Aethos Clone - Microck

[nanatetsi]

Hey guys,

I’m currently looking for a lightweight road frame and stumbled onto an AliExpress seller called Microck https://microckbikes.aliexpress.com. They have an Aethos-style frame https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005010618830595.html that has the exact same geometry as the BigRock Sohtea, for a tempting price. The weight they claim is actually very close to the weight of the team edition of the Sohtea.

I contacted them trying to get more details about manufacturing and their quality. When I asked them about ISO testing and quality, they got pretty vague, but they did send over some "factory floor" videos. In the clips, you can see their unbranded frames sitting right next to finished frames with full BigRock logos. They told me they are the OEM for BigRock and that their Aethos clone is actually the same frame as the Sohtea.

My worry is whether these are actually the same layup, or if Microck is offloading B-grade batches, or using a generic open mold that looks like the Sohtea but lacks the actual internal QC BigRock (theoretically) pays for.

I’m looking for some real-world feedback here..
Has anyone actually pulled the trigger on a Microck?
Does anyone actually know who BigRock’s manufacturing partner is? Is there any truth to the Microck connection?

The price is tempting, but the lightweight build doesn't leave much room for error. There isn't a lot of "meat" on these ultra-light frames to hide a bad layup. I’d rather keep my teeth than save money on a frame that might fold during a descent.

Is this a "buy at your own risk" gamble, or what do you guys think about this frame? Cheers!

Edit: sorry about posting in the wrong group. I noticed it too late, not able to move or delete this post. 

[alfiomotrambo]

580g for the Microck frame? That seems really too low for a frame, I don't know if anyone bought one in this group.
The thing I can personally recommend are the more well-known frames like Spcycle, such as the R088 https://it.aliexpress.com/item/1005008658363510.html , which despite the higher weight are around 800g and are a frame that works and is safe.

[Dan S.]

Oh no, the brand name is even more terrible than Bigcock.

[nanatetsi]

Oh no, the brand name is even more terrible than Bigcock.

Just a tiiny bit But at least they offer frames also without the logo.

[jonathanf2]

580g is for XXS. Unless you're a cute 152cm, you won't be riding that size! 

The bigger sizes weigh more and seems reasonable:

Unit Weight: Frame 650g on size 44cm 690(g) on size 49cm

That frame looks like the open mold Aethos clone floating around with UDH, T47 BB and internal cable routing. The size 52cm and up should probably be in the upper 700g range non-painted and probably EPS molded with predominately round tubes. I'd probably shop around for a cheaper vendor.

[nanatetsi]

580g is for XXS. Unless you're a cute 152cm, you won't be riding that size! 

The bigger sizes weigh more and seems reasonable:

Unit Weight: Frame 650g on size 44cm 690(g) on size 49cm

That frame looks like the open mold Aethos clone floating around with UDH, T47 BB and internal cable routing. The size 52cm and up should probably be in the upper 700g range non-painted and probably EPS molded with predominately round tubes. I'd probably shop around for a cheaper vendor.

So you would trust this frame? I have seen cheaper offers from other sellers, I just decided to share this shop since it seems to be the "official" one of microck..