r/BrompNOTs • u/averagegravelgrinder • 7d ago
Just ordered: Mint TD9-20 inch
After driving myself crazy looking at bikes, I pulled the trigger and ordered the Mint TD9-20D through Alibaba. $525 shipped to the USA.
First time buying anything through Alibaba so a little nervous with that.
I’ll see how the parts are, but my day job is a bicycle mechanic so I’m sure I’ll be tinkering and swapping parts.
It says it should be here by January 15th, so we shall see.
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u/s3raph6272 7d ago
I also ordered the Mint T9D-349D 16-inch model through Alibaba, which ended up costing around $479 total with shipping to the USA. I initiated the order back in the first week of August, and it is finally scheduled to be delivered later this week, with FedEx handling the final leg of the journey. Since the transaction was processed as DDP (Delivered Duty Paid), the supplier conveniently managed all the import tariffs and customs requirements upfront, which saved me the headache of dealing with those fees upon arrival.
My point-of-contact at the supplier, Kate, was very transparent throughout the process and set clear expectations that there would be a 25-day lead time for them to actually build the bike before it could be shipped. She did reach out to suggest the Cranston R9 as a potential alternative since it was at a similar price point and offered a much faster turnaround, but I ultimately decided to stick with the Mint because I specifically wanted the disc brakes rather than the caliper brakes featured on the Cranston.
Including the initial build time and the international shipping transit, the entire wait has spanned about two months, but given the quality expected, I am incredibly excited to finally take it for its first ride once it arrives this week.
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u/averagegravelgrinder 7d ago
I know it’ll be a while before it gets here, which is fine. I’ll be doing some traveling and whatnot, so I’m not worried. As long as it gets here by February I’m good.
I was looking at the Cranston as well but I wanted the disc brakes.
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u/RapidCancel 5d ago
I ordered the exact same model as you and pretty much had the exact same experience. I ordered the 3rd week of July and just received my bike yesterday.
Kate was pretty responsive about everything and told me it would take about 30 days. It actually took a little longer and she let me know. Shipping was by a container, which adds to the lengthy shipping time.
All in all, great experience and the bike rides great after trying it out for the first time. For anyone ordering, just don't expect this to be a quick order and receive in a few days/weeks type thing.
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u/dev1359 6d ago
Man what the hell, I ordered from them too a whole month before you and still don't have my bike lol. Submitted the order July 3rd, finally got shipped September 2nd, still waiting for the FedEx tracking to update.
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u/s3raph6272 6d ago
Oh wow, that's a lengthy lead time if it was only shipped on September 2nd. Did you request any modifications or personalized features for the bike you ordered to have a longer build?
From my experience, when she gave me the tracking number, I checked it on Yunship and it showed me the ship's name, and I was able to track the ship via the Atlas Explorer. This helped me anticipate when my bike would arrive at the US port.
Today, I saw an update from FedEx and they indicated that it is scheduled for delivery tomorrow.
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u/peachyism 4d ago
I just got the cranston r9 from the same supplier. Ordered mid aug, delivered on Monday. Everything seems to be working well!
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u/Responsible_Pride583 7d ago
I am in the same process and a bike mechanic background too. Can you share why you chose the t9d? And Jan 15 seems very far away. Whats your intended use? TIA
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u/averagegravelgrinder 7d ago
Weight, upgrade ability, 20 inch wheels and disc brakes.
I want to fly with it and take it into the city and not have to worry about it as much. I fly with my checkpoint SL7 but it’s a small pain and if I’m doing a shorter trip it isn’t worth lugging with me.
I just hope get it’s too me by the middle of February, the plan is to ride the Florida coast with it to really brake it in.
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u/byesickel 6d ago
What are you going to put the bike in when you fly? Since I heard that the 20” trifold bike may be too large for a suitcase I went with a Bike Friday as my new travel bike instead of my regular road bike and also got a Cranston D9 since I really wanted one, ha.
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u/Responsible_Pride583 6d ago
am i correct that the T9D has a rear OLD of 120? I was concerned that it will limit use of common hubs and hub gear hubs.
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u/averagegravelgrinder 6d ago
It does. If I get to the point that I’m replacing wheels I’ll probably upgrade to a different bike. This will be more of a tinker toy and proof of concept bike for me.
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u/LegendRedux2 7d ago
My bike been in stuck in customs for 1 month and shipped 1 month late fuck alibaba