Tantan FM122

[foxrider123]

I just came across the new Tantan FM122 frame, which seems to be an updated version of the FM121.

At first glance, it looks like they have redesigned the rocker link and kinematics. The top tube and the shock mounting area also appear to have been revised compared to the FM121.

The frame is listed as a 29er, Boost, UDH-compatible XC frame, using a 190 × 45 mm rear shock.

So far, it looks like only size M is available, but it could be interesting to see whether larger sizes will be released later.

Here is the link:
https://www.seraphbikes.com/chameleon-White-Seraph-Logo-29er-Boost-Suspension-Carbon-Mountain-Bike-Frame-FM122-UDH-Hanger-XC-Frame-Compatible-190x45mm-Rear-Shock-p7202729.html

One thing worth mentioning is that the FM121 was removed from the product lineup some time ago. I also came across reports of failures on some FM121 frames around the top-tube area. As far as I understand, there was some speculation that this could have been related to the frame design, construction, or possibly the suspension kinematics.

I don't know whether those reports were ever officially confirmed or what exactly caused the failures, so I don't want to jump to conclusions. However, considering how much the rocker, kinematics, top tube and shock mounting area appear to have been changed on the FM122, I wonder if these changes could be related to the issues with the previous FM121.

I'd be interested to hear if anyone has more information about the FM121 issues or knows what exactly has been changed in the FM122.

[federic000]

2289 grams in size M?
I’d bet it won’t break wit that weight 

[maxpet]

2289 grams in size M?
I’d bet it won’t break wit that weight 

Was about to say that, but at least 400g too heavy

[foxrider123]

It's not that much relative to body weight.

[federic000]

The specialized chisel alu full weighs 2720 grams.
So for me this is pure waste of money.

[foxrider123]

My friend, 2,720g of aluminum for $2,000 is a waste of money more than anything else. Weight is just one of the added benefits of a carbon frame. However, in terms of weight, even entry-level carbon frames from leading manufacturers don't differ much from aluminum ones. Or do you want to compare a $600 frame with an S-Works?

[federic000]

My friend, 2,720g of aluminum for $2,000 is a waste of money more than anything else. Weight is just one of the added benefits of a carbon frame. However, in terms of weight, even entry-level carbon frames from leading manufacturers don't differ much from aluminum ones. Or do you want to compare a $600 frame with an S-Works?

Chisel alu full here in EU has a list price of 1299€, i'm sure you can also get a discount from an authorized seller, anyway do you really want to compare this with a tantan like the FM121 which is the protagonist of many horror stories also on this forum? c'mon, i'm also a carbon-fan but for this price/weight/reliability I would go with something from aliexpress.

[foxrider123]

Why do you start with weight if you then switch to reliability? Alu is subject to material fatigue and is essentially non-repairable. Knowing that, I would never buy an aluminum full-suspension bike.

I am aware of the FM121 issue—in fact, I started this thread with that very knowledge, if you had read carefully.

I would never buy a frame, wheels, or handlebars from AliExpress. There’s no such thing as a verifiable origin on AliExpress; you have no real certainty about what you’re actually buying. But Tantan is a bit of a different story. I even know a local brand that uses some of their frames, and they aren't bad at all. The problem is that horror stories spread much more easily than good ones.