Uploaded October 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
The cost of a road bike in 2025 is pretty nuts, and even an “entry-level” model from the big brands can cost a small fortune. That’s why I’ve always built my bikes using cheaper parts from AliExpress and other direct-to-consumer Chinese brands. You can get incredible value if you know where to look, but it doesn’t come without its challenges…
SIROKO CLOTHING – 10% off (automatically applied via link below): srko.co/tracevelo
In this video, I’ll be taking you through 4 of the best Chinese bikes I’ve ever built, from budget-friendly carbon frames to classic steel, showing the cost and weight of each bike, and sharing the extra steps and fixes that were needed to get them riding perfectly.
You’ll see:
- A beautiful old-school steel road bike with fully exposed cables
- A carbon endurance bike built for long rides and comfort
- A gravel bike running a cheap and capable suspension fork
- An aero road bike that looks WAY more expensive than it is
If you’ve ever wondered whether cheap AliExpress bike parts are worth it, or what kind of performance you can get from budget carbon frames, this video will give you a good idea of what’s possible, and also what to watch out for….
Affiliate links to bike parts:
https://linktr.ee/tracevelo
Timestamps:
00:00 – Intro
01:10 – Chinese steel bike
05:29 – BSA DUB bottom bracket issues
07:58 – Siroko sponsor
09:46 – Chinese endurance bike
16:08 – Chinese aero road bike
21:41 – L-TWOO eRX issue
25:09 – Aero ride qualities
26:52 – Chinese gravel bike
30:26 – L-TWOO eGR issues
32:39 – Abandoning tubeless & waxed chains
36:37 – Integrated carbon bar issues
39:25 – Bonus clip - RIRO crankset
Instagram:
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!!!
The cost of a road bike in 2025 is pretty nuts, and even an “entry-level” model from the big brands can cost a small fortune. That’s why I’ve always built my bikes using cheaper parts from AliExpress and other direct-to-consumer Chinese brands. You can get incredible value if you know where to look, but it doesn’t come without its challenges…
SIROKO CLOTHING – 10% off (automatically applied via link below): srko.co/tracevelo
In this video, I’ll be taking you through 4 of the best Chinese bikes I’ve ever built, from budget-friendly carbon frames to classic steel, showing the cost and weight of each bike, and sharing the extra steps and fixes that were needed to get them riding perfectly.
You’ll see:
- A beautiful old-school steel road bike with fully exposed cables
- A carbon endurance bike built for long rides and comfort
- A gravel bike running a cheap and capable suspension fork
- An aero road bike that looks WAY more expensive than it is
If you’ve ever wondered whether cheap AliExpress bike parts are worth it, or what kind of performance you can get from budget carbon frames, this video will give you a good idea of what’s possible, and also what to watch out for….
Affiliate links to bike parts:
https://linktr.ee/tracevelo
Timestamps:
00:00 – Intro
01:10 – Chinese steel bike
05:29 – BSA DUB bottom bracket issues
07:58 – Siroko sponsor
09:46 – Chinese endurance bike
16:08 – Chinese aero road bike
21:41 – L-TWOO eRX issue
25:09 – Aero ride qualities
26:52 – Chinese gravel bike
30:26 – L-TWOO eGR issues
32:39 – Abandoning tubeless & waxed chains
36:37 – Integrated carbon bar issues
39:25 – Bonus clip - RIRO crankset
Instagram:
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!!!
