Just got done installing the Aeria Stem and Bottle on my bike, few thoughts:
Few photos below to show the difference, and hopefully highlight some of the things I've mentioned above. Looking forward to testing the bottle out when full, and making sure it stays put over bumpy terrain/speedbumps before I take it racing. I've also made a video of the install process and end result for anyone who might be interested in seeing a bit more of how the system goes together: https://www.youtube.com/...g3lFp2Mpd-eOZ4AaABAg
- I didn't realise that you really need to have your steerer cut all the way down in order for the system to be as sleek as possible. It works fine without doing this, but the rubber fairings will work better against just the frame vs. spacer stack and frame. This is also due to the caveat of only being able to run spacers below the stem not above- as the topcap design will not allow for this.
- It is heavy, but I'm pretty sure the aero benefits will outweigh this weight penalty. The new frontal profile of my bike is much improved, with the added benfit that I no longer have to worry about where my BTA bottle will go when adjusting extension angle and spacing.
- I now need to get myself a bar end di2 charging port, as accessing the junction box in order to charge the di2 is not possible without removing the stem faceplate and handlebars. This is probably not something you want to be doing too often, as the position and placement of the stem bolts makes it quite a tricky task.
Few photos below to show the difference, and hopefully highlight some of the things I've mentioned above. Looking forward to testing the bottle out when full, and making sure it stays put over bumpy terrain/speedbumps before I take it racing. I've also made a video of the install process and end result for anyone who might be interested in seeing a bit more of how the system goes together: https://www.youtube.com/...g3lFp2Mpd-eOZ4AaABAg