Mondince FM336

[MF_one]

Also now that we talk about headset-stem combo. This is probably the weakest part of the assembly.

Can we between all of us elaborate a list of possible headset stem combination that works and fit well? On my side I had to do magic at the end to install the Lexon with the headset included.
What do you think?

[loisvigo]

I think it's a good idea. I'll add my contribution:

**Deda Superzero V2 — a compression ring 2.2 mm shorter was required. It is the ring compatible with Dare bikes.**

[MF_one]

I can also put what I have finally use.

I bought the Lexon integrated gravel handlebar and ended up using the aluminum compresion ring that comes from the frameset supplier and a sealing from Acros to properly seal in vertical direction against the frame. The seal that comes by default was leaving the handlebar touching the frameset (not a good idea)

LEXON UNOX 28,6 mm T1000 Gravel Bar + Acros fork cone IS52 + Aluminium compression ring from Mondince

Still the result is not super optimal but was the way to make it work without having to sacrifice the handlebra

[mynamejeff]

I bought this frame, and already regret it. First of all one of the rivets is spinning endlessly. But it’s nothing compared to the main issue with my frame. It is impossible to push the brake hose through the rear triangle because there is so much glue/resin inside the tube. Typical chinese QC.

[frewster]

Kind of hard to tell from the picture, but it looks like it should be possible to remove the blockage. As for the rivet, which one and have you contacted Mondince about it?

[loisvigo]

The Deda ring compresor part fits perfectly.

Has anyone experienced the fork expander moving upwards when tightening the headset top cap to 1.5 Nm?

I’m waiting for the 50 mm expander to arrive. Has this happened to anyone else?

[Cyclenerd]

Yes, this also happened to my steerer tube. Even carbon install paste couldn‘t solve that issue completely. After fitting a 50 mm expander it seems to be holding well.

[Norwaygravel]

I bought this frame, and already regret it. First of all one of the rivets is spinning endlessly. But it’s nothing compared to the main issue with my frame. It is impossible to push the brake hose through the rear triangle because there is so much glue/resin inside the tube. Typical chinese QC.

I had the same problem. Masked the hole and used a chainsaw file to make the hole bigger. A little extra work, but easier than returning.

[loisvigo]

I installed a 50 mm expander from AliExpress, but the top cap is still slipping. I cleaned the inside of the steerer tube with isopropyl alcohol and applied carbon assembly paste, but it still starts slipping before I even reach 2 Nm.

I’m running out of patience with this!

[loisvigo]

Mondice has confirmed that carbon assembly paste should not be used on this part.

Without carbon paste, I can reach the required torque (1.5–2 Nm), but the expander lifts slightly when I tighten the top cap.

I definitely do **not recommend the AliExpress expander**. In my case, it’s completely useless.

[frewster]

Finally got the bike together after some delays for parts and just being busy. Came out at 18.6 lbs without pedals, 19 lbs with them. A solid 7 lbs lighter than the aluminum flat bar bike I've been riding on the road. Going to take it for a test ride before I wrap the bars. The build went smoothly. The brake mounts are pretty flat, but I couldn't get rid of 100% of rubbing so I've ordered a tool to face them. Very happy with how it's come together.

Edit: Went on a quick 1 hour shakedown ride. Apart from the saddle coming loose (my fault) it rode great. This thing feels like a rocket compared with my old bike. I was a little worried about sizing a bike I couldn't test ride, but size L and an 80mm stem is working well for me (6ft tall with a long torso) and I didn't feel the wrist and shoulder discomfort I'm used to on my flat bar bike. Compared with the narrower tires on my old bike these 40c Michelin Pro5s felt very comfortable over bumps. Looking forward to getting out on a longer ride soon.

[Ducke]

Mondice has confirmed that carbon assembly paste should not be used on this part.

Without carbon paste, I can reach the required torque (1.5–2 Nm), but the expander lifts slightly when I tighten the top cap.

I definitely do **not recommend the AliExpress expander**. In my case, it’s completely useless.

I had the same issue, what torque are you using to tighten the expander plug? I tried carbon paste, but I feel like it made it even worse, than i cleaned it and it seems fine now.

[rusty904]

If anyone has a size 52 frame in the US they want to part with, shoot me a message.

[loisvigo]

I had the same issue, what torque are you using to tighten the expander plug? I tried carbon paste, but I feel like it made it even worse, than i cleaned it and it seems fine now.

Finally better without paste, better dry, Finally I use Deda expander of 70mm

[loisvigo]

Finally on the road!

After several attempts, I’ve finally managed to take my Mondice gravel bike out for its first ride.

The bike is not completely finished yet, as I’m still waiting for the final wheelset, which will be a set of CSC gravel wheels. The current wheels are a second-hand set originally from a Bianchi, which I’m using temporarily.

I also had a few issues with the Deda Superzero stem, mainly due to incompatibility between the compression ring and the expander. In the end, I solved it by switching to a 70 mm Deda stem. One important thing I discovered: do not use carbon assembly paste with this setup.

Final build & cost

- Frame: €585
- Second-hand wheelset (ex-Bianchi): €200
- Zipp seatpost: €60
- Shimano GRX 827 groupset: €1,050
- Ryet saddle: €40
- Deda Superzero handlebar: €100
- Deda Superzero stem: €85
- Deda compression ring: €35
- Deda expander: €20
- Miche bottom bracket: €30
- Handlebar tape: €5

Total: €2,210

So far, I’m very happy with how the bike feels. I’ll post some more pictures and a proper review once I have the final CSC wheels fitted.