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

[Sander2177]

I'm sorry but unfortunately I don't know English, I use Google Translate and it doesn't help me understand your question!

Che telai stai valutando? Conosco molte persone che stanno guardando ai soliti falsi con il marchio Specialized

[Jack Russell]

TT-X68 Disc Superlight Road Frame

[Sander2177]

Let’s add a bit of context to the ongoing debate around the X68 frame weights and forks. The frame and fork weights fall more in line with the Tarmac SL8 Pro frame range — with the size 56cm version claimed at 780 grams.

Looking back at the  video from Patrick on YouTube when he first received the Pro Frame, his painted 56cm frame came in at 827g, the uncut fork at 397g, and the seatpost at 169g.

I would say this Pro frame likely uses a lower proportion of T1000 carbon compared to the S-Works version. That’s probably also the case with Tan Tan X68 frames, as using less T1000 helps keep production costs down and reduces the likelihood of durability issues. T1000 is known for being more fragile, despite its higher strength-to-weight potential.

This may also explain how some of the rebranded or counterfeit frames manage to achieve their impressively low weights — possibly by using more T1000 carbon, which could compromise reliability.

This may have been discussed earlier in  the thread but what are peoples thoughts

[glepore]

Tried fitting the Darimo seatpost in the X68 frame and noticed the seat tube is just a tiny bit wider more play side to side.
 I could get the X68 post—probably an inch diameter—into the SL8 frame, but that’s it. .

The Darimo post fits the SL8 nicely and snugly. But the X68 post, if you don’t hold it tightly, will just slide right into the framem. I wouldn’t buy a genuine SL8 post because the Darimo one felt a bit loose in the X68 frame.

For the X69 seatpost hardware weight:
   •   Carbon cradle: 12g
   •   Saddle yokes/clamps x2 No: 10g
   •   Two M5 Ti bolts (30 and 35mm): approx 4g
   •   Original barrel nut: 1g
Total: 27g

So overall, the seatpost weighs about 131.9g. I’m thinking of cutting the post down to 350mm and re-drilling the Di2 battery holes as well.

One more thing—the original rear bolt is M4 size for the seatpost clamp hole at the rear but an M5 bolt will thread through the back hole in the seatpost without issue.

Excellent. Are you using m5 nut on the rear yoke or were you able to source one with threads?
J&L cradle? Mine fits "close" but not perfectly, haven't used it yet. But that's an easy 40g, and the expander another easy savings.
I think an oem specialized top cap would solve the "fits high" issue.

[glepore]

Let’s add a bit of context to the ongoing debate around the X68 frame weights and forks. The frame and fork weights fall more in line with the Tarmac SL8 Pro frame range — with the size 56cm version claimed at 780 grams.

Looking back at the  video from Patrick on YouTube when he first received the Pro Frame, his painted 56cm frame came in at 827g, the uncut fork at 397g, and the seatpost at 169g.

I would say this Pro frame likely uses a lower proportion of T1000 carbon compared to the S-Works version. That’s probably also the case with Tan Tan X68 frames, as using less T1000 helps keep production costs down and reduces the likelihood of durability issues. T1000 is known for being more fragile, despite its higher strength-to-weight potential.

This may also explain how some of the rebranded or counterfeit frames manage to achieve their impressively low weights — possibly by using more T1000 carbon, which could compromise reliability.

This may have been discussed earlier in  the thread but what are peoples thoughts

Hard to say. T1000 is enough of a cost difference to be unlikely. Guess its possible but there's no way I'd ride an unknown copy bike lighter than an sworks given that sworks frames have a reputation for being fragile enough. Could just be less filler etc in the finish, and skimping on some reinforcement here and there.

[Sander2177]

Excellent. Are you using m5 nut on the rear yoke or were you able to source one with threads?
J&L cradle? Mine fits "close" but not perfectly, haven't used it yet. But that's an easy 40g, and the expander another easy savings.
I think an oem specialized top cap would solve the "fits high" issue.

Hey Glepore,
Yes, I’ll be using an M5. I managed to thread the supplied bolt through the rear hole, but I’ll probably just file a little off both sides so I don’t have to basically force-screw it through.

I ordered an Elita One cradle (claimed 12g) for £9.69,

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005006666237770.html?spm=a2g0o.order_list.order_list_main.5.428118029lhl7P

Two titanium M5 bolts — one 30mm and the other 35mm — for £3.41

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005006118920483.html?spm=a2g0o.order_list.order_list_main.11.428118029lhl7P

And a pair of Zrace aluminium yokes (10g) for £7.83.

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005007653744576.html?spm=a2g0o.order_list.order_list_main.16.428118029lhl7P

I measured everything, and the cradle should fit. I’ll make sure to use anti-seize on the yokes and bolts as well.

I have the lightweight HOPP top cap — the fit looks okay. The Tan Tan top cap (as shown in the picture on the other pages) is ever so slightly larger than the OEM SL8 one. I did notice in some of the build photos from other people’s bikes that the fit wasn’t great — the top cap looked almost like an afterthought.

[Sander2177]

Hard to say. T1000 is enough of a cost difference to be unlikely. Guess its possible but there's no way I'd ride an unknown copy bike lighter than an sworks given that sworks frames have a reputation for being fragile enough. Could just be less filler etc in the finish, and skimping on some reinforcement here and there.

I would say it was done for durability myself then. The S-Works top and down tube is paper thing even when you tap them.  Seen picture online and the bikes always appears to snap in these areas in a crash which is likely for most of the superlight weight frames these day

[Bonus79]

Photos

Is the expander identical for both models (X68 and SL8)?
Thanks

[Sander2177]

Is the expander identical for both models (X68 and SL8)?
Thanks

Read page 67
I have posted many photos
But no it look quite similar but it’s heavier

[Bonus79]

Read page 67
I have posted many photos
But no it look quite similar but it’s heavier

Seen thanks, but apart from the weight they seem identical in structure/construction.

[glepore]

Sander, have you removed an installed sl8 expander? Have seen the "pry with a bolt" trick on youtube, wondering if that's the only way to get it out.

[Sander2177]

Sander, have you removed an installed sl8 expander? Have seen the "pry with a bolt" trick on youtube, wondering if that's the only way to get it out.

Gelpore
No I have not as I don’t use the supplied expanders.
I use the lightweight types.
My mechanic unscrews it as far as you can and then you need to hit the bolt to dislodge the wedge but I am aware it is a

[Sander2177]

Seen thanks, but apart from the weight they seem identical in structure/construction.

Yes that is correct pretty much the same. Obviously the black part has to be cut to size and the edges files down one the steerer tube is cut son it fits and does not touch the internal brake cable

[Sander2177]

The build has started!

[Skididi]

Hello Guys
After Reading this thread I'm tempted to buy an sl8 copy.
Does anyone know if the sl8 copy sold by yohobike is the same as the tartan/seraph and if the yohobike site is legit?
Best regards