The TanTan TT-X68 is a budget-friendly Chinese carbon road bike frame replicating the Specialized Tarmac SL8, offering race geometry and lightweight construction at a fraction of the cost, but with significant quality control and safety concerns, particularly regarding fork failure risks, poor finishing, and inconsistent customer support.
Pros
- Excellent value for money at ~$700-900 for frameset
- Lightweight build potential (sub-7.5kg achievable)
- Good ride quality: comfortable, fast, and responsive
- Custom paint options available
Cons
- Safety concerns with early fork batches (lightweight forks prone to failure)
- Poor quality control: brake mounts and bottom bracket often not faced, causing brake rub and creaking
- Poor internal cable routing (sharp edges, difficult routing)
- Headset components (compression ring, spacers, top cap) often poor quality, causing creaking
Key Facts
- Claimed frame weight 878-895g (size 54-56 painted)
- BSA threaded bottom bracket
- Fork weight ranges from 330g (early risky version) to 422g (enhanced version)
Reviews & Ratings

The reviewer discusses the TanTan TT-X68 frame, noting it is a Chinese frame very similar to an SL8. The bike is mostly built with AliExpress parts, but the frame and wheels are not from AliExpress.
AI Summary
Key Points
- The frame is a TanTan X68
- It is very similar to an SL8

The reviewer argues that the TanTan TT-X68 frame performs identically to a genuine Specialized Tarmac SL8 in terms of speed, despite differences in feel. They explain that once a frame exceeds a certain stiffness threshold (about 60 N/mm BB stiffness and 90 Nm/deg head tube stiffness), extra stiffness does not affect speed, only perception. The TT-X68 meets this threshold, and its aerodynamics are nearly identical to the SL8 due to the same external mold. The reviewer concludes that the TT-X68 is not slower than the SL8, and any perceived differences are due to setup factors like tires, wheels, and brake rub.
AI Summary
Pros
- Frame stiffness exceeds the threshold where extra stiffness affects speed, so performance is on par with high-end frames.
- Aerodynamics are essentially the same as the Specialized Tarmac SL8 due to identical external mold.
- Weight difference is only about 150g, resulting in negligible speed impact (less than 0.5W on a climb).
more pros in the video
Cons
- Frame may feel less snappy or more compliant than the SL8 due to slight differences in vibration feedback, but this does not affect speed.
- Some users (like Patrick Leno) reported disc brake rub with SRAM groupset due to tight tolerances, though this is a setup issue, not a frame defect.
- Frame is about 150g heavier than the SL8.
Key Points
- Bottom bracket stiffness threshold for speed: ~60 N/mm; head tube stiffness threshold: ~90 Nm/deg.
- TT-X68 frame stiffness is above these thresholds, placing it in the same performance band as the SL8.
- Aerodynamic shape is copied from the SL8, so drag is nearly identical.
more key points in the video

The reviewer discusses the TanTan TT-X68 frame, a clone of the Specialized Tarmac SL8, which he purchased for crit racing. He notes the frame is lightweight, rides well, and has good geometry, but criticizes the brand for counterfeit practices, including a seat clamp with Tarmac branding. He does not recommend the frame due to ethical concerns.
AI Summary
Pros
- Lightweight frame (bare frame 8.6 kg for 58 cm)
- Good ride quality and race geometry
- Threaded BSA bottom bracket
more pros in the video
Cons
- Counterfeit branding on seat clamp (Tarmac logo)
- Rough finish and scabby edges on dropouts and other areas
- Headset cover fitment is poor
more cons in the video
Key Points
- Frame is a clone of Specialized Tarmac SL8
- Price around £700-800 shipped to UK
- Bare frame weight: 8.6 kg for 58 cm
more key points in the video

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
more pros in the video
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
more cons in the video
Key Points
- Clone/homage of Specialized Tarmac SL8
- Price: $800-850 USD all-in with custom paint and shipping
- Frame weight: 895g (size 56 painted)
more key points in the video

The reviewer discusses the TanTan TT-X68 frame set, noting it's a budget-friendly alternative to the Tarmac SL8. He built it with premium components to test performance and found it comfortable, fast, and stable, though lacking in stiffness and with poor caliper mount finishing.
AI Summary
Pros
- Very comfortable ride, more so than the genuine Tarmac SL8
- Just as fast and stable in crosswinds as the Tarmac SL8
- Good paint job and overall proportions
more pros in the video
Cons
- Worst caliper mount and facing of any frame he has featured, requiring sanding and still causing disc rub
- Lacks stiffness compared to premium frames like Tarmac SL8, Scott Foil RC Pro, Giant Propel, or Canyon Aeroad
- Does not accelerate or respond out of the saddle as well as premium frames
more cons in the video
Key Points
- Frame set costs $600-$700 USD
- Weight: 7.1 kg in size 56 with all components (bottle cage, computer mount, pedals, power meter, etc.)
- Design is essentially a clone of the Tarmac SL8
more key points in the video
The TanTan TT-X68 is a Chinese carbon road bike frame that closely resembles the Specialized Tarmac SL8. A user built one with Ultegra Di2, XCADEY power meter crankset, and EliteWheels, achieving a total weight of 7.16kg at a cost of $3,222. The frame quality, paint, and components were reported as good, with the bike being light, stiff, and quick to accelerate. Some concerns were raised about safety and quality control of knock-off frames, but the builder experienced no issues over several months of use.
AI Summary
Pros
- Lightweight frame (878g) and overall build (7.16kg)
- Aggressive race geometry for quick, responsive handling
- Good paint quality and overall frame finish
more pros in the review
Cons
- Limited seat post adjustment range (minimum insertion 100mm vs. Specialized's 75mm)
- No Universal Derailleur Hanger (UDH) support
- Long delivery time (approximately 2 months from order)
more cons in the review
Key Points
- Frame weight: 878g
- Fork weight: 422g (uncut)
- Total bike weight: 7.16kg (15.8 lb)
more key points in the review
A user shares their experience building a TanTan/Seraph TT-X68 road bike, detailing the complete build cost, components, and performance after the first ride. The post includes positive feedback on the bike's stiffness and responsiveness, but also mentions controversial decals that mimic a Specialized S-Works design, sparking debate in the comments about counterfeit branding versus 'inspired by' frames.
AI Summary
Pros
- Stiff and responsive ride quality
- Good value for money with high-end components like Ultegra Di2 R8170 groupset
- Positive customer service experience with TanTan (quick responses, helpful communication)
more pros in the review
Cons
- Controversial decals that mimic Specialized branding, seen as counterfeit by some commenters
- RideWrap application had bubbles (though not highly noticeable)
- Saddle caused discomfort, prompting a planned replacement
more cons in the review
Key Points
- Frame: TanTan/Seraph TT-X68, 54cm chameleon white with 380x90mm handlebars
- Groupset: Shimano Ultegra Di2 R8170
- Wheelset: EliteWheels ENT 2.0 60mm deep
more key points in the review
A user built a TanTan TT-X68 carbon road bike with Shimano 105 Di2 groupset and Elitewheels, reporting excellent performance gains over their previous aluminum bike but noting several quality control issues requiring fixes.
AI Summary
Pros
- Excellent performance-to-price ratio (comparable to bikes twice as expensive)
- Lightweight (under 7.5kg)
- Significant speed improvement (3.5km/h average gain on flats)
more pros in the review
Cons
- Poor internal cable routing with sharp carbon edges
- Uneven rear brake mount requiring sanding/adjustment
- Seatpost slippage requiring excessive carbon paste
more cons in the review
Key Points
- Frame: TanTan TT-X68 (Chinese carbon)
- Groupset: Shimano 105 Di2
- Wheels: Elitewheels ent-disc 2.0 (60mm depth)
more key points in the review
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. New reports highlight difficulties with internal cable routing, especially on the left side of the cockpit, and seat tube irregularities that can prevent proper battery insertion for electronic groupsets. The supplied computer mount is often criticized for poor quality. Additionally, users report that the stock integrated handlebar feels soft and flexy ('noodly'), but some find it fine after break-in. Genuine SL8 seatposts are not compatible due to diameter differences, and aftermarket options may have fit issues or inferior clamps. Headset components (compression ring, transition spacers, top cap) are often poor quality, causing creaking or deformation; replacing with genuine Specialized parts or using silicone can resolve issues. Aftermarket zero-offset seatposts from AliExpress may be slightly undersized and have single-bolt clamps that can slip; torquing to 9 Nm can help. 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. The 1:1 replica design allows use of genuine SL8 spare parts, which is an advantage. Recently, the molds for the X68 were sold, and only limited stock of framesets and complete bikes remain; future warranty support may be compromised. Users have reported frame flex and poor material durability, with worn thru-axle threads and scratched top tubes after one year, and customer service has blamed the user for such issues. Positive experiences include excellent customer service from some sales reps and light builds around 6.8 kg. The frame is now back on the websites but with limited sizes, and a UDH version exists. Overall, the TT-X68 remains a popular budget option but with notable risks in quality control, durability, and customer service.
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.
more pros in the review
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.
more cons in the review
Key Points
- BSA threaded bottom bracket
- Integrated handlebar (Roval Rapide clone)
- Disc brake only, flat mount
more key points in the review
Where to Buy

TanTan Superlight Disc Road Bike Frame TT-X68 BSA Bottom Bracket Max Tire 700*32C With Integrated Handlebar

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) – supports tires up to 700*32C.

TanTan Superlight carbon frame 836g Disc Road Bike Frame TT-X68 BSA Bottom Bracket Max Tire 700*32C With Integrated Handlebar
Specifications
Attributes
Included Components
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