
Does spending more money make sense with Aliexpress bike parts? The most expensive Chinese carbon bike build i’ve ever done!
SIROKO CLOTHING – 10% off (automatically applied via link below):
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I’ve built a lot of carbon road bikes in the past. I use parts from AliExpress and direct to consumer brands, and have always tried to make them as cheap as possible. Saving money is fantastic, and I enjoy the challenge of building great bikes on a budget, but it often means dealing with unforeseen problems during the build process.
In this episode, I have decided to change my approach, and see if spending more money on these bike parts will make my life easier, and ultimately build a better bike.
Apart from the cassette and brake disc rotors (which are from Shimano), every major part of this bike was manufactured by a lesser known brand. The carbon frame and integrated handlebars are from OG-EVKIN, the fully hydraulic 12 speed disc brake groupset is from L-TWOO, and the carbon wheelset is from 9Velo.
In this video, I go through the whole build from start to finish, give my thoughts on the parts and the process, discuss the final cost and weight, and compare the final bike to the cheapest build I have ever done.
Please note, I get a small commission via these links:
OG-Evkin HB1300 handlebars:
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DlhyAPr
9Velo wheelset (code 9VELOTV10):
http://www.9velo.com
Hydraulic bleed kit:
https://amzn.to/3DRRM6S
Bleeding RX Groupset:
https://youtube.com/watch?v=cRrPe0YbDpk&si=EnSIkaIECMiOmarE
Timestamps:
00:00 – Start
01:06 – Intro
02:15 – OG-EVKIN CF-025 frame
04:50 – OG-EVKIN integrated bars
05:26 – Fitting handlebars & cutting steerer tube
08:34 – L-TWOO RX groupset
15:29 – Setting up 9Velo carbon wheelset
19:25 – L-TWOO RX: Setting up & bleeding brakes
20:47 – L-TWOO RX: Rattling shifters
23:14 – BB86 bottom bracket & crankset
25:42 – Bartape, saddle, & pedals
27:13 – L-TWOO RX: Tuning the groupset
29:02 – Total cost & weight
31:44 – Was it worth it?
33:40 – Impressions after 200km
39:05 – Wrap-up
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: 9Velo wheels,EXPENSIVE AliExpress bike build,HB1300 handlebars,OG-Evkin CF025,L-TWOO RX hydraulic groupset,LTWOO RX,chinese hydraulic groupset,AliExpress carbon bike build,chinese bike parts,chinese bike build,chinese bike,Chinese carbon road bike,aliExpress bike build,road bike build,Road bike race,Cheap bike parts,LTWOO disc brake,LTWOO Groupset,12 speed groupset,Road bike,Chinese 12 speed groupset
Bike part mentions in this video
Ltwoo Rx Grt R9 Gr9 Road Bike Hydraulic Disc Brake 11/12s Shifter Carbon Fiber Groupset Hydraulic Caliper Rear Derilleur Set - Bicycle Derailleur
Created: April 08, 2023The reviewer discusses the Ltwoo Rx Grt R9 Gr9 Road Bike Hydraulic Disc Brake 11/12s Shifter Carbon Fiber Groupset Hydraulic Caliper Rear Derailleur Set, highlighting its features and initial impressions during installation.
AI-Summary
Pros
- Fully hydraulic road groupset, a first from a Chinese manufacturer
- 2x12 speed with carbon parts including brake levers, shift paddles, and part of the rear derailleur cage
- Follows Shimano standard for hydraulic fittings
- Includes shifters, front and rear derailleurs, brake calipers, and mounting brackets
- Affordable at £358 from AliExpress
- Available in 2x11 and gravel-specific 1x12 versions
- Initial setup was straightforward and simple
Cons
- Left shifter for the front derailleur was initially stiff, though adjustable
- Front brake hose had a kink from the factory, possibly a quality control issue
- Use of anti-seize compound on bolts is not recommended by the manufacturer
Key Points
- Carbon fiber components in brake levers, shift paddles, and rear derailleur cage
- Shimano-compatible hydraulic fittings
- Adjustable shifter tension via a bolt on the back
- Flat Mount calipers (70 mm bolt spacing)

- Aliexpress Rating:
- 0.0 (0 Reviews)
- Last check of link:
- 10 months
Ship-To | Cost |
---|---|
🇺🇸 | $289.59 |
🇫🇷 | €332.99 |
🇬🇧 | £231.59 |
LTWOO RX 12 Disc 2x12s Road Hydraulic Disc Brake Groupset + ZRACE XG Flat Mount Brake Caliper,Carbon Fibre,Benchmark R7020 R8020
Created: April 08, 2023The reviewer discusses the LTWOO RX 12 Disc 2x12s Road Hydraulic Disc Brake Groupset, highlighting its features and initial impressions during installation.
AI-Summary
Pros
- Fully hydraulic road groupset, a first from a Chinese manufacturer
- 2x12 speed configuration
- Includes shifters, front and rear derailleurs, brake calipers, and mounting brackets
- Follows Shimano standard for hydraulic fittings
- Features carbon parts on brake levers, shift paddles, and part of the rear derailleur cage
- Affordable at £358 from AliExpress
- Easy installation with straightforward cable routing
- Smooth shifting after minor adjustments
Cons
- Initial stiffness in the left shifter for the front derailleur
- One of the brake hoses had a kink from the factory, though this may be a one-off issue
- Potential concerns about quality control if other parts were rushed out
Key Points
- Hydraulic disc brake system
- Carbon fiber components
- Shimano-compatible hydraulic fittings
- Available in 2x11 and 1x12 gravel-specific versions
- Easy internal cable routing

- Aliexpress Rating:
- 0.0 (0 Reviews)
- Last check of link:
- 10 months
Ship-To | Cost |
---|---|
🇺🇸 | $312.90 |
🇫🇷 | €362.69 |
🇬🇧 | £254.39 |
Ybn Chain 12 Speed Bicycle Bike Bicycle Chain Ybn Mtb Road Bike Chain - Shipping
Created: April 08, 2023The reviewer briefly mentions the Ybn Chain 12 Speed Bicycle | Bike Bicycle Chain Ybn | Mtb Road Bike Chain - Shipping but does not provide detailed analysis.
AI-Summary
Cons

- Aliexpress Rating:
- 5.0 (8 Reviews)
- Last check of link:
- 10 months
Ship-To | Cost |
---|---|
🇺🇸 | $53.44 |
🇩🇪 | €24.99 - €60.57 |