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

[peterpanpeter]

Hello!

I'm new to the "directly from china"-scene (also cycling in general) so please excuse me if I ask stupid questions/don't have all the information.

I've been looking at this frame because it's been scientifically aero tested (by specialized), right? This combined with the weight is why I thought this was a good frame, I don't care about the brand and I don't really care if people judge me for riding a fake. Also watched Pat's and other's videos on the sl8 and it seems pretty good. Like some others have said in this thread, if this frame rides even just 70% of the real deal then that's more than enough for me.

-Personally speaking, I have yet to find the value of blatantly counterfeit/unauthorized frames if I have to invest my own funds. Of course if one of these companies wants to work with me for a review I would probably reconsider. But there are just too many great Chiner frames on the market now.

I'd not buy nor build my clients fakes simply because I think there are some other great options out there. But if I would, I'd do it for the sake of money of course, and would try actually to fit it with cheaper components.

I think most of us here could actually buy a proper SL8 or similar. We just like this "puzzle" game so much, and try to optimize here and there, have more bikes etc, that we end up sometimes losing ourselves in this After all, this is the spirit of this community

Could you guys recommend some other good frames? I'm not hell bent on this one but from what I've seen it looked like it had all the things I was looking for. I can definitely not afford the real deal.

[jonathanf2]

I also like the frame and, from what I understand, Seraph is reliable as a manufacturer/seller....but from my point of view, even without the Specialized logo, the frame is still an obvious copy of something else (even applying the Seraph logo).

I think it just comes down to buying from a reliable vendor. If Tan Tan offers customer service support, then I wouldn't have an issue. It looks like even the fakes are probably EPS molded and there are lots of accessories on AliEx for the SL8. Plus not all of us ride with the bourgeoisie cycling crowd. I don't think anyone would bat an eye towards an unlabeled SL8 copy in my area.

Can you explain?

There are so many Aethos clones floating around from Bigrock, ICAN, Onirii and reliability on those frames seem to be solid. They're not as light as a genuine S-Works Aethos (maybe the Bigrock), but most these Aethos copies seem to ride just fine.

I'm sorry, but I'm not sure I understand...I seem to understand that in several cases the weights are even lower, or am I wrong?

An S-Works SL8 in size 56 is like 680g. The regular SL8 is 780g. These SL8 clones are like 800g plus at similar sizes. My R088 is 790g with RD/FD and cage bolts, but that frame doesn't have the speed sniffer head tube.

[Serge_K]

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.

That actually makes a lot of sense. I'm not a fan of the looks of the SL8, but if i did, if i got to trust the seller of fake, i would probably get one for the same reasons. the aero testing is a strong argument. Likewise, i wouldnt get the fake branding. I'd probably troll and put an ASS-WORKS decal or something like that, to make it very clear it's not a Spec.

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

I would ride an ASS-WORKS surrounded by S-WORKS, just to troll my friends. But i wouldn't buy a S-WORKS branded fake S-WORKS, because it's illegal, cringe, and i'd rather troll than be a poser. Also, i can afford an S-WORKS, and can confidently say i'll never buy one, out of principle. I know too well the factory prices to pay such a premium for a bike frame.

[Bonus79]

That actually makes a lot of sense. I'm not a fan of the looks of the SL8, but if i did, if i got to trust the seller of fake, i would probably get one for the same reasons. the aero testing is a strong argument. Likewise, i wouldnt get the fake branding. I'd probably troll and put an ASS-WORKS decal or something like that, to make it very clear it's not a Spec.
I would ride an ASS-WORKS surrounded by S-WORKS, just to troll my friends. But i wouldn't buy a S-WORKS branded fake S-WORKS, because it's illegal, cringe, and i'd rather troll than be a poser. Also, i can afford an S-WORKS, and can confidently say i'll never buy one, out of principle. I know too well the factory prices to pay such a premium for a bike frame.

I agree with what you say, but I think the line between troll and poser might not be so clear....in the eyes of other people they might appear the same.
In fact, anyone who buys a copy frame (even without the S-Works or Specialized logo) could be considered a poser, especially when the shape of the frame clearly recalls the original (see Tarmac SL8, Supersix or Madone)....and probably in most cases this is the reality.
For this reason, even if I like the Seraph X68 (obviously, I like the SL8), I think I won't buy it...at least that's my opinion today.

[CARLOS5]

Here you have photos of the assembly of the Tantan SL8. I will send more photos soon.

[CARLOS5]

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[toxin]

I mean if you're buying for aero, you really shouldn't be going for a tarmac

[jes2k13]

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Can you give us the specs of your build? more importantly the total weight?
great looking bike dude!

[CARLOS5]

Ultegra di2 12v groupset, wheels with Yishun rims and Sapim CX Ray spokes and Goldix 180 hubs. Galfer Weave 140 rear 160 front discs. Bontrager Mostrose saddle, Rockbros handlebar tape, Continental Grandsport tires with Ridenow lightweight tubes, carbon bottle cages from AliExpress. I think that's it. I haven't weighed it yet. When I weigh it, I'll put it here.

[zett]

I mean if you're buying for aero, you really shouldn't be going for a tarmac

Well Tarmac is supposed to be a do-it-all. It has some aero optimizations, but it's also very lightweight, etc. The "speed sniffer" on its own probably is more of a marketing gimmick still.

[CoreX88]

I finished building the TT-X68 already two weeks ago, but it was very busy, so here is my update.

Carbon quality seems really good. I had zero issues with sharp edges or anything similar. The areas for the break mounts were all sanded down really well and also with the BB and the headset I had zero play/issues. The paint quality is so far superb and I'm more than happy TanTan changed there mind on the color customization of this frame.

I use a full Ultegra DI2 Groupset incl. 160mm discs front/rear, except for the crankset. As most of you can tell, I'm using a Magene PES505 in 165mm. In combination with my Novatec R4, some RideNow TPU Tubes and the Pirelli Tires the whole bike is 7152 g. The bottle cages are still in transit, but they will add only about 25g. It's a Size 52.

For my first chinese frame experience, this was quite a good one 

The only thing I do not recommend is the computer mount. I think the angle of this is too steep, but I already found an alternative.

[Serge_K]

The paint quality is so far superb and I'm more than happy TanTan changed there mind on the color customization of this frame.

Very nice green! Did you pay for the paint job / did you get a discount because you're putting their brand & model number? If not, why use their brand and model number?

[TidyDinosaur]

Very nice green! Did you pay for the paint job / did you get a discount because you're putting their brand & model number? If not, why use their brand and model number?

Why not put it on there? Not everyone wants to invent a fake brand to put on their bike... At least they don't charge you extra for their brand name like big brands do 

[Dan S.]

In combination with my Novatec R4, some RideNow TPU Tubes and the Pirelli Tires the whole bike is 7152 g.

Looks great! With some lighter wheels you could easily get below 6.8kg

[CoreX88]

Very nice green! Did you pay for the paint job / did you get a discount because you're putting their brand & model number? If not, why use their brand and model number?

I had to pay for the paint job 150$ in total. But I had several designs in mind, but at the end wanted just something easy on the eye (at least to my eyes). The green came out exactly as I wanted it, with beautiful metallic flics in it. It's a green tone I saw on an Aston Martin DBX here at an Aston Martin Dealership in my neighborhood. For the the brand and model-number I just had no creativity at all 

Looks great! With some lighter wheels you could easily get below 6.8kg

Thanks, that gives me the chance to upgrade in the future
I'm far from being a pro, just started 2 years ago with roadbikes. I guess I will starting saving body weight first