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

[MTB-Addicted]

For the sake of clarity and for the benefit of our discussions, let me share the reasons that lead me to buy a counterfeit - despite I was not and I am not in favor of this - are:

- weight: the frame weights only 835gr size56, seat post (long) is 173gr and fork is 312gr (uncut).
To be honest, the weight of the fork does not make me so confident (even lighter than the original) but I will try step by step, testing on gravel roads at low speed at the beginning and then on faster descends.
There are very few chinese frames with these weights at 600/700usd.

- the frame/fork shape: it is extremely similar to the original one and this grants that the great aerodynamic features - on the chart and so well advertised from Specialized - are "scientifically" proven or at least comparable to the original frame.
Chinese frames "no counterfeit" do not have this kind of studies/test behind.

[Rebel_Yell]

MTB...tell us about your build? Brand and parts used if you don't mind?

[acino]

For the sake of clarity and for the benefit of our discussions, let me share the reasons that lead me to buy a counterfeit - despite I was not and I am not in favor of this - are:

- weight: the frame weights only 835gr size56, seat post (long) is 173gr and fork is 312gr (uncut).
To be honest, the weight of the fork does not make me so confident (even lighter than the original) but I will try step by step, testing on gravel roads at low speed at the beginning and then on faster descends.
There are very few chinese frames with these weights at 600/700usd.

- the frame/fork shape: it is extremely similar to the original one and this grants that the great aerodynamic features - on the chart and so well advertised from Specialized - are "scientifically" proven or at least comparable to the original frame.
Chinese frames "no counterfeit" do not have this kind of studies/test behind.

do you have photos of the inside of the frame?

[MTB-Addicted]

Here you go

[jonathanf2]

Up to the head tube and fork, my SPcycle R088 is exactly the same frame. Are these just coming out of the same factory or does everyone have the molds for this design?

I've been riding the crap out of my R088, with no issues. It's a good frame. I'd probably do the same and get this clone minus the fake branding.

[dovh]

When I get my frame from Tantan (hopefully at the end of February), I'll post some pictures taken inside the frame with an endoscope camera.

[cyrcles]

Seems like quite a few people have received their frames by now. Is there no one who has taken it out for a first spin to give us their impression ride quality-wise?

Im pretty keen to order one for myself – currently on the fence between a Tavelo Arow and this one. But i won't be able to decide between the two without having heard any kind of review other than for build quality.

You lovely people, dress up and take it for a spin! Pwease! 

[Bonus79]

Up to the head tube and fork, my SPcycle R088 is exactly the same frame. Are these just coming out of the same factory or does everyone have the molds for this design?

I've been riding the crap out of my R088, with no issues. It's a good frame. I'd probably do the same and get this clone minus the fake branding.

Are you saying that if you could go back, you would buy the clone proposed by Seraph (or another store) instead of the Spcycle R088?

If you want a clone of the SL8, wouldn't it be better to buy Seraph instead of another shop?

My opinion is that the clones don't all come from the same factory/mold....Seraph and Airwolf are the only clones to have the 52mm headset (I don't consider Spcycle since the head tube and fork have a different shape) .

[TidyDinosaur]

So none of you would be embarrassed riding this on a group ride when you are surrounded by real SL8's?

I have no problem riding cheap chiner frames, because for me it's the sensible thing to do with my budget... But I just would not feel good riding a fake on my weekly rides with the club...

[planet_sammy]

So none of you would be embarrassed riding this on a group ride when you are surrounded by real SL8's?

I have no problem riding cheap chiner frames, because for me it's the sensible thing to do with my budget... But I just would not feel good riding a fake on my weekly rides with the club...

I wouldn't care, like with clothes, I don't have to wear Gucci to feel good

[TidyDinosaur]

I wouldn't care, like with clothes, I don't have to wear Gucci to feel good

That's not my point... would you wear (obviously) fake Gucci to an evening with a lot of people wearing real Gucci??

[Bonus79]

So none of you would be embarrassed riding this on a group ride when you are surrounded by real SL8's?

I have no problem riding cheap chiner frames, because for me it's the sensible thing to do with my budget... But I just would not feel good riding a fake on my weekly rides with the club...

I'll tell you that I think quite like you...even without logos or with the Seraph logo, not much would change, so I would probably opt for the Spcycle R088 frame which differs in terms of head tube and fork.

[TidyDinosaur]

I'll tell you that I think quite like you...even without logos or with the Seraph logo, not much would change, so I would probably opt for the Spcycle R088 frame which differs in terms of head tube and fork.

Yeah, the headtube is just so distinct... It's so obvious...

I have nothing against this frame, and if I would live alone on an island and never do events or group rides, I would have no problem riding it...

[jonathanf2]

If you want a clone of the SL8, wouldn't it be better to buy Seraph instead of another shop?

I just went with the R088 because it had the features I wanted and was cheaper to buy at the time. Though these SL8 clones don't look that bad to me, I'd consider getting one minus any fake branding. To me these SL8 clones remind me of the Aethos clones on the market. I think the vendors have the build process figured out, especially since they're not trying to build them to the low weight specs of an S-Works SL8.

[cyrcles]

I'll tell you that I think quite like you...even without logos or with the Seraph logo, not much would change, so I would probably opt for the Spcycle R088 frame which differs in terms of head tube and fork.

Isn't that just pretty much a 1:1 copy of the SL7?