Ali Express cycling equipment

Shy Ted

Has anyone ever bought gear from this site?
Looks too good to be true and seems likely to be cheap knock-offs.
Is it any good/reliable, and can the clothing sizes be trusted?

Unknown Soldier

Shy Ted wrote: »

Has anyone ever bought gear from this site?
Looks too good to be true and seems likely to be cheap knock-offs.
Is it any good/reliable, and can the clothing sizes be trusted?

Go up a size. Made my first purchase this week. Report back later...

New2bike

I have bought my last three jersey sets from this site most jersey and bib shorts only $29 or €23 with free shipping, I agree go one size up on your usual and it doesn't really matter with things Like castelli Assos ect the three I have all seem to be the same fit. The pad is the best I have in any of my shorts. I have washed them loads and still good sure even if anything happened you would barely get a pair of gloves for that price. Only draw back is you will have to wait between 4-7 wks for delivery depending on the supplier I already have my winter Castelli's ordered

Get In There

I've ordered a few cycling clothing items from them.

Shipping from china takes 3-4 weeks normally. You don't want to add to this by going with a seller that's slow to dispatch so make note of their dispatch times which you can find under the asking price in the ad. My general rule to go with a seller that dispatches within 7 days or less.

Bib pants/shorts - state that you want silicone gel padding to ensure some decent padding. You may see images of such in the description in the listing.

Sizes. I order the bottoms in my usual size L but order the tops in the next size up as I found that they were a wee bit too tight a fit than I would prefer. This may not apply to you as you may be slimmer than I!

If you want I can try and stick up some photos when I get the chance to take some.

brayblue24

Ordered from them twice.

First lot took forever but at least they arrived.

The second order never came but they don't want to know.

Not recommended

Cee-Jay-Cee

I've bought from Aliexpress 4 times now, yes shipping is slow but then again it is free. Everything arrived and is excellent quality and I'd have no hesitation buying there again.

WillyFXP

CJC999 wrote: »

I've bought from Aliexpress 4 times now, yes shipping is slow but then again it is free. Everything arrived and is excellent quality and I'd have no hesitation buying there again.

+1

Shy Ted

Thanks for all the feedback. Its reassuring to know others have had success with the site.
I guess the risk is spread out as well, as you're buying from multiple sellers who will dispatch separately.

With regards to going up one size, is that applicable for everything regardless of the brand (shorts, jerseys, trousers/pants, gloves etc...)?

WillyFXP

Shy Ted wrote: »

Thanks for all the feedback. Its reassuring to know others have had success with the site.
I guess the risk is spread out as well, as you're buying from multiple sellers who will dispatch separately.

With regards to going up one size, is that applicable for everything regardless of the brand (shorts, jerseys, trousers/pants, gloves etc...)?

I usually go up one size in bibs and up 2 sizes in jerseys. Asian sizing tends to be smaller, so I'd say the same for gloves etc.

Cee-Jay-Cee

Go by there size charts which are generally accurate. I buy XL from the chinese sellers/Aliexpress and find it perfect. I'm 181cm and 76kg

Shy Ted

Took the plunge and went one size up. If it doesn't fit, I'll not lose sleep as it didn't cost much. I ordered a set of lights as well which I'd be more eager to receive.

murphyebass

Do keep us informed Shy Ted. I'd like to take the plunge myself but unsure of the sizing issue. I'm 6 ft 1'' and weight wise go between 11 and a half stone to 12 stone depending on how many beers I've had in that month. lol.

paulo6891

I'm guessing their other cycling stuff (wheels, frames etc) aren't genuine?

Tibulus

paulo6891 wrote: »

I'm guessing their other cycling stuff (wheels, frames etc) aren't genuine?

This seems a bit too good to be genuine:
http://www.aliexpress.com/item/Original-New-Garmin-Forerunner-910XT-GPS-Sports-Fitness-Watch-with-Heart-Rate-Monitor/1910972172.html

Has anyone one bought electronics or branded parts?

WillyFXP

Tibulus wrote: »

This seems a bit too good to be genuine:
http://www.aliexpress.com/item/Original-New-Garmin-Forerunner-910XT-GPS-Sports-Fitness-Watch-with-Heart-Rate-Monitor/1910972172.html

Has anyone one bought electronics or branded parts?

If it is genuine it's likely it will get caught for import duty. No reason to suspect it's fake, only popular items that sell in really high volumes at low prices tend to be counterfeit.

EDIT: This garmin is available on amazon for €318 including delivery via parcel motel, what makes you think €300 is a too good to be true price?

brayblue24

brayblue24 wrote: »

Ordered from them twice.

First lot took forever but at least they arrived.

The second order never came but they don't want to know.

Not recommended

OK, so I'll have to amend. It may have taken almost 4 months but my order did finally arrive.

Ciaran_Hopper

Can any of you guys who have had positive experiences ordering gear post the names of the sellers you went with?

That's be really helpful rather than picking one and hoping they're one that you've used.

Thanks!

Cee-Jay-Cee

murphyebass wrote: »

Do keep us informed Shy Ted. I'd like to take the plunge myself but unsure of the sizing issue. I'm 6 ft 1'' and weight wise go between 11 and a half stone to 12 stone depending on how many beers I've had in that month. lol.

You need XL. I'm 6ft and 12st 3lbs and XL is perfect fit on me. Large would possibly be too short on you.

WillyFXP

Ciaran_Hopper wrote: »

Can any of you guys who have had positive experiences ordering gear post the names of the sellers you went with?

That's be really helpful rather than picking one and hoping they're one that you've used.

Thanks!

http://www.aliexpress.com/store/117139
Placed an order 25/6/14, stuff arrived yesterday well packaged and in perfect condition.

Hmmzis

Just ordered a winter set of those Castellis (or should that be Chinastelli?), at 28eur that's on par with AldiLidl pricing. Will see how this one pans out.

brownian

Got a pair of 'castelli' shorts off them; arrived after a long time (you wouldn't want to be in a hurry, but if you're planning ahead...). Great shorts, sizing spot on (I went for a L, but a M would have fit me a little better...as per this thread, I went up a size, and they really are L...but still perfectly wearable, and very comfy indeed).

Alanstrainor

Just ordered 2 jerseys and a pair of shorts. I know I'll be waiting an age, but hopefully they work out well. It'll be great if they live up to expectations. I'd buy 2 more sets if they do!

Unknown Soldier

Unknown Soldier wrote: »

Go up a size. Made my first purchase this week. Report back later...

Received my first package today from one of the two suppliers I used.

Delighted!

I'm a slightly less than medium these days and I went for an L. If I was 33/34 waist I'd say XL would be the way to go. The Jersey is a perfect fit as I'm sort of in between small and medium in local sizes. I'm about 170cms in height.

The pad in the shorts is as good as anything I have laid my hands on in the local bike shops but note... I haven't been feeling up any of the 100e+ stuff in shops tbh.

I used this shop http://www.aliexpress.com/store/519562 and bought the Assos one as I was looking for "visable" and "please don't run me over" without white shorts.

Think I paid about 22e.

Going to order a nice winter kit now as Aug'tober has put me in that frame of mind.

martyc5674

I used this store.
http://www.aliexpress.com/store/320157
Went for castelli bib shorts and jersey
3 weeks to the day delivered perfect.. Really happy with the stuff.
Go by the sizing on their listings and you won't go wrong
I've ordered a jacket and a winter set of pants jersey now aswell
Marty.

crazy_kenny

Anyone ever order a carbon frame from Ali express?

a148pro

How are those prices possible? jersey and bib shorts, of good quality, for $15?

stecleary

a148pro wrote: »

How are those prices possible? jersey and bib shorts, of good quality, for $15?

Because it's China and copyright laws are laughed at.

tritriagain

Is it safe to pay ali express by credit ard.

Kinet1c

Recently ordered a jersey from cycling monton, will report back when(if) it arrives. €20 for it so not a whole lot ventured.

a148pro

stecleary wrote: »

Because it's China and copyright laws are laughed at.

As in theyre knocked off, albeit good quality knock offs?

ZiabR

a148pro wrote: »

As in theyre knocked off, albeit good quality knock offs?

Yes, I have order kits from China before and the quality is very very good for the money you pay. My last order did that about 3.5 weeks to arrive but for the price I didn't care.

Shy Ted

I received about half of my orders so far. Quality is excellent. Haven't received my jersey or shorts though, so can't give feedback on the sizes.

I've been thinking about the whole legitimacy of ordering from the likes of aliexpress, & I think it's no different than ordering from large stores self branded items. Practically all sports clothing is manufactured in China anyway, so quality shouldn't be too much of an issue. Its the large mark-up from the middle man that's removed.

laraghrider

For those wondering about ali express let me tell you how it works. A friend of mine actually works for them in China. They are enormous! Think ebay for China. They are an off shoot of alibaba (which sells direct to trade) setup for the likes of us so as to stop us ordering through a trade site for 1 or 2 pieces. Aliexpress is primarily aimed at the English speaking work outside of China where as taobao is aimed at internal chinese market. They are the same company.

Ultimately like ebay you are ordering via their site to many manufactures or sellers in China so the quality or product, price, delivery time or even reliability of delivery depends on who you buy off. Aliexpress know this so when you pay by CC they issue what is essentially an IOU to the supplier promising them payment. If you do not receive your goods you can raise it with Aliexpress (i did this once) and they refund you rather quickly and hold payment back from the supplier. Since implementing this about 6 months ago all the dodgy sellers have largely gone off it as they know they wont get paid. Once you receive it you log back on and tag the item as received and as described/sold and they pay the supplier. So you are pretty safe.

As far as paying to them via CC well it's as safe as anywhere else I guess. They are very well secured and locked down so me personally I don't have an issue with them. I've bought a few times and each time the quality has been excellent for what I paid. I actually prefer to wear some of my €30 replica kits from them than the club kit which cost me north of €100. The sorts fit better and have a better padding.

tritriagain

thats great thanks for the info

zl1whqvjs75cdy

Gonna order some winter cycling stuff from this crowd today since the weather seems to have turned. Will keep you all posted.

ZiabR

donkeyoaty0099 wrote: »

Gonna order some winter cycling stuff from this crowd today since the weather seems to have turned. Will keep you all posted.

As am I. Going to get a winter and summer kit.

victorcarrera

stecleary wrote: »

Because it's China and copyright laws are laughed at.

Or part of their win back strategy since two Christian monks smuggled silk worms out of China in the 6th century.

mathie

I've a few bits just came in from aliexpress that are a bit big for me ...

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2057273264

zl1whqvjs75cdy

So I ordered a "Castelli" winter jacket and bib tight. Also "Castelli" leg warmers and "Giant" winter gloves. 50 quid all in so not too much lost if it all goes pear shaped. Was contemplating the fast delivery option since it seems to have turned into winter overnight out there but it was 50 euro per item! **** that I'll just pedal harder for a couple of weeks.

ZiabR

Anyone that has ordered from here before, how do you find the sizing? Would you base an Item on your weight or what?

Cee-Jay-Cee

logik wrote: »

Anyone that has ordered from here before, how do you find the sizing? Would you base an Item on your weight or what?

Did you not read through this entire thread? Sizing is covered numerous times. Use their size charts and you'll be ok.

furiousox

I've ordered

2 Castelli ss jerseys
2 Assos ss jerseys
IAM team jersey
Saxo team jersey

Total cost E80

BoardsMember

furiousox wrote: »

I've ordered

2 Castelli ss jerseys
2 Assos ss jerseys
IAM team jersey
Saxo team jersey

Total cost E80

Which supplier did you use?

furiousox

All different sellers.
I just browsed the cycling jerseys and added the ones I liked to the shopping basket, then checked out.

Domane

logik wrote: »

Anyone that has ordered from here before, how do you find the sizing? Would you base an Item on your weight or what?

Cee-Jay-Cee wrote: »

Did you not read through this entire thread? Sizing is covered numerous times. Use their size charts and you'll be ok.

I've read through this thread and checked out the sizing charts on the website but even their XXXL size bib shorts are only 70cm in the waist. I'm 5'11, 34 inch waist and 42/44 inch chest and so by no means overweight but judging by their sizes, even the largest size they do wouldn't fit me. Or am I reading their sizing chart wrong???

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

dfdream

You will see that.
They size them un stretched.
If you look on other sellers you will see like 70cm un-stretched and 100cm stretched or something like that.

I got 2 jerseys One the right size per chart and one a size bigger and for me anyway the right size as per chart fits best. The one size bigger is fine but does flap a bit in the wind. If worried for a tenner order 2 and at least you will know the sizes for future. I also ordered a bib to see what padding and fit was like before ordering winter stuff... Cheap as chips and worth a shot.

Quality is very good. Better than low cost cycling gear even online but not as good as top end stuff. Ideal for training / commuting and sparing the good gear for long days or sportives.

Domane wrote: »

I've read through this thread and checked out the sizing charts on the website but even their XXXL size bib shorts are only 70cm in the waist. I'm 5'11, 34 inch waist and 42/44 inch chest and so by no means overweight but judging by their sizes, even the largest size they do wouldn't fit me. Or am I reading their sizing chart wrong???

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

Domane

Thanks mate. Wanted some cheaper gear for the nightly runs/commuting and to save the expensive gear for the weekends/sportives. This stuff seems to fit the bill. I'll order my usual sizes and if they're too small, at least it won't have cost me much. Cheers.

martin.mcevoy

Domane just an fyi....I am 5' 9" and a 32" waist. Ordered a Medium in bibshorts and Large in jersey and the sizes were good.
Hope that helps!!

Hmmzis

Got the gloves today in yhe post, seem to be very well made. Took about 3 weeks to arrive.

Cee-Jay-Cee

Domane wrote: »

I've read through this thread and checked out the sizing charts on the website but even their XXXL size bib shorts are only 70cm in the waist. I'm 5'11, 34 inch waist and 42/44 inch chest and so by no means overweight but judging by their sizes, even the largest size they do wouldn't fit me. Or am I reading their sizing chart wrong???

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

I'm 5'11" with 32/33inch waist and 76kg with 40/42cm chest and XL are perfect on me so I'd say they'll be perfect on you too but you could buy both XL and XXL and sell whichever one doesn't fit.

Eamonnator

On 2nd August, I ordered some stuff from AliExpress. Payment was taken from my bank. On 5th August, I got an email, saying that my order had been dispatched.
Today, I got an email fromAliExpress, stating that my order had been cancelled, because payment had not been received by them.
So, my money is gone and my order has been cancelled.
I have, of course, looked for an explanation and refund.

Be careful out there.