Specialized Aethos sizing

[rolfo]

Dear fellow bikers,

As my search for a Ti frame seems is getting nowhere, the other favourite would be an Specialized Aethos.

I'm having doubt to go for an 54 or 56 size. My current set up (after bikefit), would be the 54, but I would have have massive seatpost exposed and 2cm of spacers under the stem. I'm not a good descender, and the wheelbase will be shorter and the head angle 0.5 steeper.

https://myalbum.com/album/RGWfFsZmBzaagV

Do you have any experience with the fitting of a Specialized Aethos?

Thanks!

[Upcountry]

As Aethos owner, and bit of a geometry nerd/fiddler, I'd say you could get away with the 56cm just fine. In exchange for the 21mm of additional stack you'd get(which sounds like it would put you spot on with zero spacers), you'd only need to make up for the 11mm of extra reach. This could easily be acquired with one size shorter stem or even different reach handle bars and then scooting the saddle forward a few millimeters to make up for the more slack seat tube angle on the 56.

I debated going for a 54 or 52 on mine, but seeing as the reach was so similar(only 4mm difference between those two) I opted for the 54 to get me a bit more stack seeing as its my "long day" bike. They're still not an endurance fit by any means, although they have a bit more stack than the raciest of bikes.

Regarding descending, they are very stable feeling. I'd imagine the 56 even more so with the reduced HTA. Its doesn't scream for you to rail it into corners like my TCR does, but its in no way nervous feeling. Additionally, put some big rubber(30mm+) on there and thank me later!!!

[rolfo]

Thanks, something to think about. Very help-full.
Thing is I found a 54cm pro frameset. Now it gets difficult ;-)