All my Aliexpress MTB purchases reviewed.

coarselanguagw

Likes Dirt
Here are a few reviews and links to many of the items I have purchased from Aliexpress over the past 2 years.

All prices are in AUD including shipping and GST. Some of these were bought during their sales so you might find the prices have gone up a little. Also Aliexpress add on the GST at checkout so keep that in mind when looking at the price on their site.
I’ve included links, but none of these are ‘affiliate’ links.
I’ve found Aliexpress to be really handy for lots of small stuff especially things like tools, bearing presses, etc..
The only issue with Aliexpress is that it will take 4 weeks to deliver.

Name:3001002mm Diy Knife Material Making Knife K Sheath Case Kydex Hot Plastic Plate Made In USA
Price:AU$7.94
URL:https://www.aliexpress.com/item/33015151472.html?spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.27424c4dKzT6CR
Review: Good for making a downtube protector as shown in the video here.




Name: 1M Bike Protective film Frame Protection Stickers Protector Wear Clear Surface Bicycle Frame Bike Transparent Tape
Price: $4.22 for 100cm x 15cm
URL: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1M-...616.html?spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.27424c4dIhLqZZ
Review: Says it's 0.4mm but probably closed to 0.2mm or 0.3mm. Cheap as chips and absolutely fantastic. FrameSkin is thicker and would offer better protection, but this is great for people who want a little frame protection without spending $150-$200. Keeps the bike really clean and still protects against wear 'n tear and general trail side and shuttle scratches.



Name:J04C Cooling Fins Metal Disc Brake Pads J04C Bike Pads
Price: $55.41 delivered for 3 pairs
URL:https://www.aliexpress.com/item/J04...432.html?spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.27424c4dKzT6CR
Review: Cheap and the genuine article. You save on shipping if buying a few pairs.





Name:2pcs Silicone Bicycle Crank Arm Protector Cover Race Face Crank Boot Protectors MTB Road Bike Universal Crankset Protective Case
Price: $3.39
URL:https://www.aliexpress.com/item/2pc...794.html?spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.27424c4dKzT6CR
Review: Does the job. Decent quality and fits well.





Name:9.5MM x 2M Heat Shrink
Price: $3 for 9.5MM x 2M
URL:https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32859645890.html?spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.27424c4dKzT6CR
Review:I used the 9.5MM heat shink to to keep my gear and brake cables together and reduce noise at the front of the bike. Very happy with the quality of this heat shrink and there is nothing printed on it, unlike the stuff you find at bunnings/jaycar.






Name:Bicycle Fenders Plastic Colorful Front /rear Bike Mudguard Mtb Bike Wings Mud Guard Cycling Accessories for Bicycle

Price:$6.35

URL:https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Hot...630.html?spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.27424c4dSiYRm3

Review: Great quality, has been on the bike for 6 months. Can’t complain.

Note: When I bought this it was only 1. Seems that they have changed the listing to be for two, but you can probably find others for ~$6.35 for 1.






Name:Bicycle Front Fork Dust Seal 32mm-36mm Seal &Foam Ring for fox Fox/Rockshox/Magura/X-fusion/Manitou Fork Repair Kits Parts

Price: $23.70 for “34mm with edge”

URL:https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Bic...914.html?spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.27424c4dSiYRm3

Review: Looks and feels exactly like the genuine seals.






Name:2Pcs Bicycle Front Fork Sponge Ring Oil Foam Absorb Seal 30/32/34/35/36/38/40mm

Price:$6.27

URL:https://www.aliexpress.com/item/2Pc...471.html?spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.27424c4dSiYRm3

Review: These have been great. I actually service the forks more often and just replace the foam rings if they don’t clean up with isopropyl alcohol.







Name: 100ml/150ml Plastic Reusable Big Large Hydroponics Pets Nutrient Sterile Health Measuring Syringe Tools Cat Feeding Accessories

Price: $2.56

URL: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/100...353.html?spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.27424c4dSiYRm3

Review: I needed something for measuring fluids when servicing the fork. I got the 150ml syringe which is too big, go for the 100ml.






Name: M5 M6 M8 M10 M12 M14 M16 to M30 High Pressure Hydraulic Pipe Seal Pad Rubber Metal Shim Seal Gasket NBR Metal washer

Price: $3 M8

URL:https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32816474889.html?spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.27424c4dSiYRm3

Review: These are absolutely perfect for use as crush washers for fox / rockshox forks. Having a bunch of very cheap crush washers on hand will let you service your fork lowers more often and makes throwing in some fresh oil and new grease a breeze. Also I think that giving the lowers a clean more regularly will actually reduce the need to replace for seals, o-rings etc.. I’m using the M8 size.








Name: 3PCS Bike Fixed Wrench Spanner Mountain MTB Bike Metal Alloy Curved Steel Tyre Tire Lever Repair Wrench Bicycle Repair Tool

Price: $4.63

URL: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/3PC...888.html?spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.27424c4dSiYRm3

Review: Haven’t had too much use from these, but I got sick of breaking plastic levers so picked these up, they feel solid.








Name: Bicycle Spoke Nipple Wrench 8 Way Groove Bike Wheel Rim Adjuster Spanner Galvanized Repair Service Tool Key TOL-108

Price: $3.06

URL: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32696557444.html?spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.27424c4dSiYRm3

Review: Does the job.








Name: Bicycle Repair Tool Bicycle Disc Brake Disc Brake Disc Brake Repair Repair Adjustment Tool Disc Adjustment Wrench Tools parts

Price: $10.54

URL: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Bic...870.html?spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.27424c4dSiYRm3


Review: Actually super handy to have. Nice to not have to use a shifter and have a proper tool instead. Good quality









Name: Brake Bleed Kit Metal Connector joint For SRAM Guide/Level Ult/TLM/TL RED eTap HRD, Code R, Code RSC, Guide R,RS,RSC,Ultimate,S4

Price: $4.27

URL:https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Bra...100.html?spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.27424c4dSiYRm3

Review: Piss off to SRAM who want $30 for this tiny part. You can also look for full brake bleed kits for $20-25. Fit perfectly with my guides.





Name: BIKEHAND Bicycle Chain Clamp Quick Link Button Mount Rivet Closure Overhaul Removal Install Plier Bike Repair Service Tool

Price: $12.05

URL: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/BIK...550.html?spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.27424c4dSiYRm3

Review:Handy little tool. Does the job, really convenient having the right tool for the job.




Name: Plastic Cycling Motorcycle Bicycle Chain Clean Brush Gear Grunge Brush Cleaner Outdoor Cleaner Scrubber Tool Bike Accessories 7

Price: $2.18

URL:https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Pla...268.html?spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.27424c4dSiYRm3

Review: I can definitely recommend that you get brushes from aliexpress.





Name: Bicycle Front Fork Dust Seal Installation Driver Tool Kit For Fox Rockshox 32/34/35/36/40mm Pipe Diameter Driver SuspensionTool

Price: $23.23

URL: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Bic...978.html?spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.27424c4dl0DgkE


Review: I bought the 34mm driver and it works just fine with 35mm seals as well.





Name: 4 colors Bike Computer Holder Stem Top Cap Mount Bracket for Garmin 1000/820/810/800/520/510/500/200 Bryton R530/R330/R310/R100

Price: $4.21

URL: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000080032183.html?spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.27424c4dl0DgkE

Review: Works fine. Haven’t had an issue with it.




Name: Bicycle Mudguard lightweight Rear Tire Fenders Mountain Bike Fenders Cycle Part Bicycle Accessories

Price: $1.83

URL: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Bic...701.html?spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.27424c4dl0DgkE

Review: This listing is no longer active, but just search for the name and other listing are available. Nice to have.




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Edit: Added some more stuff, but can't include more pictures.
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Name: CALIPERS 150mm 6 inch LCD Digital Electronic Carbon Fiber Vernier Caliper Gauge Micrometer Measuring Tool QST008
Price: $5.68
URL: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/QST...180.html?spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.27424c4dLlnCcP
Review: Look, for $6 you are not going to get micrometer lever accuracy. But for measuring the internal/external diameter of bearings and all the other bits n pieces on the bike these are super useful. I'd say these have an 0.1mm margin of error. So say you measure a 20mm bearing it will read as 20.1mm, but you will know that they don't make 20.1mm bearings, so it must be 20mm.
You will need to pickup a $2 battery from bunnings.






Name: 450mm Long Car Grille Wheel Engine Brush Wash Microfiber Cleaning Detailing Automotive Cleaning Tool

Price: $5.67

URL: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/450...283.html?spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.27424c4dDlulrB

Review: This is a really nice brush, get’s into all the tight spaces. Perfect for around your rear suspension linkages, cockpit area etc..





Name: Stone Pulley Wheel Gear Guide Roller Jockey 10t 12t 14t 16t Bearing Road MTB Bike Rear Derailleur for GX XX1 for Shimano M9000

Price: $16.27 for a single 14T wheel.

URL: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Sto...733.html?spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.27424c4dSP3xRM

Review: Never get any of the “ceramic” jockey wheels from aliexpress, they are junk. Get sealed bearing jockey wheels like this one. Using the calipers listed will also allow you to get something that is the perfect size.






Name: 2pics/set 2020 LYRIK ULTIMATE Rockshox Front Fork Sticker for Bicycle Cycling Mountain Bike Stickers Decoration MTB Decals

Price: $ 9

URL:https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000714714938.html?spm=a2g0s.8937460.0.0.230b2e0emEVl6Q

Review: There are many different sellers who will have something for whatever fork you are after. Nice to either fix up scratched decals or colour match.



Name: Bike Hydraulic Disc Brake Caliper Piston Kit for Shimano M640 M810 M820 M7120 M8120 M9120 Brake Caliper

Price: $22

URL:https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000939785561.html?spm=a2g0s.8937460.0.0.230b2e0eJ6qSxF

Review: Shimano don’t actually sell replacement pistons. If you crack a piston you need to buy a whole new caliper. These aftermarket pistons do the job. Also compatible with MT520 calipers and other calipers not listed in the ad.
 
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coarselanguagw

Likes Dirt
Nice! Might grab some of those foam rings as typically the main seal is fine and just need some fresh foam!
The absolute star of this post are those crush washers. Get those as well. At around $3 for a pack of 20 delivered. You can re-use your existing crush washers but throwing on a new washer is just a little more confidence inspiring. I also think that these give a better seal. It's an inner rubber ring that acts as an oring with an outer copper ring that compresses. I've been using them for 2 years on different bikes and never had an issue.
 

Nambra

Definitely should have gone to specsavers
Those crush washers look pretty good @coarselanguagw. Being made with copper, have you experienced any galvanic action between them and the (typically magnesium) fork lowers?

I was also going to ask when you last ordered from AliEx and how long it took. I've had an order from May 27 that hasn't left China yet, but I just checked again and it finally departed on July 16. The airline has had it since the beginning of June! I'm not that fussed with the time it takes with the pandemic and so on. The tracking detail also seems a lot more comprehensive than I've had when ordering from the EU.

365046
 

Flow-Rider

Burner
Those crush washers look pretty good @coarselanguagw. Being made with copper, have you experienced any galvanic action between them and the (typically magnesium) fork lowers?

I was also going to ask when you last ordered from AliEx and how long it took. I've had an order from May 27 that hasn't left China yet, but I just checked again and it finally departed on July 16. The airline has had it since the beginning of June! I'm not that fussed with the time it takes with the pandemic and so on. The tracking detail also seems a lot more comprehensive than I've had when ordering from the EU.

View attachment 365046
Yep been big problems post covid, use the tracking number on track17, you'll get more current results. I've 5 orders, one from ebay all stuck in Sydney for the last 2 weeks.

Be careful what you post on here in terms of grey imports too, wholesalers see it then complain and the product gets removed from the vendor or jack the prices up.
 

coarselanguagw

Likes Dirt
Those crush washers look pretty good @coarselanguagw. Being made with copper, have you experienced any galvanic action between them and the (typically magnesium) fork lowers?
I've never left them on for more than 6 months. Never noticed any corrosion or any other issues. It wouldn't surprise me if they weren't actually copper, but rather some other soft metal. Also all the fork lowers I have worked on have been painted and these washers haven't damaged the paint so there shouldn't be any direct magnesium/copper contact. In any case they work perfectly as crush washers.

Shipping is a black hole of uncertainty. I've been ordering off Aliexpress for a few years and have approx 200 orders. Around 15% of things have arrived in as little as 2 weeks. 10% have taken 8 weeks. The other 75% have been 4-6 weeks (even with covid most stuff has been 4-5 weeks). In my 200 orders there have probably been 3 or 4 items that never actually arrived. In those cases I've just made a claim and Aliexpress have refunded me my money.

In regards to grey imports a number of vendors sell cassettes and other parts with the serial number filed off. I have seen cassettes that sell for $150 on Pushys for $100 delivered inc GST on Aliexpress. But most people don't want to wait 4-8 weeks for parts.
 

Isaakk

Likes Bikes and Dirt
I'm still waiting on orders from 24th May & 10th June, orders I placed at the start of March I think arrived 2 weeks ago - so there's definitely more of a wait at the moment which is understandable.

Those crush washers look okay, might grab some, along with some of those brushes & fork seal driver.

One thing I have bought and been really impressed with is the ZTTO dropper lever, can recommend.
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32986127932.html?spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.27424c4dQHSh7H

When (if?) my other orders show up, can review them too, if anyone's interested.

 

Oddjob

Merry fucking Xmas to you assholes
I'm still waiting on orders from 24th May & 10th June, orders I placed at the start of March I think arrived 2 weeks ago - so there's definitely more of a wait at the moment which is understandable.

Those crush washers look okay, might grab some, along with some of those brushes & fork seal driver.

One thing I have bought and been really impressed with is the ZTTO dropper lever, can recommend.
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32986127932.html?spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.27424c4dQHSh7H

When (if?) my other orders show up, can review them too, if anyone's interested.

+1 to the Ztto dropper lever. I also like their cassettes and bottom brackets, in particular their screw pf92 and pf30 bottom brackets.

Sent from my SM-G970F using Tapatalk
 

Haakon

Keeps on digging
+1 to the Ztto dropper lever. I also like their cassettes and bottom brackets, in particular their screw pf92 and pf30 bottom brackets.

Sent from my SM-G970F using Tapatalk
Also ditto, very impressed with quality and action. Using with a OneUp dropper.
 

Scotty T

Walks the walk
Some great stuff in here, can vouch that there are some good tools as my mate got one of those brake rotor tools and a headset press. He also got a spoke cutter, but it is shit, will see if I can find out which one.
 

PJO

in me vL comy
One thing I have bought and been really impressed with is the ZTTO dropper lever, can recommend.
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32986127932.html?spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.27424c4dQHSh7H
I have one ordered as well, will see how long it takes to get here. I found a vendor that uses EMS ePacket which promises 13-20 day delivery but only costs a little extra over standard delivery, will see how true that is...
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000998416968.html?spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.151f4c4dHhgnlz
 

shiny

Go-go-gadget-wrist-thingy
The absolute star of this post are those crush washers. Get those as well. At around $3 for a pack of 20 delivered. You can re-use your existing crush washers but throwing on a new washer is just a little more confidence inspiring. I also think that these give a better seal. It's an inner rubber ring that acts as an oring with an outer copper ring that compresses. I've been using them for 2 years on different bikes and never had an issue.
Ordered the foam rings, no crush washers needed on my fork, Manitou. Also grabbed a roll of ZTTO tubeless tape, no urgent need but as the Bear Blue is getting harder to find will see what this is like.
 

leitch

Feelin' a bit rrranty
Anyone had experience with the ZTTO 36/54t DT ratchets from AliExpress? Would like to up my SS wheels from the 18t but a) don't want to spend $200 and b) the genuine ones are all out of stock anyway.

There's plenty of chat on RM et al but mostly it's just people saying "don't do it they will spontaneously combust and you will die" but approximately zero people actually writing from personal experience.
 

Ackland

chats d'élevage
Name:Bicycle Fenders Plastic Colorful Front /rear Bike Mudguard Mtb Bike Wings Mud Guard Cycling Accessories for Bicycle

Price:$6.35

URL:https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Hot...630.html?spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.27424c4dSiYRm3

Review: Great quality, has been on the bike for 6 months. Can’t complain.

Note: When I bought this it was only 1. Seems that they have changed the listing to be for two, but you can probably find others for ~$6.35 for 1.

And now you have the template to make your own from $2 display folders....
 

Isaakk

Likes Bikes and Dirt
Anyone had experience with the ZTTO 36/54t DT ratchets from AliExpress? Would like to up my SS wheels from the 18t but a) don't want to spend $200 and b) the genuine ones are all out of stock anyway.

There's plenty of chat on RM et al but mostly it's just people saying "don't do it they will spontaneously combust and you will die" but approximately zero people actually writing from personal experience.
I have one sitting waiting to go in tomorrow, finally arrived yesterday. Will update you guys if it does indeed spontaneously combust.

Might pop it in the DJ first for a test, don't want it to explode in the 240s hub on the Marino.
 
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