Faster than I was as a World Tour Pro

[@AlexDowsettOfficial]

I’m going to do a video addressing this, much like the review vid earlier in the year. This seems to have struck a chord with a small proportion of watchers which becomes a large proportion in the comments whereby there’s a lot of negativity and some downright rudeness which I’d imagine wouldn’t be conveyed across in real life. Here’s the thing, and I’ll always openly state this: I’m not an aerodynamicist, I’m not an engineer either. I didn’t go to Uni though I’d like to think I’m not stupid. I am an ex pro cyclist who’s spent the better part of two decades riding the best bikes various manufacturers had to offer and being contractually bound to say they are the best outwardly to the public. Across TT, Track and Road I’ve likely been on more than 50 different bikes (+ 1 gravel bike 🤪). What I don’t have is technical know how on the why’s and wherefore’s in carbon layup, the why around BB stiffness, threaded or press fit, historical recalls on every brands bikes etc and I’m don’t feel it’s right to pretend like I do in the vids. I also don’t want to comment on anything aero without testing. What I do have though is feeling. When Canyon put the new Aeroad under me in the Tour de Suisse in 2015 it was noticeably faster, I clocked 118kph that day, loved it. Then with the Factor One I noticed an improvement in stiffness and responsiveness to the bike, I liked it so much I actually won a road race on it (shock). Then the Ostro was made and that was a step up again, that is a great bike. Roll on 2023 and I’m in a privileged position that most brands would give me a bike or two to ride, heck some even offered to pay me as well. But I wanted to ride a Specialized. I approached them to work together when you might remember they were going through a huge public culling of their ambassador programme globally. Why’d I go to Specialized? I rode a Shiv to a top 10 at Worlds in what was a *wildly* mediocre physiological performance by me in 2020, and any of the riders from Quickstep and Bora that I spoke to were all very impressed with the bike. I’m yet to met a pro who speaks badly of the Specialized bikes, but I’ve met plenty who will happily tell you the minor faults of a few of the others. It was the one bike I wished throughout my career, especially the latter part of it, that I had as a team bike. Specialized do not pay me, I’m lucky enough to get some very nice bikes which I don’t own. I think that’s important to state, because some people feel like I’m being paid to sell you something. I’ve been riding around on an Aethos which is 2cm too big for me and has handlebars half a mile wide but I really enjoy riding it, is it fast on the flat roads of Essex? No, but I love riding it, and so it’s tough to convey the why around it, it feels lively and responsive. The SL7 expert was also a great bike, not as lively as the Aethos but was more than good enough for some solid race performances. The SL8 did hit different though, noticeably. It’s felt like the Aethos plus some speed. These are all small but noticeable differences, which is why there were 8 different bike brands in the top 15 of the men’s World Road Race Champs. If the differences weren’t small we’d be watching F1 where one car dominates, which is why my review earlier in the year seemed to upset some for it’s lack of (I think) unnecessary controversy, but I stand by what I said, there is not much to choose between Giant, Trek and Pinarello’s best. I like challenging points of opinion, I respect other people’s opinions, ultimately who you choose to listen to on here is entirely up to you. There’s engineers, aero specialists, club riders. We’re probably not all going to agree on what makes a bike best and that’s ok. I’ve never put my name to something I wouldn’t buy myself and that extends to the bike brand I’m working with. Sorry this is long, like I said I want to do a video covering this but I hope attaching this comment gives you some context, I read the comments, the mean ones do get to me despite everyone saying to ignore it. I try my best to create content I enjoy creating and hope people enjoy watching, which I think the majority do. Thanks, Alex.

[@danielberry1635]

FairPlay Alex. Thanks for the video

[@andrewwoffinden8671]

Nice, that all makes so much sense. I'm an amateur cyclist and a professional photographer. As a professional photographer I read all the camera reviews online usually delivered by amateur photographers and a thing I know is that the opinion of a pro is worth a LOT more than the opinion of an amateur. I'm sure that it is also the same in cycling and because of that I very much appreciate your opinion of this bike. I think people underestimate what goes into being a pro in a super competitive field.

[@bbde1980]

Just came across your video and then this comment. Well put! Politeness in comments is way too rare on the Internet. I really wish everybody would say their comments out loud at least to their own mirror image before posting them...

[@cesarfalco1925]

Fair enough, it comes across as non-genuine, there's no way you're feeling 8 seconds over 40km or whatever their claim is. Maybe your different feeling is because you've gone a step up in the frame spec, and just better fitting. It's a bit like having a Carrera and comparing it to an sl8, obviously you will see differences. But saying it's faster than you were as a world tour pro when there is no evidence to suggest that is in my opinion, irresponsible and misleading, especially when you have been given the bike. Any frame aero differences I guarantee between the sl7/8/venge could easily be overcome by different handlebar set ups, wheel depths,tyre choices, tyre pressure even! You must realise when you publish these videos, the main thing it does is hurt your credibility, that's all. People just don't believe you. Anyway hope you make some more gravel videos, love those!!

[@bbde1980]

@@cesarfalco1925 I don't know what Alex wanted to express. But from experience I can tell you that "feeling fast" and "being fast" can be two different things. Before I bought my Aethos, I also tested the SL7. I was faster on the SL7, but I felt faster on the Aethos. Bought the latter one, because for me it's about enjoying the ride, not winning something, and that comes down to how you feel. Just my opinion, of course. 🙂

[@trroland1248]

Great advertisement Alex! 😅 I will now go and make my bike faster by pedalling harder.

[@888julianman]

Yep 👍🏻 Great advice! If you only have an older SL7 and your training has hit a plateau with no discernible improvements no matter how hard you train, just get yourself a new SL8 .

[@Dragon-Slay3r]

😂

[@Dragon-Slay3r]

​@@888julianman😎👍

[@AlexDowsettOfficial]

I can see how you got to this comment 😂😂

[@zzhughesd]

Correct. You only need the 8. No legs. Lol. Just meh totally shot finished stinging lactating legs and the new 8. And bingo. Back to factory fresh. Fast AF. Forgot the legs.

[@brasso9393]

If tour pro cant even distinguish SL6 vs SL7 then SL7 vs SL8 will be indistinguishable 😬

[@DavidStacey-tx7on]

Give any pro a bike built now or ten years ago and results will be the same

[@Robert-mn8gc]

I ride a SL5 TARMAC EXPERT with tones of upgrades ( disk drives) every upgrade available 2me from Specialized including 12speed Di2 Groupset Ultegra. And also a SL7 S-WORKS 54CM TARMAC with the best of everything 6.75 ride away weight. The difference between these generations is remarkable. The SL7 is faster & smoother by a Country Mile. Especially down hill . Still has the DNA snappiness of the SL5 TARMAC. If l purchased a New SL8 S-WORKS it would be a frame , saddle & one piece carbon cockpit. Wouldn't bother with the heavier 2nd gen aero wheels. Hate Tubeless. So going 2 save 120grams on the Wheelset & approx 115-120 grams on the one peice new carbon cockpit from Specialized over the FSA VISION ONE PIECE CARBON COCKPIT that l have on the SL7 S-WORKS. So the ride away weight on an SL8 around 6.55 kilos .. Awesome 👌

[@durianriders]

Ive ridden every tarmac since 2003 and these disc brake versions are sluggish garbage lol. IYKYK. Even Contador joked about throwing his off a cliff back when Specialized asked him to use one in Tenerife.

[@NicoleGarrow]

specialized s-works tarmac SL6 was my first bike I purchased, at 62 yrs old never bike before . I chose this bike for is lightweight and fit. I did know nothing about biking , Got a coach and did power watts training It has been already 5 years. I absolutely love my bike the handling is amazing light and fast. I also try other Brands but I am definitely for Specialized. I am thinking to get the SL8 , I would love to have this one. Nicole

[@NicoleGarrow]

Bike is 49 / 5’3” tall 115 pound.

[@alexgonzalezMI]

I know this is an old video but, it's helpful for me. I've been riding a Canyon Aerroad this year. I love the bike, but it's just way too stiff in the seat tube and seat stays and with my back issues it's killing me. I'm getting back on Specialized though, as I just ordered an Sworks SL8. I swear I'm only doing it for my back 🤣.

[@JeuneCyclisteDynamique]

Couldn't agree more on the saddle clamp: those half-moon clamps had to be tightened at 4x specced torque to avoid slippage on rough roads (only happened in races when you didn't want it to happen).

[@christopheroliver148]

Agree about two bolt clamps. My first bike had a SR post that was a Nuovo Record copy, and I liked that you could set an arbitrary angle depending on what your bum prefered. You can't do that with toothed curve style posts.

[@amc5966]

Nice to hear an ex pro giving feedback on his former team bikes.

[@Bikes-guitars]

Lovely looking bike, I have the same 2 bikes, the SL8 looks great in the Pearlescent White 👌

[@christophesiegel]

Just interested to know what size you choose and what height and inseam you are ? Thanks

[@NicoleGarrow]

Bike 49, I am 5’3” tall, 115 pounds inseams 29”. Long legs and arms shorter torso. Nicole

[@CarbonRider1]

I thought the “speed sniffer” looked a bit wonky from initial photos, but seeing it in your video, it really isn’t bad, looks fine I think. The SystemSix has a similar front profile (front lump).

[@volkervoit]

Had the exact same thought, photos looked worse, especially in this color it looks nice

[@elevenocean4471]

Think some of the early pics had a different stem that didn’t align with the head tube as much so looked bulkier. Looks alright in the end

[@dominicbritt]

I can’t help think they would’ve been better no not even mentioning the new head tube tbh…and no one would’ve noticed of batted and eyelid. To give it a name though… marketing people 🙄

[@izmael_kneafcy]

Hmm £12,000 on a bicycle. I think I’ll hold on to my cash, unless I get given one like you did Alex.

[@db613]

How does it compare with Ostro VAM vs Canyon Aeroad 🤷🏻‍♂️?

[@trekbiker5110]

That Trek!😍

[@DeveryAndrews]

Why 3 water bottle cage bolts on the down tube if we’re trying to save weight?

[@shaylorcyclingwahoo]

If anything it was the “Pogi tuft” that made you faster

[@pinoybikernorcal]

If you have to choose between the SL8 and Aethos, which one would it be?

[@craigsteyn6099]

Neither

[@robertphillips3078]

Alex ur Arse might enjoy the Specialized Power Printed Saddle. Have a Power Saddle on my SL5 Tarmac Disk 12 speed di2 upgraded everywhere . The SL7 with Printed Power Saddle is super comfy . Whats ur thoughts on tubeless please

[@AlexDowsettOfficial]

Love tubeless, once it's set up that is. Something quite satisfying about coming home from a ride having punctured but not knowing until it's done

[@arcadialive4265]

Take it out on any hills? Is it more confident enthusing than aethos or SL7? How is it above 50mph? It looks great.

[@Nathan-1234]

why on earth is the top model SL7 £1000 more expensive than the new top model SL8 on the specialized website

[@CarbonRider1]

Don’t ask those sorts of questions 😂

[@zzhughesd]

@@CarbonRider1the 8 is always 8 times faster than an odd number frame number. 1 plus 1 plus 1 plus 1 plus 1 plus 1 plus 1 plus 1 is 8 times faster. Cause. Noticeably faster.

[@robertphillips3078]

Only Disappointment with the Specialized S WORKS is the Garbage Frame Color Selection Alex . I ride a SL5 Expert highly pimped up . Aero 2 Carbon Bars . Power Saddle . Roval Rapide CLX 32mm climbing wheelset & 12 speed ultegra . Time Xpro 12 pedals. Also have a SL7 S-WORKS 54CM Dura Ace 12speed. Power Printed Saddle. FSA Metron Carbon Cockpit. Time Xpro 15 pedals. OSPW titanium from Australia. Roval Rapide CLX Aero Wheelset ( 1st edition 1400 gram clinchers. Not a fan of tubeless ) Could build myself a 6.5 kilo SL8 . Glad u r enjoying ur new ride . Wish l could put out ur Watts .

[@davidogden9202]

Noticeably fast 😂😂 love it

[@zzhughesd]

I noticed it. It was epic fast. Clouds flew past. Fast

[@xavayang2654]

Can you direct comparison of the SL8 vs the Factor Ostro?

[@rjkunzli]

Depends who pays more

[@zzhughesd]

It’s the 8 as no need for a comparison. Quick cafe stop ride. Proof.

[@Davidkaisermusic]

“Stiffness in the bars, nowhere else.”

[@darekkong7198]

“I think I’ve got a crossy headwindy thing” As someone who struggles to recognise mild wind direction, this is very relatable.

[@jeffreyb.1657]

How is a SL7 with the new cockpit compare to the SL8...that to me is the key question. Good video but many on the net see this as a curious thing. Am a fan.

[@manwithnoname6580]

Hi Alex, May I ask what is that neat little saddle bag you used in this vid? I’m looking for something exactly that kind of size. Thanks

[@AlexDowsettOfficial]

It’s from Silca ☺️

[@manwithnoname6580]

@@AlexDowsettOfficial Thanks; just browsing their website, is it the Silca Mattone?

[@Omeiden]

So questions: being a heavy rider would I be better off getting the SL7 non sworks version? And how is the SL8 stiffer with thinner tube profiles?

[@mikekelly1771]

Or go the non sworks SL8?

[@_cpdchua]

All the speed gains comes from the Roval handlebar alone lmao. Peak Torque already did the computation.

[@QrankChannel]

Is it better and faster then Factor Ostro Vam, Alex?

[@AlexDowsettOfficial]

Really Hard to say one way or the other, the Ostro vam I used I think was let down by the black inc wheels a bit at the time, I only realised this when I put other wheels in it for some training rides and it always significantly livelier. It goes without saying they’re both very good bikes and I wouldn’t like to say one way or the other now they’ve improved the black inc wheelset (I believe) somewhat.

[@funkytransport]

is that alan murchison? from inversneck?

[@alvaroodeh4794]

The SL6 and calling it an SL7 is pretty interesting, certainly the highlight of the video.

[@alexwright9341]

Great video Alex,didn’t realise Specialized help with Little Bleeders,will have to make my next bike a Specialized as my oldest son has Severe A Haemophilia. See you at the Blue Egg one day!

[@alexfirth]

lol that bike at the cafe is an SL6, which goes to show, there isn't much in all of the disc Tarmacs...

[@pieterjanvandermerwe3804]

Damn, here I was thinking Alex Dowsett would make unbiased reviews since he isn't restricted by sponsors anymore.😂😢

[@zzhughesd]

Don’t make me laugh. Love Alex. Solid. Ace on the bike. Think he’ll learn from this early vid. Bit of a shocker. Alex will get there. Subtle product placement which we fall for , or don’t take the P out of !!!!! One of them. I’d struggle with my first product placement. Cannot be easy. No point doing any testing. Cause. Well. Faster. 2023

[@Pablo_Coach]

Tarmac SL8 is optimised for avg speeds 45-50km/h so not for amateurs.

[@zzhughesd]

2023 bike. Just better. Cause. 2023. better. And is. Wicked. Durian rider going mental AF watching this. Think he’s gone totally livid. Better. 2023. Definitely. Quicker.

[@xuchenglin6256]

I think the best part is the end of the video... 36.7kph average speed, 283watts NP... calculated from the IF, 360W FTP ???... Why nobody is talking about this ??? And this is your easy coffee ride ??? 🤣This is just amazing and refreshing! One day a pro, always a pro. I think these bikes will actually do well for you guys. Actually it's the first time I feel that these bikes do have some real world value to real customers. If one can ride at that speed for a coffee ride, I think whatever the cost, it can be justified. The fitness is what we guys are lacking for not the gears... Unfortunately it seems that this is just ignored in the comment section. Everyone is talking about the gears like experts. Nobody talks about how fast they can actually ride. I just don't know how many of them can actually hold avg 30kph in real world road for some extended period of time. I think with your fitness level every bike will be... well, quick. These days I always wonder if it's my bike slowing me down (avg 30-something KPH is the goal). However with your data I know that's just power. I'm far from 280w NP for 1.5 hr... Not to say "easy ride". So no wonder I can't avg near 35 for even shorter period of time in realwolrd ride. Just so jealous of you! It should feel like a killer if you can commute with such speed. It will just render a car completely useless. Nice video. Like your honesty!

[@CanyonWanderer]

Lol, I've always been well, maybe not shy but certainly not loud. So I'm not really keen on a loud rear hub sound. Having said that: after buying some new wheels (not super fancy), I realised I had never checked the rear hub sound... So... when Googling: "Wow, it is actually quite loud" 🤪I actually never realised this could be a thing for me..

[@joshuawatson1604]

Looking good Alex!

[@kovar2344]

frame looks really slick actually. Video makes it look much better than the original leaked pictures. Wish Specialized would make more colorful paintjobs tho.

[@suadmahmutovic6542]

Awesome bike! Is that saddle level? If so from where did you level it? Thanks!

[@AlexDowsettOfficial]

From nose to tip i have it pointing slightly down so the front quarter is slightly pointing up if that makes sense? Then when riding I micro adjust it.

[@suadmahmutovic6542]

@@AlexDowsettOfficial There is a small notch right in the middle I believe on that saddle if it's Power so I have mine at -1 from there to tip pretty much like you 👍👍

[@evanhunterblbier]

Do you feel this closes the gap of comfort from what the SL7 is vs an Aethos?

[@wendysuperfan1014]

Thanks Alex!!

[@chroniclesofalazyriderbyde9504]

The keyword here is "its a fun bike to ride" I fully agree on this statement. Not about the aero or the weight... the bike just feels "fun" everytime you saddle up... isn't that what you cycle for?

[@EW-lc7yl]

I feel sorry for you if you have to pay £12,000 to have fun on a bike

[@chroniclesofalazyriderbyde9504]

@EW-lc7yl if I can afford that fun, why not. Not every fun is the same for everyone. You can have fun on a $500 bicycle too.. I personally own one and when I took it from the store after I bought it, it did gave me a ride total different from my old Giant Propel. It's not the brand but just that it felt so much livelier and not dead serious. It's a personal feel.

[@chroniclesofalazyriderbyde9504]

@FullSugarBrah have you rode one before first?

[@fbonde]

Nice bike, Alex. Can't wait to get mine. Just a small correction, I know that you are new to Spz. The pretty "sl7" is an SL6 🤣

[@0views372]

Did you wax your chain or was it with factory grease?

[@AlexDowsettOfficial]

Factory, wax chain and longer stem setup is coming ☺️

[@jk0000079]

9:08 - dont like the messy weight distribution on the rear-wheel, hopping up-and-down like that ..

[@rudyelizondo1935]

Super cool bike!! I would like to try one out but since it’s sooooo expensive for us mortals I’ll just say enjoy the ride

[@aronszabo8567]

Really nice bike...do you think the s-works worth the extra 5k compared to the SL8 Pro?

[@mennonl5733]

Ofcourse not

[@glennoc8585]

I like that type of two bolt seatpost but my new Emonda has that one bolt ears design. Easier to micro adjust the tilt angle in the two bolt.

[@zzhughesd]

My Emonda frames x5 totally garbage on seat pin. Otherwise Emonda and me addicted.

[@ciw8688]

How was the bb stiffness compares to the sl7?

[@AlexDowsettOfficial]

Different wheels so it’s unfair to say. This is as, if not more responsive in power transfer than the aethos with alpinist wheels in I felt.

[@simontaylor8880]

So they've fixed it so the steerer tube wont snap on this one then?, funny you didnt mention that Alex;-)

[@moserroman2083]

he probably don't know it , not that nerdy lol

[@moserroman2083]

or choose to omit it

[@AlexDowsettOfficial]

This :)

[@carlpentney290]

Sweet. Makes the Doper bike it's parked next to look like a museum relic.

[@cosmonott1]

Hi Alex. Great video. May I ask how tall you are and what crank length do you use? Thanks in advance.

[@AlexDowsettOfficial]

172.5 on this, will aim to go 170. I’m 182cm and this is a 56, will get 7cm setback with a spec power saddle and a 125/40cm roval cockpit soon.

[@cosmonott1]

@@AlexDowsettOfficial Thank you. Looking forward to your full review of the SL8 & component tweaks.

[@moserroman2083]

@@AlexDowsettOfficial nice gravels bars width . There is not 125/40cm cockpit fro your information , only 120/40cm ... Check that mate. The 125 is only available with 42 or 44 cm width

[@simontaylor8880]

Keep them sponsers happy eh!

[@zzhughesd]

Tut Tut

[@mindfxscience5653]

Thanks 👍🏻

[@aaronhamlen8215]

Awesome bike. I have the SL3.

[@ScottWaltonDev]

Bike looks awesome but it’d look even better racing the 10M TT on the National 10 practice run this coming Sunday 😉

[@dcv9460]

💯💯💯NOTICEABLY VERY EXPENSIVE 💯💯💯

[@mattnolan2440]

Sounds like a great bike, you should get spesh to sponsor you.

[@lukaz1927]

Well, they are. How else would he get this bike couple days before the actual launch?

[@David..]

This is an advertisement for specialized

[@moserroman2083]

they kinda do lol

[@mattnolan2440]

@moserroman2083 I know, I was just being facetious.

[@SAnderson77]

😂 love these marketing video. Anyway I preordered my SL8 frame a couple of weeks ago hoping to pick it up now it’s been release next week. The it’s off for custom paint job

[@zzhughesd]

Take off the paint. 200g. Adds about 200 watts in 2023 science !!!!!!

[@jonathanzappala]

Don't worry, Remco's recon ride blew the cover ;)

[@messi9991]

1. You sold out. Nothing wrong with that, but expect the ridicule that comes with that, in particular when you want to appear as truthful and objective which you cannot be given your partnership. 2. Even Specialized's own marketing makes very minor claims about performance improvements that no human can truly feel. 3. If you want to see how sponsorship can work, watch Cameron from RCA, I don't actually really follow him tbh but from what I have seen from his videos the way he does it with BMC is miles better than how you did it. It all started with your video talking about pro-bikes and this deep insight and all it basically was, was faff concluding with "all pros think Specialized has the edge". Cue a week later and turns out you are being paid by Specialized. You blew your credibility then and there. KZbin does work on clickbait, but given what I've written, entitling a video as "Faster than I was as a World Tour Pro" (as if a minor bike upgrade will make your current form exceed that when you were pro, that is just straight up laughable) what can you expect other than more ridicule? You need to change your approach. Not for me. Or anyone else, but for your own sake.

[@AlexDowsettOfficial]

Appreciate the reply, I’m not paid by Specialized I do need to add. I could’ve gone to most bike brands and some of them been paid to promote and tell the world I think they’re the best. But I chose to go with the bike brand that I and a lot of my former colleagues think is the best from a moral standpoint. I understand the views some have expressed and it does make me sad as I stand by everything I said in the video in January and this one on the sl8, it was the fastest I’ve ever ridden to the cafe and back. Alex Richardson wrote a fantastic pdf on his thoughts on the sl8 and Peak Torque also had a great video on it as well which seemed to be in it’s favour. Quite gutted my video comes across as selling out. Will check out Cameron, thanks for directing me that way as I only want to improve this.

[@messi9991]

@@AlexDowsettOfficial For what it's worth, you're a nice guy, and I hope people get over it and making cycling content is financially and mentally (i.e. without hate) viable. Also if you do watch him, I am not saying you need to divulge your financials as Cam did, but it does show to what extreme lengths he is going to show his objectivity. Some people take this very seriously. Personally I just really hate clickbait 😅

[@JimbobB1978]

If the bike industry and the hobby of cycling want's to survive we need to stop championing these "elitist" bikes. They have no place in the hobby. How is a bike that costs the same amount as a car a worthwhile purchase. How will normal people and especially younger people ever be encouraged to take up cycling? What happened to good quality, lightweight fast bikes for a grand?

[@CesarFalco]

Videos like this will kill your reputation + opinion alex, just saying

[@housepfhoopz]

dont worry that sl6 will just think youre riding a sl7 with good color combo and less spacer the sl8 have potential to look good

[@tonywilson5468]

Hopefully Specialized will listen to you because the last batch of SL7's came in rubbish/boring colours! My Snake Eye Green SL7 got written off by a car but I couldn't find a replacement in anything nice colour wise to make me spend my money ☹️

[@harrie974]

Changing the stem will cost you £700 or so and a day of work.

[@thebikepackingadventurer]

Great looking bike. I love my mates raw carbon SL7. Such a clean lined bike. Likewise this is too

[@smerritt8]

What a surprise it's faster...well you would say that when they give you a bike and give money to your charity, well you don't want to bite the hand that feeds you!

[@robertphillips3078]

U r a bloody cheeky bugger arent U . Alex Dowsett was a fabulous Tour Pro . Whats more is he is a really decent human being . A genuine guy . And definitely not full of nonsense like U . Show some respect.

[@thepatternforms859]

Fastest best bike money can buy right now

[@VelosaJr]

I want that US Postal madone!

[@jkelleypga]

Claimed 8 watts faster than the SL7 or the equivalent of aero road socks. Never-mind 4 of the acclaimed 8 watts is coming from the handlebars.

[@discbrakefan]

What if you have the bike AND aero socks 😂

[@slowcyclist4324]

The fastest bike on the market today, is the Cervelo s5, which tests in at 203W drag. The sl7 tested in at 210. So if this 8w is valid, then this bike really is the fastest bike at the moment, at a weight lighter than that of a full aero bike. And what’s wrong with the handlebar being part of the equation? You never ridden at threshold for long enough to notice even that difference of 4-5W? Because I can assure you, at a threshold sustained effort, you can feel every extra watt.

[@moserroman2083]

at least we know you don't rate their tt/tri offer as well because you ride a scott plasma tt/tri bike ? ( uci illegal one ? )

[@AlexDowsettOfficial]

Big fan of the Scott I'm on. Big fan of the Shiv TT. Rode an unbranded one at Imola Worlds in 2020 to a top 10 on what was a v mediocre day for me in terms of a ride. So I'm a fan. the Tri Shiv I've not really seen so can't comment. :)

[@moserroman2083]

@@AlexDowsettOfficial specialized fired off lot of ambassadors and riders also triathletes and some went away because they were told the shiv tri wouldn't be updated the focus would be more on an updated tt uci legal frameset that would also serve as uci illegal bike . guess uci illegal is that much faster for u

[@dickieblench5001]

I'd take the trek all day long

[@Robert-mn8gc]

The Trek like many other Brands have gone all Goofy in there Design Parameters 🤣 The Last Venge was a little bit out there but nothing like what's out now , although the Cannondale & one other were around when the Venge was out fromt & flying . Specialized have just kept it Simple & smart with the SL8 & the Weight Advantage/Aero Package 📦 will certainly be worth watching 4 the rest of this Year & next year's TdeF. All Specialized require now is Bums on Saddle that are potentially GC Riders .

[@davidwills4843]

Great video Alex , just looking at the saddle position on your bike would you mind sharing your saddle height from centre to bottom bracket as there seems to be a trend in the peloton of lower saddle heights. These days . Thanks

[@discbrakefan]

Why would you need that information dude?

[@endokrin7897]

@@discbrakefan You don't want to know what he's gonna do with that info... 😆

[@MLeo0]

And I still use rim brakes bro 😢

[@seanicky]

I prefer the Trek next to it 😂

[@jamiemarshall49]

Wow, the sound at the end ❤❤❤

[@moserroman2083]

maybe people hate on the sl7 because of the death trap it was until recall and that it shouldn't have gone out in the real world with such a defective conception ?

[@Eirikkinserdal]

And all the aerogains come from the handlebar 😂

[@zzhughesd]

Stiffness. I lose 25 watts on my 2019 to these 2023 bars. Cause. 2023. Lose 25 watts to seat pin bolts. Crap. I’m now 50 down. Crap. Lost another 25 to decals. I’m getting on for 75-100 watts down. I’ll change my sock height hope get half watts back. I’ll be ok.

[@KetzalSterling]

Shame, I was hoping you'd remain impartial to bike brands etc. I guess it's just economics. KZbin is totally filled with glorified ad channels. It's the last thing the cycling community needs. I'll stick to Peak Torque and similar sources for any technical discussion.

[@moserroman2083]

give him a rest world tour cyclist are not paid well enough to refuse sponsorship when retiring lol

[@zzhughesd]

2023 = 8 = win = 2023. Fast.

[@JBSpine007]

Oh I want one!!

[@jrgensneisen6021]

The white bike looks awesome, but im so glad i dont have a white bike anymore 😂

[@gwatson7124]

Yikes, balance that rear wheel!! Nice bike. You look Pro! 😂

[@davemellor4697]

This is why world tour riders use specialized sl7-8s they know just how good a bike is....Some people squeeze there frames (DURIANRIDER) and say they are shyte and he knows more than world tour pro,s....He also said disc,s are absolutely the problem with cycling causing crashes slower times etc etc ....Now you hear just how good these specialized bikes are from a grand tour stage winner not a you tuber who criticizes anyone who rides discs or specialized bikes ...and i myself ride rim brakes but appreciate just how good these bikes are i just know i would trust Alex over a you tuber who cant find anything positive to say about modern cycling....

[@stfu6397]

Durianrider isn't wrong tho lol

[@neilbuckley5796]

Durianrider needs a stiff ignoring.

[@davemellor4697]

@@stfu6397 He never is ....:)

[@neilbuckley5796]

@@CG-99 who? Me?

[@volkervoit]

Pros don‘t choose their bike - their sponsors decide - and they have to ride what they are given or can leave the team

[@chrisbinch800]

Great ad!

[@ls1125]

That's definitely an "Essex Spec" cassette 😂

[@stephenjhughes64stephenjhu26]

Yeah 30 cassettes on 12k bikes and 52 ×36 . .no good to race on unless can spin legs 130 .iam 60 nearly and never had anything less than 39 x 25 .live in hilly area only use the 25 few times a year

[@brrryantYwhs]

I thought you are Fernando Alonso on the bike

[@hanef8852]

You can hype it all you want, I still don't get the concept of a $14,000 road bike, I mean who buys that? If you have that much money to spare, you probably work a lot and are at best a weekend warrior. Please don't tell me that people at this level, pushing maybe 3 w/kg would notice any performance boost, compared to a $4,000 bike.

[@AlexDowsettOfficial]

Completely agree re the specific person and performance boost, for sure the differences are minimal in relative terms, I felt them, but they’re small relatively speaking. The nature of performance is that the higher the level the cost per % gain goes up exponentially. But focusing on what you’ve said, and I’m not here to change your mind, just provide my POV, ultimately is it wrong to judge people that can or can’t afford it? Full time riders on £4k or £14k bikes win and lose races, full time workers on £4 or £14k bikes win and lose races as well. It’d be a sad place if any of those groups alienated the other for ultimately doing a variation of the same thing the other is doing. The average person in the street would likely think £4k is an absurd amount of money to spend on a bicycle. This is all relative IMO.

[@ananovo8662]

nice to see the c*ke snorter in the wild

[@MS-bw7yt]

“This bike should be better because it’s 2023…” . I think this logic doesn't apply one bit in the bike industry which is full of incompetent engineers and idiots. Just look at the leaked photos and the bullsh.. marketing material from Specialized and you know that this is not a better bike. It’s like a bit of SL7 with an Aethos rear end and an unsightly nose. In which world does this yield in a better bike?

[@Timtimzi]

oh god... is he sponsored by specialized now? the company is like the master of gimmicky marketing. i wonder what his thoughts were during his time on factor now that he's no longer with them

[@AlexDowsettOfficial]

Ostro is a great bike, as is the hanzo. I’m not sure about the black inc wheels though. And he is sponsored by Specialized yes ☺️

[@JBSpine007]

To be a pro or x pro. Nice! 14K in the USD.

[@jeffsmithson4104]

When a world tour rider develops an addiction to croissants 🥐

[@JW-hj6sd]

Stats this "guy" is't joke. the two second difference may be due to measurement error.

[@waynejones9189]

Christ, some shit gets talked about bikes doesn’t it?

[@oscarmckean4625]

bros meat riding s works if he says the sl8 is notably faster.