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

[jonathanf2]

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.

Unfortunately the SL8/X68/R088 battery clip doesn't work with the LTwoo battery, since it's a bit wider. For LTwoo ER9/X users, you have to slide the battery inside the seat tube all the way down and tie string to it in order to fish it out for maintenance. Luckily it's so snug, it doesn't move while riding.

[glepore]

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.

I think I'd go 52 with a 115 stem. I'm 10 cm shorter and very comfortable on a 49 with a 115 and a couple spacers.

[gbrnole]

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.

agreed. when i built my actual SL8 it was literally a case of what is this janky clip? then i moved on to feeding the Di2 wire through the seat tube and reattaching the FD mount. that was definitely a FML moment for a few mins! 

i have a Seraph X68 coming for my kid. It's going to be fun comparing it the real thing.

[gbrnole]

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.

how old are you and how flexible? i'm 175 cm with an 80cm inseam. I ride a 54cm frame with a 400x110 cockpit. standard SL8 offset seat post with the saddle positioned mid rails. My SL8 fits me like a glove. my prior bike, a Gen 6 Madone SLR was also in 54 with a 100mm stem (the handlebars are a longer reach on the Madone) and the seatmast cap with a 5mm layback. saddle also positioned mid rails. The SL8 actually less stretched out than the Madone despite the bikes being very similar in size.

If you have the ability to check out an SL8 at a local bike store you should. as noted above a 52 with a 110 stem might be the ticket for you.

[voidptr]

Why isn't TanTan/Seraph releasing this frame with UDH?
I've been considering it as a backup, but every time I think they're surely about to add UDH support.
It's such an obvious update, especially since they're are releasing so many other frames with UDH.
I don't get it.

[jonathanf2]

Why isn't TanTan/Seraph releasing this frame with UDH?
I've been considering it as a backup, but every time I think they're surely about to add UDH support.
It's such an obvious update, especially since they're are releasing so many other frames with UDH.
I don't get it.

There's the TanTan X70 which is the exact same frame as the SPCycle R088. Both are SL8 clones with slight modifications. It has UDH, mechanical cable routing, 52mm headset bearings and doesn't require an adapter for the front fork brake calipers (compatible with LTwoo's proprietary caliper design). The only thing they omit is the aero sniffer, in exchange for a more user friendly head tube design (for both integrated bars or separate stem/bars).

[Sander2177]

Why isn't TanTan/Seraph releasing this frame with UDH?
I've been considering it as a backup, but every time I think they're surely about to add UDH support.
It's such an obvious update, especially since they're are releasing so many other frames with UDH.
I don't get it.

If you got instagram
And your Italian is good DM this Italian bike shop.

https://www.instagram.com/cicl1talia?igsh=MXVtYmEwb2d5dTd5NA==

I commented on a post they put up where they have UDH groupset fitted to a genuine SL8

[Sander2177]

I think I'd go 52 with a 115 stem. I'm 10 cm shorter and very comfortable on a 49 with a 115 and a couple spacers.

I would agree
I’m 178cm and ride a 54cm with a 380x110cm stem.
Saddle height is about 745cm

[humbling9430]

how old are you and how flexible? i'm 175 cm with an 80cm inseam. I ride a 54cm frame with a 400x110 cockpit. standard SL8 offset seat post with the saddle positioned mid rails. My SL8 fits me like a glove. my prior bike, a Gen 6 Madone SLR was also in 54 with a 100mm stem (the handlebars are a longer reach on the Madone) and the seatmast cap with a 5mm layback. saddle also positioned mid rails. The SL8 actually less stretched out than the Madone despite the bikes being very similar in size.

If you have the ability to check out an SL8 at a local bike store you should. as noted above a 52 with a 110 stem might be the ticket for you.

Early 30s, fairly flexible - I can touch my toes easily if that counts for anything. The SL8 offset look to be 15mm? The Ultimate is 8mm. Unfortunately there's no shop near me that has it in stock.

At least the geo doesn't seem too different between 52 and 54, so could compensate with the stem + spacers.

Thanks!

Will need to pull together a shopping list. Were there any "must-replace" items? Saw the Garmin mount for the handlebars, was there also the seatpost wedge?

[gbrnole]

Early 30s, fairly flexible - I can touch my toes easily if that counts for anything. The SL8 offset look to be 15mm? The Ultimate is 8mm. Unfortunately there's no shop near me that has it in stock.

At least the geo doesn't seem too different between 52 and 54, so could compensate with the stem + spacers.

Thanks!

Will need to pull together a shopping list. Were there any "must-replace" items? Saw the Garmin mount for the handlebars, was there also the seatpost wedge?

yeah you should be fine on a 52. i rode a 52 for years until age caught up!

[glepore]

Will need to pull together a shopping list. Were there any "must-replace" items? Saw the Garmin mount for the handlebars, was there also the seatpost wedge?

The wedge is fine. If you're a weight weenie you could modify the saddle clamp as Sander and I have done using yokes. Actually, find them easier to get the saddle on with. Otherwise all the parts work. The stem cap is a bit oversized, I don't mind, but an actual specialized one would fit more flush and is under $10.

[planet_sammy]

Early 30s, fairly flexible - I can touch my toes easily if that counts for anything. The SL8 offset look to be 15mm? The Ultimate is 8mm. Unfortunately there's no shop near me that has it in stock.

At least the geo doesn't seem too different between 52 and 54, so could compensate with the stem + spacers.

Thanks!

Will need to pull together a shopping list. Were there any "must-replace" items? Saw the Garmin mount for the handlebars, was there also the seatpost wedge?

I'd be very interested in your experience comparing it to your current bike if you buy the frame!

I also ride the Canyon Ultimate in size S (2018) and find that the frameset somehow sucks up the "performance"... so I'm really not happy with it!

[dovh]

Soo my garmin mount from Tantan disintegrated on me.. Replaced with  one from MagCad design, thanks for the suggestion in your build posts Sander!

[Sander2177]

Soo my garmin mount from Tantan disintegrated on me.. Replaced with  one from MagCad design, thanks for the suggestion in your build posts Sander!

Well at least noting else disintegrated!
This one should last a while longer

[gbrnole]

the magcad mounts for the RR cockpit are quality. I have been using their computer mounts for all of my bikes for years. had the elemnt bolt mount for the SL8 before i had the bike!