I run a dropper on my current gravel bike and like the ability to drop the saddle out of the way. It comes with a weight penalty though.
That said, I made sure to choose the GV201/GR201 as it has a round seat post and not any sort of aero or D shaped one, so I can install a dropper if I need it. Would consider AXS for simplicity of routing/ability to switch between dropper and fixed. Would also consider one with the lever under the seat and manually drop it, as cheaper.

Can't answer your questions on insertion dept etc though sorry

Quote from: kenmc on September 14, 2025, 05:14:13 PM
I run a dropper on my current gravel bike and like the ability to drop the saddle out of the way. It comes with a weight penalty though.
That said, I made sure to choose the GV201/GR201 as it has a round seat post and not any sort of aero or D shaped one, so I can install a dropper if I need it. Would consider AXS for simplicity of routing/ability to switch between dropper and fixed. Would also consider one with the lever under the seat and manually drop it, as cheaper.

Can't answer your questions on insertion dept etc though sorry

The KS E20-i 100mm dropper looks like it will be perfect for my needs, the 125 will be too long. Unfortunately I can only find the 125 on AliExpress. I can find the 100 from other places around the world but then once I add the shipping it gets very expensive  so I will probably just park the idea for now and wait till I can get what I want.

there are other brands in 100mm but they way the cable attaches makes it hard with the GRX shifters.

my frame is out for delivery 
gonna be a slow day at work, waiting for the postie!

It's here! Looks lovely too, so far very happy, seems really clean internally in the layup etc. Will take pics when I get a chance and update this post.

Looks epic mate, Looking forward to see the final build

Quote from: kenmc on September 15, 2025, 01:39:25 AM
my frame is out for delivery 
gonna be a slow day at work, waiting for the postie!

It's here! Looks lovely too, so far very happy, seems really clean internally in the layup etc. Will take pics when I get a chance and update this post.

Aaaa
My frame got lost in Germany.. On Saturday he was in Aschaffenburg. 

Although this frame has mounting points galore, for full fenders, there isn't anything to anchor the top of the rear mudguard between the seatstays. For stability, there is usually a way to fasten the guard to either a permanent or removable bridge between the stays. In an ideal world, the manufacturer would supply us with a bridge that can span the seatstays and be attached to the M5 bolts that are there. Does anyone know of anything that can be used in this case?

See here for example of bridge supplied with Vitus Venon:



I suppose you could rig something up with one or two cable ties, but it would be nice to have a more refined solution that was available off the shelf or could be 3d printed.

Example of permanent bridge:

I refuse to pollute my bikes with mudguards. A Pannier for bikepacking is as much as I permit

Quote from: kenmc on September 16, 2025, 08:38:25 AM
I refuse to pollute my bikes with mudguards. A Pannier for bikepacking is as much as I permit

A bike with full length fitted mudguards - best thing I ever did for winter riding 

I'm getting some annoying vibration on the front while braking with the front brake.
I've also checked it at home and there seems to be some small play between the fork tube and the head tube that I cannot get rid of.

When I overtighten the top cap bolt, I do feel some slight improvement, but I still feel the vibrations, plus getting the preload to 6-7nm doesn't seem like a very smart long term solution for the fork's health.

Could it have something to do with the headset bearings (all stuff from Tantan)? Did anybody have a similar issue?

Which handlebar are u using?

Quote from: Uberflo on September 17, 2025, 04:12:22 AM
Which handlebar are u using?

The stock Tantan cockpit

Which apparently is slightly less shitty than the one supplied by Tideace?

Good evening guys, I have a big dilemma. I'm 183 cm tall, with a saddle height of 88 cm, and I'm really undecided whether to go for a size 54 or 56. At the moment, I'm riding a Specialized Diverge E5 with a 10 cm stem and an Aethos size 56 with an 11 cm stem. Is there anyone with my same measurements who could help me choose?

Quote from: SunnyShore on September 17, 2025, 07:19:24 AM
The stock Tantan cockpit

Which apparently is slightly less shitty than the one supplied by Tideace?

I suppose it is the same. So, I assume that you have an alloy C ring? If it is the case, it is certainly out of tolerance leading to your issue.

It's finally here

Hello, everyone.
What is the largest single crank you have installed?
I would like to install a 48T. Is that possible?
Are spacers needed?
Can you advise me?