Best riding carbon bike - C64, Aethos, R5... what else?
#76
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If you are looking for confidence on descents, then something with a relatively slack head angle and longer wheelbase might be worth considering. Bikes like the Cervelo Caledonia-5 and Argon 18 Krypton Pro would fit the bill. They should be both rock solid on fast downhills. Actually that was my main concern about the Aethos (and the Factor Ostro) as they are both shorter and steeper than my current Giant Defy, which again is rock solid descending.
At this point, i am 90% set on the Aethos. I checked Time and Look, and a limitation on tire size means they are out. The C64 is very nice as well ,but there have been a couple of people who have commented about it being more comfortable rather than stiff and also the above issue re cornering, whereas with the Aethos, I have yet to hear anyone complain about the ride quality except maybe point out that it isnt the most comfortable of bikes (which doesnt bother me one bit). So all else being equal, the Aethos is cheaper, lighter AND has fewer question marks.
Now for the freaking regular Aethos models to come to Asia. Spesh Malaysia only has the S-Works, Spesh Singapore doesnt even list the Aethos. FML. I am told by late 2021, though.
#77
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Plenty of time to change your mind a few more times - LOL
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#78
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Ha, seriously - by then, the R5 will likely be announced and this whole exercise in hand-wringing will re-start from scratch.
Anyway, thanks to all of you who have taken the time to provide your thoughts and suggestions. It's been emotional.
Anyway, thanks to all of you who have taken the time to provide your thoughts and suggestions. It's been emotional.
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I think it's good to keep going back and forth deciding on an expensive new bike. I do it all the time!
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Hand-wringing may not be the keystone of road cycling, but it's certainly a part of the foundation.

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#82
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I can't be the only one who is often thinking about what the next bike will be even if a) I love my current bike(s); and b) have no intention of making a purchase for another few years. Do I care that my next bike and groupset probably hasn't been released yet? Absolutely not :-)
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