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Re: Replica Factor Ostro VAM
Looks great, how are you liking the frame? Thank you and I like the frame for my usage it's perfect. Few things say "my frame is fake" louder than riding a Factor with Elite wheels with the logos Thank you Serge, I agree that I basically don't need to say that it's fake because there are Elite Wheels on it, However I don't mind and I get a lot of compliments, also there exist fake Black Inc wheels as well. I would say that wheeltop screams it louder Thank you Lotnik, and yes you are right Wheeltop also indicates that it is a fake, imitation or replica frame. However I like how it works and not everyone is riding with a fake factor with elite wheels and Wheeltop. Nevertheless I enjoy riding it even though some people here on the forum don't like it, and that's also okay because it's not their bike and they also don't need to ride it. the china rotors make it obviousUnfortunately, for your comment the Q-rings Rotor is real... The crankset and powermeter are also quite "fake" It's a Lexon with Xcadey. Padels are original Speedplay, but the spindles that were steel did I replaced for "fake" titanium ones. and to top it off I bought training wheels from Tagoola which are 1/3 of the price from the Elite wheels. Some will use Elite wheels as training wheels as replacement for their black inc wheels for good weather or races, and I use Tagoola ones for training wheels (winter/rain) and my Elite drives for nice weather. See the picture as the attached reference. also In the current state on the image as weighted: 7,00 kg April 04, 2025, 07:01:44 AM |
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Re: Seraph Bikes Superlight 836g X68 - Alternative to SL8 Fakes?
Just to add for anyone looking to place an order now. I was quoted 20-25 working days for frame manufacture took 23 days. 10-18 days shipping to UK, that’s a long shipping time it’s been 8 days so far. May 07, 2025, 03:15:45 PM |
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Re: Seraph Bikes Superlight 836g X68 - Alternative to SL8 Fakes?
Anxiously awaiting your comparison report! Initial Ride Impressions – TanTan X68 vs SL8 Only about 50 km on it so far, but I’m surprisingly impressed — especially for the price. In terms of ride quality, I’m genuinely surprised how close this feels to my SL8. Make no mistake, so far it is not an SL8 — definitely in terms of quality there’s a difference. • Stiffness: Comparable. Out-of-the-saddle efforts feel direct, no noticeable flex. I haven’t pushed beyond ~800W yet, but the front end feels solid — bars feel just as stiff as my Roval cockpit. • Responsiveness: Snappy and lively, the bike reacts well to power input. • Refinement: The SL8 still has the edge — it’s smoother and more polished over rough roads. But honestly, the difference is smaller than expected — not night and day. There were a few minor build niggles: rear brake mount and BB shell needed some sanding/facing, and I had to file down a spacer near the seat tube to prevent rubbing. These are minor issues at this price point (£625 for the frame). This experience reminds me of switching from Zipp 303 NSW wheels to the first-gen Winspace Hyper 50s — better performance at half the price. Since then, I haven’t looked back at high-end Western wheel brands. This frame is making me question buying expensive branded frames again — unless the SL9 or a new Venge changes things. ⸻ Recommendations: • Would I recommend this frame? Yes — but with caveats. • It’s an OEM frame, not a retail brand, so after-sales support and customer service vary widely. Some OEMs are great, others less so. • TanTan have a mixed bag of reviews, so buyers need to make their own informed decision about risk tolerance and snappy snappy forks! • If problems arise, you’ll likely need to pay your own return shipping and may face some delays or communication hurdles. • For the price-to-performance ratio, I think it’s worth the risk if you’re comfortable with those conditions. ⸻ Early impressions are very promising. I’ll post more updates after some longer rides. May 30, 2025, 09:14:03 AM |
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Re: Seraph Bikes Superlight 836g X68 - Alternative to SL8 Fakes?
Yes, it is a counterfeit frame — I’ve never claimed otherwise. However, some of us have looked for a patent on this particular frame design, which should be publicly available if it exists, and so far we haven’t found one. That might be why they’re able to sell this frame as they do. I have a spare seat tube arriving today, and I’ll try it in my SL8. From memory, it didn’t fit previously because it was slightly too large, so there may be subtle differences in the frame’s shape — or maybe not. They don’t sell the frame with Specialized branding because that would clearly infringe on trademarks and IP rights. Hence why the counterfeits are not so open obviously. Yes, there have been customer service issues with the forks quality and fitment. But for what is essentially a £500 frame, many feel it’s worth the risk. The fit issues aren’t ideal, but they seem to be relatively rare. Plenty of people on this forum are riding these frames without issue. Ultimately, it’s a cheap frame, and people need to manage their expectations accordingly — both with the product itself and with the customer service experience. June 07, 2025, 06:26:50 AM |
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Re: Seraph Bikes Superlight 836g X68 - Alternative to SL8 Fakes?
It doesn't require a brand sticker to be considered counterfeit under IP laws in most countries. It's already a counterfeit because, as a 1:1 copy, it likely violates both copyrights for design and trade dress. There is a reason the nose of the SL8 was named the "speed sniffer": as a distinct feature, it gains protection under IP laws. I understand that people object to IP laws, are unaware of or uninterested in them, or object to the prices Specialized charges, as well as the notion that you are unlikely to face any legal consequences in most places until you try to sell your frame, regardless of whether you disclose. Just as a point of info, I spent way too much time down the rabbit hole of the USPTO website regarding the sl8 out of curiosity. The sl8 shape isn't patented, although the sl7's is. I suspect Specialized thought that the sl8 was too similar and would be considered prior art or ? In any event, "speed sniffer" is trademarked, as the logos. I don't find Tantan's behavior regarding this frame much different that the majority of similar vendors. There are exceptions, obviously, xiamen carbon speed comes to mind, but most are not transparent. But go ask Specialized which factory makes the actual sl8, all you'll get is "Taiwan". So there's that. June 07, 2025, 08:18:53 AM |
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Re: Seraph Bikes Superlight 836g X68 - Alternative to SL8 Fakes?
Guys get a room. this is a subforum about bike builds, components etc. not law, morale and all that's shit. You wanna discuss this, then go somewhere else. I'm tired of reading your essays. June 08, 2025, 02:03:42 AM |
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Re: Seraph Bikes Superlight 836g X68 - Alternative to SL8 Fakes?
Last touch with decals on frame and wheels 🫡 730km so far and no issues 
July 12, 2025, 01:55:40 AM |
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Re: Seraph Bikes Superlight 836g X68 - Alternative to SL8 Fakes?
Those spacers look borderline criminal November 05, 2025, 01:42:54 AM |
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