All my Aliexpress MTB purchases reviewed.

All prices below are what I am seeing on the site and include shipping. On items where shipping is extra I have listed the shipping cost. None of the prices include the get which is added at checkout.


Cycling Glasses Photochromic Sunglasses Men Women Mountain Bike Road Eyewear
$7
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005006718262788.html
1734590370765.png

At this point I have ordered hundreds of items from Aliexpress. These glasses are in my all time top 3.
If you ride in changeable conditions then they are pure magic. I have found them especially useful at Bright and Maydena, where you often move from bright sunny conditions into dark rainforest or in the shade of the pines.

I previously bought these for $16 and they were a bargain at that price. Now on sale for $7.
If you are a new user you can grab these for $1.50 +gst including shipping !! If this doesn’t get you to try aliexpress I can’t help you.



Cone spanners
~$2 + $5 shipping
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005007258482676.html
1734590399785.png


You can buy these separately or in a set. Another aliexpress bargain for when you only need to service your hubs once a year.




Bicycle Disc Brake Pads for SHIMANO 4 Pistons Caliper
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005003635347572.html
$17 for 4 pairs
1734590520618.png

4 sets of brakes for $17 delivered? Are you kidding?

I have been using these for ~8 months and have personally tested these at Bright and Maydena for a few weeks and honestly didn’t notice a difference compared to standard shimano pads. I will say that if you are doing full top to bottom runs then the shimano finned pads do make a difference.


Also be sure to bed these in properly on first use.



Bike Frame Protection Stickers Tape 3M 10M Bicycle Frame Protector 0.5mm Thickness
Price: depends on size
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000987702020.html?
1734590565671.png

The link above is to “5mm” which frame tape which actually measures about 4mm with a set of calipers.

Here is everything you need to know about frame tape on aliexpress: it’s all about the thickness. You can pretty much just either get the 4/5mm tape like above or a 2mm tape which is what you get when you order something where the thickness is not specified.

4mm tape: fantastic protection against bigger scratches. More difficult to get a nice finish compared to the thin 2mm stuff.

Neither aliexpress tape will give you a finish that is as good as what you would get with a professional wrap. However if you just want to protect your bike, improve its resale value and make it easier to clean then I highly recommend it.
It doesn’t matter the conditions, the wrap makes it easier to clean the bike.

Make sure to check the reviews and only order when there is a review which confirms the thickness or the tape or ask teh

For reference ‘Ride Wrap’ is ~0.2mm thick and ‘Invisiframe’ is ~0.3mm.


Replacement Hydration Bags Bite Valves
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005006053437784.html
$3
1734590609048.png


Camelbak style bite valve. Does what it says. Also handy if you want to swap for a straight or 90 degree fitting.



Shimano XT/SLX rear hub parts
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4001069056506.html
$3 - $15 + $8 postage

These parts are just simply never in stock with Shimano Australia. They are permanently on back order and never seem to come through. Shimano can get stuffed. I would probably be out ~$400+ for a new wheel if it was not for aliexpress.





TOOPRE 10T Bicycle Pedal Axle Spindle Removal Tools
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005004359709705.html
$5.13
1734590663296.png


Yeah does what it says. Actually quite solid. I thought it would be made of ‘chinesium’ but it’s good. Much, much better than the grey plastic shimano tool (although that is currently $2 from pushys)


Bicycle Tire Patch Glueless Kit
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005004829786881.html
$4.39 + $6.40 shipping (maybe wait for this to go on sale or find another seller. A few months ago I paid $6.70 delivered inc gst)
1734590682928.png


A really nice patch kit.


Socks Waterproof Breathable Outdoor
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005003892202579.html
$15.69
1734590705245.png
I rode all through Tassie in winter including light snow at Maydena and could not have done it without these socks. If you are riding in the wet and cold then grab a pair of these. Mine don’t look exactly like the ones pictured (they have a maroon stripe at the top) but they are fantastic.



Rrskit Bicycle Wheels/Hub Bearing Installation Press Set
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005006143029319.html
$65.62 (I think that this is on sale. I paid $77 delivered inc gst two years ago)
1734590724432.png


More than I will even need. I used this kit to install new pivot bearings and wheel bearings. Very smooth. Just make life easier on yourself and put your bearings into the freezer for a few hours before installing.
 
Last edited:
Okay here is a big review. I bought this truing stand in Sept 2021 and paid $282 delivered including GST.

Professional Bicycle Wheel Truing Stand With Dial Indicator Gauge Set
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005001807508965.html


The link above is what I purchased from “CYCLING FD Store”, but it seems that this now cannot be shipped to Australia. That same store is selling it under this listing which can be posted to Australia but you don’t have the option of excluding the dial indicators and saving some cash.
“CYCLING FD Store” alternate listing: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005006132267241.html
$206+$131 postage + gst
1734590828638.png



I did find a different store selling what looks to be the exact same item.
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005003217916086.html?
$99 - $165 + $150 postage + gst


There is a review that says it does not fit 29” wheels with the tyre. If you have something smaller than a 2.5” and let the air out it will just barely fit in the stand.

When I bought mine I sprung for the dial indicators as well. In truth for the average home mechanic they are unnecessary.

I have now built quite a few wheels and trued many more using this stand. The quality is so good that I would actually feel confident in recommending this to a bike shop. The build quality is fantastic. Super high quality. Everything is perfectly machined.

You will also need a tension gauge. I have one from ZTTO.
 
All prices below are what I am seeing on the site and include shipping. On items where shipping is extra I have listed the shipping cost. None of the prices include the get which is added at checkout.


Cycling Glasses Photochromic Sunglasses Men Women Mountain Bike Road Eyewear
$7
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005006718262788.html
View attachment 413902
At this point I have ordered hundreds of items from Aliexpress. These glasses are in my all time top 3.
If you ride in changeable conditions then they are pure magic. I have found them especially useful at Bright and Maydena, where you often move from bright sunny conditions into dark rainforest or in the shade of the pines.

I previously bought these for $16 and they were a bargain at that price. Now on sale for $7.
If you are a new user you can grab these for $1.50 +gst including shipping !! If this doesn’t get you to try aliexpress I can’t help you.



Cone spanners
~$2 + $5 shipping
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005007258482676.html
View attachment 413903

You can buy these separately or in a set. Another aliexpress bargain for when you only need to service your hubs once a year.




Bicycle Disc Brake Pads for SHIMANO 4 Pistons Caliper
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005003635347572.html
$17 for 4 pairs
View attachment 413904
4 sets of brakes for $17 delivered? Are you kidding?

I have been using these for ~8 months and have personally tested these at Bright and Maydena for a few weeks and honestly didn’t notice a difference compared to standard shimano pads. I will say that if you are doing full top to bottom runs then the shimano finned pads do make a difference.


Also be sure to bed these in properly on first use.



Bike Frame Protection Stickers Tape 3M 10M Bicycle Frame Protector 0.5mm Thickness
Price: depends on size
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000987702020.html?
View attachment 413905
The link above is to “5mm” which frame tape which actually measures about 4mm with a set of calipers.

Here is everything you need to know about frame tape on aliexpress: it’s all about the thickness. You can pretty much just either get the 4/5mm tape like above or a 2mm tape which is what you get when you order something where the thickness is not specified.

4mm tape: fantastic protection against bigger scratches. More difficult to get a nice finish compared to the thin 2mm stuff.

Neither aliexpress tape will give you a finish that is as good as what you would get with a professional wrap. However if you just want to protect your bike, improve its resale value and make it easier to clean then I highly recommend it.
It doesn’t matter the conditions, the wrap makes it easier to clean the bike.

Make sure to check the reviews and only order when there is a review which confirms the thickness or the tape or ask teh

For reference ‘Ride Wrap’ is ~8mm thick and ‘Invisiframe’ is ~12mm.


Replacement Hydration Bags Bite Valves
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005006053437784.html
$3
View attachment 413906

Camelbak style bite valve. Does what it says. Also handy if you want to swap for a straight or 90 degree fitting.



Shimano XT/SLX rear hub parts
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4001069056506.html
$3 - $15 + $8 postage

These parts are just simply never in stock with Shimano Australia. They are permanently on back order and never seem to come through. Shimano can get stuffed. I would probably be out ~$400+ for a new wheel if it was not for aliexpress.





TOOPRE 10T Bicycle Pedal Axle Spindle Removal Tools
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005004359709705.html
$5.13
View attachment 413907

Yeah does what it says. Actually quite solid. I thought it would be made of ‘chinesium’ but it’s good. Much, much better than the grey plastic shimano tool (although that is currently $2 from pushys)


Bicycle Tire Patch Glueless Kit
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005004829786881.html
$4.39 + $6.40 shipping (maybe wait for this to go on sale or find another seller. A few months ago I paid $6.70 delivered inc gst)
View attachment 413908

A really nice patch kit.


Socks Waterproof Breathable Outdoor
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005003892202579.html
$15.69
View attachment 413909I rode all through Tassie in winter including light snow at Maydena and could not have done it without these socks. If you are riding in the wet and cold then grab a pair of these. Mine don’t look exactly like the ones pictured (they have a maroon stripe at the top) but they are fantastic.



Rrskit Bicycle Wheels/Hub Bearing Installation Press Set
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005006143029319.html
$65.62 (I think that this is on sale. I paid $77 delivered inc gst two years ago)
View attachment 413910

More than I will even need. I used this kit to install new pivot bearings and wheel bearings. Very smooth. Just make life easier on yourself and put your bearings into the freezer for a few hours before installing.
Good batch of links, but there's gotta be a decimal place missing from your descriptions of the protective films. I ain't ever had no dang 12mm thick Invisframe film! o_O
 
Good batch of links, but there's gotta be a decimal place missing from your descriptions of the protective films. I ain't ever had no dang 12mm thick Invisframe film! o_O
Ah, yes you are correct.
I read "InvisiFRAME has been around since 2011. Their 12 mils thick polyurethane film comes in either clear matte or clear gloss" and mistook mils for millimeters. source
 
Good batch of links, but there's gotta be a decimal place missing from your descriptions of the protective films. I ain't ever had no dang 12mm thick Invisframe film! o_O
at least with 12mm thick film you won't really see the bubbles or dust stick underneath
 
Great list @courselanguagw.

I have bought a few of the same items in my AliExpress travels, but I am always up for new tips.
 
All prices below are what I am seeing on the site and include shipping. On items where shipping is extra I have listed the shipping cost. None of the prices include the get which is added at checkout.


Cycling Glasses Photochromic Sunglasses Men Women Mountain Bike Road Eyewear
$7
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005006718262788.html


Bike Frame Protection Stickers Tape 3M 10M Bicycle Frame Protector 0.5mm Thickness
Price: depends on size
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000987702020.html?

Can confirm that both of these are pretty good products! Bought two pairs of the glasses for myself & the wife, great visibilty, minimal lens distortion, and using 2 new email addresses at the time landed each for $1.70, very hard to go past!

The frame tape I've only used a small patch so far, but seems on par with the genuine 3M stuff I bought on a roll from ebay many years ago.
 
Have given the LTWOO TX 12s derailleur/shifter a go for $80. Thoroughly impressed, crisp shifting. Clutch is a lot stiffer than the AXS derailleur. The ergonomics on the shifter aren't great but my large hands make it better. It'll be staying on for sure.

View attachment 414065
Ltwoo do seem to be making pretty decent stuff for the price now! My GRT12 set is going great after about 1200km. Would I buy again over Shimano GRX? Hmmm, not sure, but probably!
 
Have given the LTWOO TX 12s derailleur/shifter a go for $80. Thoroughly impressed, crisp shifting. Clutch is a lot stiffer than the AXS derailleur. The ergonomics on the shifter aren't great but my large hands make it better. It'll be staying on for sure.

View attachment 414065
Serious question - why would you buy this over a Deore derailleur and shifter? AliExpress have them at around $65.
 
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