[Help Wanted] High-End SL8-Like OEM Frame – T1100/EPS/UD Raw

[NicoCarbonH]

Hi everyone,

I'm currently looking for a high-end road bike frame that matches as closely as possible the Specialized S-Works SL8 FACT 12r, ideally as an OEM, surplus, or QA reject (not a replica or low-cost clone).

My technical requirements:
   •   Carbon: Toray T1000 , at least in critical zones (BB, HT, chainstays, downtube) – with proof of layup or credible declaration.
   •   Molding: EPS / 3D latex inner molding only (no bladder molding), clean internal finish.
   •   Geometry: As close as possible to the SL8 race geometry.
   •   Weight: <800 g for size 52/54, bare frame.
   •   Finish: UD raw, clear thin matte varnish (no paint, no logos).
   •   BB standard: T47 (68 mm or similar).
   •   Origin: Verified factory surplus or OEM production (Taiwan or China) – not generic open mold unless it meets all above specs.
   •   Budget: Up to €2500 all included (frame + fork + customs + proxy fees).

Already evaluated:
   •   LightCarbon LCR017-D → good EPS molding, 760–830 g, but only T700+T800+T1000 (no T1100).
   •   LightCarbon LCR018-D → includes T1100 but is an endurance/all-road frame (~980 g), not suitable.
   •   Contacted several sellers (Dongguan etc.) → mainly replicas, not genuine OEM or surplus.

I'm looking for:
   •   Verified OEM suppliers with real SL8-like frames (T1000 layup, EPS molding).
   •   Factory contacts (WeChat, Xianyu, Taobao) for QA rejects or surplus units.
   •   Anyone who has successfully sourced such a frame and can share leads or trusted proxies.

Thanks a lot for any help or PM contacts – I'm ready to buy if the frame meets these requirements.

[cramy]

official tarmac sl8 frame goes for 4000euros on the specialized website.

[bigApple]

Evolve Cima

[patliean1]

+1 for Evolve Cima

[NicoCarbonH]

No the 2025 id 5,500€ on specialized

[NicoCarbonH]

why evolve cima precisely?

[KuBiDrugar]

Winspace SLC 5.0

[glepore]

+1 for Evolve Cima

+2.
Actual aero. Sub 700g frame. Ceramicspeed headset. Real t1000 and m40. One of the partners founded Cybrei. Its an amazing frame for the money, likely actual s works quality for 1/2 the price.

[toxin]

Why do you need it to have T1100. What you're describing basically doesn't exist in this day and age

[GSoroos]

why evolve cima precisely?

I was just looking and it seems to tick off many of your boxes (T1100, geometry, weight), except for the finish (It looks like these are painted).

[Sakizashi]

I don't love the geo of the Evolve Cima vs. an SL8, but I broadly agree that it doesn't get much better than that right now. Though in your price range the Seka Spear is probably worth a look as well as the Incolor Intropy SSR which we are still waiting on in terms of a release.

Edit: Should also add in the Quick Pro AR:One. It a Flybike frame, they do OEM for brands that have had bikes in the World Tour, though not sure they make any models that are currently raced by WT teams. I think you can get an unbranded one from Carbonda, their contact info is in the classified section of this forum.

I don't think you will find anyone legitimately selling OEM versions of top frames; they just dont operate that way anymore and honestly, the good ones for the good brands never have. You also won't find cosmetic seconds available from factories; brands actually use these. I know of a couple dev teams that get blem frames supplied as team bikes. Edit: I remembered that I have been offered some of these in the past, but through a Western bike shop or directly from a brand. Frames are rare, wheels and components are easier to get and regularly get sold online through a small number of stores.

Just like with ultralight wheels, investments in production are bringing lower-cost options that utilize newer production methods to market. The LTK 266-D-SL and its related 266 variants, sold by various sellers, appear to be a great example of this. This does have sub-800 g weights (painted with/derailleur) mounts. There is a thread on this frame here, and I have one inbound. The geometry, though, is more Time ADH than SL8, tho. You probably won't get anything that confirms the layup either, but hey, you could fit at least 5 of these into your budget.

[patliean1]

I don't love the geometry of the Cima myself. These days I'm trying avoid running a 140mm stem, so I prefer a longer reach and wheelbase on their size large. That and I don't love the paint jobs. But I understand their conservative nature for this first go-round.

EDIT: Can't for @Serge_K to rip this thread into shreds 

[glepore]

Agree on the "no seconds" comments. I don't know that there ever has been a actual supply of qc fails nor cosmetic seconds in the retail market, largely a myth promoted by dreamers and sellers of bogus stuff.

[Tines]

No the 2025 id 5,500€ on specialized

hes talking about the regular sl8. Discounted it's cheaper. Sworks can be sometimes bought for 4.5 I think.

[Lotnik]

As other said, Evolve Cima or Quick Pro AR:One. You will probably could get AR:One in bare carbon when you contact directly with Carbonda.

And there is nothing like QA rejects on the market. No one will risk the contract  just for a few pennies.