As promised, details and photos of my build (frame swap).
I bought the 54cm size frame in "Brown Gold" color from this link:
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005008888066107.htmlSeller: FiveStar GoodBike Store:
https://goodbuygood.aliexpress.com/store/911571225The seller has multiple posts for the same frame, with varying prices and paint options.
Cost: US $433.90 including shipping, Australian sales tax, and coupons. This was during one of the big AliExpress sales.
It's the version of the frame where cables and hoses enter the frame on the sides of the head tube. Old-fashioned, but it was my primary reason for choosing this frame - it's not easy to find new carbon road bike frames that allow for exposed cables and hoses. The seller also offers a version of the frame with fully integrated cables and a one-piece handlebar, for those that want it.
Weights with all metal bits removed (through axles, hangers, bottle cage bolts, seat post clamp):
- Frame: 875 g
- Fork: 367 g
- Through axles (pair): 68 g
I didn't weigh the included seatpost, headset or compression plug, as I used spare parts I already had. The included parts seemed decent, except the compression plug (typical).
Total weight as pictured is 7.3 kg. That's including pedals, bottle cages, out front mount, radar mount, speed sendor, bell(!), and mini pump mount. Not too shabby, especially as I didn't really go out of my way to make it as light as possible.
The frame quality is overall really good. Some points to note:
- I'd describe the paint finish as satin - it's certainly not glossy, but it has a slight sheen.
- The insides look smooth from what I can see, though I don't have an endoscope to perform a deep inspection.
- The paint is flawless, with the exception of one minor chip which is almost certainly from shipping. That chip is hidden by the chainrings, so it doesn't bother me.
- The bottom bracket shell is "keyed" into the carbon frame, to prevent rotation. It's the only frame I have or have had with this feature. So what you see from the close up shot is not paint overspray.
- The bottom bracket threads were okay. Not completely smooth, but I didn't need to chase the threads to get the bottom bracket installed.
- The brake caliper mounts had been masked before painting, but they had not been faced. This meant that they were not completely flat. Aligning the brake calipers to sit straight and avoid rubbing took quite some time, but I managed to do it in the end. I've bought the cheap facing tool mentioned elsewhere on this forum, so next time I adjust the calipers I'll try to improve them.
- The frame supports mechanical shifting, and I use it with L-Twoo R9 shifters and Shimano derailleurs. There are no cable stops on the frame, so I used full length shift housing.
- A design flaw: The angle of the front brake hose as it enters the fork is essentially vertical. This means that the hose can get pinched between the fork and the downtube if the handlebare are turned all the way to the left. I had to replace the hose once during my build as it got a kink. I added a frame protector hose as a way to improve the rigidity and prevent it from happening again. If anyone has other suggestions, please let me know!
The handling is definitely on the snappy or sharp side - some would probably call it nervous. Since the geometry is identical to the previous generation Aethos, I imagine handling would match. I'm not someone who can speak to frame stiffness, but then again I don't think that's an important property for people who choose the Aethos!
One difference compared to the Aethos is that this frame is designed for T47 bottom brackets with internal bearings. That results in the downtube becoming really wide near the bottom bracket! Probably not very aero, but for this bike idgaf.
