Is there any zero offset seatpost on AliExpress that would fit for this frame?

Quote from: planet_sammy on November 05, 2024, 08:22:40 AM
Is there any zero offset seatpost on AliExpress that would fit for this frame?

Before I ordered, I asked Longteng if they have a non-offset post but they said they didn't. Since this is a proprietary seat post, I doubt there are third party versions, but it doesn't hurt to ask

mine is almost done. Regarding the seatpost I think it's a pretty standard aero seatpost commonly available on Aliexpress. When I get my bike back I will measure the dimensions and shared here, I think you shouldve no problem finding the zero offset one on ALi.

Despite a blustery day with occasional drizzle, I took the bike out for a maiden ride. I don't want to jump to too many conclusions due to the swirling winds, but here are a few (very) preliminary thoughts:

- The ride is very comfortable. This is probably more due to the bike and less to the frame itself - I'm sure the 32 tires do their part in this.

- Handling is neutral. It's nimble but stable compared to my previous race-oriented bike which feels twitchy in comparison. I like the way it's got a bit of "understeer" in car terms where, unlike my previous bike, not every movement in my arms will cause the bike to react, which gave me a lot of confidence taking corners even on this first ride. I like being able to control the bike using body English through my (ample) hips/butt.

- I do feel cross-winds, more so than on my previous bike. This is probably due more to the 45mm rims than the frame. I don't really notice it until I'm making a turn, where it feels like I'm "catching" the wind in the front wheel. This is my first time on deeper rims, so I probably just need to get used to it.

- The acceleration took me by surprise. Starting at traffic lights, I had to back off a few times because I'd close the distance to others on the road quicker than I'm used to. Maybe this is the aero profile of the bike shining through, or maybe it's the chunky T47 bottom bracket giving it extra stiffness, but the bike gets up to speed quickly. I'm really curious about how the bike does on climbs, given this initial sense of efficiency.

Again, these are just first impressions FWIW. Enjoy the pics!

Took delivery of the completed bike this morning. Will share more details when I'm home later...

For those asking about zero seatpost. Here's the measurements of the seatpost:
front view: 26mm
side view: 45.5mm

not a very common measurements as far as I know. But check out this Ali ad:
https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256807058255216.html
look at the SP045 seatpost, at least one of the measurement matched, you need to confirm with the seller about the side measurement and whether it's zero offset (looks like it could be).

Wishing you luck finding one on Ali....

Few more observations:
-weight is not bad (including spd pedals): 17.23 lb.
-small chain ring is so close to the huge downtube, scary! see pic.
-part of the plastic spacer is rubbing with the headtube when turning the handlebar. Should I sand it down? see pic.
-I've a Goodyear Eagle F1 700x32 tire installed, there're about 9mm clearance between the fattest part of the tire and the chain stay.
-Also noticed some tiny play on the rear wheel as well. I've the YuanAn wheelset from Leon, same factory as the Elite wheels.

@Ahodesu05  have you figured out the rear wheel play issue? Happened on my rear wheel too, I'm using the YuanAn wheel, which is same as Elite wheels.

New defect found on my Long Teng. The downtube storage cover is on the locked position, i.e. the latch is pushed down flat. Still I'm able to pull out the cover easily while in locked position.

This is scary when you hit a bump the whole cover will fly off!

I like this bike so much especially the ride and geometry. Just disappointed with this defective design.

See video

Quote from: kwantani on November 09, 2024, 11:34:37 PM
New defect found on my Long Teng. The downtube storage cover is on the locked position, i.e. the latch is pushed down flat. Still I'm able to pull out the cover easily while in locked position.

This is scary when you hit a bump the whole cover will fly off!

I like this bike so much especially the ride and geometry. Just disappointed with this defective design.

See video

Mine is also tricky to close. I have to make sure it's aligned, then I push down at the top and bottom, and double check that it's locked. For me, once it's properly in locked position, it doesn't come loose. I went for several rides with a sock of tubes/tools in the storage area, with full bottles, and had no issues.

for my cover, there's nothing need to be "aligned", the cover closed and locked snugly. Just with bare hand I can lift the cover so easily. Mostly likely the whole piece will fell off easily over a bump. Currently I'm tying a velcro strap over the downtube to strap it down just with a piece of mine.

UPDATE: Long Teng now blamed the excessive paint on the edge of the cover  and downtube that prevent the cover to be locked securely, want me to use a rasp to grind off the excessive paint on the edge along the cover and the downtube opening 

Quote from: kwantani on November 10, 2024, 12:12:30 AM
for my cover, there's nothing need to be "aligned", the cover closed and locked snugly. Just with bare hand I can lift the cover so easily. Mostly likely the whole piece will fell off easily over a bump. Currently I'm tying a velcro strap over the downtube to strap it down just with a piece of mine.

UPDATE: Long Teng now blamed the excessive paint on the edge of the cover  and downtube that prevent the cover to be locked securely, want me to use a rasp to grind off the excessive paint on the edge along the cover and the downtube opening 

Well, here is how mine looks: (internal storage updates at 7:15). It's not a big issue for me, fortunately.

here's my final completed bike.

@Ahodesu05 Regarding the rear wheel play.... just another guess, may not be the frame nor the wheel, could be the TA causing it? I'm going to try the TA from my previous bike (Java Fuoco), see if that fixes the play.

Quote from: kwantani on November 21, 2024, 03:32:10 PM
@Ahodesu05 Regarding the rear wheel play.... just another guess, may not be the frame nor the wheel, could be the TA causing it? I'm going to try the TA from my previous bike (Java Fuoco), see if that fixes the play.

Sorry, what is "TA" ?