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Re: Seraph Bikes Superlight 836g X68 - Alternative to SL8 Fakes?
I feel like this isn't getting enough attention. I feel as if I've beaten this discussion to death in my head. To the point it comes across like some sort of moral soapbox. Basically I've summarized my thought process across a few recent videos, particularly in my latest Tavelo Arow video. One thing I would like to mention is I've realized how important brand cache is around here where I live. And the perceived trust/quality associated with big brands. We can argue all day on the internet as to why OEM wheels/frames present a fantastic value. But you should see the look on the faces of local riders when I recommend any other Chinese brand except Winspace, FarSports, and No.6 Let's be honest too: If I'm a pro team who is approached by Tavelo / No.6 Wheels / Yoeleo / Winspace with an offer I can't refuse...it's an easy decision. Brand awareness cost money. Yet I would not be surprised if OEM brands started artificially inflating their prices if more and more consumers jumped on the bandwagon. Yishun/LC immediately did this when I uploaded my review of the R086-D frame. Double edged sword. May 13, 2025, 11:12:29 AM |
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Re: Seraph Bikes Superlight 836g X68 - Alternative to SL8 Fakes?
Ok the bloody thing has finally arrived! A few photos sorry there not more organised but did not have much time this evening. Comments it looks exactly the same. Head tube is not taller before anyone asks its the way I’m holding the phone. Roval bar I need to look at it’s not 100% no groove for head cap to sit onto for a nice flat transition and no textured surface on top. The tops look wider where the stem meets but have to get the calipers on it. Waiting for some new scales But frame was 798g no hardware Forks uncut 399g But will check with better quality scales when they arrive First impression well I could have saved £5000k!! May 14, 2025, 12:55:54 PM |
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Re: Seraph Bikes Superlight 836g X68 - Alternative to SL8 Fakes?
The fate of my X68 dealings lies solely on you now haha  great not pressure then!Ok well let’s start with the bars I’ll double-check when I get the new scales but weight is around 229g on the Micky Mouse scales Size is 380mm wide, 110mm stem my genuine are 400x110mm The Rovals are grey with a light finish — you can see some carbon some UD carbon through the surface. The X68 bars are finished in black. I used to be in the building trade and have a keen eye for small details and to me, they just don’t have the same sharpness in finish but obviously they came with the frame so it’s expected as they are not £575gbp! The top cap area has a slight dip in the middle as seen in one photo I may attempt to flatten this out if really necessary. And the bar edges aren’t perfectly straight you can make it out if you have a good look but if you are glancing at the bars you would never notice it’s barely notable The cable entry and exit hole is well ok the piss! With the QC sticker on it lol but good thing it’s underneath. And the top cap areas has not been machined to allow a more seamless fit with the top cap as with the original. My original bars I purchased on release and have the textured surface and the X68 do not but glepore pointed out that the current bars do not have this which is correct. The profiles are subtly different too but this is only noticeable side buy side When you look down on the top of the bars. Also, the X68 profile feels marginally thicker — there is not a lot in it on the verniers maybe 1mm but again unless you have the real McCoy next to them you would never know. The Roval front profile appears slimmer and I would say is blade like where as the X68 appears slightly more rounded. I flipped the bars upside down and gave them a squeeze and they feel stiff but I will obviously test this better when I get to ride them. And the spacers are not a tight fit at the base of the stem there is the collar part from the steers tube to the underside of the stem where the stem is obviously not the same depth and there are gaps either side. I have ordered a genius kit to see if it’s a tighter fit. May 14, 2025, 06:43:53 PM |
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Re: Seraph Bikes Superlight 836g X68 - Alternative to SL8 Fakes?
Initial Impressions – Frame Side by Side Side-by-side, the frame looks identical to the genuine article. Finish is generally okay, though I did notice a few minor ripples in the surface. BB and thru-axle threads had a bit of overspray — nothing major or that would cause issues. Seatpost slid in without any problems. One small hiccup: when I reinserted the rear thru-axle, the washer was stuck on the frame. For a moment, I thought it was bonded in. Looks like they fitted it shortly after painting, so it had stuck slightly. A quick flick with a knife sorted it. The gloss UD finish looks great in my opinion, and I think it’ll look even better once it’s built up. Like others, I checked inside the head tube, BB shell, and seat tube. Everything looks tidy — obviously that doesn’t guarantee anything structurally, but it’s clean and well-finished inside. Fork came in at 399g uncut, and the frame is 788g (no hardware). I’ve got some Kern scales arriving soon, so I’ll post a more accurate weight when I get them. For reference, my genuine frame weighs 701g. May 14, 2025, 07:06:25 PM |
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Re: Seraph Bikes Superlight 836g X68 - Alternative to SL8 Fakes?
More photos. Let me know if you want any more Photos. Have everything to build it up so will start next week as I am busy. But will post build photos. BB has not been faced like the real SL8 it has been sprayed up to the edge of the BB shell. The genuine one is machined and you can see the surface carbon around the BB Brake mounts look ok so far. I will try and fit the BB as is and hopefully it’s ok. May 14, 2025, 07:15:04 PM |
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