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

[slapdriba]

Story of my X68 with a 105 Di2 groupset and Elite 55 mm wheels.

When the bike arrived, the only issue was a sliding seatpost, but a rubber glove piece fixed it perfectly.

There were no other problems until I fell while trying to turn around (narrow spot, walking speed). Since then, a small noise has appeared in the bottom bracket area when pedaling. The faster I ride, the quieter it gets, but the noise is loudest when climbing or start ride. It seems to come from both sides of the cranks, and it’s still present when riding out of the saddle, so it’s probably not related to the seatpost. The noise has gradually increased over time and is now really annoying.

What we’ve already done: replaced the bottom bracket, changed the pedals, and greased all relevant parts (BB, pedals, chainrings). The noise remains exactly the same and still seems to come from the BB area. I don’t see any cracks in the frame.

What else could be causing this noise? Could it be a crack inside the frame? It’s my first carbon bike, very beautiful, but the noise is driving me crazy...
Mileage: 3000 km only.

[Dan S.]

What else could be causing this noise? ...

Check if the BB sleeve isn’t loose.

[slapdriba]

no, it's not moving at all, stable.

[Tpower59]

no, it's not moving at all, stable.

 Check rear wheel, derailleur hanger and bolt etc

[Chibi]

Story of my X68 with a 105 Di2 groupset and Elite 55 mm wheels.

When the bike arrived, the only issue was a sliding seatpost, but a rubber glove piece fixed it perfectly.

There were no other problems until I fell while trying to turn around (narrow spot, walking speed). Since then, a small noise has appeared in the bottom bracket area when pedaling. The faster I ride, the quieter it gets, but the noise is loudest when climbing or start ride. It seems to come from both sides of the cranks, and it’s still present when riding out of the saddle, so it’s probably not related to the seatpost. The noise has gradually increased over time and is now really annoying.

What we’ve already done: replaced the bottom bracket, changed the pedals, and greased all relevant parts (BB, pedals, chainrings). The noise remains exactly the same and still seems to come from the BB area. I don’t see any cracks in the frame.

What else could be causing this noise? Could it be a crack inside the frame? It’s my first carbon bike, very beautiful, but the noise is driving me crazy...
Mileage: 3000 km only.

What type of BB and crankset are you running, usually BB noise come from loose BB or crankset. Make sure they are both tight. Check with the specification but they need should tight between 35-50 nm.

[slapdriba]

Can’t believe it, it was actually the rear thru‑axle and hanger bolt. There was a bit of dirt inside, cleaned it, tightened bolts, and the creaky noise disappeared. Thanks, guys!

[Woodcn]

Hey All,

Update on my super old reply number 824 in this thread (May 4, 2025 on page 55).  Bike has been great up until last week.  Nearly 6000 miles over 14 months or so.  Bottom bracket sleeve on drive side has come loose and is rocking in the frame.  Still waiting on reply from TanTan customer service to see what they'll do, but if they offer a $150 replacement as they have for others I will probably decline.  Bike has been fine and not sure for the price this isn't to be expected, but personally hate the feeling of waiting for something to go wrong and will probably go with a brand with better reputation in the future unless they go above previous support they have offered others.  Thought those still considering a purchase would like the information!

[Serge_K]

A carbon frame should last well north of 50,000km. If it fails after what many ride in less than one season, it's not fit for purpose.
Someone else had that problem recently, I suggested super glue. They probably use the worst imaginable epoxy to bond the sleeve in an effort to save 3 cents per frame. I would feel great thinking that the people who built my frame tried to shave every cent they could, off a design they stole.

[fhill]

A carbon frame should last well north of 50,000km. If it fails after what many ride in less than one season, it's not fit for purpose.
Someone else had that problem recently, I suggested super glue. They probably use the worst imaginable epoxy to bond the sleeve in an effort to save 3 cents per frame. I would feel great thinking that the people who built my frame tried to shave every cent they could, off a design they stole.

Yeah I also think that don't use an epoxy that fits this purpose.

I'll try it with HP-E60K epoxy to fix the loose sleeve..

[Sakizashi]

Yeah I also think that don't use an epoxy that fits this purpose.

I'll try it with HP-E60K epoxy to fix the loose sleeve..

Might not be worth the cost since it's hard to get in small quantities and ends up being expensive, but I think the right stuff is Hysol 9359. You also might find it labeled as the Loctite brand. This is designed for aluminum + carbon. I *think* E60K should be better than any hardware store epoxy, but without knowing the gaps between the bonding surfaces my big reservation is the lack of glass beads and it being too thin to fill said gaps. But it's like 1/6th the cost of the Hysol product, so i get it for a frame like this one.

Edit: Not endorsing this repair in terms of long-term efficacy or safety, just stating how I would personally do it if it were my bike and I wanted to fix it.

[fhill]

Might not be worth the cost since it's hard to get in small quantities and ends up being expensive, but I think the right stuff is Hysol 9359. You also might find it labeled as the Loctite brand. This is designed for aluminum + carbon. I *think* E60K should be better than any hardware store epoxy, but without knowing the gaps between the bonding surfaces my big reservation is the lack of glass beads and it being too thin to fill said gaps. But it's like 1/6th the cost of the Hysol product, so i get it for a frame like this one.

Edit: Not endorsing this repair in terms of long-term efficacy or safety, just stating how I would personally do it if it were my bike and I wanted to fix it.

I know this might not be the solution that holds forever, but I think giving it a shot for 20€ instead of professional repair for 280€ might be worth the try. I also fear E60K might be to thin, but on the other hand, I need something that creeps into the gap, where I think UHU 2K Epoxy, which you get in the hardware store might be to thick. And for superglue (cynacrylate) I'm not sure about its longevity.

[Woodcn]

A carbon frame should last well north of 50,000km. If it fails after what many ride in less than one season, it's not fit for purpose.
Someone else had that problem recently, I suggested super glue. They probably use the worst imaginable epoxy to bond the sleeve in an effort to save 3 cents per frame. I would feel great thinking that the people who built my frame tried to shave every cent they could, off a design they stole.

Oh I agree with you a 100%.  By "should be expected" I meant more I probably should have spent a bit more on a brand with a better reputation and actually designing their own frames. 

As far as epoxy or self repair I definitely wouldn't trust myself to get the sleeves aligned properly so the bearings would seat parallel, much less do it in a way that would hold up long term.  And I would always worry about something else breaking anyway.  Would hate to think what would happen if it was the threads for one of the thru axles that came loose instead. 

No reply from Tan Tan as of yet so think I'll be a one and done customer of theirs at this point.

[Freddy__HH]

Did anyone replace the bolts and axles on their X68?

as some of my bolt start to rust (especially fork clamp) I was thinking about replacing at least some. Can I use the genuine bolts?

[Stoni]

Hi,
have anyone also some issue with squeaking noise when braking at the front wheel? I’ve already swapped different rotors and pads. I’m worried the caliper mount isn’t 100% aligned or that something is being transmitted through the fork.

Best regards

[Bugo]

Yes, I have same issue all the time.
No cleaning / replacing pads helps.
I think (my amateur oppinion is) that there is a vibration going on.