Eddy, Thanks for joining up.  Everyone else has already brought up any questions I had.  I just wanted to quickly say I hope you stay healthy throughout the virus ordeal.   While we are all very excited to see the new details about the frame, nothing is more important than your health, and that of your coworkers and families.  Wishing you all the best through this scary time.  I'll try and be patient.

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.

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.

Agreed about the coronavirus.  Not sure they agree with me, but worker safety i smore important than me buying another frame.  Especially if  the frame also contains coronavirus.  I'm OK waiting for this to all hopefully blow over.

Count me in as another if someone were willing to set up he group purchase...

I'm gonna say no to the blues but that depends on your parks ... I think 100 rear is too short. Most parks around here (North Carolina, USA) say 150mm minimum.

Thanks for the input.  Ive not been to the park yet, but their website says 5-6 inches recommended.  Hardtails are not recommended, but acceptable.  If its a matter of comfort and fatigue, I'd be willing to try and muscle through it.  But if its a matter of the frame splintering into carbon toothpicks, obviously Ill rent.

I've had my FS27 for nearly two years and its been great to me so far.   Its currently running 140/100 with manitou magnum pro up front and mcleod rear, and 2.8 nobby nics on i45 carbon hoops.  Its a fantastic trail bike and I feel pretty confident over roots, rocks, mild jumps and maybe 2-3 ft drops to flat.  But how much is asking too much for this frame?   Can this handle greens and blues at the local bike park?   I'm not looking to get rowdy.   I'd feel more confident on a bike I'm comfortable and used to compared to renting a downhill sled.  At 225 lbs, I hit the ground hard should the frame fail.  Any advice?  Stick to riding paved bike paths?