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Re: First Time Bike Build
This diagram shows the order of headset pieces pretty well, though ignore the star nut - that's replaced with a compression plug for carbon steerer tubes. Also the 2 bearings are the same size in internally routed headsets, and there's no dust seal on the lower bearing. The black ring in your first picture goes slides over the fork and sits below the lower bearing, providing an appropriately angled surface for the inner part of the bearing to sit on. The black semicircular piece is the headset compression compression ring which sits between the upper bearing and the top cap, with the open part facing forwards so the cables go through the gap up to/through the stem and/or handlebars. Personally I really don't like that style of compression ring due to the risk of steerer damage (see https://youtu.be/sKD2JSW9ul4?t=150). I ordered a Token S-Box headset for my G068, which comes with a far better and safer compression ring, and can confirm it works great. Make sure you understand how a threadless headset works so you can preload the bearings properly - when fully assembled, there should be absolutely no play in the headset when you rock the bike back and forth with the front brake engaged. Don't hesitate to consult a bike shop if something doesn't seem right; the fork and headset are critical safety areas and need to be set up correctly. Also make sure you know how to cut a steerer tube, you shouldn't use just any old hacksaw blade and there's some finesse to it to make sure everything is good. Consult https://escapecollective.com/wrench-like-a-pro-how-to-cut-carbon-components/ for what I think are some of the best tips in this area. I kind of agree that the "dream build" videos are a decent starting place if you haven't built up a frame before, they're easy to watch and cover the basic steps fairly well. However, they're definitely not a be-all end-all instruction manual (especially with regards to torque, which is critical for carbon components), and I highly recommend consulting the Park Tool videos/articles - they're very well filmed/written and were super helpful to me when I was learning what to do (and what not to do). The "Rides of Japan" youtube channel also has some good videos that are more instructional than the "dream build" videos, if not completely comprehensive. September 04, 2024, 11:46:23 AM |
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Re: Wheeltop EDS GeX
On taobao the groupset with the current gen brakes is 2600 yuan which equals 330€. Using a shipping agent i could probably get it to germany for a lot less than 400€ making it a good deal. Does anybody know if it's possible to activate a unit that's sold on the chinese market with a european phone or if these units are region locked? In the name of science: I actually did it: I ordered the groupset from taobao to the warehouse of my shipping agent. So far i paid 2599 yuan + 3% international card fee so 2677 yuan which equals around 340€. There's usually also a 1,8% fee from my credit card to convert the yuan to euro. So the total price should come out to 2725 yuan which is 345€. I will let you know about the shipping price from my shipping agent to germany. I'm pretty optimistic that it will come out to less than 400€ including import taxes etc. For comparison: From wheeltop website it's 599€ and from aliexpress it's at least 470€ without any taxes paid, so at least 500€ probably more. If everything goes right this is a good deal. If it doesn't work out like i imagine it might have been a really stupid idea. Wish me luck. March 11, 2025, 04:10:29 PM |
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Re: Wheeltop EDS GeX
In there any disadvantage to the long cage version, other than a bit of bulk? According to wheeltop, no. I asked the same from them, and this was their answer: As long as the cassette size is within the 10-52t range, our product will be compatible and can be used without any issues. March 12, 2025, 02:45:54 AM |
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Re: Tideace NEW Gravel Frame: GR201
Do you have a link to the one that you bought?https://a.aliexpress.com/_EGUqbyC March 15, 2025, 06:15:28 PM |
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Re: Wheeltop EDS GeX
I guess import taxes depend on luck and not included in this price, right? I bought mine on aliexpress, that after coupons(there is almost always a sale going on, now you can get it for 447 usd which is 409 eur)was 460$ which is 421 eur. A little bit more I guess, but thats fine(whether I will get taxes or not I don't know, the package is in europe but I have not received it yet). In my opinion 500 euros should be the price of the gex from the official store, otherwise as a new build it doesn't make sense to go with the gex for 600 euros when you can get an apex xplr groupset with a chain and cassette for 700 euros from bike-discount.de I agree 100%. At a pricepoint of 500€ it would be a way better alternative for those who don’t want to buy directly from china. But since they sell directly in europe they have to offer 14 day returns, warranty etc. All these rights that are good for the customer means added costs for the manufacturer leading to a higher price. I think we are still early when it comes to chinese electronic groupsets. With magene who already proved that they are pretty reliable entering the markets things are going to get interesting. March 17, 2025, 10:28:21 AM |
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Re: Wheeltop EDS GeX
The groupset arrived today, as expected no additional fees to pay so 392€ is the final price. There is in fact no region lock or anything like that so pairing the groupset to the phone was no issue. Installation was pretty straightforward. The only negative are the rubber hoods that are hard to pull making it a little difficult to reach the clamp screw. The brake hoses were pre filled and i took care to not spill any oil when installing. This way i managed to not have to bleed them myself. They brake perfectly just like that. For the shifting i just did the initial setup and some b-screw adjustments and it shifts really well. Haven’t even looked into fine tuning the single gears as it just works. I will probably have a look at it to make it 100% perfect but it doesn’t seem to be necessary right now. I did a first ride and yeah - it just works. There‘s really not much more to say. I expected a really tricky and annoying setup but nope. For those also having the magene pes p505 here‘s an interesting information: the charger of the derailleur and the charger of the magene seem to be the same interface. I haven’t compared them directly and didn’t try it out but they look very similar. Would be pretty convenient if you are travelling for example and have to carry only one cable. March 29, 2025, 01:12:42 PM |
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Re: Tideace NEW Gravel Frame: GR201
It fits without a spacer, but I used a small one (0.5mm maybe?) just to give a little extra clearance.
April 09, 2025, 08:36:39 AM |
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Re: Tideace NEW Gravel Frame: GR201
its a DUB wide crankset with BBinfinite bottom bracket and their wide spacers April 09, 2025, 08:57:54 AM |
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Re: Tideace NEW Gravel Frame: GR201
A few days ago, I ordered my frame in the Pantone Warm Gray 5C matte finish. Size 52 for a height of 176 cm and an inseam of 81 cm. I can’t wait for it to arrive! 
April 11, 2025, 03:38:26 AM |
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Re: Tideace NEW Gravel Frame: GR201
Just tight enough so that there is no play in the headset. It's also called "pre-load" and describes pretty much what it does. If you want a torque setting I'd go with 1-1.5Nm. 5Nm is definitely too much and might even overload the bearings i.e. excessive wear. The top cap does not hold the fork (except during the installation process), the handlebar bolts/clamp will do that. It really is just to pre-load the whole setup so that it is nicely tight when you torque the handlebar bolts to spec. If you want, you could even remove the top cap and screw afterwards - not recommended since it leaves a hole and looks shit but just technically speaking.A word of warning to anyone ordering from TanTan. Interesting. Most people would have actually preferred a "no hole fork" but didn't know that would have been an option, from what I saw. Sucks, that you see it the other way round. And totally agree with you, they should have made that clear during the ordering process. But not surprised either. One thing I learn from ordering Chinese direct to consumer, is that I over-confirm everything. Had a few "aha-moments" on similar details where I thought everything is clear but turned out it wasn't. April 15, 2025, 11:53:11 AM |
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