The TanTan TT-X68 is a low-cost Chinese copy of the Specialized Tarmac SL8 that delivers genuine performance: its external shape is identical, its stiffness exceeds the threshold where extra stiffness affects speed, and complete builds around 7 kg are possible for a fraction of the price. The consensus is that it rides fast and comfortably and is excellent value, but quality control is inconsistent — brake mounts often need facing, the fork can flex enough for rotor rub, bottom bracket sleeves can loosen, and the stock hardware is weak. It is a viable budget race frame for buyers willing to fettle and replace parts, not a turnkey premium product.
Pros
- Excellent value: frame kit about $589 plus ~$150 custom paint, complete builds $2,200–$3,243, delivering 70–75% of the SL8 experience for a fraction of the price123
- Aerodynamics and stiffness are effectively on par with the SL8: identical external mould and stiffness above the threshold where extra stiffness affects speed42
- Lightweight: bare frames 878–895 g, complete builds 6.36–7.57 kg256
- Comfortable ride, stable in crosswinds, and fast on flat and rolling terrain; responsive and close to the SL8 in feel213
- Good paint and finish quality, with clean tube interiors and easy routing for some builds125
- BSA threaded bottom bracket area is good and compatible, with no issues reported by several builders25
- Genuine SL8 parts fit: thru-axles, hangers, top caps and seatpost clamp hardware12
- Includes integrated one-piece bar/stem and necessary hardware such as Di2 battery holder and 160 mm rotor mount265
- Some sales reps are fast and helpful, and frames arrive well packed13
- Durable for some owners: no BB, seatpost or bar issues after 5,000 km1
Cons
- Brake mounts often not faced or parallel, requiring sanding; one owner over-filed and ruined a fork, and disc rub can occur with SRAM groupsets124
- Fork lacks stiffness: rotor rub when sprinting and fore-aft chatter under hard braking on steep descents; early forks about 330 g raised safety concerns, so request the heavier 400 g version12
- Bottom bracket sleeve can loosen in the carbon, even on replacement frames; professional repair costs about EUR 260–2801
- Stock hardware is weak: bolts rust within months, the soft top cap bends, seatpost clamp threads strip below spec, and the computer mount insert can pull out of the bar12
- Headset cover fitment is poor and headset compression ring, spacers and top cap are low quality, causing creaks or rubbing61
- Counterfeit branding on seat clamp and controversial decals mimicking Specialized, raising ethical concerns63
- Warranty and aftermarket support are weak: users blamed for worn threads, replacement frames offered only with paid shipping and paint12
- Long delivery times: about 2 months without custom paint, around 3 months with custom paint351
- 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 well2
- Front thru-axle can loosen regularly (every ~200 km) during descents, requiring threadlocker — a safety concern7
- Seatpost can slip without carbon paste; limited adjustment range (100 mm minimum insertion vs 75 mm on SL8)15
- Stock integrated bar feels flexy to some, and its stated angle may not match (-10° vs -6°)1
- Moulds have been sold; only limited sizes (44/52/56/58) remain in stock as of mid-20261
Key Facts
- Frame weight: claimed 895 g painted size 56, measured 878 g and 8.6 kg complete builds reported; fork 399–422 g uncut, early forks about 330 g251
- Price: frame kit about $589–$889 depending on options and duties, custom paint about $150, complete builds $2,200–$3,243137
- External mould is copied from the Specialized Tarmac SL8; aerodynamics are essentially identical and stiffness exceeds the ~60 N/mm BB and ~90 Nm/deg head-tube thresholds where extra stiffness affects speed421
- BSA threaded bottom bracket, flat-mount disc brakes, 140–160 mm front adapter, internal routing, integrated one-piece bar/stem, optional UDH hanger126
- Tyre clearance about 32 mm (33–34 mm very tight); no mechanical shifting support on some versions16
- Genuine SL8 parts fit: thru-axles, hangers, top caps, seatpost clamp hardware; genuine SL8 seatposts do not fit12
- Seatpost minimum insertion 100 mm (vs 75 mm on SL8); seatpost clamp torque about 6.2 Nm, though one reviewer needed 10 Nm521
- Complete build weights: 6.36 kg without pedals/bar tape, 7.16 kg, 7.57 kg, and 7.1 kg with pedals and accessories6532
Sources
- 1ChinertownSeraph Bikes Superlight 836g X68 - Alternative to SL8 Fakes?
- 2Patrick Lino2 sources
- 3r/ChineseCarbontantan seraph ttx68
- 4Jack's CoachingMy $3K SL8 Clone is Faster Than a $16K S-Works! (Frame Stiffness Deep-Dive)
- 5r/ChineseCarbontantan seraph ttx68
- 6Tom Bowers CyclingI Bought The TanTan X68 So You Don't Have To
- 7r/ChineseCarbonjust another tantan x68
Reviews & Ratings
02:36The 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.
08:07The 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.
18:07The 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.
23:28The 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.
15:06The 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.
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/Seraph TT-X68 is a low-cost copy of the Specialized Tarmac SL8 with BSA bottom bracket, integrated Rapide-style bar, flat-mount disc brakes, internal routing and an optional UDH hanger. A frame kit cost about $589 in 2025, plus about $150 for custom paint, and builds reach about 6.8 kg. The moulds have since been sold and only limited sizes remain. Long-term owners (3,000-5,000 km, including heavy Alpine riding) praise the paint, the clean tube interiors, the ride on flat and rolling roads and the value, and genuine SL8 parts such as axles, hangers, top caps and seatpost clamp hardware fit. The fork is the main weak point: it flexes enough for rotor rub when sprinting, chatters fore-aft under hard braking on steep descents, and early batches used very light (about 330 g) forks, so owners request the heavier 400 g version. Recurring defects include brake mounts that need facing (an over-filed fork had to be scrapped), rear caliper mounts that are not parallel, bottom bracket sleeves that come loose in the carbon (after 6,000 miles on one bike, also on replacement frames), seatpost clamp threads that strip below spec, a soft top cap, rusting stock bolts, computer mount inserts that pull out of the bar, and a flexy stock bar for some. Customer service ranges from very responsive individual reps to warranty refusals and paid replacements. Many creaks turned out to be the rear thru-axle or hanger bolt.
AI Summary
Pros
- Excellent value: frame kit about $589 plus about $150 for a custom paint job
- Paint and finish praised, with clean, almost sanded tube interiors and easy routing for some builds
- Rides well on flat and rolling terrain: responsive and comfortable, close to the SL8 in feel
more pros in the review
Cons
- Fork lacks stiffness: rotor rub when sprinting and fore-aft chatter under hard braking on steep descents
- Early forks were very light (about 330 g) and raised safety concerns; ask for the heavier 400 g fork
- Bottom bracket sleeve can loosen in the carbon, even on replacement frames; repair costs around EUR 260-280
more cons in the review
Key Points
- Copy of the Specialized Tarmac SL8 geometry
- BSA BB; flat mount disc; 140-to-160 mm front adapter supplied
- Tyre clearance about 32 mm (33-34 mm very tight)
more key points in the review
Where to Buy
| $559 | |
tantanbikes.com OFFLINE Price last checked 5 months ago | $629 |
tantanbikes.com OFFLINE Price last checked 5 months ago | $529 |
tantanbikes.com OFFLINE Price last checked 8 months ago | $799 |
tantanbikes.com OFFLINE Price last checked 5 months ago | $609 |
Specifications
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Included Components
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Questions about TanTan TT-X68
Ordering & delivery
2Price & value
1Sizing & fit
1Compatibility
3Build & setup
6Ride & performance
2Durability & quality
4Finish & options
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