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 frame and seat post.
Being an S-Works fork, I expect it to be lightweight as well. At this price range, it is a given that the fork has a full carbon steerer tube for minimum weight.
The pink champagne colour fades to silvery white down the fork legs.
Same paint job as the frame, in a stunning metallic colour.
Overall view of the paint colour transition. Note the hole for the hydraulic hose at the top of the left fork leg.
M12 thread for the front thru axle is integrated into the fork leg, instead of a separate aluminium nut.
View of the inside of the fork leg. The hub axle will rest against this flat surface.
Countersunk on the other fork leg, for the thru axle to be flush against the outside of the fork.
Brake mount for flat mount brakes. Faced to ensure flatness and alignment with the dropouts. The spacing is different from the standard flat mount, thus a special adapter is needed.
Fork weighs just 301 grams in stock condition, before cutting it to length. The lower headset bearing seat is molded straight into the steerer tube as shown.
View of the steerer tube. Wall thickness is pretty much standard, since the outer diameter needs to match the stem (1 1/8 inch) while the inner diameter needs to match the expander plug.
After measuring on the bike and comparing to the Focus Paralane, this is the amount that is cut off.
About 46 mm of the steerer tube was cut away, using the Topeak Saw Guide.
Final fork weight after cutting to length is just 285 grams. 16 grams (46 mm) have been removed.
Comparing the fork weight for the different road/gravel bikes that I have built previously:
Specialized S-Works Aethos: 285 grams
Canyon Endurace CF SLX: 361 grams
Focus Paralane: 370 grams
Cervelo Aspero: 416 grams
Fabike C3: 512 grams (uncut)
The weight difference between the forks is not as great as the frame weight difference. Nevertheless, the final fork weight of 285 grams is super lightweight.
Lastly, let's compare the frameset weight, which is the total of the frame + fork. In this case it also includes the rear derailleur hanger, the front derailleur mount, seat post clamp and also 4x bottle cage bolts, which is normally not included in the manufacturers' claimed weight.
Frameset Weight Comparison
Specialized S-Works Aethos: 627 + 285 = 912 grams
Canyon Endurace CF SLX: 807 + 361 = 1168 grams
Focus Paralane: 1005 + 370 = 1375 grams
Cervelo Aspero: 1177 + 416 = 1593 grams
Fabike C3: 1296 + 512 = 1808 grams
In summary, the S-Works Aethos frameset weight is more than 250 grams lighter than the next lightest frameset, which is the Canyon Endurace CF SLX. It is more than 450 grams lighter than the Focus Paralane.
The Canyon Endurace weighed about 7 kg with full Dura-Ace components (excluding pedals). Therefore, I would expect the Specialized S-Works Aethos to be below 6.8 kg, assuming that all other component weights are equal.
A S-Works Aethos should end up between 5.75 & 6.1 kilos
ReplyDeleteDepends on what components are used.
DeleteGreat information! Q: what is the lower taper size of the Aethos fork and what is the axle to crown length? Fork length also impacts weight obviously.
ReplyDeleteWhat is the initial fork tube length, and/or the final fork tube length after cutting off the 46mm?
ReplyDelete