The TanTan TT-X68 offers exceptional value as a lightweight carbon road frame with custom paint options, but requires careful vetting due to significant quality control inconsistencies, particularly regarding fork safety and manufacturing tolerances.
Pros
- Excellent value for money at a fraction of major brand costs
- Good ride quality reported as fast, responsive and comparable to original
- Custom paint option available with nice finish
- Good bottom bracket threading with no issues
Cons
- Serious fork safety concerns with early lightweight versions prone to failure
- Poor quality control on manufacturing details requiring professional facing
- Variable customer service with reports of wrong parts and long delays
- Headset bearings may not last long in wet conditions
Key Facts
- BSA threaded bottom bracket
- Frame weight: 895g (size 56 painted)
- Fork weight: 399g (uncut) for enhanced version
Reviews & Ratings
The TanTan TT-X68 is a lightweight carbon road bike frame, a clone of the Specialized Tarmac SL8, sold by TanTan/Seraph via their websites or WhatsApp. It features a BSA threaded bottom bracket, integrated handlebar, and is designed for disc brakes with internal cable routing. The frame is noted for its low cost (around $700-$900 for frameset) and custom paint options. However, there are significant concerns about quality control, particularly regarding inconsistent fork weights and failures, with reports of some forks weighing around 330g (considered risky) and others around 400g (an 'enhanced' version). Other common issues include unfaced brake mounts and bottom bracket shells, paint overspray, and variable seatpost fit. Many users report good ride quality and value for money when the frame is built correctly, but experiences with customer service and manufacturing consistency are mixed.
AI Summary
Pros
- Excellent value for money, offering a lightweight, aero-inspired carbon frame at a fraction of the cost of major brands.
- Good ride quality; many users report it feels fast, responsive, and comparable to the original SL8 in terms of handling and comfort.
- Wide range of custom paint and color options available through TanTan/Seraph.
Cons
- Serious fork safety concerns: early batches had lightweight forks (~330g) prone to failure; later 'enhanced' versions (~400g) are recommended but supply is inconsistent.
- Poor quality control on manufacturing details: brake mounts and bottom bracket shells often not properly faced, leading to brake alignment issues and potential creaking.
- Variable customer service and communication; reports of wrong parts shipped, long delays, and difficulty resolving issues.
The reviewer provides an unboxing and first look at the TanTan X68 frame set, which is a clone/homage of the Specialized Tarmac SL8. They discuss the price point of approximately $800-850 USD including custom paint and shipping, the weight of 895g for a painted size 56 frame, and the overall design which closely mimics the Tarmac SL8. The reviewer examines the frame's construction quality, hardware, and compatibility features, noting both positive aspects like good bottom bracket threading and concerning aspects like past reports of fork failures. They plan to build it with premium components to test its performance against the genuine Tarmac SL8.
AI Summary
Pros
- Weight of 895g for painted size 56 frame is solid
- Custom paint option available with nice finish
- Good bottom bracket threading with no issues
- Attention given to making brake caliper mounts flat
- Headset bearing cups are clean with no sharp edges
- Includes necessary hardware like Di2 battery holder and fork mount for 160mm rotor
- Uses identical hardware to Tarmac SL8 in many areas
- Price point is very low compared to Western brands
Cons
- Headset bearings may not last long in wet conditions
- Cheap alloy bolts are prone to stripping
- Past reports of exploding forks due to lightweight construction
- No installation instructions provided
- Questionable warranty and aftermarket support
- Morally controversial as a clone product
- Seat post too narrow for Shimano Di2 battery
- Paint durability over time is uncertain
Where to Buy
TanTan Superlight 836g Disc Road Bike Frame TT-X68 BSA Bottom Bracket Max Tire 700*28C With Integrated Handlebar
TanTan Super light Disc road bicycle carbon frame Bike 700*32C Full Toray T1000 Flat mount brake frameset YS9448+YS3073 TT-X68
TanTan Ultralight 836g disc brake road bike frame TT-X68 unpainted (BSA bottom bracket) β supports tires up to 700*32C.
TanTan Superlight carbon frame 836g Disc Road Bike Frame TT-X68 BSA Bottom Bracket Max Tire 700*28C With Integrated Handlebar
Specifications
Attributes
Included Components
Questions about TanTan TT-X68
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