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

[tiz92]

I got also an answer now, as I said, I ordered my frame on march 13th and they will send it out most likely next week which I am very happy about.

[Kris]

I was about the finalize my order 2days ago when I got the notification that sales are on hold.
I have asked for the reason (too high demand, QA issue, IP issues, ... ), but they couldn't reply, but confirmed it wasn't a QA issue.

If it was a question about too high demand I would assume they prolongue their leadtime to get the orders in the book, or even communicate this reason. So I also don't think this is the reason of the suspension.
So I assume there are some IP topics that are being handled for the moment. but that's just my assumption based on the feedback and apparantly also Peter from Taiwaneisen has blocked all communication since a couple of days (as there are counterfeits, I can image this is being investigated). So all combined I have a feeling some investigation is ongoing on some sellers.


but my actual question as I was about to order. Can anyone point me in the direction of a similar frameset from this or another respectable seller? It doesn't have to be a SL8 copy, but a similar geometry is what I'm looking for.

[tiz92]

I was about the finalize my order 2days ago when I got the notification that sales are on hold.
I have asked for the reason (too high demand, QA issue, IP issues, ... ), but they couldn't reply, but confirmed it wasn't a QA issue.

If it was a question about too high demand I would assume they prolongue their leadtime to get the orders in the book, or even communicate this reason. So I also don't think this is the reason of the suspension.
So I assume there are some IP topics that are being handled for the moment. but that's just my assumption based on the feedback and apparantly also Peter from Taiwaneisen has blocked all communication since a couple of days (as there are counterfeits, I can image this is being investigated). So all combined I have a feeling some investigation is ongoing on some sellers.


but my actual question as I was about to order. Can anyone point me in the direction of a similar frameset from this or another respectable seller? It doesn't have to be a SL8 copy, but a similar geometry is what I'm looking for.

I think you can check out the the sp cycle R088. I would get something like that if they would stop my frame.

[pandinoyoung]

I sent an email yesterday morning and no response from tan tan.

these Chinese are really smart, they paint the frames with original writings and even the UCI certificate, making practically identical copies. (tiwaneise) huh
if you have to copy they are very good, if you have to use your brain, they don't have it

[glepore]

Hmmm. Have to say I'm over the whole experience. I'm at 80 days, no bike. Its been in transit 2 weeks and hasn't left China. And if it arrives, its now going to cost an extra grand if they declared full value, and at that price I could have bought a used genuine sl7.
Its odd that my bike was held for inspection in customs a couple of days before it disappeared from sale. I have to wonder if that's related.

[Sander2177]

As we know, it’s all just conjecture at this point.
Tan Tan likely has a lot of sales tied up in this frame, so I wouldn’t be surprised if they’re misleading people to keep the money flowing.
That said, most people have eventually received their orders—albeit not as quickly as they’d hoped.

If no one ends up getting their frames, though, they might be forced to issue a ton of refunds. And while their reputation for customer service and communication isn’t exactly stellar, that kind of situation wouldn’t be good for them either.
Maybe they’ve just gone quiet for a week to see how things unfold.
When I have whatsApped Vivian I have got a reply and I did enquire about the X69 (LAB71) but they no longer do this either as would have swapped.

On a related note, another seller of counterfeits claimed that Peter from Taiwan (Eisen) has been arrested. I have no idea if that’s true. They even sent me supposed photos of their “factory,” which turned out to be nothing more than a Lumar colour clip of a bike being sprayed— . I called them out on it, and surprise surprise—they didn’t like it and ended up blocking me.

If it does go south I am currently looking at alternatives

[jonathanf2]

but my actual question as I was about to order. Can anyone point me in the direction of a similar frameset from this or another respectable seller? It doesn't have to be a SL8 copy, but a similar geometry is what I'm looking for.

I've been riding my SPCycle R088 since January. Bike rides great. It's practically the same frame as the X68 with EPS molding, but UDH, mechanical cable routing and a standard looking head tube design (no air sniffer head tube). It's also weighs less (mine weighed 790g in size 52cm with hangers) and it costs a bit cheaper.

[patliean1]

I've been riding my SPCycle R088 since January. Bike rides great. It's practically the same frame as the X68 with EPS molding, but UDH, mechanical cable routing and a standard looking head tube design (no air sniffer head tube). It's also weighs less (mine weighed 790g in size 52cm with hangers) and it costs a bit cheaper.

You know what? I hadn't really looked at SPCycle, let alone the R088 frame. It really does look like the SL8 but without the obvious butt sniffer. Same geometry, BSA BB, seatpost, and fork design too.

This might actually be the way to go for consumers looking to avoid any stigma of riding a straight up clone. How much does the frame cost?

[Avalius]

And meanwhile on facebook people are saying that some of the bigger counterfeit sellers are in prison due to the SL8 copies. There is no difference between these frames and the copy from the pictures I saw.
Proof me wrong.. but could be all coincidence ...
Those counterfeit sellers just paint good no name frames if you ask me and sell those.

Would love to see proof that I'm wrong.

[glepore]

And meanwhile on facebook people are saying that some of the bigger counterfeit sellers are in prison due to the SL8 copies. There is no difference between these frames and the copy from the pictures I saw.
Proof me wrong.. but could be all coincidence ...
Those counterfeit sellers just paint good no name frames if you ask me and sell those.

Would love to see proof that I'm wrong.

Prison? Nah. Patent infringement is a civil thing. Ordered to cease business? Yes thats possible.

[Sander2177]

I was one of those people saying prison on Facebook  but I did say this was from another seller of frames and whether it was true or not was another thing. A few sellers may have gone to ground until thing down, or maybe the supply chain has been temporarily disrupted but again this is conjecture.
Anyway Tan Tan still posted a frame today on Instagram looks like a repost of Dovh's bike built up. Think its strange they postedit considering its on "hold" and some has already asked if its available as they heard it was on hold, was that anyone one here?

[tiz92]

In the end too much demand seems like the most plausible cause.

[Sander2177]

Well they have three sites
tantancycling.com not showing
seraphbikes.com showing unavailable
tantanbikes.com you can buy full bike and frames from still

[Cnasta]

I was one of those people saying prison on Facebook  but I did say this was from another seller of frames and whether it was true or not was another thing. A few sellers may have gone to ground until thing down, or maybe the supply chain has been temporarily disrupted but again this is conjecture.
Anyway Tan Tan still posted a frame today on Instagram looks like a repost of Dovh's bike built up. Think its strange they postedit considering its on "hold" and some has already asked if its available as they heard it was on hold, was that anyone one here?

Guilty as charged.... No reply on Insta  yet

[Sander2177]

Guilty as charged.... No reply on Insta  yet

Well I have no idea what the deal is!
I have messaged from another account  and they are still selling the frame

$589usd
$150usd shipping
Shipping in 20-25 days
with shipping takimg 10-18days
yada yada yada.


Then message for an update on the "on hold" situation and get told  I will get an answer next week and not to worry!

Hard not to wory  when your told frame is on hold and then they are still sellimg the frame, makes you think what the hell is going on!