Author Topic: Seraph Bikes Superlight 836g X68 - Alternative to SL8 Fakes?  (Read 1473445 times)

S4misano

Re: Seraph Bikes Superlight 836g X68 - Alternative to SL8 Fakes?
« Reply #1290 on: June 24, 2025, 09:30:25 AM »
WhatsApp Vivian: +86 136 9093 8214

Working hours (China):
Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM – 6:30 PM

It’s best to WhatsApp around 10 AM Chinese time.
Messages sent outside these hours may get lost due to the high volume of messages and email inquiries is the same.

Thank you Sir, noted and will do 👍

cramy

Re: Seraph Bikes Superlight 836g X68 - Alternative to SL8 Fakes?
« Reply #1291 on: June 24, 2025, 10:29:05 AM »
Do you guys know where I could find Spacer & Headset kit if we want to use a separate stem and handlebar instead of the complete cockpit provided with the frame?

It seems that the original sl8 comes with both type of spacers, but in our case I don't really know.

Also is the bottom spacer the same for all the frame or it is a special design from Specialized?
« Last Edit: June 24, 2025, 10:37:08 AM by cramy »

Sander2177

Re: Seraph Bikes Superlight 836g X68 - Alternative to SL8 Fakes?
« Reply #1292 on: June 24, 2025, 10:53:03 AM »
Do you guys know where I could find Spacer & Headset kit if we want to use a separate stem and handlebar instead of the complete cockpit provided with the frame?

It seems that the original sl8 comes with both type of spacers, but in our case I don't really know.

Also is the bottom spacer the same for all the frame or it is a special design from Specialized?

I know a guy well known on Instagram for making spacers for bars not for compatible frames.
Only have his instagram details.

 https://www.instagram.com/thestickybottle?igsh=bTFhazZhYjQyZ2Q4


X68 only comes  with spacer kit for the integrated bars where the  SL8 come with a spacer kit so you can so use the SL7 stem. Specilaized part number is S222500009

cramy

Re: Seraph Bikes Superlight 836g X68 - Alternative to SL8 Fakes?
« Reply #1293 on: June 24, 2025, 10:58:36 AM »
I know a guy well known on Instagram for making spacers for bats not for compatible frames.
Only have his instagram details.

 https://www.instagram.com/thestickybottle?igsh=bTFhazZhYjQyZ2Q4


X68 only comes  with spacer kit for the integrated bars where the  SL8 come with a spacer kit so you can so use the SL7 stem. Specilaized part number is S222500009

amazing I will look after this reference, in the meantime I will download the user manual

Re: Seraph Bikes Superlight 836g X68 - Alternative to SL8 Fakes?
« Reply #1294 on: June 24, 2025, 05:06:40 PM »
Welp, I have a major issue to report.
A few days ago I noticed a slight ticking/movement coming from the drivetrain. At first I thought it was the bottom bracket/crankset so I took that apart and made sure everything was greased, torqued, and installed properly. I then go to take the rear wheel out and make sure the derailleur hanger is tight when I notice that the thru axle isn't able to be tightened properly. It seems as though the receiving end for the thru-axle that sits in the rear triangle is stripped. I haven't done anything out of the ordinary when installing/removing the rear wheel so it appears overtime the threads have simply weakened and now are fully stripped. I am unable to install the thru axle with proper torque now which results in movement of the rear wheel. Major issue because this receiving "nut" is embedded in the frame so I believe the frame is toast. I will reach out to Tan Tan and see what they say.
Link to a video: https://drive.google.com/file/d/19ewEcFWWuFFNCd8AgNmx1uFb7_gkYfKj/view?usp=share_link
« Last Edit: June 24, 2025, 05:14:46 PM by greengoblinbean »

Sander2177

Re: Seraph Bikes Superlight 836g X68 - Alternative to SL8 Fakes?
« Reply #1295 on: June 24, 2025, 06:22:12 PM »
Welp, I have a major issue to report.
A few days ago I noticed a slight ticking/movement coming from the drivetrain. At first I thought it was the bottom bracket/crankset so I took that apart and made sure everything was greased, torqued, and installed properly. I then go to take the rear wheel out and make sure the derailleur hanger is tight when I notice that the thru axle isn't able to be tightened properly. It seems as though the receiving end for the thru-axle that sits in the rear triangle is stripped. I haven't done anything out of the ordinary when installing/removing the rear wheel so it appears overtime the threads have simply weakened and now are fully stripped. I am unable to install the thru axle with proper torque now which results in movement of the rear wheel. Major issue because this receiving "nut" is embedded in the frame so I believe the frame is toast. I will reach out to Tan Tan and see what they say.
Link to a video: https://drive.google.com/file/d/19ewEcFWWuFFNCd8AgNmx1uFb7_gkYfKj/view?usp=share_link

Hey, sounds like you’re talking about the metal insert for the rear thru-axle threads. If the threads are stripped, a good bike shop should be able to re-tap it for you. If it’s only slightly damaged, they can usually clean it up with the right tap. Worst case, if the threads are really gone, they might be able to install a thread insert like a Heli-Coil. Either way, it’s fixable — just take it to someone who knows what they’re doing and make sure they confirm the correct thread pitch before starting.

Re: Seraph Bikes Superlight 836g X68 - Alternative to SL8 Fakes?
« Reply #1296 on: June 24, 2025, 06:57:22 PM »
Hey, sounds like you’re talking about the metal insert for the rear thru-axle threads. If the threads are stripped, a good bike shop should be able to re-tap it for you. If it’s only slightly damaged, they can usually clean it up with the right tap. Worst case, if the threads are really gone, they might be able to install a thread insert like a Heli-Coil. Either way, it’s fixable — just take it to someone who knows what they’re doing and make sure they confirm the correct thread pitch before starting.
gotcha. i feel as though this should not have happened though, so if the metal is too weak to properly hold a thread then it would most likely happen again.

Sander2177

Re: Seraph Bikes Superlight 836g X68 - Alternative to SL8 Fakes?
« Reply #1297 on: June 24, 2025, 11:50:17 PM »
gotcha. i feel as though this should not have happened though, so if the metal is too weak to properly hold a thread then it would most likely happen again.

I get where you’re coming from — ideally, the threads shouldn’t strip like that. If the metal is too weak to hold the thread properly, then yes, it could happen again. But honestly, this kind of thing does happen sometimes, even with good frames, whether counterfeit or not.

Often when you buy a frame, it’s not uncommon to need a bike shop to re-tap the threads on thru-axles, bottom brackets, or other parts. It’s a fairly normal repair.

My advice is to find a good mechanic who can carefully re-tap the threads and see how it goes. Sometimes that fixes the problem completely, and you won’t have any further issues.

Also, I’d recommend contacting Tantan directly and letting them know about the problem with your frame. See what they say. A lot of people have had issues with these frame suppliers, but usually, if something goes wrong, it’s up to you to ship the frame back for a replacement — if they’re even willing to replace it.

So definitely check with them first before deciding to get the threads re-tapped. Just see what their response is.

I think the best move is to contact them first and see what they say. Obviously, you’ll need to take it somewhere to get it re-tapped, and that’s going to cost some money. Maybe they’ll offer to cover some of it, maybe not — I don’t know. But it’s definitely worth a try to just see what they say.

jonathanf2

Re: Seraph Bikes Superlight 836g X68 - Alternative to SL8 Fakes?
« Reply #1298 on: June 25, 2025, 12:23:40 AM »
Welp, I have a major issue to report.

I'd thoroughly clean the threads and try another thru axle. You can get a slightly longer TA and have the thru axle go pass the drop out hole. This way it'll still lock in place, while giving the drop out a bit more stability with the longer thru axle threads.

I had this issue with a front thru axle and the method above fixed the problem. Worst case scenario is getting it re-tapped.

Sander2177

Re: Seraph Bikes Superlight 836g X68 - Alternative to SL8 Fakes?
« Reply #1299 on: June 25, 2025, 05:09:26 AM »


Wanted a different cap for the x68 bars. Alpitude et al are very nice but lots of $, so made my own. This one is 4g vs the stock 7, but next attempt will be a gram lighter ;D

I'm impressed wish I had those skills myself!

Re: Seraph Bikes Superlight 836g X68 - Alternative to SL8 Fakes?
« Reply #1300 on: June 25, 2025, 09:56:32 AM »
Thank you for the suggestions everyone. Is the thru axle for the x68 a standard sl8 thru axle? I am going to try using a longer thru axle to start

gbrnole

Re: Seraph Bikes Superlight 836g X68 - Alternative to SL8 Fakes?
« Reply #1301 on: June 25, 2025, 10:03:37 AM »
Thank you for the suggestions everyone. Is the thru axle for the x68 a standard sl8 thru axle? I am going to try using a longer thru axle to start
probably should get those threads in the frame cleaned up at the same time. they're a bit flattened and will probably crush softer threads on a new through axle again. the dimensions (axle length, diameter and thread pitch) are usually printed directly on the through axle. just match those if so and perhaps increase length by a millimeter or two?

Re: Seraph Bikes Superlight 836g X68 - Alternative to SL8 Fakes?
« Reply #1302 on: June 25, 2025, 11:10:59 AM »
probably should get those threads in the frame cleaned up at the same time. they're a bit flattened and will probably crush softer threads on a new through axle again. the dimensions (axle length, diameter and thread pitch) are usually printed directly on the through axle. just match those if so and perhaps increase length by a millimeter or two?
appreciate it! I found this thread repair kit that I will give a try: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B3X9V4SG?ref=cm_sw_r_cso_sms_apin_dp_G8WSQNNBXF4X2REPDPCJ&ref_=cm_sw_r_cso_sms_apin_dp_G8WSQNNBXF4X2REPDPCJ&social_share=cm_sw_r_cso_sms_apin_dp_G8WSQNNBXF4X2REPDPCJ&previewDohEventScheduleTesting=C&csmig=1&th=1

S4misano

Re: Seraph Bikes Superlight 836g X68 - Alternative to SL8 Fakes?
« Reply #1303 on: June 25, 2025, 12:00:50 PM »

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

Damn it, I’m 180cm and went with a 54cm but a 90mm stem.. might be too cramped huh? I bet I can still message them or should I just push the saddle further back and be fine.

I reached out to them on whatsapp yesterday and got my order in the same day. Thanks for the tip man.

gbrnole

Re: Seraph Bikes Superlight 836g X68 - Alternative to SL8 Fakes?
« Reply #1304 on: June 25, 2025, 12:05:13 PM »
Damn it, I’m 180cm and went with a 54cm but a 90mm stem.. might be too cramped huh? I bet I can still message them or should I just push the saddle further back and be fine.

I reached out to them on whatsapp yesterday and got my order in the same day. Thanks for the tip man.
message them and get the longer cockpit. i'm on an actual SL8 but same difference fit wise. I'm 175cm on a 54cm bike and run a 110mm cockpit. I would not want to go shorter than that on my SL8 and i'm a crusty old dude. My inseam is 80cm for reference.