Mondince FM376 - 57mm tire clearance

[gaisdergerman]

This is definitely a pretty substantial frame. I initially planned to go for the XCMS GRT, but in the end I find it simply too expensive. Building it up myself would bring the total cost close to something like a Canyon Grizl — and that one will likely hold its value much better.In terms of weight, there’s barely any difference compared to the GRT, and the feedback on Mondiance’s build quality seems solid. The only downside for me is the slightly longer chainstays; I would have preferred 425 mm.

I’m leaning toward ordering this frame soon as the replacement for my Trek Checkpoint SL Gen 2.

[eins4eins]

I had similar plans and was set on buying a GRT once released. But the price doesn't match the package. Its very pricey for a unproven product and the chainring topic has shown that they haven't figured everything out yet. I'd rather wait another season and let other do the beta testing.

[wostok]

@anqry
Thanks. Yes, you were right 

Jack sent me a message last night suggesting that as my order is now considered a 'pre-order'

Did you order a S size frame?

[Hazardman_69]

@anqry
Thanks. Yes, you were right 
Did you order a S size frame?

I ordered size S, Jack messaged me saying approximately 15 days until shipment.

[dynosam]

@anqry
Thanks. Yes, you were right 
Did you order a S size frame?

Nup, I ordered a Size L on 19 August.

[spandy24]

Ordered size L on 9/2. UD Raw gloss finish.

[anqry]

Got sent video of the frame ready to be shipped today. Canceled my order.
And it's not the delays, but the fact that they can't properly follow requests: Couldn't confirm it had a proper QC, didn't weigh the frame, left out some of the rivets I asked to be removed, didn't send clear pictures of brake mounts etc.
It's probably just me being too picky, but I'm done dealing with Mondince and Chinese open mold vendors altogether, at least for a while. Might try my luck later.

[frewster]

You are being too picky. Mondince is probably one of the better sellers to work with on the lower end of the price spectrum, but they're still 1/3 - 1/4 the price of the higher end Chinese frame companies such as XMCS, Lightcarbon, Winspace, Quickpro, etc. They do a good job in my experience - when I had an issue with the saddle clamp for the offset seat post that my FM336 came  with I reached out to Jack for replacement hardware since the issue was one of the cross/barrel nuts. Jack ended up sending me replacement hardware as well as an entire zero offset seat post for free that got to me within a week. Are the brake mounting posts perfectly flat and pristine on my frame and fork? No, but they were masked well during painting and flat enough to have minimal rub. I ordered a facing tool to improve them, but it's such a minor problem I haven't felt the urge to face them just yet.

The rivets are a miss, yes. I would've been interested in hearing how they address that but it sounds like you'd be better served by one of the bigger players. I think for those looking for quality frames in the $500-800 range that may require a small amount of finishing work Mondince is a better option than SPCycle, Meinier, Seraph, etc. Light Cycling seems promising, but no one has built one up yet so the verdict is still out for them.

[dynosam]

I also got a video of my completed frame last night. Generally it looks really good. They also missed removal of the fork rivets which Jack originally said he could do for me. I've just replied asking what would be the wait time if he was to re-do the fork without the rivets.

[anqry]

You are being too picky. Mondince is probably one of the better sellers to work with on the lower end of the price spectrum, but they're still 1/3 - 1/4 the price of the higher end Chinese frame companies such as XMCS, Lightcarbon, Winspace, Quickpro, etc. They do a good job in my experience - when I had an issue with the saddle clamp for the offset seat post that my FM336 came  with I reached out to Jack for replacement hardware since the issue was one of the cross/barrel nuts. Jack ended up sending me replacement hardware as well as an entire zero offset seat post for free that got to me within a week. Are the brake mounting posts perfectly flat and pristine on my frame and fork? No, but they were masked well during painting and flat enough to have minimal rub. I ordered a facing tool to improve them, but it's such a minor problem I haven't felt the urge to face them just yet.

The rivets are a miss, yes. I would've been interested in hearing how they address that but it sounds like you'd be better served by one of the bigger players. I think for those looking for quality frames in the $500-800 range that may require a small amount of finishing work Mondince is a better option than SPCycle, Meinier, Seraph, etc. Light Cycling seems promising, but no one has built one up yet so the verdict is still out for them.

I get that these are cheap frames, but if you as a vendor can't keep your word and struggle to manage all the different orders, then just don't promise things and say it will be perfect. It's better to say "no, we can't" or "we won't". It's as simple as that.

[dynosam]

Jack has agreed to paint a replacement fork for me with no rivets. Should be an extra 5 days of waiting.

[Limone185]

Please let me ask: Can the storage compartment still be opened if a bottle cage is mounted on the down tube? Or are there bottle cages that extend upward? Otherwise, Fidlock works too, of course.

In general, though, I really like it when the bottle cage isn’t mounted on the storage flap. That’s why I find this frame interesting.

[eins4eins]

Please let me ask: Can the storage compartment still be opened if a bottle cage is mounted on the down tube? Or are there bottle cages that extend upward? Otherwise, Fidlock works too, of course.

In general, though, I really like it when the bottle cage isn’t mounted on the storage flap. That’s why I find this frame interesting.

I assume you can't take off the cover if the bottle cage overlaps, as it opens from the top. Maybe its possible to turn the cover 180° to make it slide out towards the bottom bracket.


Tracking of my frame shows it in custom clearance process for the fifth day now. Not sure if it really hasn't moved or if the tracking with this number just ended there. I have another DPD tracking number, but it doesn't show anything yet.
Patience is not a strength of mine.

[gaisdergerman]

I get that these are cheap frames, but if you as a vendor can't keep your word and struggle to manage all the different orders, then just don't promise things and say it will be perfect. It's better to say "no, we can't" or "we won't". It's as simple as that.

I think this has to do with cultural differences. In Northern Europe, the principle of "a deal is a deal" is often taken quite seriously. In Southern Europe, this can be somewhat less strict. In China, people generally do not like to say "no" directly either.
I was also wondering whether the fork becomes lighter if the rivets are omitted.

[Dinmamma123]

Got sent video of the frame ready to be shipped today. Canceled my order.
And it's not the delays, but the fact that they can't properly follow requests: Couldn't confirm it had a proper QC, didn't weigh the frame, left out some of the rivets I asked to be removed, didn't send clear pictures of brake mounts etc.
It's probably just me being too picky, but I'm done dealing with Mondince and Chinese open mold vendors altogether, at least for a while. Might try my luck later.

Had you already paid for the frame? How was the repayment process handled?