But if I tighten the top cap slightly (like normal) I have significant play back and forth in the headset.

Also when mounting everthing multiple times the compression plug became loose it seemed, this seemed also strange to me.

Thanks alot in advance.

Hello, just to be sure, the order of tightening the screws on the cockpit: expander plug -> top cap -> handlebar pinch bolts.
I made the rookie mistake of tightening the pinch bolts first and then the expander plug / top cap. So tightening the top cap in the end always pulls the expander plug out since the handlebar can't move.

Interesting - but what could it be, since I am still waiting for shipment I‘m just a keyboard warrior but looking forward to compare it to my road bike since bb height, wheelbase, chain stay length is similar or like you said shorter/steeper/lower than a crux 🧐

Any idea what the reason is since I guess the frame size is the same?

If I had to take a guess it would be cutting open the down-tube to make a storage compartment, the stiffness around the BB area is directly impacted by it (I remember seeing -10 or -15% in stiffness in one of the threads here). I've only ridden a 2017 Giant TCR before and I can immediately feel the difference while climbing out of saddle.

Anyone else experiencing sideways play in the seat tube? Tighten to 6nm.. I have no used paste.. would that tighten the fit?

Hello, I had the same issue by torquing it to spec mentioned on the seat post clamp screw (6-8Nm). I wrote to Jim and he directed me to the build guide sheet that comes with the frame and told me the correct spec is 8-10Nm. I torqued it to 10Nm and I no longer have any play!

So guys... had a blast yesterday because I had a full day of factory tour through LC's halls, including 45min interview with Gavin, seeing QC and ISO-tests. I also met all the names we all recognize from our correspondence, such as Wendy, Carol, Jim, as well as the founder Johnny.
Also saw some of Your framesets in final QC with colorings (Who ordered "Cryogeneix"?) as well as a teaser for 2026... -> Every frame that goes out has the same QC process.
They also told me that all sizes should be in production now. It just takes some time, because the demand for the new models is rather big, and it's still a relatively small shop - intentionally so, to keep the quality high, defects and risk low. Also each frame has like 2h of human labor involved + 2 times baking in the autoclave.
The ISO tests were done in the same room as a Well Known Bike World Tour brand's latest models, (which ofc I am not able to share..) and are assembled in the same building...

Currently sifting through 150gb of footage, so stay tuned, hope i will finish the video soon on my channel - Full English this time!
Also, there will be another factory visit in the next weeks here in China ...

CryogenieX mentioned !! 🥳 Really looking forward to your video! 😁

Received my frameset pics today from Jim! Size 54, ordered mid October.

Hello everyone, I was eyeing this groupset for my first bike build and I was obviously very convinced by Trace Velo's video, mainly for the "ultegra" level shifting speeds at such a cheap price . On reading more about it here I feel less confident about the groupset. I was planning to buy it from pandapodium with the battery as it's cheaper than Aliexpress even with the discounts (huge shipping fee to where I live). With this I won't have to worry about choosing the right battery cells for the set, but I'm still concerned about the technical and warranty issues that many of you have faced with Ltwoo (hopefully it'll be better with pandapodium as the middleman, right?). I'm open to your advices or experience with this groupset. Thanks in advance!