2 years ago, I got a lightweight crankset from AliExpress. How is it holding up, and will aluminium fatigue lead to failure…?

SIROKO CLOTHING LINK:
https://srko.co/tracevelo

I have been using my cheap aluminium crankset from AliExpress nearly every day for the last 2 years. It is branded CVR and produced by a company called Zrace, but Sensah have also provided them with their Empire groupset. The crankset is nice and stiff, rides nicely, shifts well, looks good, and only weighs 711g. So what’s the catch?

Well, it’s a Shimano hollowtech compatible crankset, so the axle spindle is 24mm in diameter. To my knowledge Shimano only ever use steel for their axle spindles. The potential issue with my cheap crankset, is that the axle is made of aluminium.

One difference that steel has compared to aluminium, is that after repeated loads, aluminium will fatigue, whereas steel has an indefinite fatigue life.What does this mean for my crank, how much longer will it last, what are the risks, and should you be concerned? Let’s find out!

New Siroko Film:
   • THEY CALL US CRAZY - SIROKO CYCLING -...  

New Senicx Crankset:
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/10050...

Timestamps:
00:00 – Start
00:30 – Sponsor segment
01:08 – Intro
02:18 – Crank arms & chainrings
05:52 – Aluminium axle
08:15 – Broken axle examples
09:18 – Steel bearings vs aluminium axle
10:01 – Final thoughts & advice
10:35 – SRAM DUB axles

Intro roll:
Created by Dev Joshi - http://www.go2dev.co.uk

Music:
Birocratic (http://birocratic.lnk.to/allYL)
Fresh Healthy Perspectives
Lakey Inspired (  / lakeyinspired  )
The Process
Noir Et Blanc Vie (   / billyocean2185  )
Still Not Rite
NoMBe (   / @nombe  )
Take Me Down to The Fashion Show
BioDrive (https://biodrive.bandcamp.com/)
Waves of August

About Trace Velo:
I love cycling, and I love getting pro cycling kit for less. If it’s cheap, from China, and made of carbon fibre, I’m interested!

Instagram:
  / tracevelo  

Email:
[email protected]

Please note:
With the exception of Siroko and Senicx, all other products demonstrated in this video have been purchased by me, and I have no affiliation to any of the sellers or vendors shown.

In addition, I am not a professionally trained bike mechanic. There can be risks associated with using products that are unbranded, untested, or come from sources where the provenance is unknown. Please talk to a qualified bike mechanic if you are in any doubt.

In essence, be careful, do your research, and cycle safe!!!