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

[jonathanf2]

Up to the head tube and fork, my SPcycle R088 is exactly the same frame. Are these just coming out of the same factory or does everyone have the molds for this design?

I've been riding the crap out of my R088, with no issues. It's a good frame. I'd probably do the same and get this clone minus the fake branding.

[dovh]

When I get my frame from Tantan (hopefully at the end of February), I'll post some pictures taken inside the frame with an endoscope camera.

[cyrcles]

Seems like quite a few people have received their frames by now. Is there no one who has taken it out for a first spin to give us their impression ride quality-wise?

Im pretty keen to order one for myself – currently on the fence between a Tavelo Arow and this one. But i won't be able to decide between the two without having heard any kind of review other than for build quality.

You lovely people, dress up and take it for a spin! Pwease! 

[Bonus79]

Up to the head tube and fork, my SPcycle R088 is exactly the same frame. Are these just coming out of the same factory or does everyone have the molds for this design?

I've been riding the crap out of my R088, with no issues. It's a good frame. I'd probably do the same and get this clone minus the fake branding.

Are you saying that if you could go back, you would buy the clone proposed by Seraph (or another store) instead of the Spcycle R088?

If you want a clone of the SL8, wouldn't it be better to buy Seraph instead of another shop?

My opinion is that the clones don't all come from the same factory/mold....Seraph and Airwolf are the only clones to have the 52mm headset (I don't consider Spcycle since the head tube and fork have a different shape) .

[TidyDinosaur]

So none of you would be embarrassed riding this on a group ride when you are surrounded by real SL8's?

I have no problem riding cheap chiner frames, because for me it's the sensible thing to do with my budget... But I just would not feel good riding a fake on my weekly rides with the club...

[planet_sammy]

So none of you would be embarrassed riding this on a group ride when you are surrounded by real SL8's?

I have no problem riding cheap chiner frames, because for me it's the sensible thing to do with my budget... But I just would not feel good riding a fake on my weekly rides with the club...

I wouldn't care, like with clothes, I don't have to wear Gucci to feel good

[TidyDinosaur]

I wouldn't care, like with clothes, I don't have to wear Gucci to feel good

That's not my point... would you wear (obviously) fake Gucci to an evening with a lot of people wearing real Gucci??

[Bonus79]

So none of you would be embarrassed riding this on a group ride when you are surrounded by real SL8's?

I have no problem riding cheap chiner frames, because for me it's the sensible thing to do with my budget... But I just would not feel good riding a fake on my weekly rides with the club...

I'll tell you that I think quite like you...even without logos or with the Seraph logo, not much would change, so I would probably opt for the Spcycle R088 frame which differs in terms of head tube and fork.

[TidyDinosaur]

I'll tell you that I think quite like you...even without logos or with the Seraph logo, not much would change, so I would probably opt for the Spcycle R088 frame which differs in terms of head tube and fork.

Yeah, the headtube is just so distinct... It's so obvious...

I have nothing against this frame, and if I would live alone on an island and never do events or group rides, I would have no problem riding it...

[jonathanf2]

If you want a clone of the SL8, wouldn't it be better to buy Seraph instead of another shop?

I just went with the R088 because it had the features I wanted and was cheaper to buy at the time. Though these SL8 clones don't look that bad to me, I'd consider getting one minus any fake branding. To me these SL8 clones remind me of the Aethos clones on the market. I think the vendors have the build process figured out, especially since they're not trying to build them to the low weight specs of an S-Works SL8.

[cyrcles]

I'll tell you that I think quite like you...even without logos or with the Seraph logo, not much would change, so I would probably opt for the Spcycle R088 frame which differs in terms of head tube and fork.

Isn't that just pretty much a 1:1 copy of the SL7?

[patliean1]

Here is my personal longwinded take. Anecdotally speaking of course 

-I stand by my viewpoint we each should spend on whatever inspires us to play bikes more often. While also understanding that our purchases neither makes us more or less virtuous than the next individual.

-Personally speaking, I have yet to find the value of blatantly counterfeit/unauthorized frames if I have to invest my own funds. Of course if one of these companies wants to work with me for a review I would probably reconsider. But there are just too many great Chiner frames on the market now.

-So I live Chicago with multiple groups rides on offer every day of the week in the warmer months. Yet 95% of my rides are solo. I started in cycling riding nothing but Chinese frames in a sea of Specialized and Treks so I don't need the validation of others. I still do most rides on Chiner bikes today. But most importantly...I think the majority of group rides are a complete waste of time. Especially if you treat cycling as a means to gain fitness rather a social activity.

-I wouldn't cast judgement on anyone riding a fake frame to a group ride. In fact, arguably one of the strongest racers in Chicago who competes against national level talent rides a counterfeit frame. Authentic wheels and cockpit however. But I assure you no one takes issue with it.

-My one true critique against fake frames, and it's completely superficial, is seeing customers put budget components and wheels on a frame "intended" for mid-to-high end Sram/Shimano/Campy. I think I once seen a fake S-Work SL7 with MECHANICAL LTwoo groupset and Elite Edge wheels. It made me wanna puke. Yeah I know I'll get flamed for saying that.

[Bonus79]

I just went with the R088 because it had the features I wanted and was cheaper to buy at the time. Though these SL8 clones don't look that bad to me, I'd consider getting one minus any fake branding.

I also like the frame and, from what I understand, Seraph is reliable as a manufacturer/seller....but from my point of view, even without the Specialized logo, the frame is still an obvious copy of something else (even applying the Seraph logo).

To me these SL8 clones remind me of the Aethos clones on the market.

Can you explain?

I think the vendors have the build process figured out, especially since they're not trying to build them to the low weight specs of an S-Works SL8.

I'm sorry, but I'm not sure I understand...I seem to understand that in several cases the weights are even lower, or am I wrong?

[Bonus79]

Isn't that just pretty much a 1:1 copy of the SL7?

No, the SL7 has a different shaped dropper, seat tube and head tube top.

The Spcycle R088 frame resembles the SL8, but with a different head tube and fork, and for this reason it cannot be considered a 1:1 copy

[rasch]

-My one true critique against fake frames, and it's completely superficial, is seeing customers put budget components and wheels on a frame "intended" for mid-to-high end Sram/Shimano/Campy. I think I once seen a fake S-Work SL7 with MECHANICAL LTwoo groupset and Elite Edge wheels. It made me wanna puke. Yeah I know I'll get flamed for saying that.

I completely agree with you on the superficial part. Most people just do this because the frame looks good. However, under the hood, they know what they have even if the others don't know it. So how do these people feel it's up to each (no judgements as long as they don't try to cheat other people).

On the other hand, I think that cheap mechanical parts and wheels are actually more suitable than higher end stuff. If you got to do it, do it right. One want to build it cheap, then build it cheap eheheh

I'd not buy nor build my clients fakes simply because I think there are some other great options out there. But if I would, I'd do it for the sake of money of course, and would try actually to fit it with cheaper components.

I think most of us here could actually buy a proper SL8 or similar. We just like this "puzzle" game so much, and try to optimize here and there, have more bikes etc, that we end up sometimes losing ourselves in this After all, this is the spirit of this community