I have now build up a Tideace FM-CR068. As I was so lucky to win it in the competition on this site I thought that the least I could do was to include you in the process and give a few thoughts. I have previously build up a Velobuild 268 to comparison.

To calm down a rather radical frame design an opted for a stealth clear coat finish with som subtle logos. The clear coat is without dust or visible bubbles, and it seems that care have been taken around BB-area, caliber mounts etc.

Specs:
Frame: Tideace FM-CR068 size L
Handlebar/stem: Tideace, 100/38 mm
Saddle: Ryet Carbon
Groupset: Shimano 105 DI2 1x12 (48/11-36), chainring RIRO Narrow/Wide
BB: T47 86,5 mm “LINGMAI” - we’ll see about that
Wheels: EliteWheels Edge 3.0 67 mm depth, 23 mm int. Width
Tyres: GP 5000 30 mm
Tubes: Ridenow TPU
Weight: 7,85 kg as pictured (w. Bottle cages, w/o pedals and computer mount)

The build process was really smooth. Tideace provides all the grommets for the cable ports (both mechanical and Di2 wiring) and the frame comes preinstalled with a blind port for the cable to the front derailleur, perfect as I have build it up as 1x. Cable guides are routed and a Di2-wire can be squeezed on so cable wiring went smoothly. The fork  (and headset cover) turns freely without rubbing on the frame, which isn’t always an obviousness on some directly imported frames.

Overall I would say that the complete package is neater, than my Velobuild 268, but the price is also around twice as high.

The frame is stated as maximum 32 mm tyre clearance. I have fitted 30 mm Continental GP5000’s on a 23 mm internal width, and would agree that 32 mm is the sensible maximum, the narrow part is the chain stay area.

Pro’s
- Easy build process, complete package with well thought out accessories
- Fairly high stack (and not overly stretched) compared to other alternatives (at least a pro for me)
- No obvious flaws in packaging, paint etc
- Trouble free communication regarding paint preferences , shipping etc

Cons
- To me the seatstay-toptube junction area is over complicated. I guess that it gives the frame a distinctive visual appearance, but would have preferred a more traditional solution
- Head tube expander plug too short (30 mm) in my opinion

Who is this bike for?
You can’t see aero I guess, but from the visuals (and description) of this bike it is no doubt designed as an aero bike. At 1050 USD excluding paint and shipping places this frame price wise between the Velobuild 368 (529 USD) and for example the QuickPro ER:ONE (2000 USD). The most comparable sizes to a Tideace in size L is the 368 in 55 cm and the ER:ONE in XL. In that case the 368 is 6 mm longer and 12 mm lower, and the ER:ONE is 5 mm longer and 8 mm lower. To me that is probably the most appealing factor of the Tideace. I like the aero look, don’t love the seat stay junction, but I can run it without a chimney of spacers. The 368 is probably the heaviest of the three and the Quick Pro the lightest, but I don’t really factor in weight in these kind of builds.

I'm yet to to ride the bike, waiting for winter conditions to ease off.

Lastly I would like to thank this site and Tideace for hosting the competition, and thanks for all the nice comment from the users.
/Cheers

Chris sent this picture of the painted size 46. It was actually supposed to be matte, so will just need to check with GF whether glossy is OK or it should be repainted in matte (Chris already asked if they should repaint).

FWIW he says weight is same for glossy and matte. Would have thought matte was a bit lighter (the heaviest one yet in this thread was matte, though - but also a big size).

Keep the glossy! No doubt

Wow - Thank you! Really thrilled about this!

the 0mm offset seat post has a one bolt clamp, the 20mm offset seat post has a regular clamp design. I ordered both.

OK, that's great! Wasn't an option when I bought the 268

I bought the EliteWheels Edge 45 mm Gravel, as the rim profile is far more progressive (24 mm int, 31 mm ext) than the standard road (21 mm int, 28 mm ext). Mine (with steel bearings and "Wing 20" spokes) are 1420g without rim tape and I have nothing to complain about so far.

Took about 3 weeks for me when I ordered two 268 frames in two-tone color in march 2024. I wouldn't worry :-)

Looks nice. Would appreciate at least 32c tire clearance though.

Agree, max 30 mm is almost a dealbreaker now a days