Another Tan Tan FM10

[northup]

Pulled the trigger on the FM10. From Alibaba (not express) it was actually quite reasonable: $641 shipped to Massachusetts.

I'm migrating a bunch of parts over from my current bike to make sure I can feel how the frame is, but I got some fun chiner parts that I'm excited to try out on my old frame.

The build is gonna go something like this:

Frame           Tan Tan FM10
Rear shock    rockshox deluxe rt3 debonair 205x57.5 (trunnion)
Fork              lyric 160mm 27.5 boost
post              x fusion manic 150 31.6
wheels          27.5+ Duroc 40mm boost (because I have them. Debating moving to 29x2.3/4)
groupset       Shimano SLX 1x11 groupset
cranks          Simano SLX grpst
brakes          Shimano SLX grpst
rotors           Shimano SLX grpst
bb                Shinamo bb92
tires             Maxxis Recon 27.5 x 2.8
bars             Chiner carbon
stem            Chiner carbon
seat             Chiner carbon

My rear shock is just a touch longer than the frame asks for, so I'm hoping that with proper sag accommodation, and running the lyrik at ~155mm I should have the geometry close to spec. Hoping it makes a somewhat more playful enduro bike than a hill slayer. I'd have preferred the 21" frame but the mold isn't open yet, so I'll be maxing out the 19" frame and I'll gift it to my brother when the 21" opens up. Or if I hate it I'll try something new.

On to some of the chiner parts I bought to flesh out my old frame once I strip it down.

I bought the LTwoo AT12 groupset (with the carbon fiber derailleur bracket) and I can't wait to see how that plays out. Cranks and all for $200
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32988332452.html?spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.7ffa4c4dWd6tIO

I also bought these super sketchy looking Deore M8000 clone hydraulic brakes! I'll admit this sounds like a bad idea on paper, and it may be in practice as well, but for $50 and a pile of good reviews I couldn't stop myself (and they may not be able to either).
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000176894248.html?spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.7ffa4c4dWd6tIO

Still investigating the carbon wheel market, I'm not sure if I want my next set to be 29ers, narrower 27.5s, or what have you, so if you have any strong opinions, I'm game to hear about wheels you like.

I figure it'll take at least a month to get here, if not two with the way things are moving from China these days, so no rush, but I'll update as parts show up.

[emu26]

Good luck, I hope that shock fits.

Also, may I ask how tall you are and inseam length?

[nh185]

I bought the LTwoo AT12 groupset (with the carbon fiber derailleur bracket) and I can't wait to see how that plays out. Cranks and all for $200
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32988332452.html?spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.7ffa4c4dWd6tIO

Have you done any research on the LTwoo derailleurs? From what I’ve heard they are lacking a clutch hence they drop the chain pretty easily in rougher terrain.

Right now the "S-Ride" derailleurs seem to be the better option as they have a clutch built in. Now the clutch is still not adjustable but they have one at least. The M600 is their top model and is pretty much the same as the AT12 minus the carbon cage and plus clutch.

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000127532043.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.0.0.539c4896AeuieU&algo_pvid=a650b08d-b022-4825-8b7f-69551abc02f0&algo_expid=a650b08d-b022-4825-8b7f-69551abc02f0-3&btsid=0ab6d67915913928165396032e6e54&ws_ab_test=searchweb0_0,searchweb201602_,searchweb201603_

For further information you can check out Trybo Bike Tech on YouTube. He did a comparison of chinese derailleurs including LTwoo, S-Ride and Sensah a few months ago:


The reviewed derailleurs are the "mid range" products of each company

The rest of the groupset looks pretty solid to me though one could argue that you could get a derailleur+shifter, a lighter 12 speed cassette, a superb crank and a chain on Aliexpress for a couple bucks more than the groupset

[northup]

Good luck, I hope that shock fits.

Also, may I ask how tall you are and inseam length?

I hope so too, 5mm is pretty small ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

I'm 6'3 with a 35" inseam 

[northup]

...
Right now the "S-Ride" derailleurs seem to be the better option as they have a clutch built in. Now the clutch is still not adjustable but they have one at least. The M600 is their top model and is pretty much the same as the AT12 minus the carbon cage and plus clutch.
...

Interesting, I had done a bit of research but as always, not enough. I'll take a look at the video and read up some more, thanks for the tips. This would be for my old frame so I don't need anything immediately.

[carbonazza]

Wow ! That is a very interesting build! Thank you for trying so much things.
One recent non-carbon component I tried from Ali is Deckas floating disc brakes.
https://a.aliexpress.com/_dS85pS6
They are great.

The rest of the groupset looks pretty solid to me though one could argue that you could get a derailleur+shifter, a lighter 12 speed cassette, a superb crank and a chain on Aliexpress for a couple bucks more than the groupset

nh185, do you have some links to share?

[nh185]

nh185, do you have some links to share?

Sure thing!

For the crankset the Fovno Phantom seems to be a pretty solid choice. Either comes with GXP mount or GXP mounted 104 BCD adapter. Comes in a range of colours and looks quite well machined.

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000579042697.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.0.0.78b81246WRODvB&algo_pvid=64902c25-59dc-4087-924f-9ab7fe81a47e&algo_expid=64902c25-59dc-4087-924f-9ab7fe81a47e-1&btsid=0ab6f82215914855710491854e434f&ws_ab_test=searchweb0_0,searchweb201602_,searchweb201603_

If you want to go proper budget build the IXF crankset seems to be a pretty solid choice aswell, build wise I think you can not fault them but theyre certainly no eyecandy unlike the Fovnos.

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32993443563.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.0.0.6be762457cwdAx&algo_pvid=33c1f1ab-fd25-4a52-b476-fb9344a5c9d4&algo_expid=33c1f1ab-fd25-4a52-b476-fb9344a5c9d4-0&btsid=0ab6fa8115914857606664241e7f0a&ws_ab_test=searchweb0_0,searchweb201602_,searchweb201603_

As for the cassette an 11-50 12 speed would be the way to go here. These guys here claim that their cassette only weighs 399g - I dont know whether thats true but the cogs kind of look like the GX eagle cogs hence the weight could be legit.

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32961018282.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.0.0.6b946966FoP3EU&algo_pvid=3ec8587c-fd9a-4f14-a434-441c235a0692&algo_expid=3ec8587c-fd9a-4f14-a434-441c235a0692-33&btsid=0be3764515914859315868173e81e1&ws_ab_test=searchweb0_0,searchweb201602_,searchweb201603_

If you wanna go proper budget on the cassette this would be an option. You gotta live with the weight though.

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32964520421.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.0.0.6b946966FoP3EU&algo_pvid=3ec8587c-fd9a-4f14-a434-441c235a0692&algo_expid=3ec8587c-fd9a-4f14-a434-441c235a0692-9&btsid=0be3764515914859315868173e81e1&ws_ab_test=searchweb0_0,searchweb201602_,searchweb201603_

As far as derailleurs and shifters are concerned I already posted the link of the S-Ride in my post above.

As for the chain you could use pretty much any 12 speed chain on Aliexpress or go for proven quality and buy a KMC.

[northup]

Thanks for the input around groupsets nh185.

I ended up going with the S-Ride M600, the Sunshine 11-50 12speed cassette, and the Fovno crankset.

This store had the cassette for ~10USD cheaper:
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000407665162.html?spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.67c74c4dKBXBip

I assume I won't see any of it for 30-50 days, but I am certainly excited.

Also, I heard from Lisa at Tan Tan this morning about the frame from Alibaba so I expect that to be shipped in a day or two. She estimated 25-35 days for that arrival.

This ended up being ~$265 all in, about 60 more than the AT12 groupset for a significant weight decrease (as well as increased chain retention with the strength of the S-Ride clutch).

[GreyCactus]

nh185, do you have some links to share?

Sure thing!

For the crankset the Fovno Phantom seems to be a pretty solid choice. Either comes with GXP mount or GXP mounted 104 BCD adapter. Comes in a range of colours and looks quite well machined.

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000579042697.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.0.0.78b81246WRODvB&algo_pvid=64902c25-59dc-4087-924f-9ab7fe81a47e&algo_expid=64902c25-59dc-4087-924f-9ab7fe81a47e-1&btsid=0ab6f82215914855710491854e434f&ws_ab_test=searchweb0_0,searchweb201602_,searchweb201603_

If you want to go proper budget build the IXF crankset seems to be a pretty solid choice aswell, build wise I think you can not fault them but theyre certainly no eyecandy unlike the Fovnos.

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32993443563.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.0.0.6be762457cwdAx&algo_pvid=33c1f1ab-fd25-4a52-b476-fb9344a5c9d4&algo_expid=33c1f1ab-fd25-4a52-b476-fb9344a5c9d4-0&btsid=0ab6fa8115914857606664241e7f0a&ws_ab_test=searchweb0_0,searchweb201602_,searchweb201603_

As for the cassette an 11-50 12 speed would be the way to go here. These guys here claim that their cassette only weighs 399g - I dont know whether thats true but the cogs kind of look like the GX eagle cogs hence the weight could be legit.

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32961018282.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.0.0.6b946966FoP3EU&algo_pvid=3ec8587c-fd9a-4f14-a434-441c235a0692&algo_expid=3ec8587c-fd9a-4f14-a434-441c235a0692-33&btsid=0be3764515914859315868173e81e1&ws_ab_test=searchweb0_0,searchweb201602_,searchweb201603_

If you wanna go proper budget on the cassette this would be an option. You gotta live with the weight though.

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32964520421.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.0.0.6b946966FoP3EU&algo_pvid=3ec8587c-fd9a-4f14-a434-441c235a0692&algo_expid=3ec8587c-fd9a-4f14-a434-441c235a0692-9&btsid=0be3764515914859315868173e81e1&ws_ab_test=searchweb0_0,searchweb201602_,searchweb201603_

As far as derailleurs and shifters are concerned I already posted the link of the S-Ride in my post above.

As for the chain you could use pretty much any 12 speed chain on Aliexpress or go for proven quality and buy a KMC.

I’m really interested in your drivetrain review!
Actually I’m happy with the smoothness of shimano derallieur, with a strong 11-46 sunrace, more durable than shimano cassette IMO.

[northup]

Hello folks - I've decided to cancel the frame order and close out this build. I want to wait to see what corrections they can make on the frame, and with the progress on the AM831 group buy, I'm more confident they'll open up an XL frame with the interest we've shown. Tan Tan doesn't seem to have plans to mold and test a 21" frame any time soon.

I'll swap the drivetrain parts onto my hardtail for testing, especially the brakes, I'm very curious, but that will be all the progress you'll see from here. I'll start another build thread when final orders are confirmed for the AM831/SC clone later this year, I'm guessing this fall.

[northup]

Welp, we're back on. I talked with Lisa in the wee hours and it turns out the 21" mold is open and she thinks they can turn one around in 30 days, so I may end up with the first. That's a bit terrifying for me given the issues we've seen with the 19" frame, but I'll be the guinea pig on this one.

[GuitsBoy]

I know what you mean!  But assuming they've changed the actual rocker / metal piece to give more clearance, you shouldn't run into the same problem I did.  Otherwise the frame is very well thought out IMO.  Good luck with the build.

[northup]

Parts are starting to come in, and I'm getting excited. Pics to come (as soon as I figure that out) but the stand out pieces are the BRAKES! The look fantastic. The machining is better than pretty much anything I've ordered from China. They come bled and set up, but I'll have to redo the rear to get it through the frame.

[northup]

Here are the brakes:

https://imgur.com/a/6Hj75L9

[northup]

I’m really interested in your drivetrain review!
Actually I’m happy with the smoothness of shimano derallieur, with a strong 11-46 sunrace, more durable than shimano cassette IMO.

So the parts in hand now for the drivetrain are:
Fovno gxp crankset, with a Deckas oval 34t chainring - still waiting on the GXP to 104BCD adapter to get that mounted up
SRide M600 derailleur in the funky gold, and the mated M600 12sp shifter (which is crazy light)
Sunshine-SZ 11-50T 12sp cassette
and I treated myself to some chiner "Kactus" pedals, Magnesium casting, Titanium spindles, and a claimed 223g for the pair with an 11.8cm x 9.8cm platform for my size 14 (EU48) shoes. There is a version with a smaller platform claiming 200g/pair.

I'm not upset with the SLX groupset, it's treated me well, but it'll be nice to compare it to something different. I tend to learn by doing so I'm excited to get to know the components and their nuances. I can't speak much to parts just by reading a spec sheet.

As always, still waiting on the frame.....