TanTan TT-X38 Build

[lantz]

Welp, just ordered the entire kit for my all-ali build.

Frame: TanTan TT-X38 (http://tantancycling.com/index.php?_m=mod_product&_a=view&p_id=1089)
Fork: Included
Handlebars: Included, 100mm stem/400mm width.
Headset: Included
Spacers: Included
Seatpost: Included
Tape: Vento Solocush Black 2.7 (https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256803455970565.html)
Saddle: RYET 3D All-Carbon (https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256804673681213.html)
Groupset: L-TWOO eRX Carbon 2x12 Electronic (https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256805480174918.html)
Brake Rotors: ONIRII 140mm Centerlock (https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256804246204984.html)
Crankset: Praxis Zayante Powermeter (pulled off of old bike, one of three items I am carrying over)
Bottom Bracket: Praxis T47 M30
Cassette: ZTTO 12sp. 11-34 (https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256803293695278.html)
Chain: ZTTO 12sp. (https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256805054898553.html)
Wheels: Elitewheels Flow RFC TRN (https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256805216576788.html)
Tires: Conti GP5000 28 (https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256805110414623.html)
Tubes: CycLami TPU (https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256803966102090.html)
Pedals: Speedplay Zero (carryover from old bike)
Bottle Cages: Kocevlo Carbon Matte (https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256804856500443.html)
Computer Mount: ZRACE Out-front (https://www.aliexpress.us/item/2261799813926498.html)

I wanted to build something almost entirely with chinese parts and really liked the TT-X38's geo/looks. I decided to go in on the L-TWOO just to give it a proper shake, I know the reviews have been mixed, but figure in the spirit of the build, I should swing for it.

All in, I'm at about $2200 USD and it should clock in at a bit over 17 lbs. Not bad for an "aero" bike hehe.

I'll update as parts arrive and I start to build - looking like mid-october for everything.

If ya'll have any critiques, happy to hear em - not to late to make some changes haha.

[Sebastian]

I have a full build coming as well. Already posted this in the other thread.
I'm curious to see whether there's any differences. I ordered this from the Ceccotti store on Aliexpress. As far as I can tell these frames are not made by TanTan but rather by DongGuan Sequel Sports Equipment - model number DCFR26.

I've asked them whether it's the same mold and they said that - and I quote - "each mold will be slightly different". Whatever that means. It looks completely identical apart from the one piece cockpit which I actually like more than the one that TanTan supplies.
I ordered it painted. I'm retiring my 2nd rim brake bike for this to build up a disc bike.

Frame/Fork/handlebar/seatpost: Sequel DCFR 26 / size 58 / cockpit 120mm x 40cm
Bottom Bracket: T47/DUB - supplied by seller (for 10USD)
bottle cage: supplied by seller as a gift - let's see
groupset: LTWOO er9 (taking a leap of faith here)
cassette: SROAD 11sp superlight (from other bike)
chain: SRAM PC1110 (from other bike)
crankset: ZRACE Rotor copy DUB crank / Magene P505 powermeter (bought the cranks used dirt cheap, I built a set of these on a bike for a friend and was impressed by the quality - powermeter comes from other bike)
pedals: Time Xpro 10 (from other bike)
brake calipers: I have a set of Campagnolo disc calipers (bought 2nd hand NOS) lying around which I will use with the LTWOO brifters.
brake discs: Shimano Deore RT-MT800 center lock discs (Got them new for 25 EUR / piece) and I trust these more than the offerings on aliexpress.
saddle: Elita One Power Saddle (from other bike)
wheels: Serenade Custom Build - this manufacturer sent me ads for years via Whatsapp and Telegram. I'm getting a wheelset built to my specs. / 55mm deep / 24mm internal / 31mm external / DT Ratchet style hub / Pillar 1420 spokes / final weight: around 1440g
Tires: Tufo Calibra Plus, 28mm, brown sidewall (I live close to Czech Republic where Tufo tires are made. They can be had very cheaply here and they are actually much better than their reputation implies).

The whole bike should come in at under 8kg including pedals and all accessories. I'm hoping for 7.7kg which will be light enough for me.
Build cost (including the stuff I took over from my other bike - some of which I bought used) should stay under 2000EUR.

Everything is already on its way to me except for the frame, which will be shipped tomorrow.
The seller has been very responsive and was eager to answer all my questions. They're also sending me regular updates on the process. Got a picture of my frame coming out of the paint shop yesterday.
They promised a lead time of 10-12 days which was exactly how long they needed in the end. Pretty happy with the process so far.

[lantz]

Oh shit, that's good info!

Working with TanTan was easy, really responsive, if a bit brief; awaiting shipping info.

Would love to hear how you find the er9 as you install it - also taking a leap that the eRX i get is the newer run with some of the updates that have been identified. We'll see!

The wheels sound like a dream - where they any more expensive than others?

[Sebastian]

Well, I'm not gonna lie. The recent videos by Trace Velo and China Cycling had me worried. I was very close to canceling my order but decided to try LTWOO er9 anyway. Honestly, I'm doing it mainly because I want to use the rest of the parts that I already have.
I already built a bike with RX12 so I know the brakes and I can say that they're totally fine. I don't like the weird adapters and the bulky look of the LTWOO calipers. I just happen to have Campagnolo calipers and I'm confident they'll work with these brifters since the braking unit in there is a Campagnolo copy anyway.

About the wheels: They're not expensive. Quite the contrary, actually. Hence, I'm very curious how these turn out.
These are the rims: https://serenadebikes.net/allroad-700c-carbon-bicycle-rims-disc-brake-55mm-depth-31mm-wide-p4512786.html
These are the hubs - DT Swiss 240 copies: https://serenadebikes.net/sr032-serenadebikes-hub-front-and-rear-24-holes-straightpull-disc-center-lock-road-thru-axle-p4499979.html

Total cost including tax free shipping was 515 USD. Which is pretty competitive pricing in my book.
The rims are also available in a hookless version. But I chose a hooked clincher rim for versatility.

Ordering process was pretty straightforward. Communication via Whatsapp. They answer during Chinese business hours so basically within 24h.
The do have the occasional discount like free shipping and they got a very wide range of wheels. There's an interesting sub 1.200g gravel wheelset which is dirt cheap, for instance. That might be the next upgrade for my gravel rig.

I'll keep you guys updated.

[lantz]

For sure, I definitely took a flyer in spite of the recent press, sounds like a lot of the issue was related to the battery cartridge which they seem to have updated, but I know there's still plenty of other criticism. Honestly, it's a fun project and exploration, more than anything, for me.

Wheels like nice and completely reasonable at that price, similar to what the Elitewheels ran me, as well.

I'll def keep ya looped as I start to get parts delivered.

[c.etzo]

just received same frame, and build is in progress:

Frame/Fork/handlebar/seatpost: Sequel DCFR 26 / size 52 / cockpit 90mm x 38cm frane weight 1060 gr without hardware, fork 385gr  uncut
Bottom Bracket: T47/24 by kactus
groupset: Shimano Ultegra di2 12 full with 52/36 chainrings and 11-30 cassette
pedals: Favero Assioma Powermeter
saddle: Ryet 3d X6-3d  weight 170 gr
wheels: ICAN aero 40
Tires: vittoria N.ext tubeless

they sent me round bolts for FD hanger, making impossible to setup, ordered flat ones to solve.
had to cut a little of seatpost (6cm), full inserted cant reach my saddle height.
have painted frame and fork with a removable vynil paint in chameleon color.

added some weights

[lantz]

Nice - I'm still a few weeks out from my build - would love to see how yours progresses!

[PLA]

just received same frame, and build is in progress:

Frame/Fork/handlebar/seatpost: Sequel DCFR 26 / size 52 / cockpit 90mm x 38cm frane weight 1060 gr without hardware, fork 385gr  uncut
Bottom Bracket: T47/24 by kactus
groupset: Shimano Ultegra di2 12 full with 52/36 chainrings and 11-30 cassette
pedals: Favero Assioma Powermeter
saddle: Ryet 3d X6-3d  weight 170 gr
wheels: ICAN aero 40
Tires: vittoria N.ext tubeless

they sent me round bolts for FD hanger, making impossible to setup, ordered flat ones to solve.
had to cut a little of seatpost (6cm), full inserted cant reach my saddle height.
have painted frame and fork with a removable vynil paint in chameleon color.

added some weights

Nice setup man

[c.etzo]

Almost done, with all the things in the photo Is 8 kg
Maybe i'll cut another cm off the fork in future

[lantz]

Damn that looks dope - making more excited for when all my shit finally gets here, haha.

I think I'll be right at 8kg or so too, with pedals and powermeter.

I'll take it. I'm a big dude, if I wanna make my ride lighter, I can just not have a couple of beers - lol.

[lantz]

Hell yeah - 2 day shipping turn around from the folks at TanTan is pretty tight.

Took some quick photos of the frame - first time chinese carbon buyer; thoughts on the finishing/quality? The top tube has a bit of fiber from the cut but meh - may have to level the brake mounts? We'll see.

Now just waiting for literally everything else to show up, lol.

I guess I can install the BB, haha.

The weight is mostly what was claimed:

Frame: 1107 claimed, 1173 actual.
Fork: 395 Claimed, 390 actual.
Seatpost: 224 claimed, 221 actual.
Handlebars: 367 claimed, 377 actual.

So, actuals are 69g heavier, 2.4 oz. Weeeee.

[patliean1]

Yikes, that headset cup looks terrible.

I ordered my frame unpainted. And while my headset cup area was clean, it still caused some sloppy fitting of the headset bearing. Do a dry run of the bearings to make sure they are snug and level.

[lantz]

Yikes, that headset cup looks terrible.

I ordered my frame unpainted. And while my headset cup area was clean, it still caused some sloppy fitting of the headset bearing. Do a dry run of the bearings to make sure they are snug and level.

Yeah, definitely felt a little sloppy to me too - I'll get the headset in there and see how the fit is.

[c.etzo]

mine was ok and bearings have a very tight fit.

maybe tantan and sequel uses a different factory or QC? or maybe is just luck

[lantz]

mine was ok and bearings have a very tight fit.

maybe tantan and sequel uses a different factory or QC? or maybe is just luck

Just went and checked - neither are "tight" but the top actually has some small play, whereas the bottom doesn't.

Hmmm what to do.