Last month on a whim I picked up a Microck Aethos clone on AliExpress:
https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256810252557462.html (https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256810252557462.html)
It was a Choice item and shipping was free. Stacked with coupons it actually came out around the $400 usd range with tax. I talked to the seller and they were easy to communicate with supplying me with a 0° offset seat post, 36cm integrated drop bar and a spare rear derailleur hanger. The only downside to this frameset is that it's semi-internal and the standard model (not the lightweight version). They did offer me a full internal, lightweight model for an increased price, but I didn't feel like spending extra.
Anyways, my plan was building it out with spare bin parts I had laying around. It took about a month to ship and delivered via FedEx. When I received the frame, it weighed about 815g in size 52cm. I put the frame together with an old ER9 electronic groupset. Total weight once everything installed is 6.9kg. The hardest part of the frame was getting the rear hydraulic brake hose installed since the holes are ridiculously small. I had to spend time using a round straight file to widen them up. Other than that it was pretty easy to assemble. The BB is T47 and the threads were smooth.
I've taken the bike on a few rides and everything runs solid. The fit is actually quite aggressive and I tend to corner better with upward seat stays. I'm still dialing in my climbing with this bike, but it's not much different from my SPCycle R088. I actually don't mind the semi-internal cabling, I might take this bike for traveling just for easy disassembly. I also have another crankset on order. My older Magene power meter doesn't fit T47 BBs since it's too tight.
Overall I'm pretty satisfied with this frame. It's not the most fanciest, but it's fairly modern, easy to assemble and for the price it's a solid deal. Also I'm quite sure it's the same frame as the BigRock Sothea. Microck claims to be the OEM manufactureer and the specs seem to match up. I'm just glad mine didn't come with a big logo on the down tube! :)
Excellent build and thanks for the review. I actually just ordered the XXS 580g version for my son a few days ago. I paid a few hundred more but if the weight is close to what's advertised I will be happy.
:)
Wow, crazy cheap given that it includes the Choice shipping as well. Great find!
Lol, I bought the exact same frame recently, for a frame swap. Really happy with it!
Haven't taken any good photos yet, but I'll post here when I do.
Nice build btw!
Quote from: hsaus on July 31, 2026, 06:04:44 PM
Lol, I bought the exact same frame recently, for a frame swap. Really happy with it!
Haven't taken any good photos yet, but I'll post here when I do.
Nice build btw!
Nice! Did you weigh the frame and fork?
:)
Quote from: Majoeric on July 31, 2026, 02:43:45 PM
Excellent build and thanks for the review. I actually just ordered the XXS 580g version for my son a few days ago. I paid a few hundred more but if the weight is close to what's advertised I will be happy.
:)
I think the 49cm is like 690g so I'm guessing the 52cm is around the 700g range. Overall it seems like a straight forward and easy to assemble frameset.
Also I've built 3 full internal cable frames, so the semi-internal cabling isn't so bad! ;)
Heck yeah @jonathanf2 this is PEAK pandemic Chinertown stuff right here!
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.html
Seller: FiveStar GoodBike Store: https://goodbuygood.aliexpress.com/store/911571225
The 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.
I took the frame on a fast group ride yesterday. I was expecting to take it chill, but I sometimes get sucked into going faster! The frame handle pretty well, but I did have to step up the speed on some short punchy sections which forced me to increase the speed. Luckily we hit some steep sections where I was able to attack and maintain position. Overall it handled pretty well against Tarmacs and Canyon Aeroads.
Also I'm running the latest flat mount LTwoo brake calipers. They brake quite well giving me quite a bit of stopping power. I definitely have no complaints with the brake force.
Apparently mine shipped out today! Let's see how long it takes to arrive.
:)
I decided to convert mine more for climbing. It's at 6.6kg fully with pedals and power meter. Now I'm wondering if I should have went with the lightweight model with internal cabling! ;)
Quote from: jonathanf2 on August 14, 2026, 09:51:01 AM
I decided to convert mine more for climbing. It's at 6.6kg fully with pedals and power meter. Now I'm wondering if I should have went with the lightweight model with internal cabling! ;)
It seems that you already know your next build 😉.
Quote from: jonathanf2 on August 14, 2026, 09:51:01 AM
I decided to convert mine more for climbing. It's at 6.6kg fully with pedals and power meter. Now I'm wondering if I should have went with the lightweight model with internal cabling! ;)
Looks proper!
Considering mine will be a XXS, I'm hoping the difference is around 300-400 grams less for the fork and frame compared to your version. Unfortunately I haven't had much luck with claimed and actual weight when dealing with AliExpress.
I'm not going all in but I will be very selective on the parts I'm using. I should be under 6kg race ready but would love to be well under that considering this build will be a 1x and the rider is only 21kg.
:)
Is the geometry here the same as Aethos?
Quote from: crazyravr on August 17, 2026, 08:16:04 AM
Is the geometry here the same as Aethos?
I think there are minor differences between this and the genuine Aethos, but the specs seem similar.
https://ae-pic-a1.aliexpress-media.com/kf/Sbe8af950fd3f4f98bc611570508318f1K.png (https://ae-pic-a1.aliexpress-media.com/kf/Sbe8af950fd3f4f98bc611570508318f1K.png)
I made an inquiry and found out that there is a UDH version of the Microck Aethos.
The price is $650 USD, including shipping but excluding the handlebar.
Quote from: jonathanf2 on August 17, 2026, 01:07:56 PM
I think there are minor differences between this and the genuine Aethos, but the specs seem similar.
https://ae-pic-a1.aliexpress-media.com/kf/Sbe8af950fd3f4f98bc611570508318f1K.png (https://ae-pic-a1.aliexpress-media.com/kf/Sbe8af950fd3f4f98bc611570508318f1K.png)
Thats the thing. is it more similar to V1 or V2 of the Aethos. Big big differences.
Quote from: crazyravr on August 18, 2026, 09:13:54 AM
Thats the thing. is it more similar to V1 or V2 of the Aethos. Big big differences.
I sent the Microck geometry chart. Find the Aethos chart and compare. ;)
Quote from: jonathanf2 on August 18, 2026, 09:28:31 AM
I sent Microck
Wait...how do you pronounce this brand??
Quote from: patliean1 on August 18, 2026, 10:00:45 AM
Wait...how do you pronounce this brand??
i think it's "lildk"?
Quote from: gbrnole on August 18, 2026, 10:18:08 AM
i think it's "lildk"?
Is that your nickname on the group ride? ;)
It comes with a no logo option. If you need a logo, buy a real Aethos.
Quote from: yappy on August 18, 2026, 06:47:10 AM
I made an inquiry and found out that there is a UDH version of the Microck Aethos.
The price is $650 USD, including shipping but excluding the handlebar.
Would that be a clone of Aethos 2?
Would be interested if the UDH version is an A2 clone.
Is there a geo table out for it yet?
PS I like your build Jonathan 8)
Quote from: yappy on August 18, 2026, 06:47:10 AM
I made an inquiry and found out that there is a UDH version of the Microck Aethos.
The price is $650 USD, including shipping but excluding the handlebar.
Do you have a link to that one please?
Aethos 2 has 35c tire clearance and UDH. If it's at 32c max tire clearance, it's just a modded Aethos 1.
Here's the geometry chart between the two. Aethos 2 is a tad taller and longer.
Quote from: jonathanf2 on August 21, 2026, 03:13:21 PM
Aethos 2 has 35c tire clearance and UDH. If it's at 32c max tire clearance, it's just a modded Aethos 1.
Yes, they also offer modded internal routing versions of the frame, which never existed on the original Aethos. Internal cable routing is a feature exclusive to the Aethos 2...
So what is the udh version a clone of? Does anybody have the contact of microck/AliExpress store?
I asked and was told the internal version is the Aethos 2 copy.
I was offered $1100usd for custom painted (to match one of the Spec colours) including shipping and integrated handlebar. Production time 3 weeks.
I checked their website, they sell the SL7 Copy for 250$ + 150$ shipping (for real? :o)
https://www.microckbikes.com/products/microck-gold-logo-sl7-road-bike-carbon-frame-clean-routing-threaded-t47-700c-carbon-road-bicycle-frames-thru-axle-10012-14212mm-with-handlebar-oem-colors
Has anyone experience with buying directly from their website?
Order. Pay with paypal so you are safe in case anything goes wrong.
Quote from: planet_sammy on August 25, 2026, 04:40:39 AM
I checked their website, they sell the SL7 Copy for 250$ + 150$ shipping (for real? :o)
https://www.microckbikes.com/products/microck-gold-logo-sl7-road-bike-carbon-frame-clean-routing-threaded-t47-700c-carbon-road-bicycle-frames-thru-axle-10012-14212mm-with-handlebar-oem-colors
Has anyone experience with buying directly from their website?
I'd chat with them first. Establish any buyer request (like handlebar size, type of seat post, spare RD hanger, etc.) and if they agree, pay with Paypal and preferably a credit card. Overall I had no issues buying from them through AliExpress, but it could differ if buying direct.
Quote from: planet_sammy on August 25, 2026, 04:40:39 AM
I checked their website, they sell the SL7 Copy for 250$ + 150$ shipping (for real? :o)
https://www.microckbikes.com/products/microck-gold-logo-sl7-road-bike-carbon-frame-clean-routing-threaded-t47-700c-carbon-road-bicycle-frames-thru-axle-10012-14212mm-with-handlebar-oem-colors
Has anyone experience with buying directly from their website?
I saw this too and was tempted to bite the bullet. I ended up going with the Aethos 1 clone in the Pink/Purple via AE.
tempted to try this SL7 thing for my son. but can't find anything on that SL7 frame. will be a 400$ gamble
propably without logo.
or i throw their "COUGAR" wheelset on top of the "MICROCK" frame lol ;D ;D
If that deal is real, I am picking up a frame. For that kind of money, I am down to keep it as a spare frame in case I crash my current bike.
Quote from: Gloopann on August 27, 2026, 01:31:29 AM
If that deal is real, I am picking up a frame. For that kind of money, I am down to keep it as a spare frame in case I crash my current bike.
I just tried to checkout with paypal...... received error msg from paypal "seller account is restricted" no luck on my end.
same here
Did you guys try contacting Microck directly to ask if they can ship to your country?
Quote from: jonathanf2 on August 27, 2026, 06:21:56 PM
Did you guys try contacting Microck directly to ask if they can ship to your country?
i did inquire via email and their chatbot, since online payment via paypal is not working. no answer so far.
their website states, that DPD is used for european shipping. in my instance that is a good thing and i do not doubt receiving a frame, if sent this way.
we will see 8)
but as much as this 400$ thing is tempting, i will only pay via paypal in this instance. better safe than sorry
so, they responded to me regarding the "250$" SL7 frame. their was a bit of non conclusive one line èmail back & forth, but i sum it up:
me: One can currently not pay via paypal on your website.
"It can not pay in my website via paypal"
so i asked to quote me plus payment via paypal goods and services
"Hello Dear Buyer. Please go to do payment to our company bank account directly
And the cost price of frame with handlebar is 580USD including dpd express with free duty tax.
Please make the payment via SEPA "
they provided a german IBAN named under "DongGuan City ShuoLian Sports Goods Co.,Ltd"
i asked: Why do you post on your website 250$ + 150$ for delivery?
"WEBSITE IS FOR MOQ order is 20pcs in one time.
And you can go to order to my aliexpress for order
MICROCK BIKES STORE."
not sure what to make of this, but aint wiring money to some account.
FiveStar GoodBike Store and MICROCK BIKES STORE seem to have the same offerings. but no idea if and how these are connected
Quote from: MarioCanario on August 31, 2026, 10:42:59 AM
so, they responded to me regarding the "250$" SL7 frame. their was a bit of non conclusive one line èmail back & forth, but i sum it up:
me: One can currently not pay via paypal on your website.
"It can not pay in my website via paypal"
so i asked to quote me plus payment via paypal goods and services
"Hello Dear Buyer. Please go to do payment to our company bank account directly
And the cost price of frame with handlebar is 580USD including dpd express with free duty tax.
Please make the payment via SEPA "
they provided a german IBAN named under "DongGuan City ShuoLian Sports Goods Co.,Ltd"
i asked: Why do you post on your website 250$ + 150$ for delivery?
"WEBSITE IS FOR MOQ order is 20pcs in one time.
And you can go to order to my aliexpress for order
MICROCK BIKES STORE."
not sure what to make of this, but aint wiring money to some account.
It's not worth it. At least AliExpress you get financial security, Paypal and credit card protection. Buying direct is just too shady without any buyer assurances.
Saying that, my Aethos knockoff is still running solid. It might be the best value bike in my small fleet. ;)
Quote from: jonathanf2 on August 31, 2026, 11:12:50 AM
It's not worth it. At least AliExpress you get financial security, Paypal and credit card protection. Buying direct is just too shady without any buyer assurances.
Saying that, my Aethos knockoff is still running solid. It might be the best value bike in my small fleet. ;)
agreed that it is not worth it.
big fan of your aethos build. it even looks slick. love that minimalism.
This seems to be the aethos 2 clone: https://item.taobao.com/item.htm?id=1081735820851 (https://item.taobao.com/item.htm?id=1081735820851)
It uses t47 BB, 32c tyre clearance and geometry seems different. Not sure how much of a clone it is in the end.
Quote from: Willos on September 03, 2026, 03:02:51 AM
This seems to be the aethos 2 clone: https://item.taobao.com/item.htm?id=1081735820851 (https://item.taobao.com/item.htm?id=1081735820851)
It uses t47 BB, 32c tyre clearance and geometry seems different. Not sure how much of a clone it is in the end.
Can you post some pictures of it from the site you linked? I get a login screen in chinese using that link...
Quote from: RiP on September 03, 2026, 03:11:14 AM
Can you post some pictures of it from the site you linked? I get a login screen in chinese using that link...
edited with images
Quote from: RiP on August 24, 2026, 03:33:08 AM
Yes, they also offer modded internal routing versions of the frame, which never existed on the original Aethos. Internal cable routing is a feature exclusive to the Aethos 2...
As I've said before in this topic, I also think it's the same case with this frame from TaoBao, it's a modded clone of the Aethos 1, not an Aethos 2 clone.
Quote from: RiP on September 03, 2026, 05:04:10 AM
As I've said before in this topic, I also think it's the same case with this frame from TaoBao, it's a modded clone of the Aethos 1, not an Aethos 2 clone.
It also doesn't help that it is really hard to communicate with them. It took me 3 full day for them to finally agree on sending me this link. They however repeatedly sent me their bank detaills asking me to pay 1000eur before even sending me any specsheet and geometry charts or even a single image.
Quote from: Willos on September 03, 2026, 08:43:26 AM
It also doesn't help that it is really hard to communicate with them. It took me 3 full day for them to finally agree on sending me this link. They however repeatedly sent me their bank detaills asking me to pay 1000eur before even sending me any specsheet and geometry charts or even a single image.
Yes, been there too at AliExpress with them. Eventually I gave up on the ideia of buying a frame from them...
Unless you really dislike semi-external cabling, I'm way happy with my setup. On sales it comes up as $400 usd or even less and that includes the seat post, drop bar and all the extra bits. The frame appears solid inside and out. No issues with brake mounts and the T47 BB is smooth. The money saved can be put into an electronic groupset, carbon crankset and/or a lightweight wheelset.
Quote from: jonathanf2 on September 03, 2026, 09:36:05 AM
Unless you really dislike semi-external cabling, I'm way happy with my setup. On sales it comes up as $400 usd or even less and that includes the seat post, drop bar and all the extra bits. The frame appears solid inside and out. No issues with brake mounts and the T47 BB is smooth. The money saved can be put into an electronic groupset, carbon crankset and/or a lightweight wheelset.
Its not about the external cabling its about the geometry. The V1 and V2 Aethos are very different bikes.
Quote from: crazyravr on September 03, 2026, 09:48:45 AM
Its not about the external cabling its about the geometry. The V1 and V2 Aethos are very different bikes.
Could you elaborate on this? I don't really understand geometry.
From bikeinsights and geometrygeeks it seems like the only difference is 15mm higher stack in the Aethos 2 with the exact same reach?
Aethos 2 has internal cabling, UDH, a slightly taller head tube and wider tire clearance. I posted the differences a few pages back. The rest of the geometry seems fairly close.
Quote from: rovescio on September 03, 2026, 11:05:48 AM
Could you elaborate on this? I don't really understand geometry.
From bikeinsights and geometrygeeks it seems like the only difference is 15mm higher stack in the Aethos 2 with the exact same reach?
And thats a big difference.... to me that is.
I was sent QC photos of my external aethos v1 clone. I'm unfortunately stuck on mobile the next few days and I can't seem to save better quality photos, otherwise I would post them. Communication with the fivestar shop was fairly pleasant. I initially asked them about the internal model and they sent me the link from the microck store instead of the fivegood store. Ended up going with fivegood due to the sale. Probably could have waited some more for a better sale but after shipping and taxes it came out to $535 with 26% cash back via rakuten. I think that's why I bit the bullet and ordered it then. Ends up being $395? I am still torn on whether or not I should have gotten a sl8 clone vs the aethos but woe is me.
https://imgur.com/a/jl8G2Qf
They're calling it the Aethos 2, but it's still advertised to fit 32c tires. 35c tire clearance would really open this frame up if it could fit wider tires.
https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256812925069964.html (https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256812925069964.html)
(https://ae-pic-a1.aliexpress-media.com/kf/S89e9765efc90433d91f539fabc33b7a4W.png)
any news on build up of this frameset?
Is the BB confirmed "T47 86"?
Quote from: ZacItaly15 on October 10, 2026, 04:00:14 AM
any news on build up of this frameset?
Is the BB confirmed "T47 86"?
I don't think they changed much besides UDH and full internal. It's still 32c tire clearance instead of the actual Aethos 2 35c clearance. For me I don't think it's worth it at over double the price I paid. At that price range I'd consider something else. One of my buddy's tried the frame out and even though I have it built less aggressively, he still thought the frame was raced out! ;D