S-Works Aethos 52 - "Possibly Midget Sized"

[wolflikeme]

After seeing Kasper's Aethos in the TdF last year I wanted to build something similar. Decided to pull the trigger on an S-Works frame and swap the current groupset from my Venge over (Venge rebuild #2 at somepoint). Really interested to see how the Aethos rides vs the Venge, I always liked the snappiness of the SL6 and hopefully this will be just as good. Parts to be transferred will be an Ultegra Di2 grouppo, Rotor Inpower crankset (165mm, 52/36), Roval Rapides, Ultegra pedals, and a Berk Lupina saddle (might try a Romin Mirror I have in the closet). I got a great deal on a CeramicSpeed coated BB for the build and plan to go with an Alpinist cockpit at some point. Coming from a 49 Venge (truly midget sized) to a 52 Aethos I'll want to make sure my fit is dialed before committing to the cockpit.

Stock image of the frame:



Inspiration:

[robeambro]

I like how every Aethos build is now having to indicate whether it's midget sized or not.

[wolflikeme]

Look what the dog dragged in

[wolflikeme]

Weights on a few other parts in the build:

[wolflikeme]

Trying out the Romin Mirror vs the Lupina, pretty hefty saddle.

[wolflikeme]

7.1kg right now which is about what I figured. Weather looks good this weekend, excited to take this out

[CamW]

I'm curious to hear your thoughts and comparisons between the two saddles after you've had some time

[RyanH]

Definitely midget sized

[bmCube]

Did you tune the seatpost? Because that's some really low weight for the alpinist seatpost.

[wolflikeme]

Did you tune the seatpost? Because that's some really low weight for the alpinist seatpost.

Yea, I'm thinking I messed up the weight on the seatpost, no way it's that light.

[wolflikeme]

Put in about 7 hours on the bike this weekend while the weather was good, will be changing back to my 38cm Aeroflys and Berk saddle as well as picking up some Galfer rotors/pads. I'm assuming I did a bad job bedding in the front and now I barely have any power / screams like a madman. Romin is decently comfortable but my bum is acustomed to the Berk. Tried a cheaper alu bar to see if I liked 40cm before getting an Alpinist cockpit but it feels too wide so the cockpit is probably out of the question now. Overall I'm enjoying the Aethos but missing some parts of the Venge, the ride is extremely smooth (I'm sure the CS BB is contributing) and the bike wants to climb but it is noticebaly worse at holding speed from what I can tell. Obviously really early (and with meh riding conditions), really looking forward to the weather turning next month.

[pdlpsher1]

Look what the dog dragged in

Very nice! May I ask is that Alpinist seapost cut? I looked at the spec. for the seatpost and it was listed as 136g. for the 27.2mm x 300mm. If yours is cut what's the cut length? Thanks.

[wolflikeme]

Look what the dog dragged in

Very nice! May I ask is that Alpinist seapost cut? I looked at the spec. for the seatpost and it was listed as 136g. for the 27.2mm x 300mm. If yours is cut what's the cut length? Thanks.

I mentioned this earlier but I'm guessing I made an error somewhere weighing the seatpost, the weight was directly from the box without cutting.

[pdlpsher1]

Thanks. It appears that the end of the seatpost might be resting on the table. No worries. I'll see if I can find another scale shot on WW.

[wolflikeme]

Update: a few weird paint defects near the seatpost resulted in me warranty-ing the frame. Unfortuntately Specialized didn't have any replacement Aethos frames so I'll be building an SL7 shortly. Really enjoyed this bike and a little disappointed to see it go.