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

[patliean1]

The overall shape of the seat post is ever so slightly different. The area where the seat tube meets the top tube is also marginally off.

While the bonding of the BSA bottom bracket to the X68 frame is rough compared to the SL8, it's on par with $500 frames. Specialized does a superb job of facing the bottom bracket (and caliper mounts), and you can clearly see how smooth the bare carbon is around the BB. I have a video on this. However, I can't tell in TanTan's photos if they either faced the BB then added matte black paint or simply not face it at all.

Personally I don't believe the X68 will catastrophically explode like one would expect if this was a purely counterfeit frame sold on AliExpress. That would be a bad look for a genuine supplier like TanTan. And other than TanTan using that seatpost gripping material, the frame would 99% pass the eye test for a genuine SL8.

[fhill]

I just stumbled across this thread.

Is the TTX68 from Tantan or the SL8 version from Airwolf the "better" frame, geometry is the same, I'm just curious with which of these two frame to go, from which of those two sellers I can expect the better frame in general?

Or should I go with a LCR017 from Lightcarbon which has a very similar geometry and is not like a direct copy of a brand frame but more like heavily inspired by the SuperSix

[Gloopann]

I just stumbled across this thread.

Is the TTX68 from Tantan or the SL8 version from Airwolf the "better" frame, geometry is the same, I'm just curious with which of these two frame to go, from which of those two sellers I can expect the better frame in general?

Or should I go with a LCR017 from Lightcarbon which has a very similar geometry and is not like a direct copy of a brand frame but more like heavily inspired by the SuperSix

I'd personally pick TanTan over Airwolf 9/10 times.

The LCR017 is also pretty good from what I've seen and heard, don't think you can really go wrong with it if you like the look.

[fhill]

I'd personally pick TanTan over Airwolf 9/10 times.

The LCR017 is also pretty good from what I've seen and heard, don't think you can really go wrong with it if you like the look.

Thanks,

I like the not so much look a like look from the LCR017 it's more like a genuine bike standing on it's own rather than a copy that's why it is in my list

[BeR]

I'd personally pick TanTan over Airwolf 9/10 times.

The LCR017 is also pretty good from what I've seen and heard, don't think you can really go wrong with it if you like the look.

I wish I know if Tantan is the manufacturer of this frame, or just a broker.

Maybe Patrick can have the information ?

[BeR]

Tantan is a big animal, and their reputation is not great because of that. They sell a LOT of frames. Airwolf frames are dog $hit, for simplicity. If you have to choose between the 2, 100% of the time, go w Tantan.
Tantan isn't a broker, they make frames, afaik. It might be a carbonda situation where carbonda does make frames but it's probably the mothership behind it called - the name escapes me - that actually makes them, but it doesnt make carbonda a broker.
Velobuild is a broker.
Airwolf frames are crap, in the sense that the probability that you have significant problems with your frame is so high that you really have to want to make your life difficult AND give your money to people who give zero fucks to work with them. I do love their cockpits though, which tells me, they source stuff all over the place. Maybe they make the frames and source the cockpits.

I know that Tantan is not a broker but I doubt that They are the manufacturer of this frame.

And yes, I don't like Airwolf either (but never test their handlebar).

[patliean1]

These factories are owned by various stakeholders/shareholders. And some of these folks also have a vested interest in other factories.

I imagine it's probably easy to hot swap frames and manufacturing between them.

[fhill]

Also funny Seraph claims 28mm tire clearance and Tantan 32mm (which I guess is right)

[LowPaceKingdom]

I’m excited to share that I’ve officially commissioned the TT-X68 as a "Full Build"! After thorough consideration and planning, I decided to go with Tantan.

As per the timeline provided, the full build will take approximately 25-30 working days to complete. Following that, there will be an additional 10-15 days for shipping, so I anticipate its arrival in mid-end January.

I’ll keep you all updated on the progress and, of course, will share pictures and initial impressions once it arrives. If interested.

[patliean1]

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DCykaKPu7fP/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Magically TanTan says they offer custom paint options now 

[BeR]

FYI, the min seatpost insertion length is 100 mm with the 380 mm. For the original SL8, it is 75 mm.

Edit : Correction of min/max

[fhill]

FYI, the max seatpost length is 100 mm with the 380 mm. For the original SL8, it is 75 mm.

You mean the minimum insert into Frame?

[BeR]

You mean the minimum insert into Frame?

Yes, you are right.

[rasch]

I’m excited to share that I’ve officially commissioned the TT-X68 as a "Full Build"! After thorough consideration and planning, I decided to go with Tantan.

As per the timeline provided, the full build will take approximately 25-30 working days to complete. Following that, there will be an additional 10-15 days for shipping, so I anticipate its arrival in mid-end January.

I’ll keep you all updated on the progress and, of course, will share pictures and initial impressions once it arrives. If interested.

Can you share prices and specs?

[nabilou]

i believe, like others, it s exactly the same frame already sold by airwolf
https://airwolfcarbonbike.com/product/2024-new-painting-light-weight-brand-sw-carbon-road-bicycle-frame-t1100-carbon-disc-brake-sl-bike-frame-bsa-bottom-bracket-with-handlebar/

exactly the same geometry (SL8 copy)-> difference of 3mm on the effective top tube for the 52 (531vs 528) , but is it true when you analyse the pictures?

same BB : BSA
same spacers
almost the same weight and we can say same weight if we take into account the error margin

not verifiable differences:
light differences about the paint or sticker
28c vs 32C
Di2 or Mechanical vs only electrical
headset diameter 49mm vs 52mm

and probably 30 min by car between the 2 headquarters

But i agree that most SL8 fakes get 49/49.5mm for the headset (same diameter for specialized), i have never seen a fake model with 52mm. if it is the case the probability that tantan build the frame increases