product reviews

Hey everyone! I’m thrilled to share my journey of building my very first gravel bike. After riding both rim brake and disc brake road bikes, I found myself commuting and exploring light gravel trails. While my road bike is a solid option for commuting, I realized that road tires just don’t cut it for rougher terrains. So, I decided it was time to dive into the world of gravel biking.

This blog post is part of my gravel bike build series where I’ll be utilizing parts sourced mainly from AliExpress. It’s an exciting venture into a new biking experience, and I’m eager to see how everything comes together. Let’s jump right into the components!

Chaoyang Gravel Tires

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005004887464354.html?

First up, I’m using the Chaoyang Gravel GP tires, specifically the 700x40c version. These are the widest tires I’ve ever used, compared to the 32c tires on my road bike. The design features a diamond-shaped knobby pattern, which I’m really looking forward to testing out on both smooth roads and gravel, especially with the snow we have here in Toronto.

This is my first experience with Chinese tires, and while I’m a bit skeptical, the reviews on AliExpress are promising. Just a tip: always check seller and product reviews to ensure you’re getting quality items.

Wheeltop Wireless Groupset

Next, let’s talk about the drivetrain. I’ve swapped out the rim brake groupset from my Scott Road Bike for a Wheeltop EDS TX Rim Brake Electronic Wireless Groupset. I’m excited to see how this performs, especially since it’ll be paired with cable-actuated hybrid disc brakes.

Gitnu Aluminum Handlebar

For the handlebars, I opted for the Gitnu Aluminum Handlebar at 38 cm. This choice allows for better customization of my reach and fit, which is crucial for a comfortable ride.

Evosid Crankset 50-34t

Now, onto the crankset. Instead of my usual Shimano 105 Holotech crankset, I decided to try the Evosid crankset. I’ve heard mixed reviews about cranksets from AliExpress, and I’m somewhat apprehensive about potential issues like axle cracking. The Evosid features a 24mm spindle made from AL7075 T6 aluminum. It’s a risk, but I’m willing to take it to see how it performs.

The crankset is 165 mm, and I’ll be using spacers to adjust for the bottom bracket width since the Q factor is slightly different from my Shimano crankset. I’ll also be removing pedal spacers to minimize the Q factor.

ZTTO T47 24i Bottom Bracket

For the bottom bracket, I chose the ZTTO T47 24i. I’ve used ZTTO before on my Felt IA16 triathlon bike, and it performed excellently throughout training and racing. The machining quality is impressive, and I’m hopeful it will hold up under gravel conditions.

Shimano 105 11-32 Cassette

I went with a genuine Shimano 105 11-32 cassette for reliability. It’s a solid choice at around $40 to $50 Canadian, and I appreciate the assurance that comes with using a well-known brand.

KMC 11 Speed Chain

Next, I’m using a KMC 11-speed chain. I’ve purchased KMC chains from AliExpress before, and they’ve served me well. However, I’ve noticed that the anodized finish can wear off during cleaning, which is something to keep in mind.

Lunje 100mm Stem

The Lunje 100mm stem, also from AliExpress, will be part of my setup. I prefer a separate handlebar and stem for customization purposes, allowing me to dial in my fit perfectly.

Headset Cap & C-ring

I also have a headset cap and C-ring for cable routing. These are made of plastic, which is a bit unusual, but I’m willing to see how they perform. I plan to sand down any sharp edges to avoid friction issues.

Muqzi BB Spacers

For the bottom bracket spacers, I opted for Muqzi spacers, which come in various thicknesses. I’ll be using 4mm spacers on each side to ensure a snug fit.

Ridenow TPU Tubes

For tires and tubes, I’ll be using RideNow TPU tubes, which are the improved versions that minimize leaking. These tubes are lightweight and have a 65mm valve length, making them a great choice for gravel riding.

Hygge Shun Carbon Wheels

My wheels will be the Hygge Shun Carbon Wheels, which I previously used on my other bike. They’re reliable and should work well with the gravel tires and tubes.

Onirii BR-05 Brakes

I’m going with the Onirii BR-05 brakes, which are hybrid disc brakes that are cable actuated but feature a fluid reservoir. I’ve used these before, and they should provide solid stopping power.

Specialized Power Comp Saddle

For the saddle, I chose the Specialized Power Comp saddle that I found on Facebook Marketplace. I’ve had great experiences with this saddle, so I didn’t want to risk trying an unfamiliar one from AliExpress.

Gravel Frame Sneak Peek

Finally, you might be wondering about the frame. I’ll be using a Chinese gravel frame, specifically the TanTan Seraph GR201. This frame is designed for gravel riding and should also perform well on the road. It’s exciting to think about how it will all come together!

Thank you for following along on my gravel bike build journey! If you’ve built your own gravel bike or used any of these AliExpress parts, I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below. Until next time, ride on and enjoy the adventure!