Full S-Works Aethos Review

[@lazarosnikolaidis256]

This is a custom build, with great ingredients. Superb. Looks wild and beautiful at the same time. I just loooove AETHOS, it breathed soul to the bike. Aero bikes are beautiful, but every month someone makes a an 'aero-er' bike! It' s the progress, the evolution, but owning a classic is timeless. V. nice review, short but full. Important stuff on/bs off. Thank you. Hope you have good health to enjoy the bike. P.S.: I agree that wheels are the No1, but this particular saddle is out of this world! Period! Not the lightest, but the most comfortable out there.

[@blackwatts]

I agree 100%. When it's all said and done and multiple aero bikes have come and gone, I think the Aethos will still be here. Thank you for your kind words on my bike as its a proud and thoughtful build for me. Thank you for watching my review! - Chad

[@logojones96]

yup. dream bike since it came out, hopefully can make it happen in the nearish future! Amazing bike

[@blackwatts]

Fingers crossed! Let us know when it happens

[@TeamFeralCatz]

I agree! I've got a build that's not too different from yours with the Roval Rapide CLX wheels and I'm such a big fan of the bike!

[@blackwatts]

Couldn't agree more!

[@chrisharvell]

Great review!!!

[@hobbs2005]

Great review. I bought the exact same one. Got dura ace and cadex wheels. I love it.

[@blackwatts]

How do you like the Cadex wheels?

[@hobbs2005]

@@blackwatts I definitely like them, but I swear I couldn't tell you the difference between those and my Industry 9s (other than the latter being half the price....). Also, while I don't care, the Cadex freewheel is definitely louder than most.

[@darrenbarlow5759]

Nice review man. So this is definitely an endurance geometry right? I currently ride a Factor Ostro Vam, but was considering an Aethos for longer rides and comfort. Thoughts?

[@blackwatts]

It’s the same geometry as the SL8 but just more compliant. I own both and during the offseason I’m primarily on the Aethos for comfort. It’s not a stiff ride at all! I also champion bike fits once a year

[@TKang42]

Any comments on the Aethos for bigger riders? The Aethos appeals to me for so many reasons (like the ones you call out) but a big discourager is that I am 6ft 220 pounds. I know it is rated up to 275 but how does it feel when you put the power down. Flexy? Noodley? Amply stiff? Would love to hear your thoughts? Thanks!

[@blackwatts]

Great question! The softness in the BB is noticeable but I don’t believe it’s something that could drastically hurt how you perform on the bike. I wouldn’t say the Aethos is a snappy bike but you get everything else. Think about your wheel choice and that’ll change how you feel on the bike. I’ve had 3 different wheel sets so far on the Aethos and the 454’s are A1

[@jbrew44]

Great video!

[@blackwatts]

Thanks!

[@trickyself]

Good review of what this bike is about, for me personally comfort & lightness is key over aero especially in Peak District UK, got a Aethos Sagan 10R frameset to build up over winter, can't wait!!

[@blackwatts]

Thank you! I have to agree, comfort and lightness over aero for sure!

[@skippypicasso]

i got the pro in the 56, such a velvet ride

[@blackwatts]

Yes! What color do you have?

[@skippypicasso]

@@blackwatts the obsidian ultegra di2. It’s like the bike the Roubaix always dreamed it could be when it grows up. Good point in the video about racing crits, this isn’t the bike. Getting PRs and KOMs on inclines? Yep. Long pulls in 100-mile fondos? Aw, yeah

[@kentao4]

It’s def a good looking bike and I considered it for sure. Before I get too old I decided I wanted to try the tarmac instead lol. I was surprised how comfortable it was compared to the aethos in my quick spin but because I could only do one bike I did the sl8. You can feel the contribution of the aethos. One thing about the aethos line though is they have the best paint schemes. Sharp build man. Subscribed ✊🏾 Btw, how do you like the one piece? I’ll prob try to upgrade to it next year.

[@blackwatts]

You can't go wrong with the SL8 or Aethos! Its a tough decision between the two. Which paint scheme did you go with for your SL8? I LOVE the one piece. It goes well with the lines of the bike. Its not flexy like the Alpinist handlebars so I do feel a little bit more like i'm on the Tarmac although I'm not. Feels like a cheat code

[@kentao4]

I did the sl8 pro in the satin carbon. Basically black. So cold blooded to me lol. Every time I walk by, I’m like 😤. I don’t do anything below 45 so I’m struggling to find time to break it in properly. I’m outside Philly so you know how this weather has been.

[@blackwatts]

@@kentao4 🔥🔥🔥 I already know! Good weather will be here soon

[@rafacycle]

How are the 454s with strong winds and hills? I ride 353s and am very happy, was wondering how they compare.

[@blackwatts]

I had the 353’s and just wasn’t happy with them on faster group rides. The 454’s on the other hand, love them and they’re what I would consider an all around great wheelset for everything

[@vegandub]

😍😍😍

[@MrEagan1975]

Nomore TREK

[@endtimeslips4660]

wonder why s works not made it full integrated.

[@blackwatts]

That was intentional.

[@johankarlsson1344]

But why was it intentional?

[@blackwatts]

My guess is everyone has been making bikes fully integrated making it difficult for the everyday person to work on their bike. Aethos on the other hand makes it super simple to make adjustments

[@DanBurton-i5y]

I would only add to @blackwatts that not being integrated goes with the ethos of the Aethos. In addition to the serviceability and travel convenience, given the non-aero round tubes, non-dropped seat stays and overall retro-modern look, the non-integration works. Said another way, if they made the headtube fatter to accommodate integration, it would lose its nimble look. But we will see if Spesh makes the change in a future version. As is, I think it a wonderful blend of what makes riding great. I will never sell mine.

[@chrisharvell]

What are the full specs?

[@blackwatts]

Specs in the description!

[@VendetaBrown]

The 2.0 that’s never coming is needed for an update on the terrible geometry. Why make this bike if the geo is going to be the exact same as the SL7? We’re not pro tour riders. Raise the stack, shorten the reach, appeal to the demo the bike was intended for.

[@blackwatts]

This bike has way more flex in the frame for comfort. With the proper bike fit, all the things you’re looking for can be accomplished

[@dollaholla8229]

Baller $

[@mallorymcguire833]

A 10-33 cassette? Isn't this a 12s bike?

[@blackwatts]

SRAM groupset

[@МаксимКоблов-х7е]

Its crazy expensive

[@blackwatts]

😩😩😩

[@mohamadjamil3164]

I disagree. The best wheels on the bike are the shallow ones as anything more than 40 changes the ride feels. The bike is comfortable when it comes to compliance and not geometry and finally it feels like a noodle especially when you try to put some power on. I would say good I tail design and the bike needs a lot of adjustments still. Best proof is that it is not selling and discounted all over the globe. I regret buying an aethos

[@blackwatts]

re wheels: Depends on where you live and how you ride. The 454’s and handlebar give me the aerodynamics that I’m looking for without compromising completely based on my style of riding. This may not be the case for you. Also, the geometry is the same as the Tarmac. A lot of bikes aren’t selling because they overproduced based on the spike during the pandemic, it’s not just the Aethos. I’m sorry you regret buying it and I get it. This bike isn’t for everyone. I hope you find the bike that makes you smile when you ride it⚡️

[@mohamadjamil3164]

@@blackwatts I used to convince myself about the ride quality and it is not for everyone before I sold it and got on a stiffer bottom bracket and more aero design. The aethos just did not speed beyond 36 and felt like pushing back when climbing. Happy that you like it and hope that are enjoying it

[@mohamadjamil3164]

Btw. The sl8 is as comfortable and way faster when you want it to be

[@Tarmaccyclocross]

Heavy junk my 2014 TCR is lighter and faster

[@blackwatts]

😂😂😂 ok!

[@Tarmaccyclocross]

@@blackwatts another one that falls for all the manufacturers drivel 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@blackwatts]

Love my Aethos!

[@TeamFeralCatz]

My old TCR advanced is one of my favorite past bikes but the Aethos definitely rides more comfortably and my Aethos is also lighter and it has electronic shifting and disc brakes which adds a convenience factor, especially with winter riding in twisty canyons! I've got great memories with the TCR though.

[@robertpiche5167]

It's a great bike but i do not like the look

[@blackwatts]

I get it! It’s not the bike for everyone.

[@robertpiche5167]

@@blackwatts but i have the same and i love it

[@mannie8735]

Please show more of the bike and less of you.

[@blackwatts]

There's other videos on our page that show the bike and less of Chad if that's the kind of thing you're in to hahaha

[@simontaylor8880]

Youve ruined it!!!

[@blackwatts]

Uh ok 😅

[@iLaytonnn]

How tall are you?