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Re: TanTan TT-X38 Build Update on my centerlock rotor issues. I tried tape, I tried Loctite 601, I tried threadlocker. It helps but it doesn't solve the issue. Incidentally, I talked to two friends of mine who both only realized upon me asking them that they also can make their centerlock rotors rock back and forth on their hubs if they try. It really seems to be a centerlock problem that everyone just agrees to leave alone. Even DT Swiss themselves answered to a guy on a German speaking MTB forum and basically said that it's a problem of tolerances between different manufacturers that is annoying but doesn't pose a security risk and therefore should just be ignored. I have another set of lockrings on the way which I will try together with micro shims and see if that solves the issue. If not, then I'll consider this case closed anyhow. I don't notice it when riding. Braking is fine. It doesn't look like there's wear on either the rotor or the hub splines. I guess it's just another case of the bicycle industry inventing a new standard and then failing to meet its tolerances.
November 02, 2023, 06:26:22 AM
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Re: TanTan TT-X38 Build Ah, yeah - I'm using a 12sp chain with 10/11 chainrings.

I bought some rings from this us-made company literally called USAMade https://usamadeco.com/ - attractive prices and I appreciate someone trying to challenge the industry a bit, esp. from domestic soil.

Since they are so affordable, figured I'd take a swing at Ovals, haha.

This bike is never going to work correctly because I won't stop fucking with it hehe.

November 06, 2023, 05:04:13 PM
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Re: TanTan TT-X38 Build
I think you are absolutely insane to be riding that fork. Scary.

I respect your opinion. I’ll report back here regularly if I’m still alive.

December 21, 2023, 10:45:04 AM
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New frame: Longteng RD301-D New forum member here, and starting a new thread after posting about this in a thread on the LightCarbon LCR017-D (https://chinertown.com/index.php/topic,4309.255.html).

Long story short: I snuck in to the Taipei Bike Show today to check out some Longteng and LightCarbon frames, and at the Longteng booth, I found out that they have an unreleased frame which is undergoing testing: the RD301-D.  Here is a short video that I took, and a few pages from their brochure with its geometry: https://imgur.com/a/XvH327j.

Appearance wise, the 301 doesn't break any new ground, but a few things stand out:
- It has an aero profile but is under 1000g weight
- The geometry (especially stack) sort of sits between an upright endurance bike and bikes like the Velobuild 177 and 268, Winspace SLC 2.0 and 1500, Yoeleo R11 - this geometry is a sweet spot for me [edit: the geometry seems comparable to the touted all-arounder Trigon AR01]
- Whoa, max tire clearance of 38!
- Cool little storage space on the downtube
- Threaded T47 BB
- Per their rep Alisa, it's made with a mix of T800 and T1000 carbon

This frame hasn't been posted on their website, and Alisa said it will be released "in a few months" once testing is complete.  The 54cm has passed their tests and is available if anyone is interested - you can email Alisa at longtengalisa@163.com.

Peace out!

[Edited to add reference to the Trigon AR01]

March 07, 2024, 09:11:28 AM
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Re: New frame: Longteng RD301-D
In addition, I've never heard about this brand, can you please give me some background information, is it a reliable brand?

Thanks

There are lots of resources here on Chinertown on the different Chinese brands - I'm a new member, but did spend the past month looking at different frames and reading the forum here to see what brands are/are not reputable.  You can do the same, it's part of the fun!

I'm buying my first Chinese frame, so I don't have any actual experience with Longteng or any of the other Chinese brands.  I've researched Winspace, Yoeleo and Seka, which are above my budget.  Within my budget, I've researched Velobuild, Workswell, Yishunbikes, Longteng, Lightcarbon, Trifox and a few others.  It seems that Longteng and Lightcarbon have decent reputation, based in part on the fact that they own their own production and act as OEM for other companies, and offer decent customer support.  But as always, your mileage my vary.

Happy hunting!

Btw I'm talking to Longteng to get some pricing and confirm other details like availability, custom frame painting, geometry, zero offset seat post, etc.  Will provide updates here if anyone is interested.

March 09, 2024, 09:27:14 AM
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Re: New frame: Longteng RD301-D
The frame in the video is clearly not the frame in the brochure. Or are they doing like LC and the LCR017-D, with final product different than pictures on website.

What's the real RD301-D looks like? ::)

You are right - I posted the wrong video (it was the 268 frame instead of the 301).  I've removed the video and added 2 photos from Longteng of the real 301 frame which match up what they have in the brochure: https://imgur.com/a/XvH327j.  Sorry about the mix up.

Here are some updates from my communication with them:

- Quoted price of US$450 for frame, fork, seat post

- They can offer for additional charge: integrated handlebar $80, headset $12, through axle $30/pair, spare rear hanger $6/pcs

- 980g +/-40 for size 52 frame

- Zero offset seat post is not available

- Available 45 days from payment

I've had some discussions with them around custom frame painting:

- US$85 for 3 colors

- They can do custom decals (which will sit underneath the final coat of paint), but for simple stuff, they will make it part of the frame painting instead of doing decal stickers - they prefer to get vector files instead of helping with design

- They can do (or, at least they are wiling to try...) fairly complex paint jobs, unlike other sellers I've talked to - for example, I asked if they can do something like the Bahrain team bike kit from 2023 (https://www.ridemedia.com.au/racing/pro-bikes-2023-bahrain-victorious-and-merida-a-mechanics-perspective/), and they said it should be ok as long as they are provided with detailed sketches/instructions; I'm just relaying what they said and have no idea about the actual end product, although the paint jobs I saw at the Taipei Bike Show looked pretty nice

Again, sorry about posting the wrong video  :o


March 12, 2024, 09:02:25 AM
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Re: Carbonda Cfr 1056 The current version can handle 38mm tires indeed. The information on the carbonda website is outdated.

I did my test riding on the Canyon with the same wheels/tire/saddle/seatpost combo which I transferred from my aluminum Sonder.

So all comfort/contact points except from the bars, where the same and I could clearly feel a difference between the two bikes.

March 30, 2024, 09:00:02 AM
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Re: TanTan TT-X21 frame
I bought this frame back in 2020 with this custom design, and only the frame from Tantan. I built the bike by myself.

About the groupset, it's a full mechanical Ultegra R8000... A real pain in the a** with the handlebar but it works flawlessly!

Frame 599$, custom design 70$, thru axle 24$ and shipping fees (to Switzerland) 85$

The current configuration is:

TT-X21 size 52
Full mech Ultegra R8000
Magene P505 powermeter with 52/36 Spécialités TA chainrings
Prime Primavera 56 wheels
Conti GP5000S TR

Same size as the one I built for my son but 105/ultegra groupset mix with 160mm cranks, aliexpress saddle, look pedals, 4i crank based power meter, Farsports wheels set up tubeless, vittoria tyres.

April 04, 2024, 11:51:23 AM
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Re: VeloBuild VB-R-268 frame Update on my 268

Highs
-I love the Mavic thru-axle system. It's quite convenient actually. Being able to keep the axles in place when both transporting the bike and working on it on a mechanic stand is great.

-The bike is both stiff and nimble enough. I can't say there really is any discernible difference in stiffness compared to other bikes. Unless you are truly sprinting or climbing, there will be plenty of other variables in regards to maintaining any set speed.

-Visually I appreciate the frame design. Obviously because it looks like an SL7/Venge. Well rounded proportions. The sloping top tube gives the visual impression of an extreme saddle-to-handlebar drop versus a more horizontal top tube. More exposed seatpost (should?) also means more comfort as the seatpost has the ability to flex. 32c GP5000 tubeless fits no problem.

Lows
-Zero setback seatpost. It's not fully problematic for me, but I had to move my saddle back far more than I'm accustomed to. If this was my only road bike it would most likely be a deal breaker. A non-issue for most folks however.

-7x9 saddle clamp for carbon rails. On my particular clamp when using my AliExpress carbon saddle (7x9 rails), visually it does not appear as if the clamps are fully engaging with the rails. Other 268 owners with carbon saddles have not experienced this, and so far the saddle has stayed put. However, the saddle clamp bolt is now slightly bent from trying secure to the rails. Also a non-issue if you're using 7x7 rails as VB also supplies clamps for that too. Just something to be aware of.

-While the bike as a whole rides better than my previous VeloBuild frames, it does still suffer some from road chatter at the rear triangle. Rough pavement can upset the back end. Thankfully though still far better than my Dengfu R12 and TanTan x38 in this regard. This is completely subjective and anecdotal of course. Over the past few weeks I've made an effort to rotate riding each of my bikes everyday day to get a good feel on the differences and overall riding dynamics.

Closing
It's a great DIY bike at the price point so far. As always, wheel selection and bike fit/position will do most of the heavy lifting. If I could change anything it would be adding more reach to cockpit to offset the zero setback seatpost. Dear VeloBuild: Please make one for me thanks!

May 02, 2024, 03:06:12 PM
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Re: New frame: Longteng RD301-D I placed an order on a 52 cm frame.  Per Alisa, the lead time is around 45 days but they have a few 52 left in stock so it might be able to get shipped out within 30 days (after some custom paint work).

What I paid:

- US$530 for frame, fork & seat post, in black gloss plus one additional color

- US$12 for headset

- US$25 for front and rear axles

- US$6 for spare rear hanger

They offered an integrated cockpit for US$80 but they don't have 380/100, so I will source that elsewhere.

Now I have to source wheels and all the other stuff!  I'm not that handy so I'm going to work with a LBS here in Taipei to get this built up.  I'll try to do a build video and also share some pics. 



May 08, 2024, 07:52:47 PM
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