Chinese Cost Cutting Masterclass - Costelo vs Time Xpresso pedals

How do these Costelo Carbon Ti pedals from AliExpress compare to the genuine Time Xpresso pedals they are modelled after?

I am always on the lookout for lightweight components on AliExpress, and a few months ago i stumbled across the Carbon Ti clipless road bike pedals from Costelo. They are some of the lightest pedals I have ever used, and at just over £50, are a pretty decent price as well. So, what’s the catch?

Well, they appear to be knock-offs of the Time Xpresso 12 Titan pedals, and from a visual standpoint, are nearly identical. They are the same size and weight, are made of the same or very similar materials, work in exactly the same way, and even the cleats are interchangeable between the two.

However, the Costelo pedals are less than a quarter of the price of the genuine Time Xpresso pedals, so where have the costs been cut in manufacture?

Well, the carbon composite plastics, the cleats, and the titanium axles are basically the same between them, but there are certain aspects of the design and construction with the Costelo pedals (especially looking at the bearings), where costs have been cut significantly.

In this episode, I’ll be reviewing these pedals in detail, comparing them to Shimano SPD-SL and Look Keo pedals, and ultimately telling you why I think these should probably be avoided.

Got any questions or comments, stick them below 👇 and I'll try and get back to as many of you as I can!

Timestamps:
00:00 – Start
00:48 – Intro
02:39 – Closeup look
04:17 – Weight
04:50 – Visual differences
06:57 – Design differences
13:56 – Performance on the road
17:50 – Final Thoughts
21:08 – Costelo the company

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  )
MydNyte, Still Not Rite
Patrick Patrikios (   / @patrick-jordan-patrikios  )
Just Dance
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:
All 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!!!