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

[rosteven]

I have already ask that question the X72 
Maybe my X68 goes up in value as well 
Be interesting to see if it doe pop up for sale rebranded, but cannot see it myself I think with the SL9 due for release next week people will stop buying it but they did have a new UDH version couple of weeks ago as well.

The question that I would be interested in seeing answered is with the Tarmac SL9 releasing soon, will Specialized start coming after clones that are basically one for one copies - if they do it might be a good idea to hold on to your TT-X68.

[glepore]

My x68 isn't going anywhere. If I had a gen sl8 there'd be no reason to upspend for the 9. The only real improvement is the seatpost.

[fhill]

Anyone else having the problem that the spacers are rubbing the frame?

I'm having two X68 with one having that problem whilst the other doesn't.
Only difference I know is the c ring being different, with the one being supplied by TanTan being installed on the frame with the rubbing.

[Sander2177]

Anyone else having the problem that the spacers are rubbing the frame?

I'm having two X68 with one having that problem whilst the other doesn't.
Only difference I know is the c ring being different, with the one being supplied by TanTan being installed on the frame with the rubbing.

Yes had to sand it down. Trap some sand paper between frame and underside of spacers and turn bars left and right!

[Sander2177]

The question that I would be interested in seeing answered is with the Tarmac SL9 releasing soon, will Specialized start coming after clones that are basically one for one copies - if they do it might be a good idea to hold on to your TT-X68.

SL9 Release is 30.6.
Sellers are already offering counterfeit SL9s for sale.

[rosteven]

SL9 Release is 30.6.
Sellers are already offering counterfeit SL9s for sale.

Yep, I have been seeing that also.  I wonder how close they will be to the real thing, IMHO that is what made the TT-X68 such a pretty good buy (how close it was to a real Tarmac SL8).

[Tpower59]

Can someone tell me correct length for rear SRAM caliper through the frame bolts please ?
For 160mm adapter

[momento]

Yep, I have been seeing that also.  I wonder how close they will be to the real thing, IMHO that is what made the TT-X68 such a pretty good buy (how close it was to a real Tarmac SL8).

The quality and functionality of a frame is not so much its shape as the materials used and the workmanship, and there's a difference of day and night between the SL8 and the X68. If many consider (as I've read in this forum) these two frames remotely comparable, it's only because they use the bike for amateur purposes (like me).

[rosteven]

The quality and functionality of a frame is not so much its shape as the materials used and the workmanship, and there's a difference of day and night between the SL8 and the X68. If many consider (as I've read in this forum) these two frames remotely comparable, it's only because they use the bike for amateur purposes (like me).

So it sounds like you are confirming what many in this forum have already determined, that for their use cases the X68 and SL8 are similar enough in ride feel and handling characteristics to negate the actual material and workmanship differences between the two frames (and at a fraction of the cost).  Bravo to you my friend...   

[Bugo]

The quality and functionality of a frame is not so much its shape as the materials used and the workmanship, and there's a difference of day and night between the SL8 and the X68. If many consider (as I've read in this forum) these two frames remotely comparable, it's only because they use the bike for amateur purposes (like me).

Sorry, but I also need to comment this post...
We will all NEVER know what exact performance you can get out of SL8 and X68. It can simply be due to personal oppinion / feeling (which is not relevant) OR because we do not know X68 numbers OR we are simply shit riders that can't even use full potential of bikes.

I would also like to hear your arguments comparing X68 to SL8 as day and night. In what ? how do you back this comparisson up with some non-personal facts?
If we blindfold you, and put you on X68 with S-works stickers...are you sure you would reckognize which bike is it? =)

So, there are many of us that can absolutelly agree that X68 frame (700 USD) and SL8 (4-5K€) is more than comparable with ride feel.

[taurusstier]

Unfortunately, after a year, I can no longer recommend this frame and must warn against buying it. It started with a scratched top tube due to poor workmanship (a now well-known problem). Today, I couldn't tighten my rear wheel with a torque wrench because the threads are so worn (very poor material quality). I always screwed the thru-axle in by hand and then tightened it completely with a torque wrench. So it wasn't an assembly error. The frame is now scrap and I have to throw it away. It was a very expensive mistake for just one year of use. I contacted Vivian at TanTan and am still waiting for a reply. However, I'm not very optimistic.

[alfiomotrambo]

Damn, I’m really sorry to hear that. I hope TanTan can fix the issue, otherwise, you could try re-tapping the thread with a tool like this https://it.aliexpress.com/item/1005009892085522.html

Good luck

[rosteven]

Unfortunately, after a year, I can no longer recommend this frame and must warn against buying it. It started with a scratched top tube due to poor workmanship (a now well-known problem). Today, I couldn't tighten my rear wheel with a torque wrench because the threads are so worn (very poor material quality). I always screwed the thru-axle in by hand and then tightened it completely with a torque wrench. So it wasn't an assembly error. The frame is now scrap and I have to throw it away. It was a very expensive mistake for just one year of use. I contacted Vivian at TanTan and am still waiting for a reply. However, I'm not very optimistic.

Question, have you been using the supplied thru axle or an after market one?  Also, I don't think that you have to worry about "No longer recommending the Seraph/TT-X68" as from what I understand they are no longer selling that frameset.  Folks inquiring about buying one have been told that they (TanTan) have sold the molds, have no more framesets in stock, and are only selling the remaining stock of complete X68 bikes.

[FLXer88]

Question, have you been using the supplied thru axle or an after market one?  Also, I don't think that you have to worry about "No longer recommending the Seraph/TT-X68" as from what I understand they are no longer selling that frameset.  Folks inquiring about buying one have been told that they (TanTan) have sold the molds, have no more framesets in stock, and are only selling the remaining stock of complete X68 bikes.

I was told yesterday that they have 44, 52, 56 and 58cm frames left in stock and are selling them offline.

[rosteven]

I was told yesterday that they have 44, 52, 56 and 58cm frames left in stock and are selling them offline.

Sounds like different people get different responses from them, but great if they still have some in stock for those still looking to snag one. Wonder how their limited inventory will affect future warranty claims.