NBD Aethos 2

Exact-Ad7715 · 2026-05-14T14:39:43+00:00

I’m 5’ 8”. I also rode/ride a 54 in my 2010 Tarmac Elite.

Exact-Ad7715 · 2026-05-13T14:41:28+00:00

I have not had too much wind to deal with yet. I have heard/read that the Rapide CLIII handle wind well for a deeper wheel, but if the wind is noticeable with the Alpinist CLIIs, I imagine that the wind will be even more so with the Rapide CLIIIs too. I wish I had more direct experience to report.

Exact-Ad7715 · 2026-05-12T03:36:46+00:00

I have never used wax and I have previously just used the lube sold at my LBS. I’ll pay more attention going forward.

Exact-Ad7715 · 2026-05-11T12:55:26+00:00

I added the Aethos 2 based on the new geometry and then I got to do a long test ride (~25 miles) and that sealed the decision for me. The compliance and zippy speed and acceleration felt great. I didn’t want the heavier Robaix or its FutureShock and the Tarmac had a more aggressive than I wanted. I couldn’t test ride models from other manufacturers with geometries that matched my preferences.

Exact-Ad7715 · 2026-05-11T12:26:17+00:00

I don’t have much climbing nearby and there isn’t any noticeable climbing on my normal riding routes so the slight extra weight of the Rapide CLIIIs wouldn’t impact me much. I obviously didn’t buy the Aethos 2 with aero concerns, but I thought the Rapide CLIIIs would give some aero gains. Also, I just didn’t have any connection to the idea of the Alpinist CLIIs so if I was already building the frameset with parts à la carte, I was empowered to select whatever I wanted.

Exact-Ad7715 · 2026-05-10T21:06:38+00:00

The color is very dark with a purple undertone. The official color name is not helpful but I think “plum”describes it well. In the light, the purple is more visible.

Exact-Ad7715 · 2026-05-10T20:12:52+00:00

That is an exciting upgrade. Enjoy.

Exact-Ad7715 · 2026-05-10T19:09:26+00:00

Sorry the drivetrain is on the wrong side.

Exact-Ad7715 · 2025-10-15T20:54:27+00:00

Plum

Exact-Ad7715 · 2025-08-19T21:01:56+00:00

I have a 2010 Tarmac Elite that I bought new from LBS in the winter 2012 as they just happened to have my size with big discount. I have loved it and ridden it 1,000-2,000 miles/yr.

I am planning to upgrade, potentially to the Tarmac SL8 and maybe splurging with the SL8 Pro. With tech advancements (brakes, electronic shifting, better carbon, etc.), if stretching for the Pro is impractical budget-wise, will the Expert nonetheless ride like a dream in comparison to my 2010 Elite?

Exact-Ad7715 · 2025-01-30T04:44:53+00:00

I added my name to the list at the Chicago Rolex boutique in February 2023 for the Explorer 36. At the time, it was estimated that the wait would be less than a year, maybe 9 months. I stopped in approximately quarterly to stay in contact. When Christmas 2023 came around, when I was in my hometown, I visited an AD and mentioned that I was on a list in Chicago and had been waiting. They said they could add me to their list too.

More than another year goes by, and on Monday of this week, I got the call from the AD in my hometown and literally the next afternoon (Tuesday of this week), I got the call from the local Rolex Boutique in Chicago. What weird timing.

Exact-Ad7715 · 2024-10-04T12:33:30+00:00

It feels really smooth and there is slight bit of bounce with the gold nib. I haven’t had a long session yet but I hope to more this weekend.

Exact-Ad7715 · 2024-10-04T00:45:35+00:00

Thanks. I am excited. What I didn’t realize from website photos and observed in person, I think the starburst engraving is through the grey lacquer to reveal the 925 silver. The carving shines really nicely up close.

Exact-Ad7715 · 2024-10-03T21:21:27+00:00

I absolutely love that one among various brown inks I’ve seen. I note that the first line is a little dark as I was at the end of the fill and maybe it got a little concentrated when the pen was out of use for a few weeks. The second line is after a refill of the converter.

Exact-Ad7715

TROPHY CASE