Seraph Bikes Superlight 836g X68 - Alternative to SL8 Fakes?

[Sander2177]

Vivian said on whatsapp that this frame is “ on hold” right now. Wondering why they stopped the production. QC issues?

Could be anything, really.
If you’re American, no offense—but Donald Trump is currently shaking things up, so if you’ve ordered this frame, it might end up costing more.

I noticed the frame is now showing as unavailable on the Seraph site. I ordered mine last Monday, so maybe demand has outpaced supply and they’ve had to pause sales—who knows.

Did you ask why the frame is on hold?
Could be something to do with Specialized, but the frame doesn’t have any branding, and from what I’ve heard, it’s difficult to enforce patents and copyright laws in China anyway.

Specialized are an American company, so they might not have much legal leverage over there.

[tiz92]

hmm not good to hear. I hope mine will still be shipped out. Ordered it 13 of march.

[Sander2177]

hmm not good to hear. I hope mine will still be shipped out. Ordered it 13 of march.

Are you going to message TanTan to see if you will still receive your order.

[tiz92]

Are you going to message TanTan to see if you will still receive your order.

Of course, I already did, no response yet but today is holiday in china afaik.

[Sander2177]

Of course, I already did, no response yet but today is holiday in china afaik.

Well I sent an email to see if this affects current orders.
Hopefully it does not!
It still on the seraph website like I said but unavailable.
And this is on Vivian WhatsApp
It is not a public holiday in China today.

[Sander2177]

Well I sent an email to see if this affects current orders.
Hopefully it does not!
It still on the seraph website like I said but unavailable.
And this is on Vivian WhatsApp
It is not a public holiday in China today.

Had this reply.

‘Dear Stephen.
Regarding your TT-X68 order,
We are currently waiting for further notice.
Once there is stock available for shipment,
We will arrange shipment for you as soon as possible;
If we are unable to meet your order requirements in the end,
We will also process a refund for you.
Please be patient,
We expect to give you a clear reply next week.
Thank you for your patience and understanding!
Best wishes!
Vivian’

[tiz92]

I got also an answer now, as I said, I ordered my frame on march 13th and they will send it out most likely next week which I am very happy about.

[Kris]

I was about the finalize my order 2days ago when I got the notification that sales are on hold.
I have asked for the reason (too high demand, QA issue, IP issues, ... ), but they couldn't reply, but confirmed it wasn't a QA issue.

If it was a question about too high demand I would assume they prolongue their leadtime to get the orders in the book, or even communicate this reason. So I also don't think this is the reason of the suspension.
So I assume there are some IP topics that are being handled for the moment. but that's just my assumption based on the feedback and apparantly also Peter from Taiwaneisen has blocked all communication since a couple of days (as there are counterfeits, I can image this is being investigated). So all combined I have a feeling some investigation is ongoing on some sellers.


but my actual question as I was about to order. Can anyone point me in the direction of a similar frameset from this or another respectable seller? It doesn't have to be a SL8 copy, but a similar geometry is what I'm looking for.

[tiz92]

I was about the finalize my order 2days ago when I got the notification that sales are on hold.
I have asked for the reason (too high demand, QA issue, IP issues, ... ), but they couldn't reply, but confirmed it wasn't a QA issue.

If it was a question about too high demand I would assume they prolongue their leadtime to get the orders in the book, or even communicate this reason. So I also don't think this is the reason of the suspension.
So I assume there are some IP topics that are being handled for the moment. but that's just my assumption based on the feedback and apparantly also Peter from Taiwaneisen has blocked all communication since a couple of days (as there are counterfeits, I can image this is being investigated). So all combined I have a feeling some investigation is ongoing on some sellers.


but my actual question as I was about to order. Can anyone point me in the direction of a similar frameset from this or another respectable seller? It doesn't have to be a SL8 copy, but a similar geometry is what I'm looking for.

I think you can check out the the sp cycle R088. I would get something like that if they would stop my frame.

[pandinoyoung]

I sent an email yesterday morning and no response from tan tan.

these Chinese are really smart, they paint the frames with original writings and even the UCI certificate, making practically identical copies. (tiwaneise) huh
if you have to copy they are very good, if you have to use your brain, they don't have it

[glepore]

Hmmm. Have to say I'm over the whole experience. I'm at 80 days, no bike. Its been in transit 2 weeks and hasn't left China. And if it arrives, its now going to cost an extra grand if they declared full value, and at that price I could have bought a used genuine sl7.
Its odd that my bike was held for inspection in customs a couple of days before it disappeared from sale. I have to wonder if that's related.

[Sander2177]

As we know, it’s all just conjecture at this point.
Tan Tan likely has a lot of sales tied up in this frame, so I wouldn’t be surprised if they’re misleading people to keep the money flowing.
That said, most people have eventually received their orders—albeit not as quickly as they’d hoped.

If no one ends up getting their frames, though, they might be forced to issue a ton of refunds. And while their reputation for customer service and communication isn’t exactly stellar, that kind of situation wouldn’t be good for them either.
Maybe they’ve just gone quiet for a week to see how things unfold.
When I have whatsApped Vivian I have got a reply and I did enquire about the X69 (LAB71) but they no longer do this either as would have swapped.

On a related note, another seller of counterfeits claimed that Peter from Taiwan (Eisen) has been arrested. I have no idea if that’s true. They even sent me supposed photos of their “factory,” which turned out to be nothing more than a Lumar colour clip of a bike being sprayed— . I called them out on it, and surprise surprise—they didn’t like it and ended up blocking me.

If it does go south I am currently looking at alternatives

[jonathanf2]

but my actual question as I was about to order. Can anyone point me in the direction of a similar frameset from this or another respectable seller? It doesn't have to be a SL8 copy, but a similar geometry is what I'm looking for.

I've been riding my SPCycle R088 since January. Bike rides great. It's practically the same frame as the X68 with EPS molding, but UDH, mechanical cable routing and a standard looking head tube design (no air sniffer head tube). It's also weighs less (mine weighed 790g in size 52cm with hangers) and it costs a bit cheaper.

[patliean1]

I've been riding my SPCycle R088 since January. Bike rides great. It's practically the same frame as the X68 with EPS molding, but UDH, mechanical cable routing and a standard looking head tube design (no air sniffer head tube). It's also weighs less (mine weighed 790g in size 52cm with hangers) and it costs a bit cheaper.

You know what? I hadn't really looked at SPCycle, let alone the R088 frame. It really does look like the SL8 but without the obvious butt sniffer. Same geometry, BSA BB, seatpost, and fork design too.

This might actually be the way to go for consumers looking to avoid any stigma of riding a straight up clone. How much does the frame cost?

[Avalius]

And meanwhile on facebook people are saying that some of the bigger counterfeit sellers are in prison due to the SL8 copies. There is no difference between these frames and the copy from the pictures I saw.
Proof me wrong.. but could be all coincidence ...
Those counterfeit sellers just paint good no name frames if you ask me and sell those.

Would love to see proof that I'm wrong.