Chinese carbon gravel bike - Tideace

189 replies · 32,206 views

razorimages
39 posts
#1Nov 13, 2017, 5:12 AMedited
Hi guys,
i've been asked to do a little review of this "exploro like" frameset, the Tideace FM-CX039 from Hadeli/Tideace factory.

Thanks to this forum (and you guys) i was planning to purchase a Carbonda, but the kind of lattency between my emails and their replies pushed me to try another thing.
I should have stuck with Carbonda... despite a very fast reply (and good english) from Tideace, they sent me the wrong frame... a road aero frameset (which was nice, and i ended up keeping it)
My frame was in fact at another customer's door in Italy...
Long story short, they finally sent me a black frameset, they gave me a carbon bottlecage as en excuse. It took 1 month 1/2 with all this mess

So be careful when ordering, they make mistakes... the packing was not super good, but hey, you're not buying a Canyon

Included with the frameset : seatpost (did not tried to tighten it yet, but it seems okay), axles, headset. There was missing the little rubber plug for DI2 and of course, no protections on the frame (for chain slaps).

The geometry is exactly like the 3T exploro. However, the seatpost is very different, and therefore, i think it won't be super comfy to ride.

We will see that in the next few days... For now, this is a quick built to check if everything's okay.

I'll give you the final weight. I think it's going to be around 8kg (not less i'm afraid, even if it's a size small).

More impressions in the days to come !

1
Sciguy
26 posts
#2Nov 13, 2017, 6:44 AM
Razorimages,

Thanks for the post with excellent picture. I look forward to your future experience/insights with the build and performance of the bike.

Hugh

1
ndbike
19 posts
#3Nov 13, 2017, 12:31 PMedited
Thanks for the update and creating a new topic. Hopefully sooner rather than later I’ll be able to add some info to this. I sent my payment today for mine. Fingers crossed they get it right.
1
chas
1,305 posts
#4Nov 13, 2017, 5:11 PM
Boy, I have read so much with the importance of carbon lay up and how different a name brand bike is from a knock off that I'm way too leery to do this.

the off brand Chinese stuff does not seem to have good quality control or consistency. Sometimes they put out a great product, get the word out, and then change things to increase profitability. Just not much accountability.

I have built some e-bikes with good Chinese parts. I know I'm pretty much on my own if there is a problem, or if things go wrong, or are just wired wrong. Its taken a lot of time, but the results came out well.
0
Croz
61 posts
#5Nov 14, 2017, 8:39 AMedited
I'm curious to hear more about your experience with this frame as well.\n\nThanks for taking the time to share.
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razorimages
39 posts
#6Nov 14, 2017, 10:49 AMedited
chas wrote:Boy, I have read so much with the importance of carbon lay up and how different a name brand bike is from a knock off that I'm way too leery to do this.

the off brand Chinese stuff does not seem to have good quality control or consistency. Sometimes they put out a great product, get the word out, and then change things to increase profitability. Just not much accountability.

I have built some e-bikes with good Chinese parts. I know I'm pretty much on my own if there is a problem, or if things go wrong, or are just wired wrong. Its taken a lot of time, but the results came out well.

You're absolutely right... however, some brands like Carbonda, seems to make reliable frames... This one is a new mold, nobody has it already... I'm lucky to ride a Cannondale Slate, so this setup is for "discovery" and "testing" to me... and for you guys who would decide to buy it. I'm not sponsored by Tideace at all

Quick update :

I found it very easy to guide the cables through the frame. There is built-in guides on both chainstays.

However, and this is important : you'll have to use a full length derailleur hose (front or rear)

As mentioned the routing is easy. You juste have to make sure you have the right length.
They do not provide any rubber or plastic to secure the holes , so when you wash the bike, it will drip inside... i have to find a solution...

Another good thing : they provide a PF86 to Shimano (24mm) BB, it's 42mm x 86mm, BUT you get extra adapters for 22mmn so it's possible to use a Sram crankset (like Sram Force 1x, sram Rival etc...

brakes are for 160mm rotors (i'd love to use 140mm).

More news this week when the setup will be complete...

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ndbike
19 posts
#7Nov 14, 2017, 11:22 AM
razorimages wrote:

brakes are for 160mm rotors (i'd love to use 140mm).

More news this week when the setup will be complete...

Ugh... really 160mm? If I had known that, I might not have ordered the frame. I've got two perfectly good Shimano Center Lock 140mm discs that were to go on the wheels for this bike. Plus, 160mm is on the large size for this type of bike in my opinion. Thanks for the update. I'm going to send them an email now.
1
razorimages
39 posts
#8Nov 14, 2017, 11:42 AM
ndbike wrote:

Ugh... really 160mm?

yup... I believe it's the same for the 3T exploro, 160mm postmount. A bit too much for this frame you're right

0
ndbike
19 posts
#9Nov 14, 2017, 12:09 PM
razorimages wrote:
yup... I believe it's the same for the 3T exploro, 160mm postmount. A bit too much for this frame you're right

Yes, 160mm on the Exploro too. I guess I didn't do my homework on either frame. Oh well, I'll sell my 140mm discs and get some 160mm discs I guess.

So what's up with no rubber grommets or plastic bits as seals where the cables go in and out of the frame? It doesn't have any kind of "cap" for the three holes right behind the headset where the cables go into the frame like the 3T? I'm planning on running Di2 with hydraulic brakes. I hope the Di2 cable and disc brake hose fits in there ok.

Can you post some pics of this as you do yours?

Thanks!
0
razorimages
39 posts
#10Nov 14, 2017, 12:30 PMedited
ndbike wrote:

So what's up with no rubber grommets or plastic bits as seals where the cables go in and out of the frame? It doesn't have any kind of "cap" for the three holes right behind the headset where the cables go into the frame like the 3T? I'm planning on running Di2 with hydraulic brakes. I hope the Di2 cable and disc brake hose fits in there ok.

Can you post some pics of this as you do yours?

Thanks!

I will take some pictures yes... for now, the bike is at my local bike store. Don't have the tool to press the BB adapter, and bleed my brake either...

there just 3 holes (4 with the DI2 cable hole on the seattube), and no "rubber guides" or caps like the 3T (of course, at this price)
water or dirt could come in... that said, on my Cannondale Slate, there is no caps either, and i don't get much water (especially when i wash my bikes...)
My plan is to use some plastic or hard rubber bands, and double sided tape... and see if it works..

You will fit the cables easily, as long as you did not put the bottom bracket first, because from the toptube, it's easy without
0
themac11
15 posts
#11Nov 14, 2017, 1:32 PM
The Tideace should be the same frame like the Workswell WCB-R-125 right?
http://www.workswellbikes.com/PRODDUCT/ROAD/ALL/Gravel/2017/0323/113.html
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ndbike
19 posts
#12Nov 14, 2017, 3:09 PM
themac11 wrote:The Tideace should be the same frame like the Workswell WCB-R-125 right?
http://www.workswellbikes.com/PRODDUCT/ROAD/ALL/Gravel/2017/0323/113.html[/QUOTE] \n \nSimilar but not the same. The Workswell has a slightly different geometry and tube shapes. The Workswell is more like the Merit Plus, if not the same frame. The Merit and the 3T are different and the Tideace is much closer to the 3T.
1
razorimages
39 posts
#13Nov 15, 2017, 5:15 AM
ndbike wrote: Similar but not the same. The Workswell has a slightly different geometry and tube shapes. The Workswell is more like the Merit Plus, if not the same frame. The Merit and the 3T are different and the Tideace is much closer to the 3T.

yes, it's not the same. The Tideace does not have any fender bolts... but it has the 3 bottlecages mounts, with the 2 on the DT (one up, one down for aero i think)
0
razorimages
39 posts
#14Nov 16, 2017, 11:23 AM
Update time !

the bike is done. First quick test ride in the cold.

Some built hints :
- put some carbon paste on the seatpost / seattube. It's obvious, but if you don't, the seatpost will slip for sure. We tightened to 7Nm.
- we had to drill / tap the posmount brake holes... it was full of whatever paste they put when they paint the frame... Otherwise it won't fit.

Apart from that, it was very easy to setup.

On mine, the derailleur hanger bolts were "loose" inside the frame... not an issue i do not use front mech

Well... sticker to cover the whole You got 3 holes. I found the best solution was to put the cables this way...

The bike weight 8.4kgn with no so many light parts. I think you can go under that easily.

How it rides ?
Pretty damn well.
If you're looking for a comfy bike, it's not for you... but it's relatively comfortable, despite the carbon wheels !
It is very responsive, and that's what i was after, you push > it reponds.

The geo is also very "safe", thanks to the head angle.
On the trails, well... for now i did not went on rocky singletracks (as you can see, it's snowy here). I know it's not going to be super comfy, but it's okay.

I'd say it's between a CX bike and a "true" gravel/adventure bike.

All in all, it's a cheap alternative to a 3T exploro. Will it handle the abuse ? i'll tell you... i hope to ride it all winter.

Cheers
ndbike
19 posts
#15Nov 16, 2017, 3:27 PM
How is the quality of the thru axles included for the frame and fork? Thanks for the latest update and photos. Can’t wait to get mine. When going off road, I’m going to use it with 27.5x2.1 tires.
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razorimages
39 posts
#16Nov 17, 2017, 2:08 AM
ndbike wrote:How is the quality of the thru axles included for the frame and fork? Thanks for the latest update and photos. Can’t wait to get mine. When going off road, I’m going to use it with 27.5x2.1 tires.

they're "okay". I mean, it's not DT Swiss quality On the rear you may need a screw (3mm i guess) to hold the axle bolt together with the frame.
On the front it's just a big bolt.
I'll tell you if i get any loose , especially on singletracks.

i think your tires will fit... but when you're on 700cc like i am, with 38mm tires you're very close to the seatpost. I want to go 42c (WTB nano TCS), i have a doubt now...

Show us your bike when it's done !!!!
1
razorimages
39 posts
#17Nov 18, 2017, 1:38 PM
3rd ride with the tideace.
Went on wide gravel roads, some rocky sections.

The frame feels awesome... If it does not brake over time, it's a real bargain over a 3T Exploro.
As i said, very responsive, but this time i've tested it on descents as well, and it's super fun. It's not "Cannondale Slate fun" though You can't push to hard, it's not a MTB. I believe that for you guys who will put 650B, it's going to be awesome.

One last techy hint : my saddle was slipping backwards when riding. So i put skateboard grip on its rails. Problem solved.
And carbon paste on the seatpost solved the slide issue.

Picture of the day on the trail... Cheers !

1
ndbike
19 posts
#18Nov 19, 2017, 7:48 AM
Thanks for the update. Great to hear you’re enjoying it. Can’t wait to get mine. Would love to have it all together by Christmas, but that will depend on how long the shipping takes. \n \nOne more question. What was up with the front derailleur bolts? I plan to use a front derailleur.
1
razorimages
39 posts
#19Nov 20, 2017, 10:49 AM
ndbike wrote:Thanks for the update. Great to hear you’re enjoying it. Can’t wait to get mine. Would love to have it all together by Christmas, but that will depend on how long the shipping takes. One more question. What was up with the front derailleur bolts? I plan to use a front derailleur.

Thanks

Nothing's wrong with the front mech bolts, except on mine one of them was turning loose... i mean, the bolt that is glued inside the seattube was loose. It would have been an issue if i wanted a front mech... not the case.
hope you get yours for Christmas
0
ndbike
19 posts
#20Nov 20, 2017, 12:53 PM
razorimages wrote:
i mean, the bolt that is glued inside the seattube was loose.

That's what I thought you meant and it has me a bit worried, because I want to use a front derailleur. I don't like the idea of having to find a way to "glue" the threaded part in the frame. We'll see when it gets here I guess.
0

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