Does spending more money make sense with Aliexpress bike parts? The most expensive Chinese carbon bike build i’ve ever done! SIROKO CLOTHING – 10% off (automatically applied via link below): https://srko.co/tracevelo I’ve built a lot of carbon road bikes in the past. I use parts from AliExpress and direct to consumer brands, and have always tried to make them as cheap as possible. Saving money is fantastic, and I enjoy the challenge of building great bikes on a budget, but it often means dealing with unforeseen problems during the build process. In this episode, I have decided to change my approach, and see if spending more money on these bike parts will make my life easier, and ultimately build a better bike. Apart from the cassette and brake disc rotors (which are from Shimano), every major part of this bike was manufactured by a lesser known brand. The carbon frame and integrated handlebars are from OG-EVKIN, the fully hydraulic 12 speed disc brake groupset is from L-TWOO, and the carbon wheelset is from 9Velo. In this video, I go through the whole build from start to finish, give my thoughts on the parts and the process, discuss the final cost and weight, and compare the final bike to the cheapest build I have ever done. Please note, I get a small commission via these links: OG-Evkin HB1300 handlebars: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DlhyAPr 9Velo wheelset (code 9VELOTV10): http://www.9velo.com/ Hydraulic bleed kit: https://amzn.to/3DRRM6S Bleeding RX Groupset: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cRrPe0YbDpk Timestamps: 00:00 – Start 01:06 – Intro 02:15 – OG-EVKIN CF-025 frame 04:50 – OG-EVKIN integrated bars 05:26 – Fitting handlebars & cutting steerer tube 08:34 – L-TWOO RX groupset 15:29 – Setting up 9Velo carbon wheelset 19:25 – L-TWOO RX: Setting up & bleeding brakes 20:47 – L-TWOO RX: Rattling shifters 23:14 – BB86 bottom bracket & crankset 25:42 – Bartape, saddle, & pedals 27:13 – L-TWOO RX: Tuning the groupset 29:02 – Total cost & weight 31:44 – Was it worth it? 33:40 – Impressions after 200km 39:05 – Wrap-up 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!!!