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

[Tom77]

Axle ist appr. 30g, so fork appr. 400g, should be fine

[Sander2177]

Many are now aware of the TT-X68 fork issues. The original forks from the early batches weighed around 330g uncut, and there’s been one confirmed failure, plus two other cases with reported issues. TanTan has since responded by replacing the forks, and the updated version now weighs around 400g.

This might set the cat amongst the pigeons, but just to be clear—heavier carbon doesn’t automatically mean stronger or better, as many here will already know.

What really matters is how the fork is engineered, especially the layup and construction quality. A well-designed fork can be light and strong; a poorly made one can be heavy and still fail. Not trying to upset anyone—just stating facts.

[glepore]

Many are now aware of the TT-X68 fork issues. The original forks from the early batches weighed around 330g uncut, and there’s been one confirmed failure, plus two other cases with reported issues. TanTan has since responded by replacing the forks, and the updated version now weighs around 400g.

This might set the cat amongst the pigeons, but just to be clear—heavier carbon doesn’t automatically mean stronger or better, as many here will already know.

What really matters is how the fork is engineered, especially the layup and construction quality. A well-designed fork can be light and strong; a poorly made one can be heavy and still fail. Not trying to upset anyone—just stating facts.

Yeah, was about to mention that additional carbon doesn't mean much if its not properly compacted and cured. But is suspect this is a belt/suspenders approach, both more carbon and hopefully better q/c.

[humbling9430]

Quick q for those who have the frame -

The front wheel thru-axle - is the gold conical washer supposed to be in the fork, or on the thru-axle? For my rear wheel, the washer is stuck on the frame (or at least I can't seem to get it out - haven't tried really hard though). Pics attached.

Bit annoying, I've dropped the washer a couple of times when I've pulled the thru-axle out, I know there's a spare one in the little pack of accessories but still.

Also, are the thru-axles the same as the normal Specialized ones/any ones compatible with the SL8? My rear thru axle I've already started to round it :facepalm: - should never use the ball hex wrenches.

[glepore]

They should stay on the t/a but I have one (non tantan) stuck in fork and its fine. They are identical to Specialized's thru axle for the sl8.

[JustinFox]

That gold washer is impossible to separate from the original Specialized thru-axles. Don't ask me why, but I've tried!

[Sander2177]

So had the same issue when I had the frame delivered had to get the rear washer out of the back as it got stuck.

Anyway  got the new bars with 120cm fitted to the – been so busy lately!
So swapped the SPDs and fitted the new XM Carbon chainrings (same as the Pass Quest 53-39T)… mostly for the bling factor 😎

Things always seem to take longer than you expect when you’re an amateur mechanic at best. I was never keen on the purple, so I’ve gone full stealth black. Meant to add a sprinkle of gold in the speed decals, but they didn’t quite match what I had in mind – it’s always hit or miss with that sort of thing unless you can send a physical sample.

Had a spin this evening – front caliper still needs a bit of fine-tuning, but otherwise, everything’s appears to be running sweet!

Just need to shake this cold off 🤧 now so I can get out for a shake down next week hopefully!

[JustinFox]

I'm a huge fan of clear over carbon.  Chainrings and crank look great too!

I've been so tempted to buy some Darimo bars for the weight savings, but looks are pretty damn important to me and I absolutely hate that they're angled up SO much!

Look at the bar ends, they're nowhere near perpendicular to the ground which would mean I'd have to run my hoods extra forward on the bars to get them right, in essence extending my reach.

[Sander2177]

I'm a huge fan of clear over carbon.  Chainrings and crank look great too!

I've been so tempted to buy some Darimo bars for the weight savings, but looks are pretty damn important to me and I absolutely hate that they're angled up SO much!

Look at the bar ends, they're nowhere near perpendicular to the ground which would mean I'd have to run my hoods extra forward on the bars to get them right, in essence extending my reach.

I know what you meann
Obviously you could have taken a better photo 😂.
I will photos the bars from another angle straight on and see how they look might no look so pronounced upwards

[dovh]

Here's an update on the fork: I received a new fork from TanTan in the mail today. All seems good, and the new fork is definitely heavier than the previous one. It is 401g uncut.
This new fork was not painted that well compared to the original one. There is quite a lot of overspray on the brake mounts, and they painted the inside of the thru axle, which was not painted on the original fork. But it's not a big deal i guess I can just sand it down.
also the old one had like a metal insert on the end where you screw in the thru axle and this one does not have it. (there is one gold washer on the thru axle and one in the fork on the old one)
Edit: there was no metal insert in the old one i must've remembered it wrong. 

I will update the post after I replace it on the bike.

[CoreX88]

Finally I'm back on the road. Fork took long to arrive, but the paint color matches perfectly and I survived my first two short rides

Put some titanium parts, new solid oil bearings (way cheaper than CS https://www.kugellager-shop.net/acb495h6-5-bo-max-sl-steuersatz-kugellager-vollkugelig.html) and a lighter wheelset plus cassette on the bike which is now about 6,85 kg with everything on. I'm still loving that color, it really shines and pops in the sun!

Wish me luck, that everything works out in the future. It really rides lovely!

[patliean1]

Got this on order, coming sometime this fall...

https://www.instagram.com/p/DLRwWUuOIwc/

[Sander2177]

Got this on order, coming sometime this fall...

https://www.instagram.com/p/DLRwWUuOIwc/

Hmmm thought the X68 was dead!
Just an itch that had to be scratched? 
You super super intrigued aint ya Patrick!?   

[Sander2177]

Wish me luck, that everything works out in the future. It really rides lovely!
[/quote]
Finally!!
Looks good Seranade Wheels look nice!

[patliean1]

Hmmm thought the X68 was dead!
Just an itch that had to be scratched? 
You super super intrigued aint ya Patrick!?   

LoL they approached me. And we are almost nearing the end of summer. Most of my bike review obligations have been fulfilled. I already sold my SL8 frameset too so the components and groupsets are just sitting in a box anyway. It will be an easy swap. My first question was about the new fork.

This however doesn't make me any less of a hypocrite or a shill. But hey a man can change his mind right? RIGHT?