Dear friends,
My frame arrived last week after a month of anxious waiting and complications. I built it and rode it this weekend—it’s fun, light, fast, and both stiff and compliant. I’m pleased with it! It weighs about 8 kg with bottle cages, Garmin mount, and Look pedals. Note that my Merlin CDR-2 carbon wheels are not the lightest at 1650 g per pair.
During assembly, I had some trouble routing the cables through the handlebars, but using a shifter cable as a guide made it easier. The other components were straightforward to install and adjust. The frame is pearl white, and its color truly shines in sunlight, with a sparkling effect and "laser" decals that change hues—definitely a head turner! I haven't had issues with the headset loosening, thanks to the new design C rings, and all bolts, including the seatpost one, remained secure.
I'm using a Shimano 105 mechanical groupset, a 3D-printed Ryet saddle (160 g), Supacaz sticky cush bar tape, and Continental GP5000 32 mm tires with RideNow TPU tubes. I installed a chain catcher for frame protection and put Zefal Skin Armor under the downtube and in other key areas. The brakes are Juin F1 hydro-mechs and they fitted by the skin o' my teeth at the rear mount (160 mm rotors). I still need to adjust my hood positions, as they seem angled downwards too much. This frame is size 52 M, and it fits me perfectly (180 cm, 73 kg). I left full stack of alu spacers under the handlebars and will decide if I'll slam it futher down.
Here are some photos I took during the ride but they don't do the justice - it's more beautiful in person! (Sorry for the dirty rims and anti-Velominati postioned tires and valve stems!). Hope Hygge won't steal my photos or will at least credit anyone who posts their photos after they put it on their FB or Insta.
P.S. I don't know if they've changed the handlebars but they have different graphics and 6 Nm torque written. Handlebars are pretty stiff.
Cheers!