New TAN TAN Frame X68 Replacement

[Dan S.]

what makes you think that?

Just check the geometry charts between X68, R099 and RF10, they are identical.

[glepore]

Incoming... 

And here I thought they were mad at you...

Wish someone would clone the new zero offset post.

[MarioCanario]

Just check the geometry charts between X68, R099 and RF10, they are identical.

I would disagree with that. IMO, the R099 and RF10 are identical. TanTan has a different headset area. The "X68 New" fork is also very different in shape (looks sturdier and is heavier on paper).

[Dan S.]

I would disagree with that. IMO, the R099 and RF10 are identical. TanTan has a different headset area. The "X68 New" fork is also very different in shape (looks sturdier and is heavier on paper).

I stand corrected. Yes, the TanTan is more of a SL8 (front) and SL9 (rear) hybrid, with slightly wider fork. However the geometry 99% identical to the other two frames.

[jonathanf2]

I wonder if the frame design has improved much? If not, it's just more weight. Also I don't see T47 much of an improvement, more like a headache with those narrow lip threads. They're a PITA to tighten without slippage.

[Pistonbroke]

Well I didn't have the original x68 but did have the r088.
Keep in mind that I'm probably talking absolute bollox , and I'm not a seasoned reviewer like Patty but this is what I think so far...
It's stiffer. Could be the larger BB area perhaps, but feels(probably the most important word, lol) like it puts your power to good use.
It's comfortable even with the bigger forks (these are a very different design) Better tyre clearance too.
I reckon it's a bit faster. I'm using power pedals and often ride the same routes and think it's a touch under a kph faster. Tiny amount for sure, and again, I'm probably full of it
I don't mind a t47 either, I think it's mostly down to the tool.... Which could be me lolz.
Patty's review is so going to sink me  

[patliean1]

Park's Tool T47 bottom bracket...tool is fantastic. No issues with installing or removing T47 BBs. But there is a certain level of finesse to preventing tool slip or scratching the frame. A pro tip is I usually only torque each cup to around 30-35Nm. Rather than the recommended 40-50Nm of some threaded BBs. And I use a mechanic stand for good leverage.

These days I have basically have zero patience for seat post slippage. No matter how much or little a frameset costs. If the seat post and wedge are solid and the headset bearings seat well into the head tube cups, everything else I can deal with.

This new X68 update just need not be a noodle under load. And all the parts and components fit together nicely without creaks or rattles. If TanTan can nail this I will be satisfied. The design itself has already been proven.

[jonathanf2]

Well I didn't have the original x68 but did have the r088.
Keep in mind that I'm probably talking absolute bollox , and I'm not a seasoned reviewer like Patty but this is what I think so far...
It's stiffer. Could be the larger BB area perhaps, but feels(probably the most important word, lol) like it puts your power to good use.
It's comfortable even with the bigger forks (these are a very different design) Better tyre clearance too.
I reckon it's a bit faster. I'm using power pedals and often ride the same routes and think it's a touch under a kph faster. Tiny amount for sure, and again, I'm probably full of it
I don't mind a t47 either, I think it's mostly down to the tool.... Which could be me lolz.
Patty's review is so going to sink me  

I have two T47 framesets and two threaded BSA framesets. All four frames are running 165mm length cranks and 24mm titanium axles. I can't tell the difference in performance on hard sprints or uphill grinds. The biggest difference I felt was switching to lightweight carbon spoke wheels which increased my average watts and sprint speeds.

[Pistonbroke]

Agree-ish
Lightweight wheels are an absolute joy, no doubt. Would recommend them to anyone first.
I thought the frame felt stiffer than my Spec and the R088. Can't put my finger on as to why, so then I hand it to the brute squad for a second opinion.
He's 120kg and around 1400w seated  #jealous.
He thought it felt stiffer. I've got nothing more than that. Just our humble opinion, certainly not gospel and not spoiling for a fight   

[jonathanf2]

Agree-ish
Lightweight wheels are an absolute joy, no doubt. Would recommend them to anyone first.
I thought the frame felt stiffer than my Spec and the R088. Can't put my finger on as to why, so then I hand it to the brute squad for a second opinion.
He's 120kg and around 1400w seated  #jealous.
He thought it felt stiffer. I've got nothing more than that. Just our humble opinion, certainly not gospel and not spoiling for a fight   

I probably don't weigh enough and definitely don't pull that kind of wattage! lol

It does make me wonder if internally threaded T47 is superior in regards to stiffness. I'd much prefer external T47 cups for better tool placement, but many frame manufacturers are opting to go internal instead. 

[patliean1]

I actually spoke about this subject, and why I prefer BB86 and T47 inboard, in a thread back in February

https://chinertown.com/index.php/topic,6990.0.html

From @toxin

"From an engineering standpoint, yes BB86, 386EVO are better. If anything BB30 and BBRight directfit could even be considered superior, because the bearings are pressed directly into the frame, with no cups. The best would be dimensioned similar to 386EVO with the bearings pressed directly into the frame like BB30.

But that's in an ideal world. The reality is that the majority of the bike industry has simply proven too unreliable to consistently produce such standards to spec, so we're back to threaded. T47I is the closest compromise in that regard.

Personally I'm not a huge believer in driving stiffness. Humans are far too weak for there to be meaningful power transfer losses. I don't discount the fact that there is a subjective difference in the feeling of riding between bikes, but I do discount that it makes an objective difference."