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

[Sander2177]

This is really scary. I'm honestly beginning to regret my decision to purchase this frameset. Also, considering that my seat post cracked (most likely my fault, but anyway), seeing now this fork explode like this doesn't give me more confidence. Maybe Spcycle R088 would have been a better choice. Let's hope that this is a one-off..

By the way, what makes you think Tanan is completely outsourcing the production of this frame? Would it make sense to outsource something you can make in your own factory?

I get where you’re coming from—it’s definitely unsettling to see a failure like that. But it’s worth remembering that any carbon frame, even something like the SPcycle R088, could potentially have an issue if there’s a flaw in the material or a production slip. No brand is completely immune, especially with carbon, which relies heavily on quality control.

Also, about Tanan—Serge mentioned the resin, which made me wonder if parts of the production (like the layup or bonding) might be outsourced. That’s not uncommon even for companies with their own factories, especially if they’re managing multiple product lines. But of course, that’s just speculation.

[Sander2177]

Hehe. If you look at a steerer tube, or carbon bits like a derailleur cage, versus the photo of the shattered fork, and then look at videos from people who use non pre preg carbon (easy composites UK on yt, for eg), the fork looks like it's basically carbon strands without enough resin. If you brake a steerer in two, you don't have long loose strands like that, it's more like a crunchy chocolate bar with a matrix of chocolate and crunchy bits in it. That fork looks like it's all crunchy bits and no matrix. And the only reason why carbon fiber is strong is the resin matrix. The fibers are useless without it.

So, here, we have ultra light frames, seatposts that crack, forks that implode, BBs that creak from new, how many more elements do we need to get a mental model of how tight a ship tamtam is running?

Also, if you almost die on that bike, and it's a counterfeit, as your insurance company, I'd probably say that you're on your own.

Lol. Had there been a fatal issue, by definition, you'd be posting on the forum from heaven. Pretty sure hell doesn't have wifi.
Creaky BB so early on is likely either user error, or poor manufacturing tolerances. Or both.


All of that from a lust for specialized vibe. Marketing done well.

Serge, you raise some fair technical points—especially about the resin matrix and how crucial it is to carbon strength. And yes, the fork failure photo is shocking. But I think we need to be cautious about jumping to sweeping conclusions based on one incident. There are plenty of frames from reputable brands (and even high-end ones) that have experienced sudden failures too. Carbon is brilliant but unforgiving if something goes wrong—whether that’s manufacturing, handling, or even damage during shipping.

As for the insurance comment and counterfeit angle—fair enough, that’s a serious consideration. But just to clarify: some of these frames aren’t direct counterfeits; they’re open-mould designs or licensed variations that are legally sold, especially if there’s no branding infringement. Still, it’s always good to understand the risks and ensure you’re informed.

Personally, I’ve found AI tools like ChatGPT incredibly useful in helping navigate customer service issues—it’s helped me get clear outcomes with UK companies where things seemed stuck.

Ultimately, I hope this was a one-off defect and that the brand takes it seriously. I’d like to think we can all share experiences here constructively—because snark aside, it’s clear we all care about safety and getting value for money.

[Sander2177]

Already got feedback from TanTan (Vivian).

1. They will conduct an in-depth investigation into the fork issue of the TT-X68.
2. After doing so and finding the root cause of this material problem (if there is any) they will sent out a new and painted fork.
3. From the pictures provided they stated the frame looks ok and should be safe to ride, but checking every mm visually plus doing the "coin" test should be the next step from my side. In any case of noticable damage I should get back.

Lets see...

Thanks for the update—glad to hear Vivian and the team at TanTan are taking it seriously and looking into the issue properly. A replacement fork and an investigation are the minimum you’d hope for in a situation like this, so it’s good to see that happening.

Also appreciate you sharing the part about the frame appearing OK but still advising a thorough visual and coin test—that’s a sensible approach. Fingers crossed it turns out to be an isolated incident and they follow through properly.

It’s moments like these that show why community feedback matters so much—helps everyone make better-informed decisions.

[makl]

can somebody explain the "coin test" ?

[Sander2177]

can somebody explain the "coin test" ?

The “coin test” is a quick way to check for potential delamination or voids in a carbon frame or fork. You basically tap a coin (or similar metal object) gently along the surface of the carbon — ideally in a consistent pattern.

What to listen for:
   •   Healthy carbon sounds sharp and crisp — kind of a high-pitched ting.
   •   Damaged or delaminated areas often sound dull, flat, or thuddy — more like a thunk.

It’s not 100% foolproof, but it can help identify areas that might need a closer inspection. Especially useful around joins, lugs, or places under high stress.

[MarMirZ990]

Already got feedback from TanTan (Vivian).

1. They will conduct an in-depth investigation into the fork issue of the TT-X68.
2. After doing so and finding the root cause of this material problem (if there is any) they will sent out a new and painted fork.
3. From the pictures provided they stated the frame looks ok and should be safe to ride, but checking every mm visually plus doing the "coin" test should be the next step from my side. In any case of noticable damage I should get back.

Lets see...

How exactly are they planning to do the „in-depth“ investigation? Are you going to send the fork back to TanTan for an examination?

In my opinion, the rapid ultimate failure is a significant issue and safety concern and the root cause can not be investigated via photos. I think e.g. fibre volume fraction and resin curing state should be investigated by a laboratory via acid or burn off method and DSC analysis on your specific fork.
However, such analysis would be more expensive than the frame itself…

Concerning your frame, I am not sure I would rely on a „Coin Test“. You crashed with your bike with uncertain und maybe invisible damages to other components, such as the frame. The root cause was TanTans fork, so I think they should at least offer a discount on a new one (or pay for an CT inspection?) after they finished their investigation.

Best regards from somebody who just ordered his first frame from China 

[Tines]

They’ll probably just check their production record (if there even is any) and come up with no root cause.
Let’s see how this turns out…

[Serge_K]

But I think we need to be cautious about jumping to sweeping conclusions based on one incident. There are plenty of frames from reputable brands (and even high-end ones) that have experienced sudden failures too.

I dont disagree, i was just explaining my thought process and how i do white list, black list, and grey list. I've been on this forum for fairly long time, since back when everyone was buying velobuild frames. This was post the era when velobuild was shipping dog shit. My first 4 chinese frames were VB. before choosing VB, i looked at the market, and back then already, you could find a LOT of weird horror stories from tantan and workswell, in particular. dengfu also had a very checkered track record.
I build bikes for me & friends, and i dont want a bitter, let alone traumatic experience attached to any of it (several Winspace stories recently). So given the competition, i ultimately picked sellers for the dozen frame and dozen+ wheelsets i've ordered that didnt have that history of regularly peddling dangerous garbage. I'm quite familiar with the concept of statistical risk, and there are trades that in my mind aren't worth taking for their risk reward profile. Essentially, if you can avoid it, what do you gain from buying from a seller with a documented history of catastrophic failures? That's just a bad trade.
Specialized is no stranger to catastrophic failures, from steerer tubes to sworks frames disintegrating during a crash, but that fork failure is next level incompetence. Based on what's been explained, it implies that you should expect that your bike could simply self destruct at any time, for no reason. No thanks I know I worry too much, but that's a key reason why my friends are happy to ride my bikes, they know their house nerd has worried about stuff they dont even know about.

They’ll probably just check their production record (if there even is any) and come up with no root cause.
Let’s see how this turns out…

+1. The probability they come back with anything substantial is low enough that i'm happy to bet against it.

[patliean1]

What makes the entire experience even more off-putting is the fact TanTan hasn't provided any evidence of actually producing the X68 frames themselves in their factory. Maybe they are just trying to avoid IP or legal issues. But most likely the answer is that they don't.

I've mention this before. TanTan does a good job of showcasing their new and flagship frames on their Instagram. Videos of stress tests, paint application, frame molds, etc. A way to market their OEM abilities to private brands. Look at their GR049 and their latest and popular GR201 gravel frame. Being secretive of how/where the X68 is made has always rubbed me the wrong way.

What's funny is if we are to conclude that legitimate Western branded frames like Specialized only cost $200-$300 to produce, what are they doing differently than the likes of TanTan to prevent a fork from exploding?

[Sander2177]

I dont disagree, i was just explaining my thought process and how i do white list, black list, and grey list. I've been on this forum for fairly long time, since back when everyone was buying velobuild frames. This was post the era when velobuild was shipping dog shit. My first 4 chinese frames were VB. before choosing VB, i looked at the market, and back then already, you could find a LOT of weird horror stories from tantan and workswell, in particular. dengfu also had a very checkered track record.
I build bikes for me & friends, and i dont want a bitter, let alone traumatic experience attached to any of it (several Winspace stories recently). So given the competition, i ultimately picked sellers for the dozen frame and dozen+ wheelsets i've ordered that didnt have that history of regularly peddling dangerous garbage. I'm quite familiar with the concept of statistical risk, and there are trades that in my mind aren't worth taking for their risk reward profile. Essentially, if you can avoid it, what do you gain from buying from a seller with a documented history of catastrophic failures? That's just a bad trade.
Specialized is no stranger to catastrophic failures, from steerer tubes to sworks frames disintegrating during a crash, but that fork failure is next level incompetence. Based on what's been explained, it implies that you should expect that your bike could simply self destruct at any time, for no reason. No thanks I know I worry too much, but that's a key reason why my friends are happy to ride my bikes, they know their house nerd has worried about stuff they dont even know about.

+1. The probability they come back with anything substantial is low enough that i'm happy to bet against it.

Really appreciate you taking the time to share your experience and thought process, Serge — especially with the background you’ve got from years on the forum and building up a dozen bikes and wheelsets. That kind of perspective is invaluable, particularly for those of us who might be newer to the direct-from-China frame route.

Totally get where you’re coming from regarding statistical risk and how certain suppliers build a reputation — whether good or bad — over time. The “white list / black list / grey list” approach makes a lot of sense, especially when you’re building bikes for others and want peace of mind as much as performance. It’s clear you put a lot of thought into the decisions, and your friends are definitely lucky to have someone that thorough looking after their gear!

Also agree that while big brands like Specialized have had their share of high-profile failures, there’s a very different level of accountability and follow-up. Something like this fork failure is unsettling, and hopefully TanTan respond seriously and transparently — not just for the person affected, but for everyone who’s invested in these frames.

Thanks again for weighing in — your insight is genuinely appreciated.To

[Sander2177]

What makes the entire experience even more off-putting is the fact TanTan hasn't provided any evidence of actually producing the X68 frames themselves in their factory. Maybe they are just trying to avoid IP or legal issues. But most likely the answer is that they don't.

I've mention this before. TanTan does a good job of showcasing their new and flagship frames on their Instagram. Videos of stress tests, paint application, frame molds, etc. A way to market their OEM abilities to private brands. Look at their GR049 and their latest and popular GR201 gravel frame. Being secretive of how/where the X68 is made has always rubbed me the wrong way.

What's funny is if we are to conclude that legitimate Western branded frames like Specialized only cost $200-$300 to produce, what are they doing differently than the likes of TanTan to prevent a fork from exploding?

Appreciate you taking the time to lay all that out, Patilean — you’ve made some really thoughtful points throughout the thread and helped keep the discussion grounded.

The uncertainty around whether TanTan actually manufactures the X68 themselves has been a recurring theme, and the contrast with how openly they showcase other frames like the GR049 and GR201 is hard to ignore. Whether it’s about avoiding IP scrutiny or simply because a third party is involved, it definitely raises valid questions — especially when transparency is such a key part of trust for a direct-buy product.

Also fully agree with your take on Specialized and other big brands. Even if their unit cost is relatively low, what they invest in QC, traceability, and safety protocols is probably what helps prevent failures like this one. It’s not just about cost — it’s about oversight and accountability.

I’ve watched a number of TanTan’s Instagram posts as well, and while I’ve seen the X68 shown on racks waiting for paint or final assembly, I haven’t seen the same kind of behind-the-scenes footage — like mold work, layup, or stress testing — that they’ve shared for other models. That absence definitely adds to the impression that the X68 might not be built in-house.

On another note, one of the counterfeit sellers I’ve followed recently posted videos of a Madone SLR Gen 8 going through what appeared to be load testing — something I haven’t seen before from that side of the market. It just shows how even the gray market is trying to project legitimacy, which only adds to the complexity in trusting sources.

Appreciate the ongoing input — these kinds of conversations are a huge help for those of us trying to navigate the open-mold world with eyes wide open.

[patliean1]

To further @Serge_K points above now that I've gotten back into playing bikes in a circle I get a lot of questions from local teams about wheels.

Trust, dealer warranty, and brand cache are a priority here in Chicago. No matter how many times I recommend Carbon Speed OEM wheels, I can see in their faces how off-putting it is to cosign a brand they've never heard of. Winspace, FarSports, and No.6 believe it or not are the only brands that people around here....kind of trust. And that's mainly because those brands market their wheels to professional teams. Of course at the expense of paying consumers. Just like Western brands.

Clubs around here would rather ride on crappy Zipp wheels than take any gamble on Chinese brands. Confirmation bias is a real thing. This single, potentially one off, frame failure is enough to have potential buyers never shop a Chinese whatever ever again.

Last year I posted a video on my faulty Giant propel with a cracked steer tube. Giant at first didn't wanna honor their warranty. Others reported a similar experience with Giant's warranty too. But end of the day it's still Giant. Brand perception is real.

[glepore]

Yeah, get that all the time. Folks want to know if I have dental insurance b/c I ride Chinese handlebars. And yet, you don't hear stories of actual failures.
Forks do break, and its very scary when they do. Steerer tubes fail, legs break (usually fod but not always) but the outcome for the rider usually isn't pretty and often involves hospitalization. But I don't think based on this single incident we can say that this frame/fork is any more "dangerous" than any other. We can speculate that Specialized has better qc measures in place ( and I would join in that speculation) but at the end of the day its just that, speculation.
But that said, I'm on a bunch of forums where people talk up failures and I can't say I remember ever seeing a report of a fork leg snapping jra. So there's that.

[Woodcn]

Hey All,

Another complete build post with some first thoughts for anyone still waiting on their frame or thinking about buying.

About the build, went with the matte black because it was the lightest and only way I was going to beat the start of the tariffs here in the USA. Frame in a 56 was 850g with hangers and bottle cage bolts, fork was 330g uncut. Ultegra 8100 groupset, Roval CL II, Selle San Marco Shortfit CFX, Time Xpro 10, bike with pedals and cages is 16.1 lbs. From order to delivery was about 2.5 weeks.

About me, 170 lbs, former Cat 2 road/Cat 1 CX, now just ride for fun and occasionally hop into a weeknight crit. Threshhold around 300w and sprint around 1300w, so at least around here in Colorado decidedly average.

About safety, I had around 75 miles so far in my first week after building up and the vibes were good, and then the broken fork post really shook me. Had plans for a fast group ride today, but didn’t want any incident to potentially hurt other people so bailed on that plan. Decided I’d go out for my own and try to basically ride like an idiot so if it was gonna break I would at least be prepared for it. Gradually built up to higher and higher speed and hit the brakes hard, with the fastest being around 45 mph. Did some bunny hops, fast corners, potholes, downhill speed bumps, and a dirt road with some rough washboard. Held together well and shows no outward signs of deformation, coin test sounds the same as before I left, and pressing in various sections can discern no flex. I won’t pretend that this means mine or anyone else’s are perfect but it makes me feel a lot better at least. Probably will avoid any big groups until I hit at least 1000 miles in a couple months and much more confident it’s sturdy.

Finally, how does it ride? Honestly much better than expected. Last couple team bikes I had were a Sage Skyline and Donnelly C/C for cross. Comfort is on par with the Sage, but feels a lot more planted than that bike, although to be fair it had a max clearance for 25s. Stiffness wise it beats both of those, and that was a pleasant surprise because at this price and weight I was worried it would end up being a noodle.

So far fairly optimistic about how it’s performed in the first 150 or so miles, but hesitant to recommend to anyone else with the safety concerns as they are. Will be consistently checking back here for Tan Tan’s response on the fork, and will update as well when I get closer to 1000 miles. Anyone in the Denver area want to see one or ride it in person hit me up!

[pandinoyoung]

I loaded paypal, Jessi sent me the invoice for a 58 frame, I was about to press the button, when I saw what happened, I am very uncertain about buying it or not
it does not leave me very calm