this post was submitted on 06 Aug 2025
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Aethos build: contact points (lemmy.world)
submitted 1 week ago* (last edited 1 week ago) by Etnaphele@lemmy.world to c/bicycling@lemmy.world
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Build update: handlebars, saddle and pedals arrived!

  • Vision Trimax 4D Compact in 44cm: 220g
  • SQlab 612 R Carbon with big ass logo (like this version for some reason) in 14cm: 127g
  • Shimano M540: 349g pair

I chose these bars because they are one of the very few that get the ergonomics right: 10° of forward flare at the tops! I saw only SQlab (expensive and weird shape) and maybe Roval do this pretty obvious thing.

The saddle is just the sporty version of the 612 I have on my gravel bike. Awesome ergonomics.

In the future I’d like to switch to road pedals, but for now I splurged enough for the bike, new road shoes and power meter can wait.

Usual close ups (product photography tips anyone?!):

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[–] ALiteralCabbage@feddit.uk 4 points 1 week ago (1 children)

I don't think you need any photo tips - these all look amazing!

I'm living my fancy bike dreams vicariously through you... (Although I'm also obsessed with SPD pedals on all my bikes so I wouldn't even change those, except maybe for some minimal crank bros ones...)

[–] Etnaphele@lemmy.world 2 points 1 week ago

Thanks, glad you like these posts! The pedal thing is something I have to think through, actually, but for now I am set.

[–] theskyisfalling@lemmy.dbzer0.com 2 points 1 week ago (2 children)

What is the appeal of road pedals over SPD types?

I have only ever used SPD on and off road, it is purely a weight thing?

[–] Eat_Your_Paisley@lemmy.world 3 points 1 week ago (1 children)

The platform of road pedals is larger which I find more comfortable if I'm going to spend a long time in the saddle with few stops. I generally don't to that which is why I only have one set of road pedals and shoes and multiples of SPD and flat pedals with shoes.

[–] theskyisfalling@lemmy.dbzer0.com 2 points 1 week ago (1 children)

I can't say I've ever had discomfort in my feet on long rides but my longest rides are also only around 60 - 70km sort of region.

[–] ALiteralCabbage@feddit.uk 2 points 1 week ago

I find it depends on your shoes - a super stiff sole with 2 bolt cleats is actually pretty decent, but as my shoes have aged I do get "hot spots" where the sole has become less stiff over time (cheapish Mavic shoes which now feel like comfy like slippers!)

[–] Etnaphele@lemmy.world 3 points 1 week ago (1 children)

I suppose weight and aerodynamics and that’s it actually. Cons are single sided entry and no walking :D

[–] theskyisfalling@lemmy.dbzer0.com 3 points 1 week ago (1 children)

Those latter two are the main reasons I never bothered to look into them but wondered if I was missing out on something else. I don't chase weight or anything so seems I'm best sticking to what I know and have already :)

[–] Etnaphele@lemmy.world 2 points 1 week ago (1 children)

Yeah you have a healthy thought process. I have an irrational fascination to SPD-SL pedals, probably more due to the road shoes they attach to than the pedals themselves. It's just that using MTB shoes on this bike feels somewhat wrong, but maybe I can leave in peace with it and stick with SPD :)

[–] CheesyFingers@piefed.social 2 points 6 days ago (1 children)

That's funny because I've been considering slapping my SL pedals on my mtb just for funsies. I love the feeling of being locked into the pedals and my shoes are super stiff. It would feel so good but for the obvious cons. lol

[–] Etnaphele@lemmy.world 2 points 6 days ago (1 children)

Do you have carbon road shoes and also 0° cleats (red ones I think)? And on the MTB do you already have SPDs?

I know your comment wasn’t so serious but I would be interested in your views if you have experience with SPD and SPD-SL on various terrains :)

[–] CheesyFingers@piefed.social 2 points 5 days ago

I have carbon insert shoes but not the red cleats and no, ive never used SPD. My mtb has flat pedals.
That being said I've ridden my CX bike (with SL) through some shit and it felt great being locked into the pedals!

The problem lies when needing to dab a foot. lol