Author Topic: Seraph Bikes Superlight 836g X68 - Alternative to SL8 Fakes?  (Read 8583 times)

patliean1

Seraph Bikes Superlight 836g X68 - Alternative to SL8 Fakes?
« on: October 23, 2024, 08:29:27 AM »
https://www.seraphbikes.com/Superlight-Disc-Road-Bike-Frame-TT-X68-BSA-Bottom-Bracket-Max-Tire-70028C-With-Integrated-Handlebar-p5836624.html

A far better alternative than buying a bottom bracket exploding fake SL8 in my opinion. Identical geometry of course. Maybe I should get one to compare to my actual Tarmac SL8

Seraph is the "brand" counterpart to Tantan if I'm not mistaken...

EDIT: Even the geometry chart is using a photo of a frame with an SL7 Tarmac stem and spacers  ;D


« Last Edit: October 23, 2024, 08:34:06 AM by patliean1 »



Avalius

Re: Seraph Bikes Superlight 836g X68 - Alternative to SL8 Fakes?
« Reply #1 on: October 23, 2024, 08:36:59 AM »
And who says this is not the same production? Just another distribution :s

"You can't be sad while riding a bicycle."

patliean1

Re: Seraph Bikes Superlight 836g X68 - Alternative to SL8 Fakes?
« Reply #2 on: October 23, 2024, 08:53:58 AM »
I've built two road frames up from TanTan/Seraph. Both were loosely inspired off western brands (Scott Foil and Trek Madone) but not identical in geometry. Very solid given the price. I also a TanTan/Tideace GR201 gravel frame on order.

This particular X-68 is conflicting. TanTan is a legitimate brand/factory/whatever and they make reputable products. This is this the first time I've seen them release a product to be straight up clone. Not similar in design or "inspired" like their X-34 and X-38. Actual one to one. From the saddle clamp to the Roval handlebars.

I just hope these frames aren't being supplied to the overwhelming number of fake sellers on AliX

Avalius

Re: Seraph Bikes Superlight 836g X68 - Alternative to SL8 Fakes?
« Reply #3 on: October 23, 2024, 09:29:04 AM »
On an older counterfeit frame I received documents with a reference to TFSA JH model. Was an SL7, was a good frame but I really don't know what brand to trust anymore.
Maybe they just bought those and repainted them.
"You can't be sad while riding a bicycle."

Ludo

Re: Seraph Bikes Superlight 836g X68 - Alternative to SL8 Fakes?
« Reply #4 on: October 23, 2024, 09:37:30 AM »
Don’t discard the possibility that big western brand stuck with too much inventory move their overstock through back channels rather than discount heavily under their name which would not be good for their high end and exclusive image…

neobiker

Re: Seraph Bikes Superlight 836g X68 - Alternative to SL8 Fakes?
« Reply #5 on: October 23, 2024, 10:17:04 AM »
28C only with that huge front fork? xD

neobiker

Re: Seraph Bikes Superlight 836g X68 - Alternative to SL8 Fakes?
« Reply #6 on: October 23, 2024, 10:22:01 AM »
I've built two road frames up from TanTan/Seraph. Both were loosely inspired off western brands (Scott Foil and Trek Madone) but not identical in geometry. Very solid given the price. I also a TanTan/Tideace GR201 gravel frame on order.

This particular X-68 is conflicting. TanTan is a legitimate brand/factory/whatever and they make reputable products. This is this the first time I've seen them release a product to be straight up clone. Not similar in design or "inspired" like their X-34 and X-38. Actual one to one. From the saddle clamp to the Roval handlebars.

I just hope these frames aren't being supplied to the overwhelming number of fake sellers on AliX

Is it the same feeling as when Velobuild made their 218/Dogma F frame?

Sakizashi

Re: Seraph Bikes Superlight 836g X68 - Alternative to SL8 Fakes?
« Reply #7 on: October 23, 2024, 11:19:01 AM »
This frame being offered by Tantan is an unfortunate consequence of the high demand and interest in counterfeits. A few sellers, like Airwolf, have moved from open molds to mostly selling copies of other frames. I have no idea if these are better quality than other copies, but I doubt it. Afterall, where does the money spent go? Probably not into doing actual engineering work.

Don’t discard the possibility that big western brand stuck with too much inventory move their overstock through back channels rather than discount heavily under their name which would not be good for their high end and exclusive image…

LOL at them being overstock from a Western brand. This doesn't happen unless that Western brand sells a catalog frame. It does happen for open molds or for molds where someone has bought exclusivity for several years but doesn't own the design. That is not the case for Cervelo, Specialized, Factor, and Pinarello, which are also not using these factories.

There are also visible differences between this frame and legit SL8 if you look close enough.

patliean1

Re: Seraph Bikes Superlight 836g X68 - Alternative to SL8 Fakes?
« Reply #8 on: October 23, 2024, 11:21:43 AM »
Is it the same feeling as when Velobuild made their 218/Dogma F frame?

I've also built up a VB-168 and VB-268 from Velobuild. Both are essentially SL7 clones. Each frame was solid, with the 268 being stiffer. Neither frames ride anything like the Tarmac and this quickly becomes apparent over bad pavement.

With that said, I'd say TanTan makes more robust frames than Velobuild's offerings. So on paper this new X-68 should ride more similar to the SL8 than the VB-268 does the SL7.

However, I just don't believe TanTan/Seraph are actually manufacturing these new frames. I suspect as @Ludo said TanTan might just be playing broker/agent here. The real question is where is this overstock coming from...

zett

Re: Seraph Bikes Superlight 836g X68 - Alternative to SL8 Fakes?
« Reply #9 on: October 23, 2024, 11:26:35 AM »
Yeah, that frame looks interesting, but only 28 mm clearance pretty much makes it a no go for me. But maybe this is a conservative estimate? If 30 mm would fit well, I guess it would be acceptable. Anyone got it and can report?

rasch

Re: Seraph Bikes Superlight 836g X68 - Alternative to SL8 Fakes?
« Reply #10 on: October 23, 2024, 12:11:49 PM »
It takes years to build a reputation and minutes to destroy it.

I guess tantan being on the market for so long wants to keep their reputation. Selling bad/other factories stuff could harm much more than any short term benefit

Gloopann

Re: Seraph Bikes Superlight 836g X68 - Alternative to SL8 Fakes?
« Reply #11 on: October 23, 2024, 12:21:14 PM »
The frame is also available on tantan's website: http://tantancycling.com/index.php?_m=mod_product&_a=view&p_id=1160

Certainly interesting, not super sure how I feel about but I do like the look of the SL8 and wouldn't mind picking this frame up

MHcell

Re: Seraph Bikes Superlight 836g X68 - Alternative to SL8 Fakes?
« Reply #12 on: October 23, 2024, 03:57:20 PM »
I just noticed that there is a matching decals kit for Redbull Bora on Speedy Decals. Hmm...


Takiyaki

Re: Seraph Bikes Superlight 836g X68 - Alternative to SL8 Fakes?
« Reply #14 on: October 23, 2024, 05:46:27 PM »
Been disappointed by claimed weights too many times. I will be shocked if this comes in under 900g unpainted. Not hard to get a 9xx frame, I just got a Cervelo R5 "inspired" Tantan disc frame that came in around 950g with chameleon paint. Hey guys a 2lb plastic bike frame is still pretty impressive lol. Im a weight weenie but theres limits