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

[glepore]

just as the Tarmac SL7 was the first all-around aerodynamic frame that many manufacturers have then taken inspiration from.

I'm going to get a reputation as argumentative, but no. Sl7 was late to the game. 2020. Aeroroad-2014. Supersix evo -2014. Specialized Venge (dropped stay version) 2018. The Supersix at least was an all around bike.

[jonathanf2]

Highly appreciated but I currently already have the Ltwoo groupset mounted and just the adapter is missing. I already wrote ltwoo directly and panda podium. Let’s see if they can solve it with an accurate adapter and I will give you a feedback on this.

I'm guessing you'll have to switch brake calipers to Shimano style flat mount. Also have you figured out the battery in the X68? There's some details about using an ER9/X battery in the SPcycle R088 thread (which has the same seat post/back end). If the seat post is too long, you'll have to carefully cut it to size and then put the ER9/X battery inside the seat tube with ribbon string or something similar in order to pull it out for maintenance.

[gbrnole]

Highly appreciated but I currently already have the Ltwoo groupset mounted and just the adapter is missing. I already wrote ltwoo directly and panda podium. Let’s see if they can solve it with an accurate adapter and I will give you a feedback on this.

there is no adapter for the L-Twoo front caliper that will fit the X68 or an SL8 unless someone custom makes one. The front caliper mounting bracket on both the SL8 and the Aethos is proprietary and permits only standard flat mount calipers and minimum 160mm rotor. the L-Twoo calipers are non standard so they could avoid patent infringement. Your best bet would be to buy a mineral oil based front caliper - an ultegra caliper would match best if you have the v3 eRX group.

[Sander2177]

Bikes still going well  .
Out last night for 55km rolling ride, there is not much more to say to be honest rides really really well, especially on the rough UK roads!  so its an ideal testing ground.
After rides I check my frames over due to the rough British Roads as I have had a cracked seat stay on a Felt bike and the reported fork failure on this thread.
Anyone who wants some ride stats

• Average 33.1 km/h
  Max 61.4 km/h
  Avg Power 180 W
  Weighted Avg Power 208 W
  Max Power 827 W

Sorted the crank with the help of  new torque wrench at 40nm and a belts and braces bit of Loctite 243 blue so should be fine and dialled in preload so all good.
Saddle modification holding up as well no movement, but I generally do sanity torques checks every so often on my bikes.
So the set up is running smooth no annoying noises from anywhere currently.

[Sander2177]

I still think this needs an ASS-WORKS logo to reach its full potential.

Would not expect anything less from you Toxin 

[EddytheEagle]

there is no adapter for the L-Twoo front caliper that will fit the X68 or an SL8 unless someone custom makes one. The front caliper mounting bracket on both the SL8 and the Aethos is proprietary and permits only standard flat mount calipers and minimum 160mm rotor. the L-Twoo calipers are non standard so they could avoid patent infringement. Your best bet would be to buy a mineral oil based front caliper - an ultegra caliper would match best if you have the v3 eRX group.

Ordered now a pair of ZRACE XG lets see…
TanTan and Ltwoo confirmed all the Shared comments of you all..

[EddytheEagle]

I'm guessing you'll have to switch brake calipers to Shimano style flat mount. Also have you figured out the battery in the X68? There's some details about using an ER9/X battery in the SPcycle R088 thread (which has the same seat post/back end). If the seat post is too long, you'll have to carefully cut it to size and then put the ER9/X battery inside the seat tube with ribbon string or something similar in order to pull it out for maintenance.

The battery assembly part turned out a mess… in a few words basically the battery is being on the bottom part of the tube and fortunately connected with the cables. I will think about how to take it out when the maintenance is needed…

[Bonus79]

I'm going to get a reputation as argumentative, but no. Sl7 was late to the game. 2020. Aeroroad-2014. Supersix evo -2014. Specialized Venge (dropped stay version) 2018. The Supersix at least was an all around bike.

No controversy, you rightly have your ideas (which I don't share), but it's not a problem.
The bikes you listed in my opinion do not fall into the same "all-around aerodynamic" category as the Tarmac SL7, either because they are not aerodynamic (Supersix 2014), or because they are more aerodynamic and less agile (Aeroroad and Venge)....and then we are talking about frames that (always in my opinion) have little in common with modern frames.
Anyway I respect your idea, but I don't want/need to convince anyone. 

[pandinoyoung]

thanks guys for the answers, so if I understood correctly sl8-x68 front has proprietary 68mm holes, proprietary adapter 68----34mm, standard is 70mm---34mm, LTWoo has 70mm adapter-----no 34mm holes.
can wheeltop calipers be mounted?
and when will the new magene group be marketed in the old continent? will it have the same problem?

[Sander2177]

The battery assembly part turned out a mess… in a few words basically the battery is being on the bottom part of the tube and fortunately connected with the cables. I will think about how to take it out when the maintenance is needed…

This happened to me as well — the holes in the seatpost were just slightly too high, so I had to file them down a little to get the Di2 battery clip to engage properly. I had the same issue with the Darimo seatpost I bought for my SL8.

Once that was sorted and the battery clipped in securely, I also wrapped some electrical tape around the top of the clip it to hold the battery  it firmly in place.

[EddytheEagle]

This happened to me as well — the holes in the seatpost were just slightly too high, so I had to file them down a little to get the Di2 battery clip to engage properly. I had the same issue with the Darimo seatpost I bought for my SL8.

Once that was sorted and the battery clipped in securely, I also wrapped some electrical tape around the top of the clip it to hold the battery  it firmly in place.

Used also the tap without exaggerating but I couldn’t push it down as the battery was too big for the clip, I can live with the result. Again if maintenance is needed I will find a solution. Need to admit that it’s my first time build such a bike. So far this is the current result.

[Sander2177]

Used also the tap without exaggerating but I couldn’t push it down as the battery was too big for the clip, I can live with the result. Again if maintenance is needed I will find a solution. Need to admit that it’s my first time build such a bike. So far this is the current result.

Looks good
The clips is not great but the battery sort of clips in that why unsecured the top with tape.
to be honest the real  clips for the SL8 isn’t that great either.

[glepore]

thanks guys for the answers, so if I understood correctly sl8-x68 front has proprietary 68mm holes, proprietary adapter 68----34mm, standard is 70mm---34mm, LTWoo has 70mm adapter-----no 34mm holes.
can wheeltop calipers be mounted?
and when will the new magene group be marketed in the old continent? will it have the same problem?

Yes. Wheeltop calipers are standard 34mm and mount fine.

[humbling9430]

Just read through this entire thread - I'm looking to get a new bike, and might roll the dice on this one.

Currently ride a Canyon Ultimate in size small, any recommendations on size for the X68? I'm 174cm, 78.5cm inseam, running 90mm stem on the Canyon. I did get a bike fit for the Canyon, but wanting something a bit more aggressive now - my saddle is pushed as far forward as possible on the Canyon. Size 54 still the way to go with 90mm stem? Or size down to 52 and increase stem length?


This would be my first bike build, so somewhat nervous about that too. Guess I could always take it to a local mechanic if/when I get stuck. Will be installing full Ultegra Di2 on it to start.

[jonathanf2]

Ordered now a pair of ZRACE XG lets see…
TanTan and Ltwoo confirmed all the Shared comments of you all..

Those should work in terms of fitment, but I actually found the LTwoo calipers were better performers. 

The battery assembly part turned out a mess… in a few words basically the battery is being on the bottom part of the tube and fortunately connected with the cables. I will think about how to take it out when the maintenance is needed…

Definitely go through the R088 thread. I think I was the first one to pioneer the LTwoo ER9/X battery solution in the SL8 knock-off frames! 

Use two pieces of ribbon string on both ends of the battery holder. I recommend two as contingency if the first ribbon slips off. Ribbon is important because it stays buoyant in the seat tube. A long piece of ribbon can just float inside the seat post and ties easily to the holder. Also for a stuck battery, you'll have to remove the bottom bracket and use a metal hanger wire to push it out. I spent about 3-4 days figuring this out and it's fully documented on the R088 thread!