Need some brand advice for my next frame

[flCer]

I've been sold on the aethos marketing. Super light frame optimized for ride quality over speed. Before I bust out $7300 for an S-works aethos, I'm hoping to get some insight onto other frames near this price point.

My ideal bike frame would be something with these traits (from most important to least):

* Less aggressive riding position (I currently run gravel geometry)
* Low weight
* Ride quality

Aero is nice, but not too important for my riding style. I see threads about the Colnago C68 and I'm doing some research on that. I also hear much about Bastion and Argonaut frames.

Which frames / brands are comparable to the Aethos? Would love some insight on that. Thank you!

Edit: Here's my current frame build:

[TobinHatesYou]

Less aggressive geo? Open Min.D

[hannawald]

Both Aethos and C68 have aggresive race geometry. Focus on geometry first. What´s your current bike size? Stack and reach, amount of spacers under the stem?

[flCer]

Stack: 550.1
Reach: 392

2 spacers around stem. 80mm stem

I don't mind going more aggressive than my current build.

[hannawald]

So that´s normal racy numbers, I was confused by your remark "less aggresive geometry", you should be OK with aethos and c68. So you can focus on low weight and ride quality. You can add Sarto Seta Plus to your list.

[Ytse]

Stack: 550.1
Reach: 392

2 spacers around stem. 80mm stem

I don't mind going more aggressive than my current build.

2 spacers = ? mm

[TobinHatesYou]

80mm stem on an aggressive 54/55cm equivalent frame seems less than optimal to me, but to each their own.

[hannawald]

80mm stem on an aggressive 54/55cm equivalent frame seems less than optimal to me, but to each their own.

True, I somehow missed that information, I would bet it was added later...
So maybe going custom may be good way for the OP so you can have at least 90mm stem...also depends on current reach of your handlebar.
Bontrager bars are so long that the frame size itself might be ok...

[wheelsONfire]

I was told the "old" Colnagos were intended to be used with 120mm stems (probably not all sizes though)!
Personally i rather have a shorter frame reach using a longer stem. Just looking at both my Ax bikes, the shorter reach version with longer cockpit is way less nervous.
Both of them size large, the former frames were 394mm reach the latest 380-382mm reach.

[flCer]

Stack: 550.1
Reach: 392

2 spacers around stem. 80mm stem

I don't mind going more aggressive than my current build.

2 spacers = ? mm

10mm in total

[flCer]

80mm stem on an aggressive 54/55cm equivalent frame seems less than optimal to me, but to each their own.

Good to know. I started with 100mm stem, but later got recommended 80mm when I told my bike shop that I felt the reach was too long.

[flCer]

Added my current bike's geometry schematics on my post

[wheelsONfire]

To be honest, you would be better off looking at something that is more suitable talking geometry!

[Stendhal]

If you actually want to dial back the geometry as I perceive you do, Cervelo Caledonia 5. The high end models get close to your price point.

[Karvalo]

80mm stem on an aggressive 54/55cm equivalent frame seems less than optimal to me, but to each their own.

Good to know. I started with 100mm stem, but later got recommended 80mm when I told my bike shop that I felt the reach was too long.

If you told them you thought the bike was too long and they said buy a shorter stem I don't think that really counts as a recommendation - that's just someone selling you what you asked for.

It'd be best to dial in your best fit before dropping a lot of money on a frame. It's possible that you'll find some of the custom geometry options like Festka and the ones you mentioned could end up working well for you, or you might find that with a bit of tweaking to your position an off the peg bike would be just right.