Author Topic: Seraph Bikes Superlight 836g X68 - Alternative to SL8 Fakes?  (Read 153376 times)

dovh

Re: Seraph Bikes Superlight 836g X68 - Alternative to SL8 Fakes?
« Reply #705 on: April 22, 2025, 07:38:47 AM »
My bad. I was thinking wedge clamp barrel, which is where my creak was. Your part is here:https://www.performancebike.com/specialized-alpinist-upper-lower-seat-clamps-black-w-hardware-kit-s204900004/p1269982?gad_source=4&gbraid=0AAAAAC1tmAvmXujKe6TsjXkigO-Qb7VOj&gclid=Cj0KCQjw_JzABhC2ARIsAPe3ynrqfuNXMEo72iD9B4JR5Wa3kr5nMPI2KyfFilBaL-x0uQ8loqnQIYkaArVGEALw_wcB

Yeah, I found that. I ordered the part from the local specialized service center here, and they said it should arrive sometime next week.
It's the whole assembly like the one you sent here, and just that nut part is not sold separately.

glepore

Re: Seraph Bikes Superlight 836g X68 - Alternative to SL8 Fakes?
« Reply #706 on: April 22, 2025, 01:35:02 PM »
Hello everyone,

i'm reasonably certain that I will order the frame.

I had some questions for TanTan (via the Seraph-website) beforehand which were answered by Rose.

1) maybe also for you guys information:
I asked for the maximum weight limit. The answer is 130 kg (not specified wether its system- or riderweight, but even assuming systemweight thats more than enough for me).

2) I asked what a few extra spacers would cost. Answer for that is 50 USD for 3 spacers (5+10+10 mm).
I find that a bit ... steep tbh. Dont even know if I really need them, just want to be on the safe side here.
Aliexpress does have some SL8 spacers that are at least a bit cheaper.
Does anyone know wether or not they fit? And does anyone have a recommendation?

3) shipping to europe: 150 USD via DPD - ETA 15-30 days.

I would probably also order the Garmin Mount from Seraph, for that price a no brainer I would think.

Thats would be the frame sorted ... I will still have do decide the:
- bottom bracket (or well .. whats there to decide? ... its just a bottom bracket)
- group set (probably Ultegra DI2, but I am considering a Magene P505 as crank+powermeter ... alternatively assioma favero)
- wheels (absolutely no clue yet)
...
anything else I forgot?
Feel free to give me tips and recommendations, I honestly have little clue what I am doing here as it would be my first self-built bike

A couple things-they ship the frame with the max number of spacers Specialized "allows" on the original and cut the steerer to that length. Not sure you'd want to add more, not sure the steerer tube is designed to have the bars that far up, it puts more leverage on the steerer at the bearing. Investigate further.
Any good bsa bottom bracket will be fine.
Mine shipped with the computer mount and various adaptors stock. I don't like either it or the Specialized one, used a Magcad for wahoo bolt.
Do you run a varia? If so, there's a nice sl8 specific mount on esty that is designed with a shape that matches the post and hidden bolts, its like $30.
« Last Edit: April 22, 2025, 01:37:25 PM by glepore »

patliean1

Re: Seraph Bikes Superlight 836g X68 - Alternative to SL8 Fakes?
« Reply #707 on: April 22, 2025, 03:18:58 PM »
Once the dacal is applied to the frame, can you feel the thickness by running your fingers over it?
I will also buy a set of stickers from SpeedyDecal, and I am undecided whether to apply them under transparent (I also have to paint the frame) or over transparent.
I was also wondering if the stickers are resistant to washing and weather conditions....do you already have experience with the durability of SpeedyDecal stickers?
Thanks

I have a full set of SpeedyDecals on my SL8. Been using them for about a year now, and I've been caught in some nasty summer rainstorms as well as a full winter of riding.

Durability is just fine. No decal peeling and scuffs so far. Obviously you can feel them since the decals are applied above the frame, so i just simply pay careful attention to those areas when wiping down my bike. Highly recommended.

Tom77

Re: Seraph Bikes Superlight 836g X68 - Alternative to SL8 Fakes?
« Reply #708 on: April 22, 2025, 03:43:47 PM »
Awesome paint job.

I ordered two frames, one ud black and one painted, not with a bit so fancy colour.
I'm bad in Photoshop and even worse in explaining stuff to Chinese people, so....

Anyway, paid 4 weeks ago and no proper feedback from Vivian so far.
Asked for a timeline to get the frame shipped and she only sends generic answers.

Frames still not painted after payment made on 5th of march.
No proper feedback from Vivian....starts to angers me.

greengoblinbean

Re: Seraph Bikes Superlight 836g X68 - Alternative to SL8 Fakes?
« Reply #709 on: April 22, 2025, 03:46:01 PM »
Hi All,
Does anyone know if the fork needs a crown race to be installed? When I try and slide on the bearing, it doesn't sit flush so I am curious if a crown race is needed.

Sander2177

Re: Seraph Bikes Superlight 836g X68 - Alternative to SL8 Fakes?
« Reply #710 on: April 22, 2025, 04:38:52 PM »
Hi All,
Does anyone know if the fork needs a crown race to be installed? When I try and slide on the bearing, it doesn't sit flush so I am curious if a crown race is needed.

No
Will be same as genuine use SL8 manual
https://media.specialized.com/support/collateral/2024_TARMAC_SL8_USER_MANUAL_ENGLISH.pdf
SL8 Custom Green Over Naked Carbon 54CM 6.11kgs RhinosWorkShop Build
2nd Bike in planning not sure what yet!

Bonus79

« Last Edit: April 23, 2025, 03:56:18 AM by Bonus79 »

Bonus79

Re: Seraph Bikes Superlight 836g X68 - Alternative to SL8 Fakes?
« Reply #712 on: April 23, 2025, 04:02:04 AM »
I have a full set of SpeedyDecals on my SL8. Been using them for about a year now, and I've been caught in some nasty summer rainstorms as well as a full winter of riding.

Durability is just fine. No decal peeling and scuffs so far. Obviously you can feel them since the decals are applied above the frame, so i just simply pay careful attention to those areas when wiping down my bike. Highly recommended.
Hi Patrick,
since you have to paint the frame, do you think it is better to apply them under clear for greater durability and/or less attention during washing?
Thanks

glepore

Re: Seraph Bikes Superlight 836g X68 - Alternative to SL8 Fakes?
« Reply #713 on: April 23, 2025, 07:28:28 AM »
If I want to mount a Sram DUB crankset, which BB would you recommend among these?

https://ztto.net/products/ztto-bicycle-bsa-dub-bottom-bracket-sealed-bearing-english-thread-68-73mm-bsa68-shell-28-99mm-spline-axis-mtb-road-bike-crank?variant=41868350161052

https://www.sram.com/en/sram/models/bb-dub-bsa-a1

Any other models to suggest?

Thanks

I've not had issues with Sram BB's but their reputation is less than stellar. But they're cheap.
I used a ceramic BB from Acer, more expensive though. I'm not on DUB but on gxp.
Enduro BB's, Wheels Manufacturing BB's are others I've had good luck with. Token as well...

kubackje

Re: Seraph Bikes Superlight 836g X68 - Alternative to SL8 Fakes?
« Reply #714 on: April 23, 2025, 08:16:07 AM »
If I want to mount a Sram DUB crankset, which BB would you recommend among these?

https://ztto.net/products/ztto-bicycle-bsa-dub-bottom-bracket-sealed-bearing-english-thread-68-73mm-bsa68-shell-28-99mm-spline-axis-mtb-road-bike-crank?variant=41868350161052

https://www.sram.com/en/sram/models/bb-dub-bsa-a1

Any other models to suggest?

Thanks

My new favorite bottom brackets are the ones from BIKONE . Really good quality and price.

patliean1

Re: Seraph Bikes Superlight 836g X68 - Alternative to SL8 Fakes?
« Reply #715 on: April 23, 2025, 08:38:15 AM »
Hi Patrick,
since you have to paint the frame, do you think it is better to apply them under clear for greater durability and/or less attention during washing?
Thanks

You'll need be very careful when applying the clearcoat over the decals so that clearcoat actually adheres. The decals have a smooth surface. Very light coats to slowly building up the coat so it doesn't run/drip.

Bonus79

Re: Seraph Bikes Superlight 836g X68 - Alternative to SL8 Fakes?
« Reply #716 on: April 23, 2025, 09:12:41 AM »
You'll need be very careful when applying the clearcoat over the decals so that clearcoat actually adheres. The decals have a smooth surface. Very light coats to slowly building up the coat so it doesn't run/drip.
I would have a professional painter do the job, so it wouldn't be a problem.
I'm just wondering whether to apply the stickers over or under clear coat...under clear coat I would have greater protection/durability of the stickers, over clear coat I would have the convenience of being able to change them without problems if I decided to change (writing, color or graphics).
Undecided....

Serge_K

Re: Seraph Bikes Superlight 836g X68 - Alternative to SL8 Fakes?
« Reply #717 on: April 23, 2025, 12:01:44 PM »
I would have a professional painter do the job, so it wouldn't be a problem.
I'm just wondering whether to apply the stickers over or under clear coat...under clear coat I would have greater protection/durability of the stickers, over clear coat I would have the convenience of being able to change them without problems if I decided to change (writing, color or graphics).
Undecided....

Your painter is happy producing fakes and likes the idea of prison?
If you add the stickers on top, you can sell the bike as a clone by removing them before hand. Otherwise, it's a crime in most jurisdictions, afaik. It's still cringe and illegal, but at least you can play it down because the stickers are removable.
Fast on the flat. And nowhere else.

glepore

Re: Seraph Bikes Superlight 836g X68 - Alternative to SL8 Fakes?
« Reply #718 on: April 23, 2025, 01:11:28 PM »
Your painter is happy producing fakes and likes the idea of prison?
If you add the stickers on top, you can sell the bike as a clone by removing them before hand. Otherwise, it's a crime in most jurisdictions, afaik. It's still cringe and illegal, but at least you can play it down because the stickers are removable.
He's not going to prison. He might get a letter from a Specialized atty and have to disgorge his profits (LOL) , but trademark violation isn't a CRIME. And doing one bike isn't like being Taiwan Eissen.
I get that you cringe. But don't overblow it. And its not really malum in se to possess an item that violates patent or trademark. It is however civilly prohibited to produce same.
And yes, the reason I went with decals over clear is that they're removable and if I ever sell the bike, it would be without stickers and as an x68.

pandinoyoung

Re: Seraph Bikes Superlight 836g X68 - Alternative to SL8 Fakes?
« Reply #719 on: April 23, 2025, 01:42:58 PM »
Your painter is happy producing fakes and likes the idea of prison?
If you add the stickers on top, you can sell the bike as a clone by removing them before hand. Otherwise, it's a crime in most jurisdictions, afaik. It's still cringe and illegal, but at least you can play it down because the stickers are removable.

come on don't drink too much wine