Uploaded June 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
AliExpress can be an absolute gold mine for cheap bike parts. Over the years I've built lightweight fully carbon road and gravel bikes using components sourced entirely from China. But when you chase the absolute lowest prices, there are definitely some trade-offs…
SIROKO CLOTHING – 10% off (automatically applied via link below):
srko.co/tracevelo
In this episode we'll take a look at a carbon seat post from Toseek that failed on its very first use, leaving one of my viewers with a nasty leg injury. We'll explore what might have caused the failure, from quality control and layup defects to prepreg handling and the carbon fibre manufacturing process itself.
But, more importantly we'll talk about how to shop safely on AliExpress, how to approach ultra-cheap carbon components, and why not all Chinese bike parts should be treated in the same way. Because while some of the best value components I've ever used have come from AliExpress, not every bargain is worth the gamble, and you have to take the right approach.
Timestamps:
00:00 – Intro
01:20 – Broken Toseek carbon seat post
02:36 – Buying the same seat post
04:36 – Why did it break?
07:38 – Siroko sponsor
0 8:11 – How to shop safely
10:26 – A few more tips
13:15 – Bonus clip
Intro roll:
Created by Dev Joshi - go2dev.co.uk
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!!!
AliExpress can be an absolute gold mine for cheap bike parts. Over the years I've built lightweight fully carbon road and gravel bikes using components sourced entirely from China. But when you chase the absolute lowest prices, there are definitely some trade-offs…
SIROKO CLOTHING – 10% off (automatically applied via link below):
srko.co/tracevelo
In this episode we'll take a look at a carbon seat post from Toseek that failed on its very first use, leaving one of my viewers with a nasty leg injury. We'll explore what might have caused the failure, from quality control and layup defects to prepreg handling and the carbon fibre manufacturing process itself.
But, more importantly we'll talk about how to shop safely on AliExpress, how to approach ultra-cheap carbon components, and why not all Chinese bike parts should be treated in the same way. Because while some of the best value components I've ever used have come from AliExpress, not every bargain is worth the gamble, and you have to take the right approach.
Timestamps:
00:00 – Intro
01:20 – Broken Toseek carbon seat post
02:36 – Buying the same seat post
04:36 – Why did it break?
07:38 – Siroko sponsor
0 8:11 – How to shop safely
10:26 – A few more tips
13:15 – Bonus clip
Intro roll:
Created by Dev Joshi - go2dev.co.uk
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!!!
