The TanTan TT-R18 is a budget-friendly carbon road bike praised for its value, aesthetics, and feature set, but faces skepticism regarding its claimed T1000 material and 'super light' designation due to a heavier-than-expected frame. Users report good build quality and ride experience, though customer service and long-term support are concerns.
Pros
- Excellent value for money: full bike with Shimano 105 for $899, or complete set for €1300 including shipping and customs.12
- Aesthetically pleasing design, similar to BMC Team Machine R.1
- Good build quality and clean workmanship on delivery.12
- Easy assembly with pre-installed internal cable routing.2
- Ride experience positive from the first kilometer, comparable to bikes costing over €3500.2
- Features T47 BB, UDH, and 32mm tire clearance (35mm confirmed).1
- Among first budget brands to offer T47 road frame.1
Cons
- Frame weight (1052g S) is heavy for a 'super light' frame.1
- T1000 material claim is likely false/misleading.1
- Poor customer service with long response times.1
- Too many new framesets released frequently, causing concerns about support/quality.1
- Frame appears to be cobbled together from existing molds (Frankenstein).1
- Aggressive geometry with low stack may not suit all riders.12
- Full build has fit issues: one-piece cockpit, poor crankset, wrong bar width for many.1
- Not UCI-approved for competitive events.2
Key Facts
- Claimed frame weight 1052g (size S) and fork 410g, with a full build weight of ~8.5kg (forum) and 7850g (size M) as measured by another user.12
- Uses T47 bottom bracket, Universal Derailleur Hanger (UDH), and full internal cable routing.1
- Claimed tire clearance is 32mm, but a user confirmed 700x35C tires fit.1
- Material claim of T1000 carbon is disputed by forum users.1
- Full bike with Shimano 105 costs $899, while complete set with Wheeltop GEX 13 and carbon wheels costs ~$1280.12
- Frame shares the same mold as Twitter/Cyctrac R18 and Winow WR018.1
- Not UCI-approved.2
Reviews & Ratings
10:32The reviewer does not mention the TanTan TT-R18 in the transcript.
A user in r/ChineseCarbon shared their experience building and riding the TanTan TT-R18 (also referred to as Seraph TT-R18), a Chinese carbon road bike. They purchased it as a complete set for €1300, including shipping and customs to Germany, and found it comparable to bikes costing over €3500. The bike was praised for its value, ease of assembly, and performance, though some minor build quality aspects were noted. Comments highlighted its unbeatable price-to-performance ratio, but also mentioned it's not UCI-approved for competitive racing.
AI Summary
Pros
- Excellent price-to-performance ratio (€1300 total cost)
- Comparable to bikes costing over €3500
- Easy assembly with pre-installed internal cable routing
more pros in the review
Cons
- Not UCI-approved for competitive events like national championships
- Fork axle mount could be more refined aesthetically
- Cassette quality may be lower (though considered a wear item)
more cons in the review
Key Points
- Total cost: €1300 (including shipping and customs)
- Weight: 7850g for size M
- Purchased as a complete set and self-assembled
more key points in the review
The TanTan TT-R18 is a disc brake road frameset marketed as super light with T1000 carbon, though several forum users dispute that claim. It features a T47 bottom bracket, Universal Derailleur Hanger (UDH), full internal cable routing, and 32mm tire clearance (with 35mm reportedly fitting). The frame weight is approximately 1052g in size S, which many consider heavy for a 'super light' frame. The geometry is aggressive with a low stack, which may appeal to some riders. Users praise the overall looks and build quality of the delivered bike, and it offers great value for money, especially the full build with Shimano 105 at $899. However, concerns include poor customer service, frequent release of new models, and the frame being assembled from existing molds. Also, the material spec is questionable. Overall, it's an interesting budget option for those comfortable with the risks.
AI Summary
Pros
- Good frame features: T47 BB, UDH, 32C tire clearance, full internal cable routing
- Aesthetically pleasing design (looks similar to BMC Team Machine R)
- Confirmed to fit 700x35C tires
more pros in the review
Cons
- Frame weight (1052g S) is heavy for a so-called 'super light' frame
- T1000 material claim is likely false/misleading
- Poor customer service (long response times)
more cons in the review
Key Points
- Frame weight: 1052g ±40g (size S)
- Fork weight: 410g ±40g
- Seatpost weight: 181g ±20g
more key points in the review
Where to Buy
TT-R18 Shiman R7120 or 7170 or wheeltop GEX 13S groupset Road Bike carbon wheels
TanTan Super Light Carbon Fiber T1000 Disc Road Bike Frame TT-R18 UDH Hanger T47 Thread Max Tire 32C
Specifications
Attributes
Included Components
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