All my Aliexpress MTB purchases reviewed.

How was the weight of those 27.5 enduro rims?
Confusingly, more than the 29" - 425g so on the light side for intended use, but just within their "+/- 15g" quoted tolerance. Suspect they might've just sent me the "AM" version tbh.
 
Got a hiking trip coming up (I wanted to ride, but turns out riding in nepal is actually bloody difficult) so been loading up on gear. Holy grail is to stay warm while not getting too hot and if you sweat for the clothing to let you breathe and wick it away so you don't get cold. Similar sort of thing on a bike I guess. There are may theories on this but two of note that I am in the process of testing:

1. Finnish mesh shirts. The idea is you trap the heat in and any seat goes to the next layer (which should be the merino base layer). The moisture doesn't contact your skin so you don't get chilly as soon as you stop moving. An example of this is the brynje shirts that look like they belong in the mardigras but actually worn by finnish special forces that operate in snow.

2. The mid layer has seen some crazy claims around the same principle but with grid fleeces and other strange designs. On of them is the R1 fleece (for example patagonia R1) that retails for $200, another is alpha direct fabric which is a similar concept but different pros and cons.

Presenting the aliexpress test mules:

1. Brynje shirt for $160, Ali for $18.50
2. Patagonia R1 for $280, Ali for $30.99
3. Macpac Alpha direct for $180, Ali for $37.51

Pics for attention
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When I did the loop at Torres Del Paine and the Inca Trail, the go was synthetic undies, compression tight lowers with goretex pants with lots of vents over the top. This kept legs dry and itchy things out.

Top would be a long sleeve merino base layer. Topped off with sunnies on straps and a bush hat with mesh fly screen.

Double socks and Miendl boots for the feet. Walking polls were a godsend for dealing with uneven terrain and heavy packs.

I never bothered pulling out mid or waterproof layers until we were in camp. We had access to plenty of water and could wash every night to keep the stink at bay.

This setup worked well for the Bibbulmun track and Cape to Cape in WA as well.

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Update on the Aliexpress R1.

Sizing is munted but managed to get chat to consolidate all the reviews to figure out I'm an XL (usually a M). Package arrived and it fits perfect. Compared it with a mates patagonia R1 and it's near identical. The zig zag pattern is slightly thicker in the ali version and this is probably the slight difference in weight.

Wore this on a cool 5-8 degree morning walk and the garment really delivers. I am usally covered head to toe in sweat but this thing breathed ok. I wore a merino 180gsm base with the top and it was almost perfect. It was on the warmer side but kind of didn't exceed the temperature to start completely overheating. It is fairly porous in the breeze which is great for cooling down but staying warm when stationary. Had a look after and there was a bit of wear from the rear hip area where the bag rubs. This is common for all garments and especially an issue for all fleece, but this pattern really cops it noticably around that area. I don't think this is an issue with the aliexpress one though, reddit seems to think this is an issue with all tech fleeces with various patterns.

Recommended and now that I have almost exhausted bike stuff on ali, may move onto clothes.
 
Picked up this LS shirt for riding as it's that kind of quickdry micromesh type of material like most riding tops. Ordered a 3XL (usually an AU XL), fit is spot on.



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I also purchased these chain tugs for the DJ bike, the ones that are on it ATM are awful.


And these aluminium BB spacers.

 
Picked up this LS shirt for riding as it's that kind of quickdry micromesh type of material like most riding tops. Ordered a 3XL (usually an AU XL), fit is spot on.



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I also purchased these chain tugs for the DJ bike, the ones that are on it ATM are awful.


And these aluminium BB spacers.

That jersey is fucking sick! I'm going to get one for Mr Canary 🤘🏽
 
I also purchased these chain tugs for the DJ bike, the ones that are on it ATM are awful.

Update on the chain tugs, I will probably end up cutting the first hole off both of them at it fouls on my Zircus frame (on one side) stopping it from sitting flat against the dropout. I filed the required amount off, but I think I'll just mill the excess more neatly.

I also pushased these on a whim (because shoe laces are just oh so difficult).


Didn't expect anything good TBH. But so far they have been ok.

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I also pushased these on a whim (because shoe laces are just oh so difficult).


Didn't expect anything good TBH. But so far they have been ok.

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I bought a pair of these laces for my Ride Concept shoes a while ago. They are holding up pretty well, although to be fair I haven't been using the shoes much through winter. I'll see how they go over a bit more time.
 
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