
I test A LOT of cheap bike parts, mainly from AliExpress, so here are some of the best and worst things I tried in 2023!
SIROKO CLOTHING β 10% off (automatically applied via link below):
https://srko.co/tracevelo
I know cycling can be a very expensive hobby, especially if you are buying from the bigger western bands, so I try my best to search for some of the best value bike parts I can find. As I focus on value, much of the stuff I buy comes direct from China, and the platform I use most is AliExpress.
However Buying bike parts directly from China can be quite risky, as it can be difficult to know the quality and craftsmanship of the products you are getting. So here on Trace Velo, I test a variety of different products, and I try my best to provide an unbiased and transparent opinion.
With that in mind, here are some of the best and worst products I tried in 2023.
OG-Evkin CF-025 carbon road bike frame:
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DdhIbh7
ZTTO 11-50 Cassette:
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000095191588.html
ZERAY SPD pedals:
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DkhpbqN
Sidebike SPD MTB shoes:
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DcHoInx
Rockbros shoe covers:
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DedCJTR
Timestamps:
00:00 β Start
00:18 β Intro
00:50 β OG-Evkin road bike frame
02:14 β ZTTO 11-50 cassette
03:36 β Zeray SPD pedals
04:39 β Sidebike MTB shoes
05:46 β Rockbros shoe covers
07:06 β Sponsor segment
08:25 β Hutchinson Sector 28 tyres
10:58 β XPEDO SPD pedals
12:48 β Decas disc rotors
14:42 β GIYO CO2 pump
15:59 β Bonus clip
Intro roll:
Created by Dev Joshi - http://www.go2dev.co.uk
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/tracevelo/
Email:
tracevelouk@gmail.com
Please note:
With the exception of Siroko, all 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!!!
Keywords: AliExpress,aliexpress gadgets,Aliexpress bike,aliexpress bike parts,china bike upgrade,Bike Accessories,Budget Biking,Cycling Essentials,AliExpress Finds,Product Review,Cheap Cycling,AliExpress unboxing,chinese carbon,OG-EVKIN,Sidebike,zeray pedals,Ztto cassette,Sidebike mtb shoes
Bike part mentions in this video

OG-EVKIN CF-025 Carbon Road Frame Disc Brake BB86 28C 12x100/12x142 Bicycle Frame Carbon Di2/Mechanical Road Bike Frame Frameset

ZTTO MTB XD 12 Speed 9-50T Cassette Ultralight CNC Steel Rainbow Golden 375g Ultimate 12speed 9x46 Sprocket 1299 k7 Colorful ULT

ZERAY Bicycle Pedals ZP-108S Cycling Self-Locking Pedals Clipless Pedals Aluminum Alloy SPD Bike Cleat Pedals Accessories

SIDEBIKE Men's Cycling Sneaker Self-lock Mtb Shoes Breathable Mountain Bike Shoes for Climbing Outdoor Sports Bicycle Equipment

ROCKBROS Cycling Thermal Shoes Cover Winter Windproof MTB Bike Equipment Bicycle Overshoes Protector Warm Cycling Boot Covers
OG-EVKIN CF-025 Carbon Road Frame Disc Brake BB86 28C 12x100/12x142 Bicycle Frame Carbon Di2/Mechanical Road Bike Frame Frameset
Created: August 26, 2024The reviewer highlights the OG-EVKIN CF-025 Carbon Road Frame as one of the best purchases of the year, praising its quality and finish for the price.
AI-Summary
Pros
- Excellent value for money at Β£386 delivered
- Spotless external finish with nicely applied decals
- High-quality carbon layup with few creases
- No excess resin or shoddy craftsmanship
- Well-finished head tube and bottom bracket area
- Includes extras like a branded headset, rubber cover for seat post clamp, chain stay protector, and seat post adapters
- Easy to work on and rides nicely
Cons
Key Points
- Carbon road bike frame
- Disc brake compatible
- BB86 bottom bracket
- 12x100/12x142 thru-axle
- Compatible with Di2/Mechanical systems
- Includes various accessories


ZTTO MTB XD 12 Speed 9-50T Cassette Ultralight CNC Steel Rainbow Golden 375g Ultimate 12speed 9x46 Sprocket 1299 k7 Colorful ULT
Created: August 26, 2024The reviewer discusses the ZTTO MTB XD 12 Speed 9-50T Cassette as a lightweight and affordable alternative to more expensive options like the SRAM XG 1299 cassette. They highlight its performance and durability but note slight differences in shifting compared to SRAM.
AI-Summary
Pros
- Nearly 200g lighter than the basic SRAM Eagle 11-50 cassette
- Affordable compared to high-end options like the SRAM XG 1299
- Stiff and durable due to CNC-milled steel and aluminum spider
- Good shifting performance when properly indexed
Cons
- Less forgiving with indexing compared to SRAM cassettes
- Requires precise derailleur adjustment for optimal performance
Key Points
- Weighs 419g
- CNC-milled from a single block of steel
- Chunky aluminum spider for durability
- Compatible with 12-speed systems

ZERAY Bicycle Pedals ZP-108S Cycling Self-Locking Pedals Clipless Pedals Aluminum Alloy SPD Bike Cleat Pedals Accessories
Created: August 26, 2024The reviewer discusses the ZERAY Bicycle Pedals ZP-108S as a lightweight and affordable alternative to basic Shimano SPD pedals, praising their build quality and features.
AI-Summary
Pros
- Lightweight (285g for the pair, 100g lighter than basic Shimano pedals)
- Affordable (25 quid including delivery)
- Good build quality (chromoly steel axle, aluminum pedal body, steel cleat fittings)
- Rubber seals to protect bearings from water
- Adjustable cleat tension on both sides
- Includes extra cleats
Cons
Key Points
- Chromoly steel axle
- Aluminum pedal body
- Steel cleat fittings
- Adjustable cleat tension
- Includes extra cleats


SIDEBIKE Men's Cycling Sneaker Self-lock Mtb Shoes Breathable Mountain Bike Shoes for Climbing Outdoor Sports Bicycle Equipment
Created: August 26, 2024The reviewer briefly mentions the SIDEBIKE Men's Cycling Sneaker Self-lock Mtb Shoes Breathable Mountain Bike Shoes for Climbing Outdoor Sports Bicycle Equipment but does not provide detailed analysis.
AI-Summary


ROCKBROS Cycling Thermal Shoes Cover Winter Windproof MTB Bike Equipment Bicycle Overshoes Protector Warm Cycling Boot Covers
Created: August 26, 2024The reviewer discusses the ROCKBROS Cycling Thermal Shoes Cover, highlighting their effectiveness in keeping feet dry and warm during winter cycling. They mention having used these covers for over three years and praise their durability and waterproof qualities.
AI-Summary
Pros
- Consistently keeps rain out
- Durable with a Kevlar fabric toe box for added durability
- 100% waterproof without needing treatment
- Effective at keeping feet warm in winter
- Chunky zip at the back for easy use
Cons
- Requires careful stretching over shoes to avoid damage
- Slight BDSM Vibes (mentioned humorously)
Key Points
- Made from stretchy plastic or vinyl
- Kevlar fabric toe box for durability
- Chunky zip at the back
- No need for reconditioning or treatment

