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

[patliean1]

Seatpost fitment
Quick update on this: a guy I know fitted a 15° original post (not zero). His feedback was:

“Hi mate, no issues for me. I used plenty of carbon paste and tightened it to where I was happy 😁. No photos to hand but honestly, it’s just a seatpost in a frame 🤷🏻‍♂️ — fitted as it should. Been running it for the last 2 weeks, no problems. Did a fast 60km on Saturday and 2–3 interval sessions. The old post/seat clamp used to creak, but this one’s been mustard.”

Most excellent. Thank you!

The reason I have a spare SL8 15mm setback seatpost is because the original one would creak terribly only over very rough pavement. I thought somehow I must have cracked it. But when I installed the replacement post I had the same creaking problem.

Turns out I didn't read the installation instructions from Specialized. As soon as I applied grease to all surfaces on the seatpost wedge (minus the surface that interacts with the actual seatpost) the creaking immediately went away. 6Nm is all I needed too. Had the same problem with my Ventum NS1 which grease resolved it. So I basically apply grease to the wedges across all my bikes now.

I'll confirm if the genuine SL8 post works. Shame that mid-October is almost the end of daily outdoor riding weather here in Chicago. Funny enough, I was speaking to some of my local Specialized reps earlier today. I might be able to borrow an S-Works level SL8 for content. Would be funny including the X68 in the same video 

[Bobinski]

Sure but it's not a complete color change like other chameleon paint jobs. It's more like an oyster pearl glitter in the reflection.

Thanks-i like it. Reminds me of the finsih on my first road bike.

[glepore]

Funny, yeah. And probably inviting some nasty letters from Specialized's legal department (not that they'd have grounds but its never stopped them).

I'd echo the build comments above. My spacer rubbed in the front and removed some paint, no real worry.
And yeah, the seatpost can creak in a number of areas. You found one. The rear barrel nut can also creak where it rubs against the cradle.
Other than that, and the usual brake niggles with unfaced mounts, it's all pretty normal.
FWIW, I think the spec of 15nm on the thru axles is a bit much.
The other complaint, which you're avoiding by not using the clone bars, is that the computer mounts are made of cheese and it seems that a bunch have broken. I use a magcad and a Bolt, so wouldn't know.

I'm curious about the post as well as I'd like to use a hy zero. 

[Sander2177]

Funny, yeah. And probably inviting some nasty letters from Specialized's legal department (not that they'd have grounds but its never stopped them).

I'd echo the build comments above. My spacer rubbed in the front and removed some paint, no real worry.
And yeah, the seatpost can creak in a number of areas. You found one. The rear barrel nut can also creak where it rubs against the cradle.
Other than that, and the usual brake niggles with unfaced mounts, it's all pretty normal.
FWIW, I think the spec of 15nm on the thru axles is a bit much.
The other complaint, which you're avoiding by not using the clone bars, is that the computer mounts are made of cheese and it seems that a bunch have broken. I use a magcad and a Bolt, so wouldn't know.

I'm curious about the post as well as I'd like to use a hy zero.

15nm same as real deal?  I’m sure it was 13nm
Either way I grease both ends and tighten to 9Nm more than enough!
I have had no issue with the post carbon paste for and back inside seat tube and on the front of the wedge and on the post its self.
Grease the bolts and barrels thoroughly and on the hole the bolts penetrate through the post.
I use like a small artists brush and I apply carbon paste to the saddle rails and cradle and voilà!

[Stubbie Blue]

I'll confirm if the genuine SL8 post works. Shame that mid-October is almost the end of daily outdoor riding weather here in Chicago. Funny enough, I was speaking to some of my local Specialized reps earlier today. I might be able to borrow an S-Works level SL8 for content. Would be funny including the X68 in the same video 

Heh you should come to Florida in the winter. The weather is perfect for riding along the ocean:

[glepore]

15nm same as real deal?  I’m sure it was 13nm
Either way I grease both ends and tighten to 9Nm more than enough!

LOL. The manual says 15. I have zero idea why, other than maybe the stock Roval wheels like crazy preload.  Yeah, I've never used more than 9 or less on my ti t/a's.

[Stubbie Blue]

After 1300km tantan computer mount is dead
Broke today on very fast descent, but spotted on right time and my Karoo is ok 

I got this mount for SL8 handlebars: https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256809494370689.html
Used to be $20 but now it's $30. Made of metal. Weighs 36g with the Garmin mount. Fits the contour of the handlebars well.

[Bonus79]

I got this mount for SL8 handlebars: https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256809494370689.html
Used to be $20 but now it's $30. Made of metal. Weighs 36g with the Garmin mount. Fits the contour of the handlebars well.

It's the same model I also purchased for the Elita One handlebar (a replica or very similar to the Roval Rapide). The one that came with the handlebar was identical, but made of plastic: the threaded seat of the GPS base fixing screw stripped immediately.
I was undecided whether to get this model or the MagCAD for the Wahoo Bolt....I decided for this model because I might need to mount a front light.

[Tom77]

Got an update on my replacement fork, it got painted and will be sent within the next days.
Hopefully my built will be complete soon.

[fharcet]

I’m looking at this bike and I’m really one step away from buying it. It just seems too good of a deal. 705 di2, only 7.2KG for this price is a steal. Is there something I’m not seeing? What do you guys think?

[gribs]

It feels like scam but I can't say it definitely is.

[fharcet]

I dont know, the site seem legit. Im also tolking whit someone on whatapp.

https://tantanbikes.com/72KG-full-bike-R7170-chameleon-white-color-Full-Internal-Cable-Disc-Road-bike-TT-X68-Ultegra-Di2-Groupset-Complete-Bicycle-p6306924.html

[crazyravr]

IMHO its legit and the cost checks out for sure.
- frame + bar ~$700
- groupset ~$1000
- wheelset ~ $600

Great value and saves you building your own, unless you want to.

Couple years ago I thought the gravel bike from Sava I got was too good too be true vs what I could get local for the same price. Two years later and over 10K km of hard gravel riding, its all good. The only things I replaced was the aluminum wheels that bike came with. Frame good, groupset shimano grx etc.

[Sander2177]

I’m looking at this bike and I’m really one step away from buying it. It just seems too good of a deal. 705 di2, only 7.2KG for this price is a steal. Is there something I’m not seeing? What do you guys think?

Seen posts where other have bought it price is about right

[gribs]

This listing just feels dodgy.

https://tantanbikes.com/Ink-Green-Paint-24-Speed-Disc-Brake-Road-Bike-TT-X42-Carbon-Normal-Wheels-Wheeltop-Hydraulic-Electronic-Shifting-p6565762.html