NEW 2021 Specialized Aethos - It's Not a Race Bike | TESTED | Bicycling

[@themouas]

This video finally made me understand why this bike was made.

[@rodmccool74]

Not sure why all the hate against the big S. If this was a Parlee or the like, people would love it. Yes it is expensive, doesn't mean you have to buy it. Personally I think this looks like a great bike, lightweight and with disc brakes, perfect for 10 years of riding.

[@thanescott]

Just got mine. Freaking love it! Yes, there are less expensive bikes that are this light, but that's not the whole story. Do they ride as sweetly? Well, I haven't ridden everything out there by a longshot, but pro bike reviewers seem to think that this one rides more sweetly than most anything else, including the just as light, eight year old bike that someone got for $1500. I bought a 10r frameset at full retail and shopped carefully for the rest. I ended up with a build that's the equivalent of the $8700 Pro model for

[@havefunandbikestuff]

I'm getting the Pro in November. thanks for this insight.

[@thanescott]

@@havefunandbikestuff congrats!

[@erictofflemire8200]

Too many people are freaking out over the $12,500 price tag, forgetting that a huge chunk is going to every possible top of the line component. I bought the basic Aethos frameset ($3,500), used some of my current parts, bought the SRAM AXS drive train, and got an incredible bike for about $5,500! It actually rides a lot like my 2018 Tarmac, but has disc brakes, wireless shifting, more tire clearance, and is 1Kg lighter. I'm thrilled!

[@davidg2731]

Exactly, I just got the basic 105 Di2 version for $3999 and it still weighs under 17lbs! Amazing value that you can still update with some carbon wheels without paying a fortune and much lighter than the new aero bikes at the same price.

[@brucevotipka2959]

I’ve got about a year on my Aethos Pro, and I absolutely love it. The ride and fit are sublime. The highest-end model reviewed here is way expensive, but the lower models have the same frame and geometry. Snake oil as some have suggested? Not in my long-term review. If I needed another bike in the future, I’d go to Specialized dealer and plop down my money on another Aethos in a millisecond.

[@monkmchorning]

So Specialized, the brand that gave us Zertz, Futureshock, ridiculously tall head tubes, and ridiculously tight tire clearances on an "endurance" bike, finally produced a normal high performance road bike. Finally, here is the equivalent to a Colnago Super or Masi Gran Criterium of 40-50 years ago, executed with modern materials and components. I'm digging the classic 70s-80s race bike angles, the low-ish bottom bracket for stability, the longer fork offset and shorter trail for forgiveness on bad road, reach and stack measurements that will fit most reasonably athletic riders, and standard cockpit componentry for maximum tailoring at a reasonable cost. And a threaded bottom bracket. Good job, Specialized.

[@arianewell6252]

Orbea was building bikes very similar to this with their Orca line. The difference for 2021 with Orbea Orca now is they are integrating the cabling into the handle bars, which looks super clean. My shop has the Aethos, makes me giggle every time I walk by.

[@craigcarlson4022]

Really good coverage to draw out the pros of this Aethos design approach. I test road one a couple years ago (along with a number of other models). It was out of my price range. But it is THE ride experience that really stands out in my memory. (As, here i am years later still fondly remembering it). As you say at the end, it gives us hope that Specialized will move this design and engineering approach further down the price range.

[@davidg2731]

If you look around you can still get the 2023 Shimano 105 Di2 version for $3999 and weighs under 17lbs in 56 size!

[@jayblankenbiller5385]

The next time I ride from Virginville to Kutztown on one of my steel classics I'll now regret the $12,000 I spent last year putting a new roof on my house.

[@OmarTan]

It’ll be revolutionary at that weight without that price tags. Bikes are getting ridiculously expensive

[@cycloxer]

Yet you can't find one and they're sold out everywhere

[@Fluterra]

Love it! Bought one.

[@CGB65]

Well done. SALUTE'.

[@VH5150BAZ]

Reinventing the wheel, well bike. My Super Six Evo Sagan from 2014 is 6.4 kg inc pedals, round tubes, exposed cables, awesome to ride and didnt cost £12,000.

[@solitaryrefinement6787]

Another pre-dropstay SuperSix EVO guy. Agreed 100%.

[@cycloxer]

I've got a '15 SuperSix Evo HiMod. I've ridden LOTS of bikes and it remains the best handling [road] bike I've ever ridden. Both the S6 Evo and the Aethos were designed by Peter Denk. That pushed me over the edge and I just ordered this frameset, albeit the less expensive 10r model. It'll be nice to be able to run 30mm tires on the decaying roads around here.

[@simonmoses4023]

I have an emonda SL6 pro...rim brake....had it stripped down to the raw carbon and a single clear coat put on....size 58 and it's 7.2kg.....stiff and light.........30mm carbon rims......tubeless........and it didn't cost me an arm and a leg.

[@jeffrandall4046]

Guys, Aethos is available in several price points...from $5k to 12k...stop focusing on the $12k price point.

[@tomp538]

Amazing the whole video was done without laughing....

[@owenchuarbx]

I hope they make a cheap version of the Atheos. This is extremely expensive.

[@wasupwitdat1mofiki94]

Yup. You can get a pretty nice Rice Rocket for that amount of money.

[@paulsalmon357]

The Expert and Pro versions will set you back about 5,500 and 7,400 respectively. Haven't taken the plunge, but it is refreshing to see a move away from all things "aero" and integrated stems and bars. Need to shave milliseconds off your group ride? try skipping that second doughnut.

[@dinahplacido5786]

Way better than my old one. Perfect height

[@craigcarlson4022]

Would love to try one. Love the philosophy of it.

[@conrad6226]

Where was this filmed!? Location looks amazing!

[@jayblankenbiller5385]

Crystal Cave and Saucony Roads Berks County Pa. The area between Virginville and Kutztown University

[@Solarsystem50]

Fantastic bike. It is nothing more than a Tarmac SL2 from 2013, wchich is a great bike even now.

[@havefunandbikestuff]

nice! I'm replacing my destroyed 2013 SL2 with the pro build. fingers crossed it feels awesome.

[@olivierdecoen5396]

The Sl2 and first generation venge where my favorite all time bikes. Now i’m planning to buy the S-works Aethos to replace my S-works SL7. Just bought it because off the looks off it because these days all what you see are aero bikes…

[@Skibidi_sigma987]

The deed is done

[@mikespadafora9077]

I think Specialized ran out of marketing ideas of the over rated aero hype and thought that people had forgotten about regular bikes. You don't need to spend $12,500 to get those attributes. There are many much more affordable options out there. Is a 16 pound bike really that heavy?

[@maxwedge7593]

Couldn't agree more!

[@solitaryrefinement6787]

I'm a Cannondale guy, but I LOVE this Aethos. Reminds me of my pre-drop chainstays SuperSix EVO. I love that it's NOT a BB30, that it's just a well designed round tubed bike with a top tube that doesn't look like a ski slope. And..clean Lance Armstrong would drop me if he was riding a Walmart GMC Denali and I was on my $7K fantastic plastic rig. That Aethos "is" a race bike (depending on who's riding it).

[@cycloxer]

Also a Cdale SuperSix guy. Did you see the Aethos was designed by Peter Denk, the same guy who designed our SuperSixes? I've ridden LOTS of bikes and the SuperSix Evo HiMod is still the best handling [road] bike Ive ever ridden. I just ordered one of these.

[@Rocky4719]

The 2017 and older allez had similar geometry (largest difference being 10mm taller stack on the allez), and I already see a lot of people wanting the aero gains at this price point, so I’d say this sort of design Aethos (I get it, I’m not funny) could’ve been put towards the lower end bikes. Or just make this bike way cheaper 🤷‍♂️

[@georgehascancer6016]

Go for a cannondale super six evo with the normal seat stays and you’ll be fine. If you want paint it with this Matt finish!

[@solitaryrefinement6787]

HAH! You just described mine!

[@global_nomad.]

its a new bike with years of knowledge behind it but with a nod to a somewhat retro style which is fine and when i need a pure climbing bike this will be on the list....but I would be more comfortable if all the touted simplicity also priced this below their more complex bikes...

[@boutch985]

Very good video and presentation. What is your size and what is the saddle hight ? I'm 189 cms and like to know if the 58 bike size could be ok for me

[@MrJava1593]

Yeah and for 12000 dollars you get a bike for the everyday rider!! Please! WTF!

[@MoneyMakerRealty]

My 2019 caad12 is this same exact bike with the 105 instead of the dura ace .. i paid $1000 US dollars 😜. My caad is 16 pounds..

[@jonathanho3364]

Got mine built-up!

[@9dragonarts]

great video so relaxing to watch it

[@testme2131]

finally...a bike for people who just wanna enjoy the ride. they wont enjoy the price tho...

[@juanfersan]

is moving from a roubaix to this one too much of a compromise in comfort?

[@arianewell6252]

Id say yes, simply because of the lack of future shock. but you wont know till you try it.

[@jeffulrich1]

@@arianewell6252 That's sort of my question as well - I have a Roubaix but I'm enamored with the Aethos, absolutely love the look. Unfortunately with the limited inventory, there's not much chance to "try it out". I just wonder how much I'd miss the futureshock. I guess I could try riding with it locked out on the Roubaix and see how that feels?

[@arianewell6252]

@@jeffulrich1 some shops may let your special order the Aethos. Don’t forget the comp version too. Our shop allows a 25% down to special order no commitment once it arrives.

[@thanescott]

Not sure if y'all are still looking, but I'll chime in. I came from a 2012 Roubaix and have brief seat time on a 2020 Roubaix. I don't miss the Roubaix at all. Also, when I road the newer Roubaix, I thought it was better but not so much better as to justify the hit to my budget for a new bike. The Aethos really does ride in a way that's noticeably more special than my Roubaix. It's simultaneously more stable and quicker handling. Not sure how they did that. It's only about 2.5 pounds lighter than my Roubaix, but it feels way more spritely. I'm very happy with it.

[@monkmchorning]

Depends on what you define as comfort.

[@seagulls4life12]

its beautiful

[@georgehascancer6016]

This is a joke! It’s just a 2010 Chinese carbon bike which costs max 500€ and the sell it 12000€! Most people turned to titanium bikes with simple coloring, threaded bb and no integration because they are sick of overpriced Chinese frames that creak and actually offer nothing more. This looks a lot like a ti frame. I’m sick with specialized marketing bs...

[@cycloxer]

Yet these are sold out everywhere! BTW, these also have a threaded BSA BB, a round 27.2 seatpost, and no integrated bits. It's a throwback bike made to modern standards (meaning carbon and discs)

[@wasupwitdat1mofiki94]

How the bicycle industry ever thought they could sell a bicycle for the same price as a full on motorized racing bike ie. rice rocket, is beyond me. Must be a lot of stupid people in this world.

[@wasupwitdat1mofiki94]

@@cycloxer Sold out only because there was never really any supply to begin with.

[@ianrichardson8657]

Shame they released just before winter I would've bought one🤪

[@MrJava1593]

Just get the Allez Elite with Shimano 105 and the same geometry! The 56 is 18 pounds for 1399!!!! yeah, 1399!!!

[@simonrano8072]

but you are missing the point : bragging in group rides and saving 45 sec up an Alpine climb.

[@svfutbol20]

Absolutely unforgivable price, what the hell are they thinking? Pure insanity

[@cycloxer]

Yet, they're sold out everywhere.

[@svfutbol20]

@@cycloxer All that proves is that wealthy people weren’t affected by the pandemic one bit

[@BurtTMacklin-fbi]

Just get a mid 2000s race bike and it's the same but at a fraction of the cost.

[@jaymueller2418]

I have a 2013 Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL4. With my deep carbon wheels it’s just over 14 pounds. Stops great. Brought a 2021 Giant TCR which is heavier and handles worse.

[@keithc5729]

@@jaymueller2418 I ride a 2004 Calfee, I bought a 2020 giant, it's heavier and handles worse.

[@jaymueller2418]

@@keithc5729 I’ll amend that after a few weeks I’m pretty much fine handling the Giant. It’s definitely more responsive bordering on twitchy but I learned to press way deeper into high speed corners on it than I did initially and it seems okay now. There is zero margin for error on it compared to racing on the older Specialized and at the end of a race when you’re cooked I’d prefer the Specialized. And the Giant is still heavier.

[@TravisKearney]

So light and so stiff. It’s like a feathery tank smoothly rolling along. Nicest bike I’ve ever ridden. Only $13k bike I’ve ever ridden, but still.

[@lucasgjohnson]

Let me know if you want to gift one of these amazing bikes. I am a size 58 frame :)

[@bobbylea8961]

Duly noted!

[@daryl4841]

Really nice bike but at the end of the day this looks like yesterday's innovation with today's price tag. If I'm gonna spend that much on a bike then I want aero, integrated aero handlebars, the whole bit. If this bike doesn't take advantage of the most recent boosts in road bikes thats fine, but I'd want a better price to reflect that.

[@monkmchorning]

Yesterday's concept executed in modern materials and components.

[@24jessjess]

Can I fit larger tyres? 28 or 32?

[@philandmikheard2311]

*not a race bike** ultimate piece of marketing.. pretty sure any Tour de France winner would have still won on this

[@solitaryrefinement6787]

If I was riding the Aethos and a clean Lance Armstrong was riding a Walmart 10 speed, he'd STILL crush my soul! 😂

[@sweatnosweat]

did this guy say "user friendly"" really? is a 12.000uss bike. very user friendly.

[@brucevotipka2959]

Last I checked, stem length adjustments on an integrated cockpit didn’t have a wide range of choices.

[@mjinzarli]

Beautiful bike, but the hangover of the handlebar stem is quite revolting when in a bike with such clean lines. Also, the price is way too high. At that price there is a lot of bikes that are faster, look better and better value.

[@dlrs1530]

You lost me at $12,500

[@dlrs1530]

@Retrorocket About $500,000. Have you ever heard of the Trek Butterfly Madone? It utilized real natural wings from butterflies, NOW THATS A HIGH END BIKE.

[@mortlow6688]

6000€ max...

[@solitaryrefinement6787]

@Retrorocket $5K and that's only on a custom build (custom cockpit, built for my weight & road conditions, etc...). That's fair in my opinion in today's market. I don't want the cheapest carbon handlebars or wheels or seatpost when I'm bombin' down a hill at 40mph. An emergency room visit is going to be infinitely more expensive. I'd never knock a $12K bike. To each his/her own. If the buyer's bills are paid and his kids have the best clothes and he provides for those responsible, screw what anybody else things.

[@solitaryrefinement6787]

@Retrorocket For me, the reasonable entry level bike for someone who knows they're going to ride their bike a lot is around $2K. For that, one should get at least 105 grade components, decent training wheels and as always, they should include a couple hundred bucks for pedals & cockpit fit tweaks. After that, either they upgrade their frameset as bits wear out or they get another bike if they've outgrown their entry level ride. But anything under $2K is going to require a lot of upgrading to get it safe for an enthusiast riding level. That's the thing, the midrange between a $1K bike and a $2K bike (the $1500 rigs) are usually heavy and have cheap components anyway. $1K bikes are for occasional riders. Still a LOT of money to spend on a bike ($1000? That's a car.), but it is what it is.

[@802redwood]

I'd just like to add another comment to the effect of "I'm smarter than you because my bike is better, lighter, and cheaper that this".

[@XLBikingInternational]

I had such a bad experience with my Specialized Sequoia (sold it) that I became skeptical of the brand. I wonder how this bike would work for a big dude like me. Got me curious...

[@monkmchorning]

I'm curious. What turned you off on the Sequoia?

[@XLBikingInternational]

@@monkmchorning I bought into the hype of the Sequoia, I live in Sweden and the designer of the bike is Swedish, etc. The geometry was a bit absurd for an adventure bike too much reach and too low stack. The rear triangle was too soft resulting in very poor power transfer and spinning for dear life when climbing. The back wheel curse (internet trend) hit me too- hubs without rubbing and cups and cones always getting messed up. The BB had to be replaced within a month. The rims developed small cracks (changed on warranty). The original saddle had this jeans like cover that just ruined cycling bibs. A severe seat post slippage problem. Too weak of a chain, broke but luckily I was close to home. The front through axel kept coming loose after just a bit of rough gravel. It is a great bike for cycling around the neighbourhood or in nice asphalt when you have to be late for things, but too heavy and clumsy for any real adventures. I tried though, and enjoyed it for a while. It handles weight and rough terrain pretty good. Problem is that it's not fun to ride. Most of my friends and some elite riders here in Sweden also sold theirs.

[@dpgrenfree]

I want!

[@oreocarlton3343]

Bikes from 10 years ago were lighter and faster on rim brakes and cost 1 10th of the price, this is bizzarre

[@rlsedition]

Yeah, but rim brakes suck compared to disc brakes.

[@oreocarlton3343]

@@rlsedition In some scenarios they are weaker, but suck? not at all.

[@rlsedition]

@@oreocarlton3343 Brakes are designed to arrest forward motion. If it rains, rim brakes can't do that. In addition, on a severe downhill run, rim brakes heat up the rims and inner tubes, causing unintended blowouts (ever watch the mountain Tour stages?). Road bikes need to pay more attention to mountain bike technology, much of which came from motorcycles.

[@oreocarlton3343]

@@rlsedition blowouts happen on clinchers, not on tubulars and its largely preventable. Even wet braking in race situations turned out to be a non issue in 2020 TDF where disc riders actually had more problems caused by wheel locks caused by too much power of discs

[@rlsedition]

@@oreocarlton3343 So all the guys over the years that had tire blowouts coming down steep mountain roads were on clinchers, right? BS. If you had ever ridden disc-equipped bikes you'd know that one of the biggest advantages of hydraulic disc brakes over rim brakes is their superior modulation. Perhaps because of the UCI racing rules, road bike technology is world's behind mountain bike tech (excepting aero, which doesn't apply to mountain bikes) and the slow acceptance of disc brakes on road bikes is a great example. I had hydraulic discs on my mountain bike over 10 years ago. Incidentally, I actually like road bikes, but they are far too dangerous for me to mix in with motor vehicle traffic.

[@tonyhanemaayer6407]

Sadly like most major brands bikes are being priced out of reach for normal people and cycling like golf used to be and still is to some extent is becoming a sport for the rich. Sad really.

[@r.a.8407]

Lightweight aluminum version? Lower price?🤔

[@BicyclingMag]

The Aethos only comes in carbon. The closest aluminum bike you'll get right now a Trek Emonda ALR.

[@roddas26]

Why do roadies ride with there knees inwards, almost touching the top tube?

[@Fluterra]

The 2019 Venge stem is integrated and easy to service. I love the Aethos, but the whole “ease of service” is a bit BS.

[@judyaustin8527]

Amazing,12500 dollar regular road bike Specialized!🤣

[@WowzaGuy]

I would buy this in a heartbeat if I had unlimited funds, just because it’s beautiful. BUT, I still cannot understand the value proposition. I have read all the marketing literature and have read reviews. Yet I am still unclear. This is a non-racing bike, but copies the geometry of the Tarmac. It’s not aero. But it’s lighter and presumably stiffer than the Tarmac. So why is this not a racing bike? Because it’s not aero? I don’t understand. If Specialized came out and told me that it’s a $12k bike because it’s the stiffest, lightest bike ever made, I would probably accept it and move on. But to try to sell me that it’s a “rider’s bike” instead of a race bike... what am I missing?

[@patiorio1538]

I know Specialized makes some badass road bikes Over 1300.00 for traditional road bike thats made carbon fiber wow that's not designed for speed or handling.? That kind of money I rather buy nice homemade custom Columbus Colnago Frame thats from Italy or Mason Reynolds frame built in England .you'll still get speed handling and quality of steel road bike .

[@bobbylea8961]

I hear your point on speed since it's not specifically aero. It's also hard to argue with the amazing ride quality of a well-built and well-designed custom steel bike. That's a beautiful thing. But I'll contest your statement about how the Aethos handles. It has the same geo and stiffness to weight as the Tarmac, therefor very similar handling characteristics. I can't speak for the SL7, but the Aethos is a touch more lively out of the saddle than the Tarmac SL6.

[@oreocarlton3343]

And comfy compliant rim brakes!

[@patiorio1538]

@@bobbylea8961 Interesting it is nice bike im sure rides nice Its probably one those type of bikes you have to ride .but than again some people say I'm crazy for spending money colnago v1r with all Campagnolo record Bora ultra wheels .so yeah I get were your commiing from .

[@davidsonmarisia]

a rip off...

[@ITsupportian]

They Probably made this because people complain when they pack their bike a d fly to travel.

[@msweso14]

Eeeeeeeee-thos, like eeeeeeeee ther....

[@Kbo513]

Hard to justify a $12,500 price tag for just a comfy non race bike. By that point, get the Tarmac...

[@bobbylea8961]

That's kind of the funny thing about this, right? If the aero craze hadn't taken off, the Aethos would have just come to life as a Tarmac. However, as someone who struggles to get a good fit on modern road racing bikes because of the limitations of integrated cockpits (and also someone who doesn't race that much anymore) I am really stoked to see a bike that has all the performance and fit of a road racing bike but without any complicating factors for fit.

[@Kbo513]

Bobby Lea If you’re not racing and want a comfortable ride then get an endurance bike with rim brakes if weight is also your concern. That alone saves you thousands of dollars. This one is now just a status symbol that you bought a $12k bike to comfortably ride for the weekend?

[@bobbylea8961]

I hear your point. The price is insane, but it’s not unreasonable to expect that, like other models from Spec, we may see cheaper versions in the future. Regarding your suggestion that I just get an endurance bike since I’m not racing anymore: that misses one of the most exciting aspects of the Aethos. Endurance bikes are great for riders who want comfort and some speed, but they don’t have the same handling characteristics of race bikes. I don’t race nearly as much as I used to, but in pre-Covid (and hopefully post-Covid) times I would still take the starting line a few times a year, I still prefer the sharp handling and responsive ride that comes with races bike, and my fit preferences mean that endurance bikes never fit. Prior to the Aethos, if I wanted a new road bike that matches both my riding and fit style, I had to buy either a racing bike full of proprietary parts that unnecessarily complicates my life (Try finding an integrated cockpit with a 140mm stem and 44cm classic drop bar), or buy steel from a boutique builder (which was beginning to look very appealing). Until now, nothing has made me consider replacing my 2016 rim brake Cervelo S5. I’m not about to plunk down 12,000 bones for this bike, but I’m extremely hopeful that we may see more bikes like this not only from Specialized but from other brands. The more options we, as consumers, have the better the chances each person has of finding the right balance of price and performance.

[@Kbo513]

Bobby Lea sorry if my response came off as belligerent. Specialized just comes off as very jarring where they marketed another $12k bike a few months ago as the “one bike to rule them all” and then released this product. The Tarmac became their one racing bike and this one retails about the same price when it’s branded as a lightweight “non racing” bike. I have the cash right now to purchase either of these bikes, but it’s hard to justify the expense when I would better value for my money from other brands compared to the recent releases from Specialized. And yes you are correct having issues with fit because of integrated components is really annoying.

[@bobbylea8961]

All good. That contradiction you bring up can’t be ignored. Thanks for taking the time to chat!

[@reginaldscot165]

First statement, then Sir you have been riding the wrong bikes.

[@simonassouline45]

The bike costs more than his house by factor of 6! Nice background setting, homeless shelter!

[@bobbylea8961]

Thanks. It’s not much to look at but we love having a stone bank barn. Plenty of room for more bikes!

[@williamjessup5365]

Felt FR

[@mortlow6688]

12000€ hahahaha ... cafe bike for sheiks....

[@EightSixx]

what bike is like this but for half its price? ahah

[@FrVallC59]

lots of 'em in many other brands

[@wasupwitdat1mofiki94]

If the claimed wattage savings from having integrated hidden cables is even 1W I will pick up some cow shit and eat it. The industry lies to their own consumer base to get your money. On another note hopefully they will start offering bikes that have both the disc brake option and a rim brake option. The simple everyday person who maybe commutes or just goes out of the garage once a week is not going to want a disc brake bike. The sooner the industry learns this the better for us cyclists.

[@sambarrett4726]

“User-friendly” don’t kid yourself no middle aged dentists ever work on their own bikes. They will pay a shop to change their bartape

[@DYFENZO]

this company have no respect for their customers :DDD

[@engrmariano]

retirement bike

[@ahmadbodayr7203]

Read About Islam Bro

[@wasupwitdat1mofiki94]

Why do people buy Specialized. 🤔 I know, Cause they are stupid.🤣 We can't see the Dislike count anymore so I will publicly comment. I dislike this video because it is just a paid ad and the statements about the bike cannot be trusted.