TanTan FM10 29/27.5+

[GuitsBoy]

So I pulled the trigger on this frame yesterday - with a couple of unknowns.  After coupons and discounts, I pair $604 US all in.  The deal seemed too good not to bite.

https://www.dhgate.com/product/2020-new-seraph-per-sell-carbon-fiber-t700/507611131.html

The frame looks to be an update to the FM8 frame, with slightly smaller shock mounting (190-200), and asymmetrical chainstays.

The frame geometry charts dont make much sense to me.  The geo table claims a 65.5 HTA, yet one of the diagrams shows 66.5 HTA.   The wheelbase seems a bit short as well. 

Looking at the TanTan website, they show the following frame, but dont have a model number.  This frame looks identical to the new FM10 in pictures, however it claims to use a smaller still shock (185x55).  Its geometry seems a bit more believable.

http://tantancycling.com/index.php?_m=mod_product&_a=view&p_id=862

So what will I actually get?   Hopefully not coronavirus.   With the current situation in china, theyre not answering emails, nor do I expect the frame to ship any time soon.  Thats fine, because my current bike (FS27) is doing just fine.  I've amassed enough spare parts to build N+1, so Ill be keep the FS27 set up an as xc oriented 29er, and the FM10 will become my new 27.5+ trail bike.

I ordered up a new Manitou Mcleod shock in 200x56 size.  If the DH Gate listing geo is correct, thats fine.   If the TanTan website geo is more accurate, even better due to the longer TT and wheelbase, so long as I can fit the shock in there.  It appears they kept the shock flip chip, so that should take up 10mm of shock, and hopefully I can just hyper extend the additional 5mm.  The extra height would be somewhat welcome with the 27.5+ tires.   If not, then Ill just add travel spacers to reduce the shock to 195x51, and hope for 140mm travel.  I plan to stretch my manitou magnum fork to 150mm by doing an internal mod to reduce the top out spacer (as per a famous manitou tech from new zealand). 

Now I ordered the frame in matte black.  My current FS27 looks flawless in matte black, but a buddy ordered the same frame from an ebay seller, and his shows all sorts of casting flash and layup imperfections.  Since this was purchased from DH gate, I'm worried about the same visual imperfections.  If that's the case, I may paint the frame myself.  I have an automotive HVLP spray setup and a reasonable amount of DIY experience.  But ideally Ill just leave it matte black.

So anyway, this is the start of a new build on an unknown frame.  Cool.

[Akerman]

I also noticed that frame recently, and I do like the geo (apart from the inconsistencies you mentioned)...

good luck, I hope they'll restart production soon! I'll be following with great interest!

[emu26]

Finally.

I will be watching this one with interest.

The one on the TanTan site has different TT dimensions as well as shock size, although reach is the same.

[GuitsBoy]

I just got a response from Lisa at TanTan.

Good day . thanks for your E-mail . 
The frame it's same . our website geometry it's right .  please confirm our website geometry .

   

I have asked her to clarify about the shock length, since I already have a 200 mm shock.  Presumably, I could make it work with the flip chip and a 5mm travel reducer.

Anyway, nice to get a response, maybe Chinese New Year is coming to an end, though I still dont know how big a concern the outbreak is.  I dont mind be patient for safety's sake.

[GuitsBoy]

Updated PDF file appears to show shocks between 185 and 205 will fit.  That would be good.  Apparently size 21 is not in stock and wont be for some time.  I am waiting on a 19.

[emu26]

Please let us know when it ships.

[GuitsBoy]

Just got word that the frame finally shipped.  Unfortunately with the travel bans, it will ship by sea.  It's on a literal "slow boat from china".  I just hope the shock spacing and mounting work.  They confirmed it will work with my 200x56 standard shock, even though the mounting widths appear to be for trunnion shocks.  I guess we'll see in a month or so.

[emu26]

You have been incredibly patient. Current price is showing $642US, is that what you paid or did you get a "pre-sale" special, I can't remember?

Please, lots of pics when you get it including under the bb to see the entry / exit holes.

Good luck.

[GuitsBoy]

It was both "on sale" at DH Gate, and I had a $30 off 300 coupon, so I got it for 600 shipped if I recall.

Ill be sure to take pics and weight before I build it up.  They estimate 30 days transit time. 

I'm also going to try the SC Hightower clone via the group purchase from Haideli.  The price is just too good to pass up.  Ill probably pick a frame to keep and sell the one I dont like.  The hightower looks a little too new-school geo for me, but who knows, maybe Ill love it.  Either way, that one seems to still be in the prototype stage.

[emu26]

It was both "on sale" at DH Gate, and I had a $30 off 300 coupon, so I got it for 600 shipped if I recall.

Ill be sure to take pics and weight before I build it up.  They estimate 30 days transit time. 

I'm also going to try the SC Hightower clone via the group purchase from Haideli.  The price is just too good to pass up.  Ill probably pick a frame to keep and sell the one I dont like.  The hightower looks a little too new-school geo for me, but who knows, maybe Ill love it.  Either way, that one seems to still be in the prototype stage.

I'm looking at that as well. I'm just waiting for Eddie to come back and tell me how wide a 27.5+ tyre will fit.  With similar BB drops it should be ok as a 27.5+ bike as well, assuming they fit.

[northup]

I attempted to buy this frame too from DHGate but in an XL. I've heard back that the 21" frame isn't open yet, so I'm waiting to hear what my options are. Meanwhile, its still for sale in the seraph official store on aliexpress and I've reached out to them as well. I'll see what happens, looking forward to more on this thread.

[GuitsBoy]

The container ship carrying my frame just ported in Canada, and will ship to me (Eastern US) via UPS in the next couple days, hopefully.  I should have some updates for you guys soon.

[emu26]

Awesome, thanks mate.
I hope it is good experience for you and not a disappointing one.  Fingers crossed it works out and you get what you are expecting.

[arrkaye]

Hi, how did it go?

I'm looking into getting this frame soon too. Very interested in your experiences.

[northup]

I pulled the trigger on the frame in size L (19"), I think the measurements will still work for me even though I'd prefer an XL. I have no idea when the frame will get here, but hey, that's the fun of it!

I will prob start a build thread but with the momentum here, just wanted to let you know you have a partner in crime.