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

[fhill]

Lol - I certainly did not mean to imply that you installed "your" BB incorrectly. Just that IMHO when you have one or two isolated issues with a whole product line it normally points towards a lemon (worker had a bad day, bad part, bad QC, etc.), poor maintenance, or improper usage/incorrect installation. In your case I would lean towards you got the lemons.

BTW - I just got my TT-X68 (complete bike with Ultegra build) a little over two weeks ago, now watch karma turn around bite me in the butt and a couple months from now you see me posting about my loose BB sleeve and how TanTan/Seraph is jerking me around - lol...

Fingers crossed your BB sleeve won't move.

[mesosbrodleto]

i repeat what i've already wrote in another post, just to be sure that newcomers will save their money: do not buy tantan or seraph, unless the frame costs less than 200$ (in that case, it could be worth to flip the coin and try one of their frames)

[rosteven]

i repeat what i've already wrote in another post, just to be sure that newcomers will save their money: do not buy tantan or seraph, unless the frame costs less than 200$ (in that case, it could be worth to flip the coin and try one of their frames)

Also for any Newcomers, it is important to remember that this is "His Opinion" and that there mostly positive opinons of TanTan/Seraph frames on this forum.  It should go without saying that you (the perspective buyer) should do your own research before buying any product.

[mesosbrodleto]

Also for any Newcomers, it is important to remember that this is "His Opinion" and that there mostly positive opinons of TanTan/Seraph frames on this forum.  It should go without saying that you (the perspective buyer) should do your own research before buying any product.

I am riding a tantan frame since 2019. It's still there, I've done races and granfondo with it. Nevertheless, I had to fix plenty of minor issues, with no customer care because, if something goes wrong, tantan simply block you like a disappointed teenager. The forum is full of this kind of experiences.

[rosteven]

I am riding a tantan frame since 2019. It's still there, I've done races and granfondo with it. Nevertheless, I had to fix plenty of minor issues, with no customer care because, if something goes wrong, tantan simply block you like a disappointed teenager. The forum is full of this kind of experiences.

"The forum is full of this kind of experiences."  Most folks don't post on forums (reddit, chinertown, etc.) unless they feel the need to complain about an issue, I'm not saying that those issues are not actual problems just they are normally coming from a minority of users.

But no matter what, all of our experiences together with TanTan/Seraph is exactly why I highly recommend that potential buyers do their own research and use some common sense. If I go on reddit and look on the forums for Garmin or Apple watches, I'm going to maybe hundreds of varies types of complaints. To put those hundreds of complaints into perspective, care to guess how watches Garmin/Apple sold just in 2025 - Apple sold an estimated 33 million and Garmin over 20 million watches in 2025.

[Serge_K]

But no matter what, all of our experiences together with TanTan/Seraph is exactly why I highly recommend that potential buyers do their own research and use some common sense. If I go on reddit and look on the forums for Garmin or Apple watches, I'm going to maybe hundreds of varies types of complaints. To put those hundreds of complaints into perspective, care to guess how watches Garmin/Apple sold just in 2025 - Apple sold an estimated 33 million and Garmin over 20 million watches in 2025.

That's borderline gaslighting to compare Apple and tantan. The issue rate on tantan frames is legendary, and so is their propensity to ghost people. Apple is the opposite.
While Tantan does volume that is probably higher than most other providers talked about on this forum, although I wouldn't be able to quantify that, I'm pretty sure they sell more lemons out of 100 frames than anybody except airwolf.
Realistically, people will buy from tantan no matter what because a lot of people just love sworks and factor, but they simply are not a trustworthy or reliable supplier.

Edit: I've been on this forum since 2023. rosteven's 1st message is from this summer. Experience is a thing. Also, assuming that spending 700$ on a frame should only get you hot garbage implies a lacking understanding of this industry.

[Bugo]

Oh guys, come on...
at the end, we are talking about frame that costs 700usd.
If anybody is so sceptical at any stage buying Tan Tan bike (or any brand in this price range), and can't deal with risk of having some minor issues, than just go buy original SL8 for 5000usd and you will sleep easily. Maybe your wife won't =)

I have 2 X68's at home. Both with truly excellent performance. I know 3 friends also having same bike, no issues
But even if I would, in worst case scenario, replace frame and/or deal with 700 USD loss. Whatever... It's definitely worth trying.

p.s. Owning original S-works SL5 and having huge issues with BB in the past, also is not something you solve easily with well known brand...FYI

[rosteven]

That's borderline gaslighting to compare Apple and tantan. The issue rate on tantan frames is legendary, and so is their propensity to ghost people. Apple is the opposite.
While Tantan does volume that is probably higher than most other providers talked about on this forum, although I wouldn't be able to quantify that, I'm pretty sure they sell more lemons out of 100 frames than anybody except airwolf.
Realistically, people will buy from tantan no matter what because a lot of people just love sworks and factor, but they simply are not a trustworthy or reliable supplier.

Actually you are not "pretty sure they sell more lemons out of 100 frames than anybody except airwolf", you are making an opinionated guess. My point of using Garmin/Apple is to illustrate that we have numbers that we can point to (items sold vs complaints on social media).  Since you seem to be pretty sure of the TanTan/Seraph items sold vs lemons, would you be so kind as to share those numbers with the viewing public?  Just joking because I know that neither you, I, or anyone else on this forum has those numbers, we are all just voicing our opinions - and you know what they about opinions - right.

Bugo (below) said it best, it's a "$700 frameset" so if you can't stand the heat get out of the fire - lol. I purchased my X68 as an experiment and if it blows up after a year (or less) of use, I will feel that I got my monies worth...

[Sander2177]

Actually you are not "pretty sure they sell more lemons out of 100 frames than anybody except airwolf", you are making an opinionated guess. My point of using Garmin/Apple is to illustrate that we have numbers that we can point to (items sold vs complaints on social media).  Since you seem to be pretty sure of the TanTan/Seraph items sold vs lemons, would you be so kind as to share those numbers with the viewing public?  Just joking because I know that neither you, I, or anyone else on this forum has those numbers, we are all just voicing our opinions - and you know what they about opinions - right.

Bugo (below) said it best, it's a "$700 frameset" so if you can't stand the heat get out of the fire - lol. I purchased my X68 as an experiment and if it blows up after a year (or less) of use, I will feel that I got my monies worth...

I appreciate everyone has their own opinion, and I'll be the first to admit TanTan have earned themselves a bit of a sketchy reputation . However, I do think once you get to a certain price point, you have to accept that risk increases while expectations around quality and support need to remain realistic.

We all know the big brands are building a lot more into the price of a frameset. You're not just paying for carbon and manufacturing. You're paying for warranty support, dealer networks, marketing, sponsorships, after-sales service and all the overheads that come with a major brand. Expecting exactly the same level of support from a direct-to-consumer OEM factory selling frames at a fraction of the cost In my opinion is  unrealistic.
Personally, with my X68 i was prepared to lose out on that frame, it was $795usd with a handlebar and shipping which for me is about £590 which is just crazy cheap!. If something went wrong and it could be resolved, great. If not, I'd chalk it up to experience, maybe not buy from them again, and move on. That's the risk I accepted when I bought it.
Yes, there have been reports of issues with the X68 and TanTan in general. But let's be realistic here, every brand has failures. The difference is often whether you hear about them or not. The only difference is that those cases don't always end up discussed on forums.

At the end of the day, everyone has to decide what level of risk they're comfortable with. For some people a $5-600usd frameset is worth the gamble, for others it isn't. Neither side is wrong.

[rosteven]

I appreciate everyone has their own opinion, and I'll be the first to admit TanTan have earned themselves a bit of a sketchy reputation . However, I do think once you get to a certain price point, you have to accept that risk increases while expectations around quality and support need to remain realistic.

We all know the big brands are building a lot more into the price of a frameset. You're not just paying for carbon and manufacturing. You're paying for warranty support, dealer networks, marketing, sponsorships, after-sales service and all the overheads that come with a major brand. Expecting exactly the same level of support from a direct-to-consumer OEM factory selling frames at a fraction of the cost In my opinion is  unrealistic.
Personally, with my X68 i was prepared to lose out on that frame, it was $795usd with a handlebar and shipping which for me is about £590 which is just crazy cheap!. If something went wrong and it could be resolved, great. If not, I'd chalk it up to experience, maybe not buy from them again, and move on. That's the risk I accepted when I bought it.
Yes, there have been reports of issues with the X68 and TanTan in general. But let's be realistic here, every brand has failures. The difference is often whether you hear about them or not. The only difference is that those cases don't always end up discussed on forums.

At the end of the day, everyone has to decide what level of risk they're comfortable with. For some people a $5-600usd frameset is worth the gamble, for others it isn't. Neither side is wrong.

Well said Sander2177, I think that we have all beat this dead horse enough.

[Ger]

I have a creaking sound when pushing > 250W in the bottom bracket area
More a squeezing noise
Already changed BB with brand new Ultegra one : still there
Greased everything on my Magene P515 crankset
Still there
Happens up or down on the saddle
Pedals greased
I am getting mad

Just to check: What pedals and cleats are you using? I know it sounds stupid, but Look Keo are famous for that squeezing noise if not waxed. Also, not a slight rubbing from the FD cage due to flex?

[Tpower59]

Just to check: What pedals and cleats are you using? I know it sounds stupid, but Look Keo are famous for that squeezing noise if not waxed. Also, not a slight rubbing from the FD cage due to flex?

Well you might be right I will try with other pedals - I will keep you updated since I already greased and torqued everything I could on the crankset + the BB replacement changed nothing

[Chibi]

Hey everyone, first time post here.
I have built a X68 frame in August 2025, and I have been riding it since then. To help on anyone looking to buy the current version and next version of the X68. I thought it would be good to share my experience with it. It also help me document my own work for the next build. (Excuse my english, it is not my first language).

To give you a bit of context: this is my 5th frame build. I previously built four other bikes (Elves twice, and an older/shady Eisenbike twice where I had to deal with aero stay / bb issues).

I’ve been riding the X68 mostly in good weather for about 5,000 km, mainly doing heavy climbing/descending in the mountains, I live in the French Alps, a classic weekend ride average 1800-2000m of elevation. (Important note for you to understand my POV)

Here is the full breakdown from ordering to riding.

1. Pre-Purchase, Communication & Custom Paint

Buying process: Contacted Seraph directly via email with Rose. Super responsive.
Custom Painting: Worked with Summer Support on a custom design and logo. Feedback was swift (1-day turnaround for mockups).
Payment: Paid directly via standard PayPal, smooth transaction.
Lead time: Around 3 months total (standard timeframe when requesting custom paint).
Shipping & Unpacking: 10 to 15 days for delivery once shipped. Well packed, no damage on the frame or fork.

2. Build & Mechanical Assembly

Overall, the build process was very clean and straightforward.
Internal Routing & Finishing: I was pleasantly surprised. The inside of the tubes was remarkably clean, almost looked like it had been sanded down internally—very rare at this price point. Routing through the frame, fork, and handlebar went without a hitch.

Hardware & Tolerances:

All missing/damaged parts? None. Everything was supplied.

Classic issue: Brake caliper mounting bolts were a bit too small for the back caliper. And bolts are not rust proof, I suggested to change them from day 0 when mounting the bike. I like to keep my bike clean and even with the blower, some rust started to appear on some few bolts. I replaced them with some titanium bolts.

🔧 Two Critical Tweaks to Watch Out For:
Front Brake Mount Alignment: Due to the custom paint layer, the front brake caliper mount on the fork wasn’t completely flat. I had to use a facing tool (80e from aliexpress) to sand/level the two holes properly. Front alignment was off because of it. (Rear mount was perfectly fine).

Top Cap / Compression Plug: The stock cockpit compression plug cap is a replica of the Specialized Tarmac SL8 cap, but made of cheap/soft material. It bends easily even when torqued well below 10 Nm. Fix: Replaced it with a genuine Specialized top cap (got it for 5e from my local bike shop). Much stiffer, provides proper compression, and keeps the headset play-free.

3. Ride Quality & Performance

The Good:
Paintjob: Insane paintjob, I was surprise by the colors. For the extra US$150, completely worth it. (My motto: If I can't be fast on the bike, I can be at least beautiful 🤣)
Value for money: Exact paid price on August 2025 US$589.00 for the frame kit, it rides surprisingly well. (PS: Got some Tagoola AR Super light wheels, it does add comfort in the ride)
Reliability: No issues with the BB, seatpost slipping, rear brake, or handlebars after 5,000 km.
Flat / Moderate Terrain: On flats and gradients under 8–9%, the bike feels great, responsive enough, and very comfortable.

The Compromises (Rigidity & Mountain Descents):
As expected for a lightweight frame at this price tier, lateral and longitudinal stiffness are limited—particularly in the fork.
Sprinting / Out-of-the-saddle climbing: Under heavy power (putting watts down standing up already around mini 700-800w), there is noticeable flex in the front fork, causing slight disc rotor rub.

High-Speed Mountain Descents: This is the main drawback if you ride in the mountains:

Speeds up to 60–70 km/h on moderate slopes are completely fine.

However, on steep descents with hard braking at high cruising speeds, the front fork lacks longitudinal stiffness and exhibits fore-aft micro-chatter / vibration.

Note: This is a recurring trait, I encountered on light/budget frames (had the exact same issue on my former Eisenbike builds). If you mostly ride flat/rolling terrain, you will likely never experience this.

Summary Verdict
Pros: Great customer service (with Rose), clean internal finishing, custom paint process is top-notch for a cheap frame, of course pretty cheap.

Cons: Soft stock top cap (swap it immediately), replace all bolts provided, front brake facing required if custom paint, front fork lacks stiffness for aggressive mountain descending.

Hope it helps ! Don't forget to Do Your Own Research
Here are some shots of the bike.

[Ger]

Well you might be right I will try with other pedals - I will keep you updated since I already greased and torqued everything I could on the crankset + the BB replacement changed nothing

No need to try new pedals for checking this. Just rubbing some candle wax on pedal mechanism at the back, plate and cleats contact points should confirm if the noise comes from the keo cleats

[Tpower59]

Tried my friend pedals still the same
Every part of the BB/crankset have been checked and regreased
Must be the rear derailleur hanger or something with the back wheel