Can £45 AliExpress Pedals Beat Dura-Ace? Trace Velo 2026-07-13 | At just 180g for the pair and costing less than £50, these AliExpress ROCKBROS pedals are not only 22% lighter than Shimano Dura-Ace PD-R9100 pedals, they're also around 70% cheaper.Sounds too good to be true right?In this video I take a detailed look at their design, compare them directly with Shimano's 105, Ultegra and Dura-Ace pedals, and explain why I think they may have one major weakness.The interesting part? I've already tested a very similar set of ultralight carbon composite pedals with titanium axles from a brand called Onirii. They were brilliant to ride, until they wore out in a way I wasn't expecting. So can these carbon composite road bike pedals from ROCKBROS avoid the same fate, or is history about to repeat itself?We'll cover:- ROCKBROS 180g SPD-SL compatible pedals- Weight comparison vs Shimano 105, Ultegra & Dura-Ace- Long-term durability concerns- Why cheap carbon composite pedals wear out- Bearing quality and cleat engagement- Genuine Shimano vs third-party cleats- Whether they're actually worth buyingThese pedals were purchased with my own money. Nothing in this video was sponsored or provided for review, so everything you see is my honest opinion after riding and comparing them.If you're looking for the lightest road bike upgrades on a budget, hopefully this helps!Links to the AliExpress sellers I personally used:(These are affiliate links, they won’t cost you any extra, but I get a little kickback from AliExpress, which helps out!)RockBros Pedalhttps://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_c4SQJ3zz Time Dupe Pedalhttps://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_c3GhKDkL Onirii Pedalhttps://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_c3h2nP7v Timestamps:00:00 – RockBros carbon pedals00:56 – Design, cost, weight02:39 – Similar Onirii pedals that failed04:59 – Should you avoid them?07:11 – Rider weight limit08:32 – Another lightweight pedal option10:00 – Bonus clipIntro roll:Created by Dev Joshi - http://www.go2dev.co.ukInstagram: instagram.com/traceveloEmail: tracevelouk@gmail.comPlease 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 Bike That Makes AliExpress Look Pointless... Trace Velo 2026-07-01 | I’ve spent years building bikes with cheaper parts sourced from places like AliExpress, chasing the absolute best value for money. So when a complete carbon road bike arrived that was priced SO aggressively, I genuinely struggled to work out how they were doing it… I had to take a closer look.The Sunpeed Invincible Sport comes with a full carbon frame, fork and seatpost, integrated carbon handlebars, Shimano 105 R7020 12-speed groupset, and hydraulic disc brakes. It also comes from a UK bike shop with a warranty, and you can even get it on the Cycle to Work scheme.The price is a mere £1,399.99 ($1,850), which is frankly a bit bonkers.In this episode I’ll compare it against the competition (Ribble and Canyon), take it out on the road, completely strip it down, inspect the frame inside and out, and work out exactly where Sunpeed has spent the money, and where they've saved it.Plus I'll even spec out a similar build from AliExpress to show you how crazy that value really is!**Disclosure**Just FYI, this is not a paid video, and the bike is on loan from the distributor. If you do want to check it out, or any other bikes they do, use my discount code below. It’ll get you 5% off the price, and I get a little kick-back if you choose to buy from them 🙂5% Discount:Use code: Tracevelo5Website:vride.co.ukContact:info@vride.co.ukTimestamps:00:00 – Intro00:41 – Bike overview & cost 02:15 – Road test and weight 05:25 – Tear down09:07 – Inside the carbon frame09:41 – 3rd party crankset10:53 – Seat tube issue…11:53 – Where have they saved money13:14 – Building it myself14:58 – Bonus clipInstagram: instagram.com/traceveloEmail: tracevelouk@gmail.com
When the Cheap Carbon Gamble Doesnt Pay Off... Trace Velo 2026-06-18 | 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 – Intro01:20 – Broken Toseek carbon seat post02:36 – Buying the same seat post04:36 – Why did it break?07:38 – Siroko sponsor0 8:11 – How to shop safely10:26 – A few more tips13:15 – Bonus clipIntro roll:Created by Dev Joshi - http://www.go2dev.co.ukInstagram: instagram.com/traceveloEmail: tracevelouk@gmail.comPlease 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 Secret Chinese Factory Behind Premium Bikes Trace Velo 2026-06-05 | A few weeks ago I was given rare access inside FiberTek Composite in Xiamen, China - an OEM manufacturer producing carbon frames and other components for some VERY well-known bike brands.Big thanks to HoverAir, check out the lineup here:US Store - http://hoverair.sjv.io/engWej UK Store - http://hoverair.sjv.io/OY4KAG In this episode I’ll document the entire manufacturing process, from rolls of frozen carbon prepreg and hand layup, through to EPS and latex molding, curing, quality control, testing, and final assembly.However, one thing that REALLY surprised me was just how manual the entire process still is. Despite using advanced composite materials and modern manufacturing techniques, many of the most important stages still rely heavily on skilled technicians working almost entirely by hand. For example, modern carbon bike frames contain 200–300 individual carbon patches, each positioned according to a precise layup recipe.We’ll also take a look at:• EPS vs latex molding• Carbon fork and handlebar production• Frame curing and internal pressurisation• OEM manufacturing for major bike brands• Carbon frame quality control• Fatigue and load testing• Why some carbon frames are manufactured in China but painted in EuropeA huge thank you to FiberTek for allowing me to film inside the factory, and to Joe from Panda Podium for helping make the visit possible.Fibertek contact:yantty@fbcomp.comjames@fbcomp.com Timestamps:00:00 – Intro01:04 – Disclosure 01:28 – OEM carbon factory02:14 – Molds and carbon pre-preg04:51 – Hoverair sponsor06:22 – Pre-preg cutting room08:00 – Carbon layup10:23 – Handlebars, forks, and chainstays11:54 – Baking/curing15:04 – A second bake/cure16:21 – Quality control17:03 – Raw unpainted frames17:42 – Prototype titanium frames18:21 – Carbon testing lab20:10 – Carbon testing labIntro roll:Created by Dev Joshi - http://www.go2dev.co.ukInstagram: instagram.com/traceveloEmail: tracevelouk@gmail.com#hoverair #CarbonBike #BikeFactory #CarbonFiber
I Built the Ultimate Chinese All-Road Bike Trace Velo 2026-05-22 | When I first showed a Chinese carbon all-road frameset a few weeks ago, a LOT of people were interested. So today, it’s finally time to build it up.This bike is basically a full Chinese / AliExpress dream build. We’ve got a carbon all-road frameset from a Chinese direct to consumer brand called LightCarbon, deep section carbon wheels, integrated carbon cockpit, a budget power meter crankset, and the cheapest electronic groupset currently on the market, the L-TWOO ER7.Honestly… I wasn’t expecting to like this bike as much as I do.I had assumed the bike would be quite racey, stiff, and unforgiving, but despite the aero styling, it’s surprisingly comfortable, incredibly smooth on rough roads, and genuinely feels like a really well thought-out all-road bike. Plus at just 8.26kg with pedals, cages, computer mount and chunky 38c tyres, the final weight ended up being VERY impressive.AliExpress parts here:https://linktr.ee/traceveloLight Carbon enquiries:info@lightcarbon.com In this video i’ll cover:- The full end to end bike build- Ride impressions on road & gravel- L-TWOO ER9 electronic shifting performance- Weight & full cost breakdown- How the build compares to other bikes on the market- Whether an all-road bike actually makes senseBike weight: 8.26kg Total build cost: £2,121 ($2,850)As always, let me know what you think of the build in the comments!Timestamps:00:00 – Intro01:43 – Parts rundown06:35 – Build10:24 – Installing and bleeding the groupset13:58 – Tyre clearance issue16:33 – Disc brake issue17:38 – Road/Gravel test17:26 – Comfort, geometry, ride feel22:04 – L-TWOO eR7 groupset24:24 – Tyre clearance24:47 – Weight and total cost25:44 – Comparison to other bikes27:32 – Is All-Road for you?28:39 – Bonus clipIntro roll:Created by Dev Joshi - http://www.go2dev.co.ukInstagram: instagram.com/traceveloEmail: tracevelouk@gmail.comPlease 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!!!
ANOTHER Chinese Shimano clone… Shanghai Bike Show 2026 Trace Velo 2026-05-19 | Welcome back to day four of the Shanghai Bike Show 2026, and somehow the tech just keeps getting more interesting.Today I checked out some of the latest smart trainers from Magene, alongside their growing range of cycle computers and power meters as they continue pushing further into the performance tech space. It’s honestly kind of wild how quickly some of these Chinese brands are evolving now.There were also some very interesting new wheelsets on display from UpVine and No.6 Wheels, with both brands continuing to experiment with lightweight designs, new spoke technology, aggressive aero concepts, and some genuinely premium looking finishes.On the braking side of things I spotted some absolutely enormous 6-piston disc brake calipers, alongside a few new shifters from a groupset brand called Polarway that looked VERY familiar to some of the Shimano offerings…And one of the biggest surprises of the day was a new Triton road bike from Sunpeed that looked seriously impressive for the money. The value-focused end of the bike industry is getting extremely competitive right now, and some of the bikes appearing at this show would have seemed impossible at these prices just a few years ago.As always, I tried my best to cover as much interesting tech as possible, but there is just an absurd amount of stuff at this show. Every hall seems to contain either something genuinely innovative, completely bizarre, or suspiciously similar to an existing product.Massive thank you once again to the legendary Joe from China Cycling and the Panda Podium team for hosting me out here in Shanghai.Check out all the best cycle gear coming out of china here:pandapodium.ccTimestamps: 00:00 – Intro00:44 – Magene - Smart trainers, computers, & power meters04:06 – New Upvine carbon wheelsets06:08 – No.6 carbon wheels07:33 – Carbon rim brake calipers08:23 – Polarway Shimano style shifters09:22 – Wild looking Dragon bikes10:34 – Dental disc customisation…?11:23 – IIIPro 6 piston brake caliper12:17 – Great value Sunpeed bikes13:22 – Outro14:31 – Bonus clip time
These Chinese Disc Rotors Could Be Revolutionary… Shanghai Bike Show 2026 Trace Velo 2026-05-08 | Welcome back to day three of the Shanghai Bike Show 2026, and once again this place is absolutely packed with the most incredible bike tech coming out of China.Massive thank you once again to the legendary Joe from China Cycling and the Panda Podium team for hosting me out here in Shanghai. Check out Panda Podium here: pandapodium.cc One of the most fascinating things I came across today was a new ultra-light disc rotor design from RideNow that immediately got my attention. They’re incredibly lightweight, don’t require proprietary brake pads, and seem to take a very different approach to the carbon-ceramic style rotor concept I’ve looked at previously. Whether they’re actually good in the real world though… that’s another question entirely.I also got a look at a stunning 3D printed titanium bike that somehow manages to look both futuristic and slightly terrifying at the same time, alongside some genuinely beautiful chains from YBN and SUMC, two brands that continue to push drivetrain tech surprisingly hard.Sensah or Senteyh, were also showing off an updated version of the 14-speed groupset I checked out last year, and there were loads of smaller tech-focused products around the halls too, including tyre pressure monitoring systems and some new carbon handlebars from CRW designed as direct replacements for Canyon’s proprietary cockpit setup.And perhaps most importantly… I finally got to ride one of the latest ultra-budget Chinese groupsets that costs roughly $300... I was surprisingly good!Honestly, every year this show feels bigger, stranger, and more ambitious. There’s an absurd amount of development happening in Chinese cycling tech right now, and even if some of it turns out to be nonsense, it’s never boring!And of course Shane Miller @gplama, and the nero boys @NeroShowCycling are still all over the show, so check them out for even more coverage!!Timestamps:00:00 – Intro and show info00:25 – Laget 3D printed Titanium Bike03:25 – West Biking04:56 – YBN Chains06:27 – Ridenow Carbon Ceramic Disc Rotor08:51 – Ultra-light Tyre Pressure Monitor09:57 – Sensah 14 Speed Groupset Update12:02 – SUMC Chains12:42 – Yoeleo Altera Gravel Bike15:19 – CRW Canyon Handlebars17:19 – $300 Electronic Groupset Test Ride
Bike Tech Is Getting REALLY Interesting in China - Shanghai Bike Show 2026 Trace Velo 2026-05-07 | Welcome back to the Shanghai Bike Show 2026! Day two was absolutely packed with interesting tech, strange ideas, and some genuinely impressive bikes.One of the coolest things I saw all day was a brand new modular groupset from SRide, designed in a way that could make servicing and repairing modern groupsets dramatically easier. It’s such a simple idea, but one that makes a surprising amount of sense once you see it.I also checked out some incredibly cool folding commuter bikes over at Java, including a few designs that looked far more refined and practical than the folding bikes most people are probably imagining right now.There was also a completely ridiculous money-no-object road bike build, alongside a quite confusing lineup of groupsets from L-TWOO, that left me with a few questions....And of course, electronic shifting continues to be absolutely everywhere in China right now, with Wheeltop showing off their latest electronic groupsets and tech as more and more brands try to push into the performance road and gravel market.Honestly, the sheer pace at which new cycling tech is appearing over here is kind of wild. Every time I walk around another corner at this show I seem to find something bizarre, clever, or unexpectedly impressive.Again, massive thank you once again to the legendary Joe from China Cycling and the Panda Podium team for hosting me out here in Shanghai. If you could go and check them out, it would genuinely mean a lot.pandapodium.cc And of course, we are rocking the show with @gplama and @NeroShowCycling , so check out their coverage too!!!!Timestamps:00:00 - Intro00:37 - Sride modular groupset04:32 - Java folding commuter bikes09:23 - Van rysel Electirc TT bike10:31 - MVMT wheels11:58 - Crazy value Pardus bikes11:50 - InColor SSR - Panda podium18:02 - Ltwoo groupset lineup28:26 - Wheeltop electric groupsets
China’s New Bike Tech Is Seriously Wild - Shanghai Bike Show 2026 Trace Velo 2026-05-06 | I’m back at the Shanghai Bike Show for 2026, and once again it’s basically heaven for someone like me who spends far too much time browsing for cheap bike parts on AliEpress!This is day one of one of the biggest bike trade shows in the world, and as always there is an absolutely absurd amount of stuff to see. From a seriously lightweight gravel bike from Evolve, to FarSports showing off carbon thru axles with a very unusual thread attachment system, to one of the strangest bikes I’ve ever seen that literally has no bottom bracket....There was also a brand new electronic groupset on display for less than $300 that could shake things up a bit, alongside some crazy looking new bikes, wild paint jobs, and bizarre tech experiments that make this show SO much fun to walk around.I tried my best to cover as many interesting booths and products as possible, but honestly you could spend days in here and still miss so much stuff, it's honestly HUGE. I’m once again being hosted by the legendary Joe from China Cycling and the Panda Podium team, and Shane Miller is also roaming around causing trouble, along with Jesse and Chris from the Nero show!Check out @gplama for everything power meters and cycle tech:youtu.be/a2E02u664ZU?si=-3oMfGNhUwWR4BGUCheck out @NeroShowCycling for some deep dives into the latest frame tech :youtube.com/watch?v=5o-8HdmsHqgMassive thank you to Joe and everyone at Panda Podium for making this trip happen — they’ve been absolutely incredible. If you could go and check them out, it would genuinely mean a lot.pandapodium.cc Timestamps:00:00 – Intro and show info01:32 – Carbon fibre Jaguar TT bike02:46 – New bikes at Lightcarbon 06:35 – Crazy road bike with no bottom bracket09:20 – Crazy light gravel bike - Evolve Cima13:38 – Tavelo Arden road bike - Panda Podium19:03 – Farsports carbon thru axles26.04 – $300 electronic groupsetInstagram: instagram.com/traceveloEmail: tracevelouk@gmail.com
Did This Chinese Groupset Just Copy Shimano? Trace Velo 2026-05-01 | The Chinese groupset manufacturer L-TWOO have done something I really didn’t expect… They've ditched their Campagnolo-style thumb shifters, and gone full Shimano!Big thanks to HoverAir, check out the lineup here:US Store - http://hoverair.sjv.io/engWej UK Store - http://hoverair.sjv.io/OY4KAG Today I'll be taking a look at their updated GRT gravel groupset. It’s a 1x12 mechanical groupset, and can support a frankly massive 11-50 cassette, but they’ve taken the design in a COMPLETELY different direction. You now get a swing-lever downshift and paddle upshift setup that looks very familiar, and pretty Shimano-esque. But the real question is, does it actually perform?In this video I’ll install the groupset, take it out on the road, and see how it stacks up against Shimano, especially when it comes to shifting performance, braking feel, and overall value.TLDR - The shifting is seriously impressive, but it’s not perfect….This is the seller I used on AliExpress btw (affiliate link):https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_c3AcATCRWhat’s covered in this video:-Full install on an integrated cockpit gravel bike-First impressions of the new shifter design-Real-world road test -Shifting performance vs Shimano-style systems-Braking performance (and where it falls short)-Weight + cost breakdownBottom line, the shifting is the closest I’ve felt to Shimano from a Chinese groupset—but the braking still needs a bit of work. If they can sort that out, this could be a serious contender in the budget gravel space.Timestamps:00:00 – Start 00:20 – Chinese clones01:26 – L-TWOO the brand02:09 – Design change03:57 – HoverAir sponsor 05:37 – Groupset install15:04 – Road test & ride impressions18:02 – Braking issue20:50 – Cost, weight, & Shimano comparisonIntro roll:Created by Dev Joshi - http://www.go2dev.co.ukInstagram: instagram.com/traceveloEmail:tracevelouk@gmail.comPlease 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!!!#hoverair #bikeupgrades #ltwoo #aliexpress
This One Ingredient Made Chain Waxing Worth It Trace Velo 2026-04-14 | Chain waxing felt like one of those activities reserved for the most obsessive cyclists, but after a year of experimenting with it myself, I think I found the ultimate additive…SIROKO CLOTHING – 10% off (automatically applied via link below):srko.co/traceveloIn this episode, I’ll take you through my full DIY chain waxing setup, the mistakes I made along the way, the various additives I tried, and the one ingredient that made the biggest difference: microcrystalline wax.I cover how I clean and prep chains for waxing, my original paraffin, MoS₂ and PTFE blend, why I moved away from PTFE, and some of the real drawbacks of chain waxing that people don’t always mention. Things like flaking wax, cold weather issues, rust after wet rides, and the hassle of breaking in a freshly waxed chain.I’ll also show you the updated formula I’m using now, why microcrystalline wax improved it so much, what my current process looks like, and whether doing it yourself actually makes sense compared with buying a ready-made system from someone like Silca.If you’ve been curious about hot waxing your chain, or you’re already fully initiated and want to refine your own blend, hopefully you’ll find this episode useful!My current blend is:230g paraffin wax25–30g microcrystalline wax2g MoS₂2g WS₂Timestamps:00:00 – Intro 01:36 – What I bought?04:14 – Drawbacks07:19 – New wax formulation 10:49 – Old vs new formula 12:47 – Tips and tricks14:09 – Cost and Silca comparison15:28 – Why bother chain waxing?16:29 – Bonus clipIntro roll:Created by Dev Joshi - http://www.go2dev.co.ukInstagram:instagram.com/traceveloEmail:tracevelouk@gmail.com
A Complete 2x Road Bike for £399 - What’s the catch? Trace Velo 2026-04-04 | Checking out one of the cheapest drop bar road bikes in the UK!On this channel, I usually build bikes piece by piece, often using cheaper components from AliExpress and other direct to consumer Chinese brands, but this time, I wanted to try a different angle. What happens when you just buy a complete box bike for £399?SIROKO CLOTHING – 10% off (automatically applied via link below):srko.co/tracevelo In this video, I take a closer look at one of the cheapest complete road bikes I’ve come across in the UK, and break down exactly what you’re getting for the money. From the aluminium frame and finishing kit, to the 2x drivetrain, Sensah groupset, and overall build quality, because at this price point, there are always compromises.Why it’s interesting:A £399 road bike undercuts pretty much everything you’ll find from the big brands, especially on the UK high street. But unlike a lot of the budget stuff I cover, this isn’t a pile of parts from AliExpress…Iit’s a ready-to-ride bike from a physical shop in London.Disclosure:I forgot to include it in the episode, but I did get this bike sent over for review, however I am not being paid by V-Ride or Sunpeed to make this content. If you end up buying a bike and use my discount code, this is how I make a small commission 🙂Check out their bikes below, and if you use my code ‘Tracevelo5’ you’ll get 5% off.Website:vride.co.ukContact:info@vride.co.ukTimestamps:00:00 – Intro 00:57 – Unboxing and setup02:26 – Bike reveal and weight03:21 – Specs 03:51 – Weight 05:23 – First ride impressions06:49 – Fixing a shifting issue09:16 – Good stuff & compromises12:34 – What about Decathlon?16:01 – Bonus clipIntro roll:Created by Dev Joshi - http://www.go2dev.co.ukInstagram: instagram.com/traceveloEmail: tracevelouk@gmail.comPlease 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!!!
This Cheap Titanium Crankset Has a Weird Problem… Trace Velo 2026-03-15 | I've tried a few cheap carbon cranksets from AliExpress over the years, and results have honestly been mixed. They can be nice and lightweight, but often they have some slight issues that need to be worked around.In addition, one thing that has always made me slightly hesitant to fully recommend them is the fact most use aluminium axles. Not so much of a problem on DUB standard cranksets, but 24mm Shimano standard axles made of aluminium have had issues. While I’ve personally never had one fail, there have been reports of aluminium spindles shearing under high loads. NOT ideal!So when I found a crankset from a brand called WUZEI, that uses a 24mm axle made of titanium alloy, I was really interested to give it a try. In theory it should solve that issue. Titanium is stronger and much more fatigue resistant than aluminium, while still keeping the weight extremely low.On paper it looked fantastic. Lightweight, well machined, and under £150. But once I installed it… there was a really strange issue, I’ve honestly never seen anything like it.So in this video I take a closer look at this WUZEI titanium crankset from AliExpress, explain the design, and show the unusual problem I ran into when trying to get it shifting properly.Links to stuff discussed below:(Bear in mind these are affiliate links. It won’t cost you any extra, but I get a small amount of commission, which really helps out 😊)WUZEI Crankset:https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_c3h6MZqjRiro Direct Mount Chainring:https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_c3D3xEqJGoldix Direct Mount Chainring (another solid option):https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_c4tStTYJTimestamps:00:00 – Intro 00:27 – Why titanium is important01:30 – WUZEI crankset02:33 – Cost & weight03:06 – Spacers04:07 – Shifting issue05:36 – Shifting issue explanation07:38 – Direct mount chainring fix08:48 – Wrap up and suggestions10:09 – Bonus clip & FD checkIntro roll:Created by Dev Joshi - http://www.go2dev.co.ukInstagram: instagram.com/traceveloEmail: tracevelouk@gmail.comPlease 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!!!
This Chinese Carbon Frame is Almost Perfect… Trace Velo 2026-03-10 | The LightCarbon LCR018-D is an aero-endurance road bike frame with tyre clearance up to 700x38c, in-frame storage, a T47 bottom bracket, fully internal cable routing, and even hidden thru-axles. All for around $950 for the complete frameset.That price almost sounds too good to be true, so I wanted to take a proper look at it.SIROKO CLOTHING – 10% off (automatically applied via link below): srko.co/tracevelo LightCarbon is a Chinese direct-to-consumer manufacturer that has been getting more attention recently for producing some high quality carbon frames at surprisingly low prices, and after seeing this frame in person at Eurobike last year, I was curious to see if it actually lives up to the hype.In this video I’ll take a close look at the external paint finishing, internal carbon layup, manufacturing quality, and overall design, including a look inside the frame with an endoscope. I found a small imperfection in the layup, so we’ll talk about what it means structurally and how LightCarbon responded.In this episode, I'll cover:- Overview of the LightCarbon LCR018-D frameset- Paint quality and external finishing- Internal carbon layup inspection- Latex mould manufacturing process- Frame details: T47 BB, internal routing, in-frame storage- Weight and included components- The small imperfection I found inside the frame- How the manufacturer respondedLightCarbon primarily supplies frames to other bike brands, but they also sell frames directly to consumers. Details below:Website:lightcarbon.comContactinfo@lightcarbon.com Timestamps:00:00 – Start01:16 – Intro01:58 – Headline stats & cost03:45 – External finish & accessories06:03 – Small carbon issue07:04 – Response from Lightcarbon09:43 – Bonus clipIntro roll:Created by Dev Joshi - http://www.go2dev.co.ukInstagram: instagram.com/traceveloEmail: tracevelouk@gmail.comPlease 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!!!
These Cheap AliExpress Parts Dont Make Sense… Trace Velo 2026-02-28 | For the last 5 years I’ve built many budget road and gravel bikes, almost exclusively using cheaper Chinese parts from AliExpress, and other direct to consumer brands. Not just using cheap carbon frames and wheels, but full groupsets, integrated carbon cockpits, cranksets, cassettes, chains, all as cheap as possible. And honestly? Most of it works surprisingly well.But there’s one component where I’ve repeatedly faced issues, the bottom bracket.SIROKO CLOTHING – 10% off (automatically applied via link below): srko.co/tracevelo In this video I break down why cheap bottom brackets, especially external BSA units, have consistently failed on me in real-world British weather. We’ll compare budget AliExpress options against OEM units from Shimano and SRAM, look at bearing quality, seal design, weatherproofing, and why some designs last dramatically longer than others.I’ll also cover:- Why dust cap tolerances matter more than you think- The difference between generic cartridge bearings and custom lip-sealed designs- Why cheap BSA DUB bottom brackets keep seizing on me- Why T47 bottom brackets are such a good design- Whether facing and chasing your bottom bracket shell is really essentialIf you ride in dry conditions only, your experience might be different. But if you’re riding through UK rain, grit, and winter roads, this might save you some frustration.A few of my preferred internal bottom brackets from AliExpress (these are affiliate links btw):T47https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_c4CDJtXzBB386https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_c43ujKgL Also if you can find them, a brand called Gineyea do some great BB’s for the money!Timestamps:00:00 – Start00:56 – Intro01:43 – How cheap are AliExpress BB’s?02:30 – Weatherproofing on cheap BB’s04:11 – Seized bottom bracket07:01 – A false economy08:07 – When do cheap BB’s make sense?09:19 – Bearing alignment Intro roll:Created by Dev Joshi - http://www.go2dev.co.ukInstagram: instagram.com/traceveloEmail: tracevelouk@gmail.comPlease 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!!!
My favourite AliExpress cassette might have a problem… Trace Velo 2026-02-19 | I’ve recommended these super lightweight bicycle cassettes from AliExpress many times, but it looks like they could have an issue…SIROKO CLOTHING – 10% off (automatically applied via link below): srko.co/tracevelo These lightweight SLR Gen3 cassettes from a brand called ZTTO on AliExpress, are pretty incredible for the price. They are MUCH lighter than the equivalent cassettes from Shimano or SRAM, and you can find them for around £60-£70. They use some very intricate and frankly, quite good looking CNC work, and come in a bunch of colours and sizes.The largest 3 gears are machined from a single block of 7075 aluminium, while the rest are made from a single block of steel, however it’s the aluminium gears that could be a problem.A viewer sent me some pictures of his cassette where the top two aluminium sprockets had completely sheared or snapped off the back of the cassette. After taking a more detailed look at the design, it’s quite easy to see how this could have happened.I have run these cassettes on my road bikes for over a year at this point, with no real issues, but it looks like it might be a good idea to proceed with caution when it comes to the 11-36 version of this cassette…AliExpress affiliate links below ↓ FYI, It wont cost you any extra, but I get a little kickback from AliExpress, which helps!Ztto SLR Gen3 cassettes:https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_c4VLune7https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_c3OHmkWXZtto SLR Gen2 cassettes:https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_c4BZaFMrZtto ULT full steel cassettes:https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_c3yroFwB SROAD/SPEDAO cassettes (also a good option):https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_c4ExXdhd Timestamps:00:00 – Intro00:33 – ZTTO SLR Gen3 cassette failure01:24 – Cassette design02:34 – Why haven't mine broken?03:58 – Does use-case matter? 05:05 – Should I be worried?07:10 – Alternative cassettes 08:21 – Bonus clipIntro roll:Created by Dev Joshi - http://www.go2dev.co.ukInstagram: instagram.com/traceveloEmail:tracevelouk@gmail.comPlease 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!!!
This thing was terrible, for SO many reasons... Trace Velo 2026-02-11 | This “carbon ceramic” disc rotor from AliExpress makes some very bold claims, but after testing genuine carbon-ceramic rotors on my road bike recently, I can tell you this is nothing like them…SIROKO CLOTHING – 10% off (automatically applied via link below): srko.co/traceveloDespite being advertised as “carbon ceramic”, the braking surface on this rotor isn’t carbon fibre, carbon-carbon, or a silicon carbide composite. In fact, the brake track appears to be aluminium, not steel, treated with what looks to be a PEO (Plasma Electrolytic Oxidation) ceramic oxide coating.In this episode I will:- Examine the construction- Break down the marketing claims- Explain why it may be a PEO coating- Put the rotor through real-world braking testsThe result? The braking performance was only part of the story.If you’ve ever wondered how far AliExpress marketing can stretch technical language, this one’s interesting.Setup:Tested on a hydraulic disc brake road bike using resin pads (as required by the manufacturer), across repeated stops and sustained braking to attempt a proper bedding in procedure, and properly evaluate heat behaviour, noise, modulation and consistency.DISCLAIMER:This rotor was purchased with my own money. This video is not sponsored. All observations are based on hands-on inspection, testing, and the publicly available product listing at the time of filming.Carbonova giveaway:Unfortunately the giveaway ended 11/03/2026 at 17:00 GMTCarbonova pre-sale:https://www.carbonova.cn/ - Going live in the next few daysPre-sale for limited Founder’s Edition of 100 sets worldwide will go live 15th February. The pre-sale units will receive a 15% discount on the final retail price.Final retail price:-140mm rotor + 2 compatible brake pads: $279 per set-160mm rotor + 2 compatible brake pads: $299 per setTimestamps:00:00 – Intro00:36 – Context01:24 – Marketing claims02:18 – Construction04:35 – Siroko sponsor 05:23 – Testing10:02 – Cost, durability, & performance11:31 – Weight12:22 – Summary13:30 – Carbon-ceramic disc giveaway Intro roll:Created by Dev Joshi - http://www.go2dev.co.ukInstagram: instagram.com/traceveloEmail: tracevelouk@gmail.comPlease 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!!!
Submerged in a flood... still works! #shimano Trace Velo 2026-02-03 | This bike was pulled out of my local river after being underwater for who knows how long. The shimano freewheel still span perfectly, impressive stuff!
The BEST cassette on AliExpress! Trace Velo 2026-02-03 | This is the SLR Gen3 cassette I bought from AliExpress. I've had two of them at this point, and the quality is very good for the price of just £60.However, the selling point is the weight. This things weighs just 122g, which is bonkers.
These had a BIG flaw… Have Elitewheels fixed it? - Velo Six II Trace Velo 2026-02-02 | I tested the original Velo Six wheelset from Elitewheels a year or two ago, and honestly the lateral stiffness wasn’t really good enough. However, these are the second-generation, and today I’m finding out whether they’ve actually fixed that issue.Since my first review, I’ve built a lateral stiffness testing jig, so this time we’re not relying on feel alone to measure stiffness. I’ll run Version 1 and Version 2 through the updated test, see if my original criticism holds up, and talk through what these wheels are like after over 6 months of real riding.Discount & links:15% off the EliteWheels website with code ‘trace15’elite-wheels.com/product/road-triathlon-six-spoke-wheels-triathlons-wheels-velo-six-disc What’s covered:- Why the original Velo Six wheels failed my stiffness test- Side-by-side Version 1 vs Version 2 lateral stiffness testing- Real-world ride feel after 6 months- Weight, construction, and aero design- Crosswind behaviour & comfort trade-offsKey specs:- Weight: 1,628g (tested set)- Rim depth: 50mm- Internal width: 21mm- Construction: One-piece carbon (front & rear)- Tubeless compatible- Use case: TT / triathlon / fast road ridingRide impressions:- Very stiff laterally- Harsh on rough roads- Sensitive to crosswinds- Wildly responsive when you put the power downUCI legalityThese wheels are not currently allowed in UCI-sanctioned road or cyclocross racing due to spoke count rules (Article 1.3.018).Timestamps:00:00 – Intro01:01 – Context02:11 – Cost, weight, specs05:09 – Wheel stiffness05:58 – Stiffness test 09:18 – Ride feel11:15 – Conclusion & UCI legality12:18 – Bonus clip - BearingsIntro roll:Created by Dev Joshi - http://www.go2dev.co.ukInstagram:instagram.com/traceveloEmail:tracevelouk@gmail.comPlease 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!!!
Carbon ceramic brakes on a bicycle are pretty nuts... Trace Velo 2026-01-22 | Carbon-ceramic disc rotors are something you usually find on high-end supercars, but what happens when you bring that tech to road bikes? These rotors from Carbonova promise incredible heat resistance, ultra-low wear, and braking performance that doesn’t fade on long descents. But at $300 per rotor, are they really worth the asking price?SIROKO CLOTHING – 10% off (automatically applied via link below): srko.co/tracevelo In this episode, I’ll be diving into the incredible tech behind carbon-ceramic rotors designed by Carbonova for road bikes. I’ll demonstrate the construction and build quality, discuss how they ride day to day, and put them through real-world braking tests to see how they compare to traditional steel rotors.The setup:I fitted these carbon-ceramic disc rotors to my endurance road bike with Shimano standard dual-piston hydraulic calipers, and ran them through everything from short city stops to long, steep descents to see how they handle heat, wear, and overall stopping power.Why it’s interesting:Carbon-ceramic brakes are well-known in motorsport and high-end supercars for a reason. They’re incredibly durable under extreme heat, but for cyclists, the benefits may not be quite as obvious. This episode is all about separating hype from reality and showing whether these exotic rotors actually make sense on a road bike.My thoughts:- Great braking performance, even from cold- Smooth and progressive braking, with incredible levels of modulation- Very high ceiling on brake fade- Slightly weaker initial bite compared to steelDetails:Talking with Carbonova, they are still in the very early stages, ramping up production on these rotors. They hope to start selling in late April, ready for the Spring season. Official purchases will be via the website: http://www.carbonova.cn/The site is currently under development and expected to launch by the end of January. I've been told pre‑orders will also be available with discounted pricing.DISCLAIMER:While I received these pre-production prototypes to test, I haven’t been paid anything by Carbonova to feature their rotors, I’m just doing it for the love of the game baby! Also, they had ZERO say on the content of this episode. Timestamps:00:00 – Intro00:57 – Context01:47 – Construction & materials03:02 – Durability03:51 – Weight04:27 – Brake pad compound05:15 – Siroko sponsor 06:05 – Bedding in process08:39 – Braking performance10:19 – Brake test vs steel14:35 – Wet weather performance15:19 – Are they worth it?17:21 – Bonus clipIntro roll:Created by Dev Joshi - http://www.go2dev.co.ukInstagram: instagram.com/traceveloEmail: tracevelouk@gmail.comPlease 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!!!
Carbon-Ceramic disc brakes on a road bike! #cycling #roadbike #carbonbike #newbiketech Trace Velo 2026-01-14 | I've been running these carbon-ceramic disc rotors on my road bike for a few months at this point. They are made by a company called Carbonova, and are still in the testing and development phase.They have a number of differences to regular steel rotors, not just in the braking characteristics, but also in terms of aspects like the bedding in process. They are quite expensive at around $300 per rotor, but they are certainly VERY cool. They feel very different under heavy braking, the ceiling for brake fade is extremely high, and the level of modulation is absolutely crazy. Long form review on these coming very soon!
AliExpress titanium & carbon crankset #cycling #roadbike #bicycle Trace Velo 2026-01-13 | I've tried a number of cheap carbon cranksets from AliExpress over the years, some have been great, others have cracked and failed, but they all had one thing in common, aluminium axles. This is fine with SRAM DUB standard cranksets, but Shimano standard ones require a thinner profile 24mm axle, which have been known to snap or shear under high loads when made from aluminium. However this new generation of carbon cranksets use titanium alloy axle spindles, maintaining all important lightweight characteristics, but increasing strength and fatigue resistance!
Riding budget AliExpress bike parts for a whole year… Trace Velo 2025-12-19 | Using parts from AliExpress & other direct to consumer Chinese brands, I’ve put together what I think is one of the best value carbon road bikes of 2025!!!Bear in mind some of these are affiliate links. It won’t cost you any extra, but I get a small amount of commission, which really helps out 😊AliExpress bike parts - (see - 2025 Value Build):https://linktr.ee/tracevelo Frame and wheelset - (use code TRACEVELO for 10% off):ogevkinbike.com I build A LOT of cheap road bikes, mainly using parts that I've sourced from places like AliExpress. So in this episode, I’ve cherry picked some of the best parts from various builds i’ve done this year, and combined them together into what I think is one of the best value road bikes of this year!It has a full carbon frame, tubeless ready carbon wheels, a 2x11 speed groupset with hydraulic disc brakes, and some other incredibly lightweight parts. Everything has gone through EXTENSIVE testing, and I’ve managed to build it for just over £1,600.So in this episode I'll discuss the bike in detail, cover each part that I used (while also providing some alternative options), cover the total cost and the total weight, and finally compare it to some other name brand bikes on the market, so you can decide for yourself if my approach is worth it!OG-Evkin bar issue (starts at 36:37):youtu.be/p9KBaZQh1-o?si=k6AENNWy2-4fp2jZ&t=2197 Timestamps:00:00 – Intro 00:55 – Context01:30 – Carbon frame02:54 – Carbon wheelset04:13 – OG-Evkin partnership05:13 – 2x11 groupset06:30 – Lightweight cassette07:26 – Disc rotors08:16 – Chain08:57 – Tyres09:43 – Saddle11:05 – Pedals 11:57 – Bottom bracket12:27 – Crankset14:11 – Bar tape & bottle cage14:38 – Weight & cost15:08 – Comparison to other bikes16450 – Warranty etc. Intro roll:Created by Dev Joshi - http://www.go2dev.co.ukInstagram: instagram.com/traceveloEmail: tracevelouk@gmail.comPlease 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!!!
Unlocking MAXIMUM performance from your Chinese groupset! Trace Velo 2025-12-05 | Cheap Chinese groupsets from brands like L-TWOO and Sensah from AliExpress, can be VERY tempting. But out of the box, performance rarely matches Shimano gear.However, I’ve been using these cheap groupsets on my bikes for MANY years, and believe with a few tweaks, hacks, and techniques, they can come very close in terms of performance to groupsets from SRAM and Shimano. So in this episode, I will share all my tips and tricks for squeezing every ounce of performance out of these cheaper Chinese groupsets.I’ll cover things to look out for, ways to improve shifting performance, proper brake bleeding technique, and some general tips to ensure they run as smoothly as possible in all conditions!If you fancy checking out any of the groupsets featured, these are the sellers on AliExpress that I personally use. L-TWOO R9 Disc:https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DklWe4hSensah Empire HRD:https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_c4dKXvL3 BTW, they are affiliate links, but don't raise the price for you in any way, just help me out slightly with some commission.Timestamps:00:00 – Intro00:46 – Mechanical shifting tips01:45 – Full length gear housing03:11 – Gear cable liner03:58 – More shifting tips06:19 – Wear on chains/cassette07:14 – Rattling shifters08:09 – Tips for bleeding disc brakes10:45 – Conclusion11:26 – Bonus clip - C/SiC disc rotorsInstagram: instagram.com/traceveloEmail: tracevelouk@gmail.comPlease 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!!!
Prices in the Bike Industry Are Truly INSANE - Rouleur Live 2025 Trace Velo 2025-11-18 | I’m known for dealing in cheap bike parts! Most of them straight from China via AliExpress, so naturally I decided to head back to Rouleur Live, and immerse myself in the ULTRA premium side of the bike industry!Rouleur Live is the UK’s yearly showcase of boutique bikes, ultra-high-end components, and luxury cycling brands. A lot of what’s on display is genuinely incredible, even if the price tags are slightly eye watering…I check out:- The new Super Record 13 from Campagnolo, with a single cassette priced at £720!- Trek with their slightly underwhelming Project One- Colnago showing off some new anti-counterfeiting tech- New high-end BB's from Ceramic Speed- The slightly unnecessary Smart Sense from Cannondale- A crazy titanium build from No22- The Bastion Archetype that basically requires a mortgage to afford- One of the most beautiful bikes I have ever seen, the .1R from Aston MartinThere was also a lot of new tech on display, and some of the craziest innovation I've seen in the bike industry.Timestamps:00:00 – Intro01:10 – Campagnolo Super Record 1303:39 – $720 cassette07:14 – Colnago NFC tags08:49 – Scope wheels11:58 – Reap bikes13:54 – Trek Project One14:45 – Full suspension gravel bike16:09 – Condor bikes and Columbus steel18:04 – Scott Addict RC Ultimate 18:40 – Ceramic Speed bottom brackets19:43 – Cannondale Smart Sense20:55 – Passoni bikes22:33 – Bastion Archetype23:44 – No22 Reactor Aero25:29 – Gravva pneumatic hubs27:58 – Aston Martin .1R - JL Laverick29:50 – Final thoughts & wrap-upInstagram: instagram.com/traceveloEmail: tracevelouk@gmail.com
This AliExpress Bike Gadget is Pretty Incredible... Trace Velo 2025-11-11 | This mechanical to hydraulic disc brake converter might be one of the coolest bike gadgets I've found on AliExpress. It’s from a brand called IIIPro (3Pro), costs less than £50, and claims to transform any old-school mechanical shifter into a fully hydraulic braking system, complete with dual-piston calipers!SIROKO CLOTHING – 10% off (automatically applied via link below): srko.co/tracevelo In this episode, I’ll show you the build quality, get it installed on a road bike, bleed the system, and ultimately test whether this budget hydraulic conversion kit actually works. Could this be the perfect upgrade for riders running mechanical groupsets or mechanical disc brakes like the TRP Spyre? Let’s find out.The build:I fitted the kit to a carbon OG-EVKIN road bike frame with Micro-New mechanical shifters and Shimano 105 R7000 derailleurs to see if it really delivers “hydraulic” performance on a budget mechanical groupset.Why it’s interesting:This idea is nothing new, the Giant’s Conduct SL system did something similar back in 2016, but this kit is lighter, far cheaper, and much easier to get hold of.My thoughts:-Great braking performance, very close to fully hydraulic-Noticeably stronger and sharper than any mechanical caliper-A bit tricky to bleed and mount on the bikeFor £50, though… this is one seriously impressive upgrade for anyone wanting hydraulic-like braking without changing their groupset.AliExpress links - (affiliate links, they help support the channel at no extra cost)https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_c3QXW93Hhttps://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_c36EuPEpTimestamps:00:00 – Intro00:46 – Hydraulic converter - Info & cost02:43 – Bike build overview04:35 – Hydraulic converter - design & weight05:48 – Hydraulic converter - install & bleed07:31 – Siroko sponsor08:21 – Brake bleed info11:17 – Use cases12:39 – Bike reveal and brake test14:55 – Install issue16:10 – Considerations & conclusion18:41 – Bonus clipIntro roll:Created by Dev Joshi - http://www.go2dev.co.ukInstagram: instagram.com/traceveloEmail: tracevelouk@gmail.comPlease 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!!!
My Entire Chinese Bike Fleet – The problems so far... Trace Velo 2025-10-28 | 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 isIf 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/traceveloTimestamps:00:00 – Intro01:10 – Chinese steel bike05:29 – BSA DUB bottom bracket issues07:58 – Siroko sponsor09:46 – Chinese endurance bike16:08 – Chinese aero road bike21:41 – L-TWOO eRX issue25:09 – Aero ride qualities26:52 – Chinese gravel bike30:26 – L-TWOO eGR issues32:39 – Abandoning tubeless & waxed chains36:37 – Integrated carbon bar issues39:25 – Bonus clip - RIRO cranksetInstagram: instagram.com/traceveloEmail: tracevelouk@gmail.comPlease 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 Best £30 Youll Ever Spend! Trace Velo 2025-09-19 | I love finding cool bike tech, and AliExpress can be a gold mine! I recently found this rear bike light from Magene, and at first glance it appears to be pretty standard. However the light is made up of a matrix of 96 individual LED’s, which means not only can it display whatever pattern you want, you can also add an animation to your tail-light.It’s small and compact, very bright, totally waterproof, and charges via USB-C. It has a battery life of around 10 hours, and can really help add a little bit of personality to your bike!Affiliate link to L308 bike light:https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_c3Dmy8XV Sumart bleed/piston tool:https://sumart.bz/portfolio/ubb-20/ Timestamps:00:00 – L308 light intro & cost01:18 – Light demo01:51 – Adding animations02:33 – Create your own animations04:21 – Other specs07:55 – Bonus clip - Sumart UBB-20Instagram: instagram.com/traceveloEmail: tracevelouk@gmail.com
5 AliExpress Bike Upgrades - Cheap, Lightweight, & Colourful Trace Velo 2025-09-12 | Most bike tech looks pretty boring, usually sticking with black and silver. However, AliExpress has become a fantastic place to grab some really colourful parts, colour-match your bike, and personalise your ride.All the parts I’ve chosen for my road bike build are purple, but you can find the same bits in loads of different colours to suit your own bike. Whether you want to add a few subtle touches or go all-in with a full colour theme, these upgrades let you make your road bike truly unique.On top of the looks, many of these AliExpress bike parts are lighter than standard components, giving you a little performance boost while keeping the price super affordable. It’s a great way to freshen up your setup, stand out from the crowd, or just have some fun experimenting without breaking the bank.Affiliate links to bike parts:https://linktr.ee/traceveloTimestamps:00:00 – Start00:39 – Disc brake calipers01:58 – Disc brake rotors03:13 – Lightweight cassettes05:14 – Bike chains06:32 – Bar-end plugs07:01 – Bonus stuff - bolts & valves07:55 – Bonus clipIntro roll:Created by Dev Joshi - http://www.go2dev.co.ukInstagram: instagram.com/traceveloEmail: tracevelouk@gmail.comPlease 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!!!
Did their disc brakes really fail? - Magene responds Trace Velo 2025-09-04 | The new QED electronic road bike groupset from the Chinese manufacturer Magene, has recently come under scrutiny after a reported disc brake failure.youtu.be/AK3V_emmGkIIn the last episode which you can find above, I discussed this reported issue, and used it as an opportunity to test a number of other Chinese disc brake groupsets that I have from the likes of L-TWOO, Sensah, and Wheeltop, for any similar issues.Since that episode went live, I’ve been chatting with Magene, and they’ve sent over some interesting documentation. They’ve done some additional product testing, and are confident that the braking problem did not stem from an issue with the groupset.So in this episode, I will discuss the issue, go over the evidence that Magene has provided, and give my own thoughts on the situation as a whole. Magene Test Report Doc and Video:imgur.com/a/magene-qed-braking-test-report-ynboGn7Timestamps:00:00 – Intro and reported issue01:03 – Report overview02:11 – Conclusions from Magene 02:41 – My followup questions04:36 – Did both brakes fail?05:05 – Testing brakes with no pad material05:49 – Conclusion & my thoughts Instagram: instagram.com/traceveloEmail: tracevelouk@gmail.comPlease 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!!!
A New Chinese Groupset is Under Scrutiny - Magene QED Trace Velo 2025-08-28 | Firstly MASSIVE thankyou to Petr from Cyclists Hub for breaking this story on youtube, you can find his video here:youtu.be/ZZtM4w3Qhsw?si=gMOvHBFtivnOHR3rA Chinese brand Magene recently released a new electronic road bike groupset, featuring hydraulic disc brakes under their QED line of products. I saw it in the flesh at both the Shanghai bike show. and Eurobike this year, and my first impressions were very good.It seemed like an incredibly polished groupset, and I was extremely excited to try it out. It is currently only being sold in China, but they do have plans to make it available in other markets. However, someone using the groupset in China faced a problem with the braking system recently, causing him to lose control and he ended up breaking his leg in a crash.Petr and his interviewee Mel speculated that the cause could have been something to do with the oil reservoir within the shifter. Essentially if the reservoir is not big enough, then as the brake pads wear, the pistons will eventually bottom out, and you will loose braking.This is a failure mode I haven't even considered, so in this episode I will briefly discuss the issue, and then run some other Chinese groupsets from L-TWOO, Sensah, and Wheeltop, through a test to see if they also face any issues.Magene Test Report Doc and Video:imgur.com/a/magene-qed-braking-test-report-ynboGn7Timestamps:00:00 – Intro and QED groupset issue01:23 – Braking issue explanation 02:50 – Testing Shimano06:29 – Testing L-TWOO R907:22 – Testing Sensah Empire HRD07:52 – Testing L-TWOO eRX09:56 – Prototype groupset brake failure11:39 – Testing Wheeltop EDS TX12:10 – Conclusion14:32 – Bonus clip - Magene StatementInstagram: instagram.com/traceveloEmail: tracevelouk@gmail.comPlease 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 new Go Ultra #insta360 #cycling #roadbike Trace Velo 2025-08-21 | The new Insta360 Go Ultra!insta360.com/sal/go-ultra?utm_term=INRYJ3F
Inside China’s Off-Limits Carbon Wheel Factory Trace Velo 2025-08-15 | I buy ALOT of wheelsets from China, so when I got the opportunity to tour a Chinese carbon wheel factory, how could I refuse! NTP composites located within the costal city of Xiamen in China, are an OEM manufacturer, making some of the fastest, lightest, and most exclusive carbon wheelsets, for some of the worlds biggest cycling brands.I got to see the entire process, from frozen sheets of raw caron fibre pre-preg, through to cutting, layup, baking, and lacing the final wheel. It was absolutely fascinating from start to finish, and there were several steps that were completely new to me.So join me as I uncover the secrets of carbon fibre bicycle wheel manufacture within one of China’s best factories.NTP composites:Website - ntpcomposites.comEmail - koko@ntpcomposites.comPhone - 0086 156 5978 9571Panda Podium:pandapodium.cc Timestamps:00:00 – Intro01:12 – Sheets of frozen carbon01:40 – Cutting carbon sheets03:10 – Carbon layup process05:47 – Baking the carbon07:39 – Extracting and finishing the wheel08:41 – QC (quality control)09:23 – Product development10:23 – Joe’s Arcaris wheelsetInstagram: instagram.com/traceveloEmail: tracevelouk@gmail.com
These wheels punch WELL above their price - Upvine Inertia D52 Trace Velo 2025-08-07 | I buy ALOT of cheap wheels, mostly from AliExpress, but the value on this wheelset from a legitimate manufacturer genuinely surprised me!Insta360 X5 affiliate link:store.insta360.com/product/x5?utm_term=INRYJ3F Buying cheap carbon wheelsets from China does come with some risk, especially when buying from random sellers on AliExpress, that’s where this wheelset REALLY surprised me.At £525, the cost is extremely reasonable, but the specs are INCREDIBLY impressive for this price. A 52mm deep carbon wheelset, tested in a windtunnel in Silverstone, that uses titanium nipples, with a combined weight of just 1259g for the pair!They also come with a pretty impressive warranty from the manufacturer Upvine, and ride incredibly well, but there are some caveats to be aware of… Contact for purchase - Mention me for a small discount:Email:joezhao@up-vine.cn Whatsapp:+86191 5792 3368Instagram:instagram.com/upvine.wheels?igsh=YTQwZjQ0NmWeChat:https://u.wechat.com/EF5w0Lz_pLArsq60en1uxsUUpvine warranty doc:imgur.com/a/vBD0WqL Timestamps:00:00 – Intro01:00 – Cost & weight02:10 – Wheelset comparison04:10 – Insta360 sponsor05:45 – Bearings and axles08:34 – Ride characteristics08:27 – Ride quality11:15 – Spoke tension and trueness11:50 – Wrap-up14:34 – Bonus clip - Stiffness testing rigInstagram: instagram.com/traceveloEmail: tracevelouk@gmail.comPlease 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!!!
These Carbon Wheels from AliExpress Exploded... Trace Velo 2025-07-16 | I buy ALOT of cheap carbon wheels from AliExpress, and came across a set that appear to have exploded. As it happens, I bought almost exactly the same wheelset, from the same seller, so how have mine held up?SIROKO CLOTHING – 10% off (automatically applied via link below):srko.co/tracevelo Buying very cheap carbon road bike wheels from AliExpress always carries a bit of risk. None of the Chinese wheelsets I have bought have failed or caused me any problems really, but it does happen.Last year I purchased a set of tubeless carbon wheels from a brand called RYET on AliExpress for £300. However on the product page I found a review with some detailed pictures, showing virtually the same wheelset as mine, but cracked and splintered. They had apparently disintegrated or exploded during use.So what happened to the exploded wheelset, and importantly how have my set held up over the last year and nearly 1,500 miles?Affiliate links to the wheelset:https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_ooyqDpy Timestamps:00:00 – Intro00:30 – Failed carbon wheelset02:50 – My wheelset specs04:16 – Spoke tension and trueness05:24 – Siroko sponsor06:14 – Hubs07:15 – Carbon rim and construction08:27 – Ride quality10:20 – The risk…12:16 – Bonus clipIntro roll:Created by Dev Joshi - http://www.go2dev.co.ukInstagram: instagram.com/traceveloEmail: tracevelouk@gmail.comPlease 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!!!
GREAT Concept… But I’ve Got Questions - Eurobike 2025 Trace Velo 2025-07-04 | Today was the my last day at Eurobike 2025 in Frankfurt, but I still saw some incredible new tech. There was a chain retention demo that was pretty mindblowing, a crazy pedal van that could go up to 120kph, new ultra-lightweight frames from Winspace, some cool wheels from Nepest, and a disc brake demo of some carbon-ceramic brake discs.Plus a new disc brake quick release system from a startup called Fasten. It looked amazing, and worked very well, but certain compromises had to be made with the wheel design.Timestamps:00:00 – Intro 00:21 – Interesting steel bike01:22 – Miranda chain retention demo02:15 – Auto spoke lacing machine02:34 – Aluminium/Bamboo bike02:55 – 120kph pedal van (Vigoz Cixi)03:44 – Magene QED groupset06:34 – Magicshine bike lights & glasses07:46 – New Winspace gear11:40 – Carbon ceramic disc rotors (Carbonova)15:44 – Nepest carbon wheels17:32 – Rolf Prima carbon wheels 19:45 – Fasten quick release systemInstagram: instagram.com/traceveloEmail: tracevelouk@gmail.com
These Cost WAY Less Than I Thought – Eurobike 2025 Trace Velo 2025-06-28 | Custom bike shoes are generally VERY expensive, but I bumped into these guys (HEZO) at Eurobike this year. They make fully custom 3D printed bike shoes tailored to your foot, for less that £200 (€230). They use FDM printing to keep the cost low, and the entire shoe, including the liner is 3D printed... Really cool!I also found some INCREDIBLE looking bikes! A hard tail mountain bike that is SO custom it beggars belief, and easily one of the most beautiful gravel bikes I have ever seen!In addition, I checked out the Classified hub, with updated Shimano Di2 integration (which blew me away if I'm honest), and a relatively new groupset from TRP. It also uses the Classified hub, but in an interesting way, offering a wild 1x16 drivetrain…Also Java had some bikes with a retail price I literally couldn't believe was true, and an amazing aluminium gravel bike with an internal 12 speed gearbox.Timestamps:00:00 – Intro 00:36 – Classified hub & Di2 integration05:22 – TRP Vistar groupset08:55 – JAVA bikes12:58 – Nicolai aluminium bikes16:20 – Ridley ‘All Road’ bikes17:19 – GORGEOUS pink gravel bike20:04 – HEZO 3D printed bike shoes22:04 – Incredible custom MTB23:51 – GP Lama interlude26:00 – Pirope spokesInstagram: instagram.com/traceveloEmail: tracevelouk@gmail.com
This Gadget is Genuinely Brilliant - Eurobike 2025 Trace Velo 2025-06-27 | I cover ALOT of cheaper bike parts, mainly sourced from places like AliExpress, and naturally most of those products come from China… So today at Eurobike i’m exploring hall 9, dedicated to all the bike brands from Asia!I checked out a wicked new bike frame from Lightcarbon at a crazy price, found a REALLY unique hydraulic braking solution over at IIIPro, found a snowmobile e-bike, and saw an incredible new carbon MTB frame unlike anything i have ever seen!Timestamps:00:00 – Intro 00:31 – Lightcarbon bikes05:28 –Sensah/Sentyeh07:35 – SUMC chains09:42 – IIIPro disc brake gadget13:26 – Senicx14:41 – Snowmobile E-Bike15:26 – Fi.Bi.Tech18:01 – OG-Evkin19:57 – CDURO frame22:04 – ORA titanium23:52 – Eccentric bottom bracket24:59 – Luminescent (EL) decals26:04 – Elitewheels / Evolve26:23 – Elitewheels / Evolve29:18 – L-TWOO31:19 – Campagnolo Super RecordInstagram:instagram.com/traceveloEmail:tracevelouk@gmail.com
ULTRALIGHT Pedals & Game-Changing Bike Tech - Eurobike 2025 Trace Velo 2025-06-26 | I build and ride my own lightweight carbon road/gravel bikes, so LOVE checking out trade shows for interesting bike tech.This is day one of Eurobike 2025 in Frankfurt, vendors from all over the world are exhibiting some of their best stuff, and there was SO much cool tech to check out.I saw 4 new electronic groupsets from Shimano, some incredible bottom bracket bearings with a LIFETIME warranty, some new fibre-based sapim spokes, some amazing cycle glasses with a heads up display (HUD), and an absolutely incredible set of pedals from a brand called Tourelly.Timestamps:00:00 – Intro 01:23 – New Shimano electronic groupsets04:55 – Sapim spokes06:15 – Rush brakes07:58 – Gineyea bottom brackets10:26 – SCOPE wheels12:56 – ENVE frameset13:33 – Meet & greet14:53 – Sapim spokes cont.17:28 – Hope brakes19:10 – Bigrock23:39 – HT pedals24:46 – Enduro bearings27:03 – Microshift28:33 – Cybersight HUD cycle glasses29:47 – Tourelly lightweight 360 pedalsInstagram: instagram.com/traceveloEmail: tracevelouk@gmail.com
Building a Beautiful Steel Bike with AliExpress Parts Trace Velo 2025-06-23 | I always build and ride cheap carbon road bikes, so today I'm going to be building a cheap steel road bike with parts from AliExpress…SIROKO CLOTHING – 10% off (automatically applied via link below): srko.co/tracevelo Full disclosure, I have never ridden a steel road bike. My first road bike was a Claud Butler with an aluminium frame, but since then I have been lucky enough to own all carbon road bikes. However in my comments section, people always say ‘steel is real’, so I decided to find out if this is true.The basis for the build is a cheap chromoly steel bike frame that I bought on AliExpress from a brand called Seaboard. I’ll be using a mechanical groupset from a Chinese brand called Sensah, and with external cabling, the bike should have a really back to basics feel.So in this episode, I’ll show you how to properly protect a steel frame with Boeshield, give you a rundown of all the parts (most of which i sourced from AliExpress), show you how to build the bike from start to finish, and then give you my impressions of how it rides.Affiliate links to the parts used (Steel road bike build):https://linktr.ee/tracevelo Timestamps:00:00 – Intro00:58 – Protecting the steel frame05:22 – Parts rundown & cost07:05 – Siroko sponsor07:56 – Build - Cabling11:11 – Build - Headset setup15:11 – Build - Brake hose routing19:05 – Build - Bleeding the brakes22:39 – Bike reveal26:42 – Bike weight28:39 – First impressions & changes31:36 – Steel ride feel35:22 – Bonus clip (Brakes and BB)Intro roll:Created by Dev Joshi - http://www.go2dev.co.ukInstagram: instagram.com/traceveloEmail: tracevelouk@gmail.comPlease 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!!!
Mistakes were made... Sicily gravel bike tour 2025 Trace Velo 2025-05-30 | I ride lightweight carbon road bikes, but touring around the island Sicily, my gravel bike setup was MUCH heavier than I’m used to…Me and a friend Alex landed in Palermo and decided to do a circular tour around the west of the island, stopping in Trapani, Mazara del Valo, Sciacca, and Corleone. I’ve done a few days cycle touring in the past, but never back to back gravel rides over a full week. I hired a relatively premium gravel bike, a Focus Atlas 6.7 (£1,899 retail), but even so, once it was fully loaded up with a pair of panniers and all my gear, the total weight was around 26kg!It was tough at times, the route was questionable, the roads went from lovely tarmac to rutted farm tracks without much notice, and I definitely made a few mistakes along the way, but it was an INCREDIBLE trip.So join me and Alex as we tour around the island of Sicily, on some incredibly heavy gravel bikes!Insta360 X5 affiliate link:store.insta360.com/product/x5?utm_term=INRYJ3F Timestamps:00:00 – Gravel tour intro00:55 – Route overview02:04 – Day 1: Palermo to Trapani03:52 – Gravel bike weight06:05 – My camera setup (sponsor)07:41 – Gravel route issues09:44 – Day 2: Trapani to Mazara del Vallo11:43 – Nutrition issues15:53 – Day 3: Mazara del Vallo to Sciacca17:05 – Ancient Greek City: Selinunte19:33 – Chased by dogs (again)21:20 – Day 4: Sciacca to Corleone 24:14 – Day 5: Corleone to Palermo 25:23 – Knee pain…27:45 – Changes for next timeIntro roll:Created by Dev Joshi - http://www.go2dev.co.ukInstagram: instagram.com/traceveloEmail: tracevelouk@gmail.com
This AliExpress bike upgrade is too powerful... Trace Velo 2025-05-20 | I exclusively ride disc brake road bikes, so can this cheap AliExpress brake upgrade improve things or are they just overkill?I have used disc brakes on my road bikes for many years at this point, and in all honesty, I have never felt like the brakes needed upgrading. The stock brakes are fine for 99% of road bikers, but I spotted some really cool looking brake calipers on AliExpress.ZRace have just started selling flat mount 4 piston brake calipers on AliExpress, and as soon as I saw them, I had to buy them! 4 piston brakes have been available on mountain bikes for a while, but these are the first set of cheap flat mount 4 piston calipers I’ve come across, hence my excitement to test them.Spoiler alert, these brakes are mental! SO much top end braking power, amazing modulation, and hitting brake fade is almost impossible, at least on the hill i’ve tested them on. A definite upgrade over the stock brakes, but do you really need them, and what are the drawbacks…?Brake calipers - Affiliate link to the seller I used:https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_oCynsEK Yoeleo Altera Gravel bike:yoeleobike.com/products/altera-g21-gravel-frameset Timestamps:00:00 – Overview00:52 – Zrace 4 piston brakes02:05 – Size and weight02:57 – Phenolic resin pistons03:52 – Why are more pistons better?05:06 – Installation and testing06:14 – Yoeleo gravel bike frame07:39 – Testing stock brakes09:49 – Installing 4 piston calipers12:47 – Testing 4 piston calipers14:38 – Are they overkill?16:10 – Trade-offs Intro roll:Created by Dev Joshi - http://www.go2dev.co.ukInstagram: instagram.com/traceveloEmail: tracevelouk@gmail.comPlease 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!!!
A seriously impressive Chinese brand youve never heard of... Trace Velo 2025-05-10 | As you may know,I cover ALOT of cheaper bike parts, mainly sourced from places like AliExpress, and naturally most of those products come from China… So what better bike show to visit!Today was my last day at the Shanghai bike show 2025. It all wraps up at about midday, so I had to be quick, but I still managed to see some REALLY interesting stuff!A few new groupsets from a brand I’d not heard of called S-Ride, 12 and 13 speed mechanical groupsets, with hydraulic brakes. The shifting was lovely, and the quality of the construction seemed very high. Now word on price unfortunately, but I cannot wait to try them.I also saw some incredible wheels from a brand called MVMT. They had some mean looking bladed spokes, definitely the widest i’ve ever come across at around 1cm.The microshift sword groupset was on display, so had a play around with that (although i wasn’t very impressed), I checked out some colourful new chain options from YBN chains, a new carbon crankest from Elilee, but the most interesting booth was a brand called RUFON.They had some INCREDIBLY nice looking road bike frames, with some fantastic paint jobs. The weights were also quite impressive, and so were the prices. $1,200 is slightly more that my usual fare, but the quality was pretty impeccable, so I’m really excited to get my hands on one!As always, today I was hosted by the INCREDIBLE Panda Podium team, so huge thanks to them, Shame from GPLama also covered some amazing new bike tech, so check out his coverage, and please check out Panda Podium for some of the best bike parts Asia has to offer! pandapodium.ccTimestamps:00:00 – Intro 00:31 – S-Ride groupsets04:12 – MVMT wheels05:55 – MicroShift Sword07:05 – Elilee carbon crankset08:45 – YBN chains09:54 – Onirii bike frames11:01 – Rufon bike frames15:27 – SRAM Red XPLR AXS16:11 – Senteyh (Sensah) vs SRAM17:13 – Seka Spear & Exceed19:37 – OutroInstagram:instagram.com/traceveloEmail: tracevelouk@gmail.com
The Chinese bike market is NUTS - Shanghai bike show day 3 Trace Velo 2025-05-08 | As you may know,I cover ALOT of cheaper bike parts, mainly sourced from places like AliExpress, and naturally most of those products come from China… So what better bike show to visit!I saw SO MUCH stuff today and interestingly got a good insight into some dealing pricing of bikes here in Shanghai. Ultimately, the cost of the entire bike here, including a DuraAce Di2 groupset, was nearly identical to the cost of just the groupset in the UK.Tavelo had some flashy new paint-jobs for the Arow, Ridenow unveiled some lightweight titanium thru axles, and Cybrei were displaying their RIDICULOUSLY lightweight carbon crankset.However, one of the most interesting booths was Elitewheels with their new Evolve frame. It is one of the lightest carbon road bike frames i have ever come across. For a small frame, it comes in at only 640g, and even in a large, it comes in at just under 700g!!!I also saw a few brands that I have seen many, many times on AliExpress, like RockBros and Westbiking, and came across a promising new carbon bike brand, Rockwolf.I am being hosted by the venerable Joe from @ChinaCycling, and his Panda Podium team and Shane from @GPLama also knocking about 🤣 But yeah, MASSIVE thank you to Joe and Panda Podium. They have been utterly incredible, so if you could check them out, it would mean the world: pandapodium.ccTimestamps:00:00 – Intro 00:45 – Cybrei crankset02:55 – Muck-off…? 03:50 – Tavelo Arow05:38 – Elitewheels & Evolve10:44 – Westbiking11:34 – Serk titanium14:05 – RockBros16:09 – Ridenow titanium axles17:00 – CRW 50 60 18:45 – LAUX wholesale pricing20:50 – Rockwolf frames22:22 – LAUX wholesale pricingInstagram: instagram.com/traceveloEmail:tracevelouk@gmail.com
RIDICULOUS electronic groupsets: Shanghai bike show 2025 - Day 2 Trace Velo 2025-05-07 | As you may know,I cover ALOT of cheaper bike parts, mainly sourced from places like AliExpress, and naturally most of those products come from China… So what better bike show to visit!The day one show was all about getting my bearings (the bike show is honestly HUGE), but day 2, I really tried to focus on checking out some crazy new electronic groupsets from some Chinese manufacturers.One from a Chinese manufacturer Ningbo Suyu Transmission Technologies, a 12 speed electronic groupset that looks suspiciously like the original L-TWOO eRX groupset from a few years back (all bar a pretty monstrous front derailleur).Wheeltop with a revised version of the EDS TX, with some new TT style shifters.Magene with both their QED, and slightly less expensive PED groupsets.And finally Sensah (SENTYEH), with the brand new ECS Pro, rocking a worlds first 14 speed groupset.I also spent some time checking out new offerings from Farsports, checked out Joe from Panda Podiums’ ridiculous bike, and popped in to see OG-Evkin, the frame manufacturer that makes the bikes I personally ride.I am being hosted by the venerable Joe from @ChinaCycling and his Panda Podium team, and Shane from @gplama is also knocking about 🤣 But yeah MASSIVE thankyou to Joe and Panda Podium, they have been utterly incredible, so if you could check them out, it would mean the world: pandapodium.ccTimestamps:00:00 – Intro 00:21 – Ningbo Suyu groupset04:05 – Wheeltop EDX TX groupset06:07 – Magene QED and PES groupset08:26 – OG-EVKIN frames12:00 – Joe’s personal bike13:54 – Toopre tools15:11 – Sensah (SENTYEH) 14 speed electronic groupset17:32 – Farsports21:28 – Sidebike shoes22:32 – Sidebike shoesInstagram:instagram.com/traceveloEmail:tracevelouk@gmail.com
The WILDEST new bike tech from China - Shanghai bike show 2025 Trace Velo 2025-05-06 | I cover ALOT of cheaper bike parts, mainly sourced from places like AliExpress, and naturally most of those products come from China… So what better bike show to visit!This is day one of the Shanghai bike show, one of the world's biggest trade shows. Vendors from all over the world are exhibiting their best stuff, from a new electronic mountain bike groupset by L-TWOO, to absolutely bonkers looking chrome and gold bikes from a brand called Dragon. I tried my best to cover some of the most interesting booths at the show, and trust me, some of the stuff is unlike ANYTHING I have seen before.I am being hosted by the venerable Joe from @ChinaCycling and his Panda Podium team, and Shane from @gplama is also knocking about 🤣 But yeah MASSIVE thankyou to Joe and Panda Podium, they have been utterly incredible, so if you could check them out, it would mean the world:pandapodium.cc Racework Carbon Crankset video:youtu.be/W_uaz1dKaOM Timestamps:00:00 – Intro and show info02:05 – Carbon one piece wheels04:39 – Colnago V1RS05:20 – 3d printed parts07:00 – CAMP bikes09:52 – AliExpress parts10:27 – Goosyn wheels13:38 – Panda Podium14:51 – Flying Pidgeon16:27 – Familiar logos…16:50 – Dragon bikes18:47 – L-TWOO TT groupsetInstagram: instagram.com/traceveloEmail: tracevelouk@gmail.com
No Hype, Just Real World Use - Insta360 X5, My FULL Workflow Trace Velo 2025-04-22 | The Insta360 X5 is an absolute beast of a camera, but behind all of the hype, from shooting to editing and exporting, what’s my process?If you ask me, the quality of the footage you can get out of the X5 is pretty much beyond question at this point. 8k, super sharp, stabilised 360 footage, with nice vibrant colours. BUT behind all of the specs and the glowing reviews, what does the whole process look like, and what are these cameras like to use day to day?I’ve been using 360 footage in my videos for YEARS at this point, so in this video, i’ll cover the new X5, but importantly, I’ll show you my full workflow. From the extra accessories I take with me, to some time saving tips capturing footage, and the easiest way to edit on desktop AND mobile.Insta360 X5 affiliate link:store.insta360.com/product/x5?utm_term=INRYJ3F Timestamps:00:00 – Overview01:04 – Camera, battery, SD card02:14 – Accessories & shooting tips03:43 – X5 as a chest mount camera04:08 – Stats & GPS data04:46 – Editing on mobile08:34 – Editing on desktop15:17 – Bonus clipIntro roll:Created by Dev Joshi - http://www.go2dev.co.ukInstagram: instagram.com/traceveloEmail: tracevelouk@gmail.com
Capturing decent ride footage - Insta360 X4 #cycling #roadbike Trace Velo 2025-04-15 | Capturing footage during a bike ride has always been difficult. I used to use a GoPro on a selfie stick, but it was quite difficult, and the footage was always a bit crummy. However with a 360 camera, you can get some incredible footage, incredibly easily!
Mouting 360 camera to a road bike #cycling #roadbike #cameragear Trace Velo 2025-04-15 | Using a 360 camera to capture ride footage is great, but you need to know how to mount it to the bike.
