Orient Express - Cheap Chinese Rims / Wheels / Forks / Frames / Cranks / Etc

Some second hand SRAM stuff?

Don't forget China is having a bad time with COVID at the moment (zero COVID policy, restrictions, and the subsequent protests). So the likelihood of even getting parts out of China is diminished, let alone a enquiry reply.

Ahh point tooken.

I would already have 2/10 sram thumbies (but could run 1x10) and I’d rather have a huge cassette

Pick one of those two options. The current (GX,X7,X5) and recent SRAM RD offerings which match those shifters are for a 36T max sprocket. Third party RDs will have Shimano cable pull ratio, so they won't work with SRAM shifters.

"10-speed" rear wheel need not be an impediment to using an 11-speed cassette as numerous wide range 11-speed cassettes are back-dished to fit legacy freehub rotors.

Mmmh. Might try one of these big cassettes then, last time I tried, I had to bodge taking out one of the cogs of a 11sp cassette.

I find the large Sunrace cassettes to be really good value in terms of durability/performance and they have an 11-46 in 10 speed.

I use one of those Sunrace 11-46t cassettes on my cargo bike, it's completely fine. Also, you can get those Sram RDs that are specced up to 36t to work with a 40t without the need for a goatlink or similar (I found in general, that I can get most Sram RDs to work well with cassettes that go 4-6 teeth over their official maximum).

Harking back to this, I have bought a few Elita One seatposts without any issues. Wanted to get a Hylix one but they dont seem to be present on Aliexpress, has anyone bought one recently?

Get it on ebay

not cheap enough

soon

Any recommendations for a replacement gravel fork. Tapered steerer, TA, tyres up to about 50mm, cage and Mudguard mounts ideally?

Carbonda

Thanks. I got the same from searching back, so that looks like the best option.

They'll also add dynamo light mounting/routing for an extra $10...

Light mounting is interesting - does that mean they can drill the fork crown?

Not sure how they do it but there's a threaded insert on mine. (haven't used them yet thou)

I've got a reply from them (Carbonda) on Alibaba. Forks are $85 but shipping is another $65, which makes them less of a bargain - but I guess they are coming all the way from China so can't complain too much!

They are also offering an axle, for $15. I have an axle from the existing fork - are they standard / transferable between different forks or should I get a new one?

All depends on the pitch of the thread of your existing axle vs the new fork/axle... easy option would be to get a new one... more of a faff option is to work out what you have currently and decide if you in fact do need a new one

I ordered similar recently (it arrived really quick) I played it safe and had the axle just in case. I've got the carbonda cfo606 fork on 2 bikes now, it's been spot on so far

That's great to hear.
Sounds like it makes sense to get the axle.

Do they have a hole at the fork crown to mount a light by default, or would I need to ask for that?

Also what is the best way to pay on Alibaba, I've never bought anything there before and the options don't seem that clear!

Mine had one by default when I ordered it 2 years ago, maybe best to ask for it just to be sure. I contacted them via their own website so can't comment on the alibaba process, paid via paypal.

OK, thanks. I'll ask them.
I tried their site first, but they didn't reply.

Ive been having issues contacting them lately on their website also. Anyone got an email?

Only the info@ from their site.
Try Alibaba, they responded quickly there