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So I ended up ordering an x38 frameset last night.
Size 56, raw unpainted, 400/120 integrated handlebars. Total was about $700 with UPS shipping and PayPal fees. They quoted me 15-20 days for production time. Lisa from Tan Tan responded promptly to all of my emails and questions. Here are my reasons for the x38:
1. Frame design - I think the x38 looks just unique enough to standout in a world of brands trying to follow the Specialized SL7 design philosophy. This is coming from an Allez Sprint and VB-168 owner. I understand why the Tarmac SL7 is so popular, but it's nice to see an actual aero frame be released (albeit a Scott Foil clone/inspiration).
2. Geometry - The size 56 is both taller in stack and shorter in reach than my typical setup. However, it's clear this frame was inspired by a TT bike. The trend these days is for riders to optimize their bike position more forward over the bottom bracket and on the hoods rather than the drops. Basically a TT position on the hoods. So the geometry makes a lot of sense. My attempt is to replicate this position
3. T47 - Threaded bottom brackets on cheap frames have a high chance to be a nightmare. This is part of the reason I ordered the frame unpainted. It will make for good (or bad) video content.
Overall I'm not expecting this frame to be mind-blowing. At best it would be similar to my Dengfu R12 (also a SL7 clone) which is by far the stiffest frame I've tested for a budget Chinese frame. At worst it's a noodle like my VB-168 but I doubt it based on the design especially around the bottom bracket and thickness of the seatpost and fork.
I'll report back in a month...
Btlos lets you customize your wheelset AND they have a 15% off sale going right now. I used them for my mtb wheels and am super happy with them.
https://btlos.com/index.html
Read some good reviews on Elite Edge wheels.
https://es.aliexpress.com/item/1005004767705476.html?aff_fcid=7f8e83141ee4460094e86a800ac1f3e5-1685017900245-09467-_DmGeisH&tt=CPS_NORMAL&aff_fsk=_DmGeisH&aff_platform=shareComponent-detail&sk=_DmGeisH&aff_trace_key=7f8e83141ee4460094e86a800ac1f3e5-1685017900245-09467-_DmGeisH&terminal_id=f59f9c6474c248a4ac5688da1c637a21&afSmartRedirect=y
1350grs on 50mm.
Im pretty sure that bike in the pictures is the real deal.
Check this video from GC performance:
I'd take a Tan Tan TT-X38 over a fake Scott Foil.
Just like the Trek Madone, there are too many proprietary parts on that frame to replicate which would raise safety concerns.
OK I pull this thread up again since there were several questions regarding copies of well known frames in the past weeks.
Finally I got some more KM's on the bike and can share some experience after 650km on the road.
The frame is a copy of the Trek Emonda 2022, which is a very accurate clone when comparing details from the original TREK manual.
As you would expect, the frame and components do not come with their own manual, so downloading the original manual is of big help during assembly.
So far everything is performing without issues and the ride feel is one of the best I had from a road bike so far.
Would I recommend a "Copycat" carbon frame?
Having the choice to buy a similar Chinese "open mold" from a reputable Chinese manufacturer it would be my first choice. I believe they will stand behind their quality and maintain good standards.
The risk of a "Copy" frame is the quality of the carbon material, lay-up, lamination and QA, that is not easy to recognize even after using an endoscope camera to check for obvious flaws...
With some experience building up Chinese bike frames and for me personally it is a reasonable choice.
BR Chris
