-ToCost
            πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ$63.45
            πŸ‡«πŸ‡·β‚¬51.39
            πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§Β£43.29

            Spcycle 29er MTB Carbon Frame T1000 Carbon Hardtail Mountain Bike Frame BSA 148x12mm Boost Carbon MTB Frame 29

            Created: September 06, 2024

            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.

            AI-Summary

            Pros

            • Cheap at about €300
            • Lightweight at exactly 1 kg in size S
            • Made of T1000 carbon, which is high-end and common for good Chinese bike frames
            • Includes necessary parts like headset, seat post clamp, and bolts for bottle cages
            • Performed flawlessly over 2,000 km of use, including various terrains and small jumps

            Cons

            • Concerns about durability for rougher trails and jumps
            • Eerie feeling about potential failures with carbon parts

            Key Points

            • Carbon frame from Spy Cycle, model T1000 carbon hardtail 29er mountain bike frame
            • Cost about €300
            • Weighs exactly 1 kg in size S
            • Made of T1000 carbon
            • Designed for 29-inch wheels
            • Includes headset, seat post clamp, and bolts for bottle cages
            • Performed well over 2,000 km of varied use
            AFFILIATE by ACTIVE
            aliexpress.com
            Last check of link:
            9 months
            Ship-ToCost
            πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ$298.70
            AFFILIATE by Stefan WACTIVE
            aliexpress.com
            Aliexpress Rating:
            4.3 (4 Reviews)
            Last check of link:
            9 months
            Ship-ToCost
            πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ$298.70
            πŸ‡«πŸ‡·β‚¬330.39
            πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§Β£281.19

            8g Full Carbon Bottle Cage MTB Road Bicycle Bike Cycling Water Bottle Holder Basket Flask Bidon Gourd Cup ultralight Holder

            Created: September 06, 2024

            The reviewer mentions a carbon fiber bottle cage purchased from AliExpress, which is described as a 9g bottle cage out of carbon fiber. They note that it was not cheap, costing €25, but it is super light and quite sturdy. The reviewer has not broken one yet and states that the bottles are tightly gripped, with no instances of bottles falling out. The bottle cage has been running flawlessly during their use.

            AI-Summary

            Pros

            • Super light
            • Quite sturdy
            • Bottles are tightly gripped
            • No instances of bottles falling out
            • Flawless performance during use

            Cons

            • Not cheap (€25)

            Key Points

            • 9g carbon fiber bottle cage
            • Cost €25
            • Super light and sturdy
            • No breakage reported
            • Bottles stay securely in place
            AFFILIATE by ACTIVE
            aliexpress.com
            Last check of link:
            9 months
            Ship-ToCost
            πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ$26.91
            AFFILIATE by Stefan WACTIVE
            aliexpress.com
            Aliexpress Rating:
            4.8 (20 Reviews)
            Last check of link:
            9 months
            Ship-ToCost
            πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ$25.67
            πŸ‡«πŸ‡·β‚¬32.19
            πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§Β£22.49