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

[Tpower59]

Hum I hope they don’t get them delivered like this

[Sander2177]

Both are size 54.

I would say they have just made an error potentially then.
I must be  blind looked at the instagram posts and there is no mention of sizes for the posts on these frames

Silver
https://www.instagram.com/p/DJVchmONq-8/

Black
https://www.instagram.com/p/DJdVN6PyfBd/?img_index=1

[patliean1]

I feel like this isn't getting enough attention.

Do you plan to make a video about the decision? It'd also be interesting to have you chat on the Nero show about your thought process. Your choice is unique, not least in that you produce YT content and need reasons to make videos, but it still sounds like you might have sold the frame anyway because you already have other bikes that, at the end of the day, you feel like riding more. Ultimately, that's a big dent into Spec's special sauce vibe armor, and i really think a Nero show discussion would be very interesting, because on one hand, they're knee deep in chinese stuff, but on the other, Chris is still 100% invested in the idea of branded frames being a league above.
Timing would also work, given Jesse is experimenting with his own long ass stem, with your input.

I feel as if I've beaten this discussion to death in my head. To the point it comes across like some sort of moral soapbox. Basically I've summarized my thought process across a few recent videos, particularly in my latest Tavelo Arow video.

One thing I would like to mention is I've realized how important brand cache is around here where I live. And the perceived trust/quality associated with big brands. We can argue all day on the internet as to why OEM wheels/frames present a fantastic value. But you should see the look on the faces of local riders when I recommend any other Chinese brand except Winspace, FarSports, and No.6

Let's be honest too: If I'm a pro team who is approached by Tavelo / No.6 Wheels / Yoeleo / Winspace with an offer I can't refuse...it's an easy decision. Brand awareness cost money. Yet I would not be surprised if OEM brands started artificially inflating their prices if more and more consumers jumped on the bandwagon. Yishun/LC immediately did this when I uploaded my review of the R086-D frame. Double edged sword.

[TegStone]

Yet I would not be surprised if OEM brands started artificially inflating their prices if more and more consumers jumped on the bandwagon. Yishun/LC immediately did this when I uploaded my review of the R086-D frame. Double edged sword.

Even TanTan/Seraph has increased the prices slightly for their TT-X68 frame and full builds. Their complete build was USD 2399, now it is USD 2539. The painted frames were USD 719, now some of them are USD 775(https://www.seraphbikes.com/Special-Red-Paint-Superlight-Disc-Road-Bike-Frame-TT-X68-BSA-Bottom-Bracket-Max-Tire-70032C-With-Integrated-Handlebar-p6397145.html), while some others are USD 729.

I can imagine the prices spiking once someone like you, Patrick, makes a video on them.

[neobiker]

Maybe the USD lost 5% of its value since tariff and manufacturer are just transferring the FX rate?

[Sander2177]

Even TanTan/Seraph has increased the prices slightly for their TT-X68 frame and full builds. Their complete build was USD 2399, now it is USD 2539. The painted frames were USD 719, now some of them are USD 775(https://www.seraphbikes.com/Special-Red-Paint-Superlight-Disc-Road-Bike-Frame-TT-X68-BSA-Bottom-Bracket-Max-Tire-70032C-With-Integrated-Handlebar-p6397145.html), while some others are USD 729.

I can imagine the prices spiking once someone like you, Patrick, makes a video on them.

When I ordered the black frame UD Gloss cheapest option at $589usd and the headset and thru axles were another $20usd $609usd, so its now  $629 on the Seraph site only $20.
From what I gather they have increased paint prices quite a bit.
Frame is being delivered today ordered the 1st of April.

[Sander2177]

Ok the bloody thing has finally arrived!
A few photos sorry there not more organised but did not have much time this evening.
Comments it looks exactly the  same.
Head tube is not taller before anyone asks its the way I’m holding the phone. 
Roval bar I need to look at it’s not 100% no groove for head cap to sit onto for a nice flat transition and no textured surface on top.
The tops look wider where the stem meets but have to get the calipers on it.
Waiting for some new scales
But frame was 798g no hardware
Forks uncut 399g
But will check with better quality scales when they arrive
First impression well I could have saved £5000k!!

[glepore]

I don't think that the current production Rapide's have the textured tops. I think you're correct though about the topcap, maybe could be fixed with a little file...

[Sander2177]

I don't think that the current production Rapide's have the textured tops. I think you're correct though about the topcap, maybe could be fixed with a little file...

glepore your right!
Ok wonder why that is maybe if I read the WW forum maybe I could find out but can’t be arsed 
Well my rapides are a more grey anyway agains the black will lost a few more photos when I get in!

[Sander2177]

Ok Bars

I’ll double-check when I get new scales , but weight is 228g on Micky mouse scales .
Size is 380mm wide, 110mm stem.

The Rovals are grey with a light finish — you can see some carbon weave through the surface.

The X68 bars are sprayed black. I used to be in the building trade, and to me, they just don’t have the same sharpness in finish.

The top cap area has a slight dip in the middle, and the bar edges aren’t perfectly straight it’s not blatantly noticeable though — there’s a slight bump and a misaligned cable exit hole (luckily underneath), oddly placed right next to the QC sticker.
Obviously with a bit more time these could be finished better but northing to split hairs over once and the bike they will look fine. 

The profiles are subtly different too. From the front edge, the Rovals have a more pronounced contour I would say a more of a point while the X68 front section is more rounded.

Also, the X68 profile feels marginally thicker — maybe by 1mm. The Roval front profile appears slimmer and a bit more refined but we are talking 1mm on the verniers.

[Davidhe23]

Ok the bloody thing has finally arrived!
A few photos sorry there not more organised but did not have much time this evening.
Comments it looks exactly the same.
Head tube is not taller before anyone asks its way I'm holding the phone.
Roval bar I need to look at it's not 100% no groove for head cap to sit onto for a nice flat transition and no textured surface on top.
The tops look wider where the stem meets but have to get the calipers on it.
Waiting for some new scales
But frame was 798G, no hardware.
Forks Uncut 399G
But it will check with better quality scales when they arrive.
First impression well I could have saved £5000k!!

wow, it looks amazing, that raw finish is very nice. Hopefully in the performance comparison it will be a bit similar to the original, after 1500 km I feel it as the stiffest bike I have ever tested, and fast. the other day on a long descent I was able to overtake to my group of cyclists at more than 80km/h. It was amazing to see how people were overtaking without having to use the pedals

[patliean1]

Ok the bloody thing has finally arrived!
First impression well I could have saved £5000k!!

The fate of my X68 dealings lies solely on you now haha 

[Sander2177]

The fate of my X68 dealings lies solely on you now haha

  great not pressure then!

Ok well let’s start with the bars
I’ll double-check when I get the new scales but weight is around 229g on the Micky Mouse scales 
Size is 380mm wide, 110mm stem my genuine are 400x110mm

The Rovals are grey with a light finish — you can see some carbon some UD carbon through the surface.

The X68 bars are finished in black. I used to be in the building trade and have a keen eye for small details and to me, they just don’t have the same sharpness in finish but obviously they came with the frame so it’s expected as they are not £575gbp!

The top cap area has a slight dip in the middle as seen in one photo I may attempt to flatten this out if really necessary.
And the bar edges aren’t perfectly straight you can make it out if you have a good look but if you are glancing at the bars you would never notice it’s barely notable 
The cable entry and exit hole is  well ok the piss! With the QC sticker on it lol but good thing it’s underneath. 
And the top cap areas has not been machined to allow a more seamless fit with the top cap as with the original.
My original bars I purchased  on release and have the textured surface and the X68 do not but glepore pointed out that the current bars do not have this which is correct.

The profiles are subtly different too but this is only noticeable side buy side  When you look down on the top of the bars.


Also, the X68 profile feels marginally thicker — there is not a lot in it on the verniers maybe 1mm but again unless you have the real McCoy next to them you would never know.
The Roval front profile appears slimmer and I would say is blade like where as the X68 appears slightly more  rounded.
I flipped the bars upside down and gave them a squeeze and they feel stiff but I will obviously test this better when I get to ride them.
And the spacers are not a tight fit at the base of the stem there is the collar part from the steers tube to the underside of the stem where the stem is obviously not the same depth and there are gaps either side.  I have ordered a genius kit to see if it’s a tighter fit.

[Sander2177]

Initial Impressions – Frame Side by Side

Side-by-side, the frame looks identical to the genuine article.

Finish is generally okay, though I did notice a few minor ripples in the surface. BB and thru-axle threads had a bit of overspray — nothing major or that would cause issues.

Seatpost slid in without any problems.

One small hiccup: when I reinserted the rear thru-axle, the washer was stuck on the frame. For a moment, I thought it was bonded in. Looks like they fitted it shortly after painting, so it had stuck slightly. A quick flick with a knife sorted it.

The gloss UD finish looks great in my opinion, and I think it’ll look even better once it’s built up.

Like others, I checked inside the head tube, BB shell, and seat tube. Everything looks tidy — obviously that doesn’t guarantee anything structurally, but it’s clean and well-finished inside.

Fork came in at 399g uncut, and the frame is 788g (no hardware). I’ve got some Kern scales arriving soon, so I’ll post a more accurate weight when I get them. For reference, my genuine frame weighs 701g.

[Sander2177]

More photos.
Let me know if you want any more
Photos.
Have everything to build it up so will start next week as I am busy.
But will post build photos.
BB has not been faced like the real SL8 it has been sprayed up to the edge of the BB shell.
The genuine one is machined and you can see the surface carbon around the BB
Brake mounts look ok so far.
I will try and fit the BB as is and hopefully it’s ok.