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Dura-Ace Crankset Comparison: R9100 vs R9200 plus others
When Dura-Ace was refreshed from 11 speed to 12 speed, the crankset was changed as well. However, what I noticed was that the new R9200 crankset is actually heavier than the old R9100 crankset, and not...
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Shimano Hydraulic Disc Brake Pads: Resin vs Metal, With and Without Cooling Fins
Here is a detailed blog post comparing the different brake pads made by Shimano, for their hydraulic disc brakes. With many model numbers used for the different brake pads, it is confusing for almost...
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Cervelo Aspero: PRO PLT Carbon Road Handlebar
On the Cervelo Aspero gravel bike, I have been using the PRO Vibe Aero Superlight handlebar since the beginning. At that time, the plan was for the Aspero to serve as a dual purpose road and gravel...
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Specialized Aethos: S-Works Frame
Time to build a new bike! I have been reading about the Specialized Aethos, and it seems to be an awesome bike that is different from others. Some of the features that attracted me:1) Rides very well...
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Specialized Aethos: S-Works Fork
Previously, I showed the Aethos frame, which is part of the Specialized S-Works Aethos frameset. Now, let's look at the S-Works Aethos front fork. This fork is included in the frameset, along with the...
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Specialized Aethos: Headset, Spacers and Expander Plug
Joining the Aethos frame to the Aethos fork is the headset and other small parts around the headset. As mentioned earlier in the posts, the Specialized S-Works Aethos uses an integrated headset design,...
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Specialized Aethos: Thru Axles, Roval Seatpost and Di2 Battery
On the Specialized Aethos, there are many high end components used, with the main objective being to make the bike as lightweight as possible.Starting with the super lightweight sub-600 gram frame and...
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Specialized Aethos: Front Brake Caliper Adapter and Disc Rotors
The Specialized Aethos uses mostly standard components and specifications. For example, it uses a standard threaded bottom bracket and round seat post on the frame. There is no internal routing around...
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Specialized Aethos: S-Works SL Stem and PRO Vibe Superlight Handlebar
In the earlier posts about the Specialized Aethos, I have shared some information about the frame, fork and other small parts that come with the frameset.As the Aethos is designed to use a standard...
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Specialized Aethos: Dura-Ace C36 Wheelset and GP5000 Tires
Building a lightweight bike requires a lightweight wheelset. For the Specialized Aethos, I decided to get a relatively lower profile carbon wheelset to help save some weight.Previously I got the...
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Latex and TPU Inner Tubes
In the earlier post on the Specialized Aethos, I introduced the Dura-Ace C36 wheelset, which is lighter in weight than the Dura-Ace C50 wheelset. This time, I still chose a normal clincher type of...
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Specialized Aethos: PRO Stealth Team Saddle + Camera Mount
A new saddle is needed for the Specialized Aethos, as it is an additional bike to my bike stable. Normally if I am replacing a bike, I will just transfer the saddle from the existing bike over to the...
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Specialized Aethos: Assembly Part 1 with Dura-Ace R9100 Bottom Bracket
With all the various parts of the Specialized Aethos collected, it is now ready to be assembled. Normally I would start with the assembly of the fork to the frame, and this will involve cutting the...
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Specialized Aethos: Tripeak Ceramic Bottom Bracket and Dura-Ace Crankset
In the previous post, I had already started the assembly of the Specialized Aethos. After assembling the fork and headset area, I continued by testing the bottom bracket.Normally I would not install...
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Specialized Aethos: Assembly Part 2 with Dura-Ace Di2 12 Speed Components
With the bottom bracket issue settled, now I can continue to assemble the Specialized Aethos. For the components, I am mostly using the Dura-Ace R9270 components which were previously installed on the...
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Specialized Aethos: Assembly Part 3
Finally, the Specialized Aethos has been completed! I started from the bare frame and fork, and assembled every component myself. The assembly was started with Part 1 and Part 2, and Part 3 will show...
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Specialized Aethos: Dura-Ace C50 vs C36 Wheelset
Although the Specialized Aethos build has been completed as shown in the previous post, I am still looking for areas where it can be optimized. One of that was the wheelset that is on this bike.For...
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Specialized Aethos: XTR M9100 SPD Pedals
I have been using SPD pedals with cage for a long time, ever since my first SPD pedal PD-A530. Based on what I understand, the pedal cage around the outer perimeter of the pedal helps to keep the foot...
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Topeak Saw Guide and Park Tool Hack Saw
Here is a tool that I don't use often, but good to have when I actually need it. It is a saw guide and a hack saw for cutting handlebars, seat posts or steerer tubes. In fact, it can be used to cut any...
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Specialized Aethos: Weight of Accessories and Tool Kit
Although the Specialized Aethos is a very lightweight road bike, the reality is that some accessories need to be added to the bike in order to make it more practical. Bottle cages and lights are...
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