2021 SPECIALIZED AETHOS (PRO vs. S-WORKS) WHAT IS YOUR $5,000 DOLLARS GETTING YOU? Sl7

CHECK OUT THE INSTAGRAM: / gcperformance_
This is the all new Specialized Aethos pro model retails at $7400 dollars and comes with a 10r carbon frame and also roval cl alpinist wheels on it. The group on it is shimano ultegra di2 and it still weighs in very light for a pro model.
BRAND NEW!!!!! Specialized AETHOS light weight road bike.. the do all... the purist ride you can get.
This bike screams sworks, screams fast and screams money!!!! its a size 54 and weighs in at 13lbs and 8oz with a power meter on there, it is a UCI legal frame on here but it is under the weight of the legal weight limit but specialized claims you can add steel skewers on there to get it up to weight.
The bike is outfitted with clx alpinist wheels and also the brand new alpinist seat post the lightest seat post out on the market equipped on the lightest production bike on the market as well.
frame weighs in at 585grams!!!!!
if you have any questions please feel free to ask in the comment section or send me a dm on instagram and I will get back to you as soon as possible....
Thanks so much and I will see you all in the next video :)))

[@GCPerformance18]

Let me know which one you guys like more!!!!

[@fastlanerc8]

If I had to choose from the ones you showed It would have to be the pro. If I could choose any aethos it would have to be the expert. I personally like the ability to upgrade and personalize .

[@U.s.e.r.3493]

I'd like the Tarmac Sl7, thanks.

[@roberthbailey]

Have had my Aethos Pro for a week and have ridden it 4 times. What an amazing ride! So compliant. Great climbing and descending. And that’s without being 100% dialed in.

[@GCPerformance18]

Thats awesome I love hearing feedback on the aethos its such a new bike to the whole industry, I want to get one for myself to try out, the people who have rode it have had nothing but good things to say about it

[@roberthbailey]

I’m sure you’ll love it. I’m in Greenville, SC & have lots of climbing in the area. Some of the best places to ride you’ll ever see. Home of George Hincapie, Bobby Julich & Christian Vande Velde. If you ever wanna climb, come on up & hit me up.

[@PatrickJamesKiernan]

I like how you are able to give so much concrete information about the bikes that is almost impossible to find out otherwise, including from the professional review sites. Who would have guessed the Alpinist CL had bladed spokes while the Rapide CLs are round! This may not be so odd though as bladed spokes are stronger because (like the fact 12 carbon?) they have been compressed.

[@GCPerformance18]

thanks so much and I appreciate that :)) I just wanna give you all my honest opinion

[@jaspreetsidhu5708]

always go pro/expert with specialized, buy your own set of wheels, then when it comes to resale, sell it keep the wheels, and move on to another bike. Buy s-works save 100 grams but lose another 1-2k.

[@GCPerformance18]

Yea this is true keep the stock wheels and just take the hit and keep going

[@hammertym0131]

If the Aethos Pro had a power meter it would be my budget pick. Since it doesn’t I’d probably drop down a tier and pick up the Aethos Expert change up the bars and wheels and add the power meter when I could afford it. If I were a doctor, lawyer, dentist, bike shop owner I’d definitely take the S-works! Great video, very useful information, Thx!

[@GCPerformance18]

Lmaooo your very welcome and thanks for watching

[@alexgleeson3634]

Rode the S-WORKS AETHOS SRAM this weekend...by far the best ride quality of any road bike that I have ever ridden

[@fastlanerc8]

Wow, I need to give it a try then

[@GCPerformance18]

Yea that’s what I have been hearing. Everyone who rides them say they are amazing I want to give it a try for sure

[@MSimky]

Why SRAM over another set of shifters? Are electronic shifters really any better than high end mechanical? Seems like added expense, hassle (battery changes), and heavier. So no obvious gain to me of electronics, just making the manufacturer's job easier (no routing cables), and giving them more profit, but making my life worse.

[@jonathandubel4829]

Bought an S-Works 2022 crux and built it with GRX Di2. Bike makes me giddy with excitement every time I ride it even after 6 weeks. Bought S-works Aethos and waiting for it to come in mid March . Same bike with road geo. Best bikes made IMO.

[@GCPerformance18]

no lie the aethos bike model is highly underrated, I think people dont give it that much attention because they dont have the flashy integrated cockpit or they have the minimalistic design but this bike is top notch in terms of comfort and also performance

[@qibble455]

Time bike frames take this carbon layup process one step further, I think they're the best in industry but they're even more expensive and hard to find as they're not a major manufacture. Best thing about Specialized imho is they make this stuff available to the masses.

[@GCPerformance18]

Yea I wanna ride one of these to see how they feel and to see if it feels like a wet noodle or not

[@qibble455]

@@GCPerformance18 Maybe if you push massive watts through them..hehe I trust they hold up for the likes of me. Do you find some frames get a bad rep for whatever reason that no ordinary rider will notice?

[@chrisvanbuggenum871]

What i wish is that when you walk into a bike shop what you see is frames. You pick a frame, then you pick groupset, then wheels and then handlebars etc and then they give you a price and a date to come pick it up. And you can choose of course to stop at any stage in the process. That's how i wish things were.

[@GCPerformance18]

lol sound like a dream but something nice hopefully wholesalers work with us to bring something like this

[@chrisvanbuggenum871]

@@GCPerformance18 one can dream. I see it as the only way of beating companies like Canyon.

[@roberthbailey]

Would be awesome to do this. What limits that is that manufacturers are able to buy in huge volume from Shimano & SRAM cutting down the price and then using the cheap labor to assemble. It would be way too cost prohibitive here in the US and I’d imagine most other places as well.

[@Fluterra]

You always get the value by going up... if you can afford it and want the extra features, the money is well spent.

[@GCPerformance18]

yes thats what I always say, if you have the money and it doesnt kill you to spend it, then go for it but that is a huge jump in price almost double the price of the bike and thats when you have to start to think

[@cookiepuss8182]

Very cool looking bikes and it was cool to see them in person ! It really is amazing how light they can get them .

[@GCPerformance18]

yea I was so amazed by the bike when I built it up myself, I want to ride one so bad im waiting for a rep to drop one off so I can ride one lol

[@letsif]

I really like your "Only the facts, Mam" straightforward, informative approach. Thanks

[@GCPerformance18]

Thanks so much for watching and I try to make it easier for you all

[@martinletelier2505]

you just gotta love that they prefeered the bsa threaded bottom bracket over a pf or bb30, i currently own a cannondale synapse carbon from 2017 and it´s a pain in the a**, the bottom bracket creaks every ride even when i just changed the bearings jajaj

[@GCPerformance18]

Yea I know. I think everyone in the industry has had enough of them and the pain it has caused consumers and bike mechanics lol

[@fk8002]

Buy hambini bearings he is on you tube use Loctite 641 and creak will go my supersix no issues 👊 since installed his bearings also spin much better have done15 K on them no creak try it.

[@GCPerformance18]

@@fk8002 I have done and fixed bearings before, I can make them no creak usually just from factory they are sometimes installed poorly giving the consumer the bad experience and then someitmes they will take it to a shop who doesnt care or maybe doesnt know as much and that can add to the shitty overall experinece

[@seunghwanlee9193]

Both Pro and S-Works model looks cool! I personally want to choose Pro model but I am not sure which one to choose between Tarmac and Aethos.

[@GCPerformance18]

For me right now would be tarmac but I have not rode aethos yet

[@asiangrafx]

find a local shop that has both and test ride each one

[@seunghwanlee9193]

@@GCPerformance18 What about a video about first riding experience of the new Aethos then? :)

[@seunghwanlee9193]

@@asiangrafx Due to covid19 situation it is really difficult to find a dealer with both of them with same size in stock. Local dealers near me say they can't give a test drive due to lack of stock.

[@GCPerformance18]

@@seunghwanlee9193 I told my rep I want the first one he gets for shops to try otu Im really interested in riding this bike for a long ride, seems like an enjoyable ride for sure... so im exicted maybe ill hook up the gopro for it

[@tolulopeobe]

I think the groupset difference and added dual sided power meter accounts for the price difference more than the difference in carbon fibre sheet layout abs wheels

[@GCPerformance18]

I mean the power meter dual sided lets just say is 1500 maximum thats about all, then you have stem, saddle, wheels and also carbon layout so thats gonna be main price difference

[@skeletalforce9673]

Bikes as expensive as the Aethos a few years ago were lighter, but had rim brakes ofc. But still, an older bike for the same money back then would probably climb faster, even if it doesn't feel as good and doesn't have disc brakes, which is ridiculous.

[@GCPerformance18]

I mean this bike is pretty mind blowing for everything it offers

[@joeenglert]

@@GCPerformance18 offer...like....heavy, rubbing, expensive disk brakes? everything else you can find on an older frame which you can build into a much lighter bike for waaaay less money...OMG

[@hellergang]

There's a lot to like. But, I prefer an 11-34 cassette and a 50-34 crank. I would say a standard bike configuration. This 52 and 11-28 setup is a little more advanced. I'll go faster on the flats, but climbing will be harder. I am assuming that you could swap in the bigger cassette - and the long derailleur. They will get me part of the way there. But, it's a crime to spend all that money and not get the gearing you want. I also don't understand why the website doesn't describe the specifics of the drivetrain.

[@GCPerformance18]

yea for sure you wil get more help with those easier gears!!!

[@SeahawkMoments]

Aethos Expert for the win!!! Can't stop riding it! Love that I cam choose what rims for spring! What should I choose?

[@GCPerformance18]

Aethos expert is 🔥🔥🔥 zipp 303 would look good on there

[@ronaldsexton2912]

Love your reviews! Trying to decide between the Aethos pro vs Sworks!

[@GCPerformance18]

hopefuly this helps!!! if you have the money for sworks go for it but the pro is stil great build!!!

[@ronaldsexton2912]

@@GCPerformance18 Thx!! going to do a build up of Pro or Sworks frame with the compact crankset (same as Sworks Roubaix) and 10-36 cassette. Want a couple extra gears for climbs.

[@EddyCat1234]

Interesting you say that people don’t like the Aethos is it is an old looking design. I own a SWorks Tarmac SL7 and Ridley Helium rim brake (2019) and I think the Ridley is a better looking bike. I think the Ridley probably rides better as an all round bike (except in the wet!). Each to their own I guess.

[@GCPerformance18]

yea im just telling you what people are giving me for feedback form the youtube community and also my customers coming into the store, which to be fair as a specialized dealer who we have been selling AERO IS EVERYTHING for the past 6 years to customers and this bike comes out and we have to back pedal to them and say...... this is a beautiful ride and then they ask why they would buy this bike over the sl7....... we just kind of have to say if you want a more relaxed ride...... which majority the times the people looking to spend that much money on a bike are looking for speed gains and free speed because they are getting deeper down the rabbit whole of the sport and probably going faster in group rides lol.... I dont know its frustrating to me as a dealer but it is what it is

[@bcoogs5686]

Great review

[@GCPerformance18]

Thank you very much!!!

[@Noctiferia2013]

Never stop doing this kind of videos! Have a nice day

[@GCPerformance18]

Thanks so much

[@angelelcyclista]

That is what the TIME does

[@GCPerformance18]

yesh

[@jojo6061]

Nice video, had this question in my mind for some time. Not much comments on this issue at the moment

[@GCPerformance18]

Glad it was helpful! thanks for watching

[@ronbeardsley5961]

Finding it hard to believe that the wheels “can not” be made tubeless. In today’s world most are tubeless ready. I have 22K miles on tubeless triple X wheels on a 2018 sub 14 lb Emonda and that is with 30mm Pro Ones! It was an expensive build. I do like the Aethos and it is bad ass!

[@GCPerformance18]

yea it is very strange I just think they were rushed to producitons and they couldnt hit the mark I think next year they will have a tubeless version of them

[@jameshanna2620]

Great bikes! Look amazing, remind me a bit of my SL6. Still at 5k I think I would get that SL7 thats all pink. Probably some of that due to the color, cause I love that bike and am a full on girl dad. That said style wise I love the Aethos.

[@GCPerformance18]

lmao I understand I got my daughter too but I dont like this pink this much its like a muted pink Idk maybe if I made irt better with some different tires

[@jameshanna2620]

@@GCPerformance18 that SL7 though in that blush pink is so fire . And I know it doesn’t make sense but love the aero stem with the regular bars ! Girl dads unite !

[@jameshanna2620]

Also that bikes look rad to me. So I don’t know what people are talking about . Classic and clean

[@guypolson]

I think the bikes look really nice, way too expensive but really cool.

[@GCPerformance18]

yea Im really excited to ride this biek

[@DanTuber]

Anyone on a budget is not buying either of these bikes. Both are for the dentist/lawyer. Do you notice a difference between the saddles?

[@GCPerformance18]

Not really the only thing I can say is thag the sworks is known to be a LITTLE more stiff and takes a while to break in but they are both very comfy

[@EddyCat1234]

I have both saddles, the pro with the ti rails, but the same carbon shell and level 1 padding as the S Works is more compliant and perhaps more comfortable on rough roads or long rides. The S Works is lighter, but not by much (I think 30g)

[@MSimky]

@@EddyCat1234 Which is more comfortable on rough roads or long rides? The pro? couldn't quite understand above.

[@kevinlo212]

What are your thoughts on buying a used bike off of The Pros Closet?

[@GCPerformance18]

I don’t know those are some sick deals on there just depends on the bike but yes they do give good deals

[@devengudinas1649]

Imagine how much lighter it would be with campy on it.

[@GCPerformance18]

I would love to have a bike like that with campy just for bike porn in the garage or even the living the room

[@e3dave744]

Mechanical super record or EPS,,

[@samelgore7575]

I wonder if somebody rode both bikes to tell us if they ride differently...that will be greatly appreciated..thanks

[@GCPerformance18]

they are very similar..... the sworks is just ligther so easier to climb with less weight

[@CoreQ]

I want to know what much the frame weights compare to swork athoes. I think might not be as big as we think it would be

[@GCPerformance18]

lets see if i can make that happen

[@billmartinez2253]

So it seems like you could build a pro frame with light wheels mechanical drive train light weight crank be about 12 13 lbs for about 8k or so? Thoughts

[@GCPerformance18]

Yea you can for sure.

[@MSimky]

Bill, this sounds like a great idea to me. How would you go about doing this? Which wheels / drive train? Ultegra? Who would you have build it if you didn't have the skill to build it yourself?

[@jimmynickelz]

When are they gonna make an aluminum one?🤣🤣🤣

[@GCPerformance18]

Lmao who knows that would be nice doe. Like an Allez lol

[@reapanomin899]

An Æthos E5?🤣

[@kellrockets101]

Allezthos

[@ianrichardson8657]

Money no object S-works, pro cos that's what I could afford if I cashed in my Cannondales

[@GCPerformance18]

Lmao same..../ actually probably expert for me for the money

[@darrenbarlow5759]

What size tires? Can you see the carbon layup under the paint? Is it matte? Thanks dude

[@GCPerformance18]

I don’t know for which one. But 33c tires it is matte, on the pro you can’t on the sworks you can.

[@francisaranguren8672]

both are nice 👍🏼😍

[@GCPerformance18]

they are for sure!!!!

[@MSimky]

Could you by the pro frame and outfit it with mechanical shifters, high end wheels and rim brake to save on weight? Or would you have to go disk brake b/c of the frame or b/c that's the only option that makes sense with high end wheels?

[@joeenglert]

haha...no ...specialized wants to shove the disk brakes down your mouth..no options..now factor ..my 02 vam weighs MUCH less than either of those athos things cuz...the frame and fork are more or less the same weight BUT.I have direct mount rim and mechanical red 11 speed...as a result I have a 5kg bike that is just as good on the flats or descents but is waaaaay better on climbs....oh, by the way ..it's also much cheaper

[@GCPerformance18]

yea u could but I mean they are really saiming for this bike to be built with electronic gorups

[@jok658]

Dope video ❤

[@GCPerformance18]

Thank you very much!!

[@jasboehlke]

Sworks Tarmac,? You caught it the third time though. Hella price increase for 1# I think building is the way to go, you can select what you like vs. Specialized's idea of a build.

[@GCPerformance18]

hahahha I know, this wwas the time the tarmac was so popular

[@djspyk9111]

Would it be possible to convert the cockpit to an integrated one and if yes, how would that affect the weight?

[@GCPerformance18]

no it is not possible!!!

[@arnebollensen1017]

Money for nothing , chicks for free. 🙂☺🤓 Regards from Germany.

[@GCPerformance18]

hello from florida my friend and thanks for watching

[@250dpi9]

The only real difference is weight and a powermeter, I don't really think thats worth 5k

[@GCPerformance18]

yea thats it honestly I mean its a nicer frame yes but your not going to get the full benefit of it for the 5k

[@MSimky]

@@GCPerformance18 Can you feel the difference in the frame when you ride it? Or is it not perceptible?

[@evelynfrias9659]

Aethos for me!

[@GCPerformance18]

wrong video its for th eother video the 5k giveaway

[@mikicastan]

Is it lower grade aethos available as a frameset only?

[@GCPerformance18]

Yes they do sell it as frame only.

[@TheGodsquad1]

What is the frame weight difference between the sworks and the pro? Thanks

[@GCPerformance18]

I dont know because I havnt had the oppertunity yet ot do so but I think its like 595 for sworks and the pro is a little heavier

[@terryowen6305]

For that price they should of put a power meter on the pro as well

[@GCPerformance18]

Hahaha I agree. Honestly it wouldn’t cost a lot to throw a stages on there

[@ARMWRESTLINGCYCLINGFRANCE]

Did I miss what the wheels weigh on each version?

[@ARMWRESTLINGCYCLINGFRANCE]

my guess guess your best value is to buy an expert frame and search on Dulightdotfr for superlight premium parts and the bike will cost less and weigh less than the 12grand SWORKS

[@GCPerformance18]

lmaoo this is true and that would be such a sick build, very premium build feel

[@GCPerformance18]

weight on the pro model was 14pounds and 14 oz and the sworks was I believe 13lbs 11 oz

[@ARMWRESTLINGCYCLINGFRANCE]

Schmolke, Darimo, Extralite, Berk, CarbonTi, THM, Ax-Lightness.....super easy, if you play the stock market correctly ;)

[@patrickparisienne1917]

Sorry mate, but the theory of end to end is BS in my opinion. Non overlap just adds to the possibility of voids in the laminate. The real test is to rig the frame and load test it for beam and torsional stiffness compared to an SL7. My bet is that it is not as stiff. I bet the extra compliance in ride ride is due to the frame not being as stiff. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a lovely bike, and I’d happily own one, but Specialised PR department is in overdrive. Don’t believe the hype. Interview a composites expert and get their opinion....

[@GCPerformance18]

Yea I’m going off what they are saying. I’m sure the bike is not nearly as stiff as a tarmaf sl7 but I would love to ride one to feel the difference

[@eikm31]

does the sram version comes with power meter like the tarmac pro?

[@GCPerformance18]

no it does not, they diodnt give us this gift this time

[@Cycling_in_ja]

Sl7 all the way due 👌🏾

[@GCPerformance18]

lmao I might think with all the climbing you doooo you might like this climbing bike

[@Cycling_in_ja]

@@GCPerformance18 I can’t climb so it makes no sense aero all the way 😂

[@EWasteRick]

You called it a tarmac 2:30 .

[@rudyelizondo1935]

Man wtf…..I’m not a pro racer I ride for fun n excercise really! I can’t swing the $12k but would go for the $5k bike. Of course I have an older bike to sell and might defray some cost. I’ll be courous to see if these bikes even sell

[@GCPerformance18]

yea I know but yes both those bikes did sell

[@vika0194]

The yellow rings around the tires make the bike look cheap.

[@GCPerformance18]

That is the cotton tires. They are performance race tires

[@jorgetorrescanon8036]

Para Latinoamérica, en español por favor...

[@pacomelendez5030]

Do u guys have aethos size 54 in store?

[@GCPerformance18]

I am sorry I do not, I only have an sl7 in stock

[@nordlloydvidad3969]

do your shop have a facebook page?

[@GCPerformance18]

I think so bicycle generation I beleve

[@andreoberholster9250]

One can only dream hahaha

[@GCPerformance18]

it will happen one day, keep working my friend :))

[@duckmanduckfairy8010]

Weight weenies rejoice!

[@GCPerformance18]

lmao this bike is a weight winnie dream

[@OM-sb2bd]

Thou shalt not add dork disc to 7k bike. Amen.

[@GCPerformance18]

hahahhahah its kind of something i do that is funny for me

[@m0e566]

if money really mattered you wouldn´t buy a new specialized at all :)

[@GCPerformance18]

Lmaooooo

[@nezarshtewe9850]

hell nah not worth the money

[@GCPerformance18]

lmao, perfectly said

[@30redpillsaday71]

LOL, what has this world come to?

[@artid666]

싸구려 자전거 같은 느낌

[@GCPerformance18]

😁😁