Cyclists Hub is supported by its readers. We may receive a commission if you buy products using our links.
All content on Cyclists Hub is written by humans, not robots. Learn More
On AliExpress, you can find many great products, but also many poor-quality ones. I’ve been fooled a few times already. That’s why I want to share my experience with you and recommend a few worthwhile cycling gadgets and components.
This article mainly features cycling accessories, and I’ll gradually expand it. If you are interested in Chinese carbon wheels and frames, please visit the articles titled “Best Chinese Carbon Wheels” and “Best Chinese Carbon Frames”. They feature branded products, along with my experiences using them.
What Are the Best AliExpress Cycling Gadgets?
The best AliExpress cycling gadgets are not always the best-rated products. I have found that some reviews on AliExpress are either fake or the products are rated by customers immediately after receipt, not after long-term use. Another practice is to incentivize customers with discount coupons to leave positive reviews (or to change negative ones).
Therefore, it’s best to find an independent review of a particular product, such as on YouTube or review sites like cyclistshub.com.
Elitewheels ENT
I bought the Elitewheels ENT 50mm as a budget entry point for carbon wheels, and for under $400, I was genuinely surprised. While the first generation was pretty heavy (around 1778g for 50mm), the second generation is significantly lighter, weighing around 1620g.
They maintain momentum well on flats and are stable in crosswinds. I took the first generation to Belgium to tackle iconic cobblestone climbs like the Koppenberg and Oude Kwaremont, where they proved surprisingly comfortable and durable despite the rough terrain.
On the downside, the weight is definitely noticeable when the road goes uphill; they feel a bit sluggish on climbs above a 5% grade and lack the “snap” of higher-end carbon-spoked wheels. The internal finish is also a bit raw with some epoxy residue, and mounting tires was a struggle that required levers and a compressor for tubeless setup.
Still, for riders in flat or rolling areas looking for their first carbon upgrade, these offer incredible value that’s hard to beat at this price point.
Magene L508 Bicycle Radar
I have experience with the L508 radar. I have tested it thoroughly and compared it with other available radars, such as Garmin Varia RTL515, Bryton Gardia R300L, or iGPSport SR30.
It provides the most flexibility for customization, especially the light modes. While it gives more false positives than the Varia, it has never missed a car.
It also has a USB-C charging port, so it charges faster. On the other hand, it doesn’t increase side visibility as well.
Also available at aliexpress.com
Ahyka Aero Bottles
The Ahyka aero bottles offer a budget-friendly alternative to premium brands like Trek, providing a sleek design and potential aerodynamic gains of approximately 4 watts for about half the price. They are aesthetically pleasing and stable, avoiding the rattling issues often associated with more expensive aero bottles.
Additionally, the included bottle cages are versatile enough to hold standard round bottles, and the package even includes a thoughtful cleaning tool, making it an attractive “value-for-money” upgrade for performance-oriented cyclists.
However, because of their specialized shape, the bottles cannot stand upright on flat surfaces, which makes mixing powders or pouring liquids messy and inconvenient. The narrow opening and high number of cap threads further complicate cleaning and filling, while the restricted nozzle flow and specific insertion angle required for the cages can be frustrating during a ride. You can learn more in my review or buy them below.
RideNow Tubes
Forget Tubolito and other overpriced latex tubes. RideNow Tubes are much more affordable while providing the same, sometimes even lower weight and quality!
Just to illustrate, one RideNow road inner tube weighs about 36g, while a normal inner tube can weigh 3 times as much! So you can save up to 200g per pair.
Plus, they take up much less space than butyl rubber inner tubes. I carry them primarily in a saddle bag in case I puncture my tubeless tires.
However, I’ve tested them several times to ensure they hold pressure and resist punctures. I was pleasantly surprised.
Magene PES Power Meter
We’ll stay with Magene for a while, as their PES Shimano-compatible power meter is worth recommending.
For a long time, I used the Magene P505, which gave me questionable results, but the PES passed GP Lama’s detailed testing, so it is now one of the power meters worth investing in.
It is fully compatible with Shimano chainrings and, more importantly, with the Shimano bottom bracket (24mm). So you won’t have to replace the BB like I had to with the P505 (which is compatible with SRAM cranks that use the SRAM DUB BB).
The PES offers ±1.5% accuracy, so while it doesn’t provide the accuracy of my favorite Favero Assioma DUO, the difference is only 0.5%. Price-wise, the PES, including the chainrings and cranks, is still cheaper!
Mixed Carbon Saddle
The mixed 5D saddle became my favorite because it’s cheap, lightweight, and fits me better than most saddles I’ve tried. Considering the number of bikes I test, it’s a very convenient option for me.
The 143mm version weighs only 135g. You’d pay a fortune for that in the well-known brands. The saddle has a prostate relief channel, so it won’t push you where it shouldn’t.
Because of the specific shape, namely the raised rear part, it will rotate your pelvis so you have more weight on your hands, but it will be even more comfortable when riding in the aero position. So, it depends on your riding style and preferences.
iGPSport BSC300 Bike Computer
The BSC300 bike computer honestly surprised me. It was inspired by the Garmin Edge 530 but offers a better user experience and is half the price. It’s a button-based bike computer compatible with power meters, HR sensors, bike radars, etc.
You can set it up via a smartphone app, and it can navigate you and recalculate your route. It’s not perfect—the display could be brighter, for example—but for the price, it’s hard to beat!
If you prefer larger displays, try the iGPSport iGS630. It has similar features and a longer battery life.
Also available at aliexpress.com
Elilee X310 Carbon Cranks
When I built my Winspace SLC5, I wanted to save some weight, so I swapped my Ultegra cranks for the carbon Elilee X310. The weight difference is impressive; I saved about 159g over my previous setup. While they are marketed as some of the stiffest on the market, I honestly didn’t feel a massive difference in stiffness compared to Shimano. However, they look incredible and offer a high-end feel that’s even catching the attention of World Tour teams.
The installation was where I hit a few bumps. Elilee didn’t include the proprietary tools or the “spider” needed for the chainrings (it’s sold separately). I also had to learn the hard way that these need a lot of torque; my main bolt came loose twice during the first few kilometers because I hadn’t tightened it to the recommended 40-50 Nm. Now that it’s dialed in, the shifting is flawless, and I’d definitely recommend them for anyone building a lightweight bike. You can read more details in my Elilee X310 review.
Cycplus AS Ultra Electric Inflator
Cycplus is a well-known manufacturer of cycling gadgets, including the AS Ultra electric inflator that fits in your saddle bag or jersey pocket. It’s a total lifesaver as it inflates your tire after a puncture repair or inflating on the go.
It can inflate 25mm road tires three times from 0 to 80 PSI on a single charge. That’s not a lot, but how often do you get three flats during one ride? Just remember to keep it charged!
Use this Cycplus discount code CYCLISTSHUB at cycplus.com during checkout to get 5% OFF your purchase. Share this code via email.
Deemount CO2 Inflator
Whether you’re a casual rider or a devoted cyclist, the CO2 Inflator is the perfect companion for quick and hassle-free tire inflation. If you prefer CO2 over a Cycplus AS Ultra, consider the Deemount CO2 Inflator head with an airflow regulator.
It costs a fraction of better-known brands yet is made from high-quality aluminum, so it will last you for years.
My Verdict
My favorite cycling gadget from AliExpress is undoubtedly the Magene L508. However, I recommend ordering it from Amazon for faster delivery. Bicycle radars are some of the most useful accessories. They make me feel safer on the roads.
Anyway, I hope this article has inspired you to look for useful and affordable cycling gadgets. I’ve tried several of them and can recommend them.
Do you have any recommendations? Share them in the comments!
How to Choose the Best AliExpress Cycling Gadget?
Below are some recommendations when shopping on AliExpress:
- If the product has only recently been introduced, wait a few months for longer-term reviews.
- Read the reviews, but remember that not all will be genuine. Prioritize those with pictures.
- Keep a critical mind and don’t impulse buy. Think about whether you really need the product.
- Don’t buy from retailers with bad reputations and reviews.
- Avoid sellers that lower the item’s price but boost the shipping price.
- Consider how long the shop or seller has been on AliExpress.
I also recommend watching this video by Luke, which includes additional tips.
The size difference between RideNow and standard tubes is staggering!
Yeah, it is. 🙂
– Petr
I totally agree with the TPU tubes from RideNow, the Magene PES 505 power meter, and the iGPSport bsc300. I just sold my Wahoo Elemnt Bolt (Stealth edition) because the iGPSport is just a superior device and it’s USB C! Many of the Chinese developers are really trying to make a dent with some very good quality items, and I can’t say enough good things about my experiences.
Cool! Thanks for sharing your experience, Patrick. 🙂
– Petr