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

[thedoors55]

Just to add for anyone looking to place an order now.

I just paid and estimate shared by Rose are as follow:

Frame paint time: 1 month
Shipping time is about 25-35 days

[Sander2177]

Aside from buying the frame, I need group set and wheels. Do I need to purchase anything else to complete the build?

Hydraulic Hoses
Saddle
Brake discs
Bar tape
Bottom bracket 
Tyres
Tubes
Bottle Cages
Pedals/spds
Chain if not supplied with groupset

Tools for install potentially depending on what tools you have
brake bleed kit and relevant oil for brake
Brake Pads if not supplied with groupset Tools

[Sander2177]

Just to add for anyone looking to place an order now.

I just paid and estimate shared by Rose are as follow:

Frame paint time: 1 month
Shipping time is about 25-35 days

I was quoted 20-25 working days for frame manufacture took 23 days.
10-18 days shipping to UK, that’s a long shipping time  it’s been 8 days so far.

[thedoors55]

I was quoted 20-25 working days for frame manufacture took 23 days.
10-18 days shipping to UK, that’s a long shipping time  it’s been 8 days so far.

I'm not familiar with manufacturing processes, but a month for a paint job kinda solidify the rumors that this frame isn't made in-house.

[Sander2177]

I'm not familiar with manufacturing processes, but a month for a paint job kinda solidify the rumors that this frame isn't made in-house.

Does it, though? It could just come down to capacity. How many people do they actually have working on paint, and how many frames are in the queue? TanTan produce their own frames and also handle OEM work for other brands — so it’s entirely possible that a month-long wait is just due to volume, not outsourcing.
As always we are all just guessing!

[tiz92]

A bit more of ride reviews. I rode about 200 km with the frame now. It feels really excellent and as I said I still have a Tarmac SL7 and they feel the same. I would even say the Seraph feels more planted on the road and is a bit stiffer but yes still comfortable.

Aerowise I cant tell the differences between the two, the speeds are the same. Until now I dont have anything negative to say.

ah maybe the only thing is that I cant see how the frame should be compatible with 140mm front discs. It is the same system as the SL8 has so without another adapter, which is not included, I cant see how 140mm discs should fit. For me that I was using 140mm rotors on my 4 (!) wheelsets it is a bit of a hassle but in the end only 2 minutes of work.

Ah and yes the bottom spacer of the steering tube needs to be sanded down or cut in order to not make it rub on the frame. Seraph could have payed a bit more attention to that but its also no big deal. Some could even buy the geniuine SL8 spacers I think.

[fhill]

Can one of you folks doing a build put a set of calipers on the headset bearings and confirm the size.

Tantan claims their a unique size different than a real sl8 but given that every other dimension is identical, inquiring minds want to know.

So far they've said the seatpost is not the same as sl8, we now know it is. They say 140/140 on the spec sheet but its 160 only front. The derailleur hanger and seatpost wedge are identical to specialized. So I'm finding it unbelievable that the bearings are 52 52 while sl8 is 49.5.

It's your lucky day

I have measured the outer diameter of at least one bearing it's 49,5mm.

So I think it's safe to assume any headset bearing set for the SL8 will work.

Also the  SL8 seatpost from Hylix works in the TT-X68, so I think in general we shouldn't worry to much about spare parts but more about having a fake SL8

[Tom77]

Wondering if it would make sense to opt for a high quality bearing straight away.
Fiddling around with integrated headset is shitty in case of worn bearing.

[Sander2177]

Wondering if it would make sense to opt for a high quality bearing straight away.
Fiddling around with integrated headset is shitty in case of worn bearing.

Sounds good.
Apart from Ceramic Speed SLT
Have you any suggestions?
Apart from applying a shit ton of grease!

[glepore]

It's your lucky day

I have measured the outer diameter of at least one bearing it's 49,5mm.

So I think it's safe to assume any headset bearing set for the SL8 will work.

Also the  SL8 seatpost from Hylix works in the TT-X68, so I think in general we shouldn't worry to much about spare parts but more about having a fake SL8

Thanks. Confirms my suspicions. Lots of folks upthread were claiming the tantan frame wasn't from whatever source the others were, given that "it has a different headset size". Now we know it doesn't.
Mine came built so I didn't want to pull the hoses to change the bearing...just added external grease. I avoid the rain as much as possible, not an option for Sander I suppose.