Trace Velo - Building a Beautiful Steel Bike with AliExpress Parts

Description

I always build and ride cheap carbon road bikes, so today I'm going to be building a cheap steel road bike with parts from AliExpress…

SIROKO CLOTHING – 10% off (automatically applied via link below):
https://srko.co/tracevelo

Full disclosure, I have never ridden a steel road bike. My first road bike was a Claud Butler with an aluminium frame, but since then I have been lucky enough to own all carbon road bikes. However in my comments section, people always say β€˜steel is real’, so I decided to find out if this is true.

The basis for the build is a cheap chromoly steel bike frame that I bought on AliExpress from a brand called Seaboard. I’ll be using a mechanical groupset from a Chinese brand called Sensah, and with external cabling, the bike should have a really back to basics feel.

So in this episode, I’ll show you how to properly protect a steel frame with Boeshield, give you a rundown of all the parts (most of which i sourced from AliExpress), show you how to build the bike from start to finish, and then give you my impressions of how it rides.

Affiliate links to the parts used (Steel road bike build):
https://linktr.ee/tracevelo

Timestamps:
00:00 – Intro
00:58 – Protecting the steel frame
05:22 – Parts rundown & cost
07:05 – Siroko sponsor
07:56 – Build - Cabling
11:11 – Build - Headset setup
15:11 – Build - Brake hose routing
19:05 – Build - Bleeding the brakes
22:39 – Bike reveal
26:42 – Bike weight
28:39 – First impressions & changes
31:36 – Steel ride feel
35:22 – Bonus clip (Brakes and BB)

Intro roll:
Created by Dev Joshi - http://www.go2dev.co.uk

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/tracevelo/

Email:
tracevelouk@gmail.com

Please note:
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!!!

Keywords: Seaboard,Chinese steel bike frame,CR05,Tsunami bike frame,AliExpress Steel bike frame,Cheap steel bike frame,Chromoly steel,Cheap chromoly steel frame,Chromoly steel road bike frame,Cheap steel road bike frame,steel road bike frame,Chinese steel,Sensah HRD,Cheap steel road bike build,Steel AliExpress road bike,Cheap steel road bike

Bike part mentions in this video

RYET Disc Brake Road Bike Carbon Wheels Ceramic Tubless CLincher Disc Cycling Wheelsets Pillar Spoke 1423 2015 Bicycle Rimset

Created: December 01, 2024

The reviewer mentions the RYET Disc Brake Road Bike Carbon Wheels as part of the build, noting they are cannibalizing them from another bike. They state the wheels cost 300 quid on AliExpress and they are trying to get more miles on them by using them in this build. The reviewer does not provide extensive details about the wheels' performance or features beyond their cost and origin.

AI-Summary

Pros

  • Affordable at 300 quid on AliExpress
  • Being reused from another bike, indicating some level of durability

Cons

  • No cons found in the analysis.
  • Key Points

    • Carbon wheels
    • Cost 300 quid on AliExpress
    • Cannibalized from another bike
    AFFILIATE by MyBikePartsACTIVE
    aliexpress.com
    πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ
    $423.42
    πŸ‡«πŸ‡·
    €315.39
    πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§
    Β£274.59
    Last checked:
    7 months
    ago
    AFFILIATE by MyBikePartsACTIVE
    aliexpress.com
    πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ
    $423.42
    Rating there:
    4.0 (2 reviews)
    Last checked:
    7 months
    ago

    SENSAH EMPIRE HRD 2x11s Road Bike Hydraulic Disc Brake Front Derailleur Rear Derailleur Carbon Shifter Bike Parts

    Created: June 23, 2025

    The reviewer discusses the SENSAH EMPIRE HRD 2x11s mechanical group set with hydraulic disc brakes, which they purchased for Β£165 from AliExpress. They mention using an earlier version of this group set before and being impressed with its performance. The shifters are described as chunky but functional, with the shifting being light, clicky, and precise. The reviewer notes that the shifting works similarly to Shramm's double tap setup, with one small click to upshift and a larger swing to downshift. They also mention that the front derailleur has three trim positions, which they find slightly frustrating. The rubber on the hoods of the shifters is noted to be different between the left and right shifters, with the left being nicer and more supple. The reviewer also points out that the rubber doesn't conform well to the shape of the shifter and is already coming loose after a few rides.

    AI-Summary

    Pros

    • Light, clicky, and precise shifting
    • Similar shifting mechanism to Shramm's double tap setup
    • Good quality supplied gear cables
    • Easy to bleed brakes
    • Affordable price at Β£165

    Cons

    • Chunky shifters
    • Front derailleur has three trim positions, which is frustrating
    • Rubber on hoods doesn't conform well and is coming loose after a few rides
    • Left and right shifters have different rubber quality
    • Brakes are described as 'a little bit crap' with not much bite and squealing under heavy braking

    Key Points

    • Mechanical group set with hydraulic disc brakes
    • 2x11 speed
    • Similar shifting to Shramm's double tap
    • Front derailleur has three trim positions
    • Supplied gear cables are polished and coated
    • Brakes are easy to bleed but lack bite and squeal under heavy braking
    ACTIVE
    aliexpress.com
    Rating there:
    0.0 (0 reviews)
    Last checked:
    27 days
    ago

    Super light carbon fiber road bike saddle sans comfort racing wide saddle men mtb mountain bike cycling seat italia seads Part

    Created: December 01, 2024

    The Super light carbon fiber road bike saddle sans comfort racing wide saddle men mtb mountain bike cycling seat italia seads Part is not mentioned in this video.

    AI-Summary

    AFFILIATE by MyBikePartsACTIVE
    aliexpress.com
    πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ
    $32.40
    πŸ‡«πŸ‡·
    €25.39
    πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§
    Β£21.29
    Last checked:
    7 months
    ago
    AFFILIATE by MyBikePartsACTIVE
    aliexpress.com
    πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ
    $32.40
    Rating there:
    4.9 (18 reviews)
    Last checked:
    7 months
    ago

    Bicycle Bottle Holder 2PCS Full 3K Carbon Fiber Super Light Road Mountain Bike Cycling Water Bottles Cage Holder Matte18g XXX

    Created: June 23, 2025

    The Bicycle Bottle Holder 2PCS Full 3K Carbon Fiber Super Light Road Mountain Bike Cycling Water Bottles Cage Holder Matte18g XXX is not mentioned in this video.

    AI-Summary

    AFFILIATE by Trace VeloACTIVE
    aliexpress.com
    πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ
    $26.50
    πŸ‡«πŸ‡·
    €19.60
    πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§
    Β£17.77
    Rating there:
    4.7 (23 reviews)
    Last checked:
    27 days
    ago

    RideNow Ultralight Bike Inner Tube 700 X18 32 Road MTB Bicycle TPU Material Tire 65mm Length French Valve Super Light

    Created: April 27, 2023

    The RideNow Ultralight 19g 24g 36g Bike Inner Tube 700 x 18 25 28 Road MTB Bicycle TPU Material Tire French Valve Super Light is not mentioned in this video.

    AI-Summary

    ACTIVE
    pandapodium.cc
    πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ
    $60.00
    Rating there:
    5.0 (1 reviews)
    Last checked:
    10 months
    ago
    AFFILIATE by MyBikePartsACTIVE
    aliexpress.com
    πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ
    $8.78
    πŸ‡«πŸ‡·
    €7.49
    πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§
    Β£5.79
    Last checked:
    11 months
    ago
    AFFILIATE by MyBikePartsACTIVE
    aliexpress.com
    πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ
    $14.15
    πŸ‡«πŸ‡·
    €8.39
    πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§
    Β£7.22
    Last checked:
    11 months
    ago
    AFFILIATE by MyBikePartsACTIVE
    aliexpress.com
    πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ
    $28.12
    πŸ‡«πŸ‡·
    €18.69
    πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§
    Β£15.99
    Last checked:
    11 months
    ago
    AFFILIATE by MyBikePartsACTIVE
    aliexpress.com
    πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ
    $24.18
    Last checked:
    11 months
    ago
    AFFILIATE by MyBikePartsACTIVE
    aliexpress.com
    πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ
    $14.15
    πŸ‡©πŸ‡ͺ
    €9.63 - €77.38
    Rating there:
    5.0 (18 reviews)
    Last checked:
    11 months
    ago
    AFFILIATE by MyBikePartsACTIVE
    aliexpress.com
    πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ
    $8.37
    πŸ‡«πŸ‡·
    €1.34 - €5.79
    Rating there:
    4.8 (291 reviews)
    Last checked:
    11 months
    ago

    ZTTO SLR Gen3 11speed Road Bike Cassette 11 Speed 11-30 11-32 11-34 11-36 11-28T 112g K7 11s Spokets HGR universal

    Created: March 12, 2025

    The ZTTO SLR Gen3 11speed Road Bike Cassette 11 Speed 11-30 11-32 11-34 11-36 11-28T 112g K7 11s Spokets HGR universal is not mentioned in this video.

    AI-Summary

    AFFILIATE by Trace VeloACTIVE
    aliexpress.com
    πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ
    $121.20
    πŸ‡©πŸ‡ͺ
    €81.69
    πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§
    Β£71.19
    Rating there:
    4.1 (13 reviews)
    Last checked:
    26 days
    ago
    AFFILIATE by MyBikePartsACTIVE
    aliexpress.com
    πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ
    $124.50
    πŸ‡«πŸ‡·
    €79.69
    πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§
    Β£66.99
    Last checked:
    4 months
    ago
    AFFILIATE by MyBikePartsACTIVE
    aliexpress.com
    πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ
    $121.20
    Rating there:
    3.8 (9 reviews)
    Last checked:
    4 months
    ago

    BUCKLOS Road Bike Bottom Bracket BSA 68/73mm Bicycle BB for SRAM DUB 29mm Crankset CNC Process Spindle Threaded Road Cycle Parts

    Created: June 23, 2025

    The reviewer discusses the BUCKLOS Road Bike Bottom Bracket BSA 68/73mm Bicycle BB for SRAM DUB 29mm Crankset CNC Process Spindle Threaded Road Cycle Parts in the context of using it with a SRAM DUB crankset on a steel road bike. They mention that the bottom bracket is a BSA type designed for a 24mm axle but is being used with a DUB crankset that has a 29mm axle, which requires thinner bearings. The reviewer notes that they packed grease into the bottom bracket to improve bearing life but expresses concerns about its longevity, especially given their previous experience with a similar setup on a gravel bike where the bearings lasted only about 2,000 miles. They also mention being careful with the preload adjustment for the crankset.

    AI-Summary

    Pros

    • The reviewer packed grease into the bottom bracket to improve bearing life.
    • They were careful with the preload adjustment for the crankset.

    Cons

    • The bottom bracket is designed for a 24mm axle but is being used with a 29mm DUB crankset, requiring thinner bearings.
    • The reviewer is concerned about the longevity of the bearings, citing a previous experience where similar bearings lasted only about 2,000 miles.
    • The setup may not last very long, especially in harsh conditions.

    Key Points

    • BSA bottom bracket designed for 24mm axle but used with 29mm DUB crankset.
    • Thinner bearings required to accommodate the wider axle.
    • Grease was packed into the bottom bracket to improve bearing life.
    • Preload adjustment was carefully set for the crankset.
    • Previous experience with a similar setup on a gravel bike showed bearings lasting only about 2,000 miles.
    AFFILIATE by Trace VeloACTIVE
    aliexpress.com
    πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ
    $14.66
    πŸ‡«πŸ‡·
    €11.49
    πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§
    Β£9.49
    Rating there:
    4.8 (84 reviews)
    Last checked:
    27 days
    ago

    ONIRII PD-06 Road Bike Carbon Lock Pedals Bicycle SPD Self-Locking Steel/Titanium 6 Degree Pedal with Locking Plate for Road NEW

    Created: September 06, 2024

    The ONIRII PD-06 Road Bike Carbon Lock Pedals Bicycle SPD Self-Locking Steel/Titanium 6 Degree Pedal with Locking Plate for Road NEW is not mentioned in this video.

    AI-Summary

    AFFILIATE by Trace VeloACTIVE
    aliexpress.com
    πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ
    $47.02
    πŸ‡«πŸ‡·
    €33.59
    πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§
    Β£25.75
    Rating there:
    4.8 (237 reviews)
    Last checked:
    26 days
    ago
    AFFILIATE by MyBikePartsACTIVE
    aliexpress.com
    πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ
    $52.33
    Last checked:
    11 months
    ago
    AFFILIATE by MyBikePartsACTIVE
    aliexpress.com
    πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ
    $57.83
    πŸ‡«πŸ‡·
    €37.19
    πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§
    Β£27.65
    Rating there:
    4.8 (12 reviews)
    Last checked:
    11 months
    ago

    RIRO Carbon Fiber Crank 29MM Road Bike 11/12 Speed 50-34/52-36/53-39T MS Direct Mount/110/130BCD Bicycle Crankset Chainring

    Created: June 23, 2025

    The RIRO Carbon Fiber Crank 29MM Road Bike 11/12 Speed 50-34/52-36/53-39T MS Direct Mount/110/130BCD Bicycle Crankset Chainring is not mentioned in this video.

    AI-Summary

    AFFILIATE by Trace VeloACTIVE
    aliexpress.com
    πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ
    $256.12
    πŸ‡«πŸ‡·
    €146.39
    πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§
    Β£117.74
    Rating there:
    4.8 (11 reviews)
    Last checked:
    21 days
    ago

    700Cx30C SEABOARD CR05 Road Bike Frame Chromium-molybdenum Steel Frame Carbon Fiber Fork Disc Brake 100x12mm 142x12mm Thru Axle

    Created: April 11, 2025

    The reviewer discusses the 700Cx30C SEABOARD CR05 Road Bike Frame Chromium-molybdenum Steel Frame Carbon Fiber Fork Disc Brake 100x12mm 142x12mm Thru Axle in detail throughout the video. They mention purchasing the frame on AliExpress for Β£372 and highlight its steel construction with a carbon fork. The frame features external cable routing, a longer head tube for a more relaxed geometry, and barrel adjusters for gear cables. The reviewer praises the frame's ride quality, describing it as supple and smooth, with a springy feel that absorbs road vibrations well. They also note the frame's good tire clearance, allowing for 700x30C tires with room for 700x32C. The build process is described as straightforward due to the external cable routing, though the rear brake hose routing was challenging. The reviewer also mentions applying Bow Shield T9 inside the frame for rust prevention.

    AI-Summary

    Pros

    • Supple and smooth ride quality
    • Good tire clearance (700x30C with room for 700x32C)
    • Longer head tube for relaxed geometry
    • External cable routing makes building and maintenance easier
    • Barrel adjusters on the frame for gear cables
    • Steel construction with carbon fork
    • Affordable price (Β£372 on AliExpress)
    • Quiet on the road with minimal rattling

    Cons

    • Rear brake hose routing was challenging due to lack of guide tubes
    • Heavier than carbon frames (8.6 kilos for XL size)
    • Feels slightly soft when sprinting or climbing out of the saddle
    • No raised front derailleur mount, requiring a separate clamp

    Key Points

    • Chromium-molybdenum steel frame with carbon fiber fork
    • External cable routing
    • 100x12mm and 142x12mm thru axles
    • Disc brake compatible
    • Longer head tube for relaxed geometry
    • Barrel adjusters on the frame
    • Good tire clearance (700x30C with room for 700x32C)
    • Bow Shield T9 applied inside for rust prevention
    AFFILIATE by Trace VeloACTIVE
    aliexpress.com
    πŸ‡«πŸ‡·
    €471.39
    πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§
    Β£410.39
    Rating there:
    5.0 (1 reviews)
    Last checked:
    26 days
    ago
    ACTIVE
    aliexpress.us
    Last checked:
    3 months
    ago
    AFFILIATE by MyBikePartsACTIVE
    aliexpress.com
    πŸ‡«πŸ‡·
    €471.39
    πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§
    Β£410.39
    Rating there:
    0.0 (0 reviews)
    Last checked:
    3 months
    ago

    BUCKLOS Rotor Mtb 160MM 180MM 203MM G3CS Durable Bike Hydraulic Brakes Rotor High Strength MTB Road Hydraulic Brakes Bike Part

    Created: June 23, 2025

    The reviewer briefly mentions the BUCKLOS Rotor Mtb 160MM 180MM 203MM G3CS Durable Bike Hydraulic Brakes Rotor High Strength MTB Road Hydraulic Brakes Bike Part but does not provide detailed analysis.

    AI-Summary

    Pros

    • The reviewer notes that the brakes were easy to bleed and came pre-filled with mineral oil from the factory.

    Cons

    • The reviewer mentions that the supplied bolts for the rear caliper were too long, requiring replacement.

    Key Points

    • The brakes require at least 160mm rotors.
    • The brakes have two bleed ports for easier maintenance.
    AFFILIATE by Trace VeloACTIVE
    aliexpress.com
    πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ
    $5.09
    πŸ‡«πŸ‡·
    €3.69
    πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§
    Β£2.93
    Rating there:
    4.9 (249 reviews)
    Last checked:
    27 days
    ago