Specialized Aethos Review

[@GMoneyLove]

I went from a '16 BMC Teammachine SLO1 to an S-Works Aethos. Both with Zipp wheels and Shimano Ultegra/Dura-Ace mix. The bikes are night and day. The BMC just felt fast, but the handling was race-level twitchy. Stable, but you needed to keep an eye on things in the downhills. It was fun. The Aethos? A different kind of fast and fun. It felt different from the first pedal stroke... comfortable, stable, and not fast... until I started seeing PRs on Strava segments on rides where I wasn't trying to push anything. The speed is deceptive with this bike and the confidence the handling offers really helps with confidence at speed or downhill. It is light as heck too. slightly sub 15 with 303 wheels, Arundel cages (you will never lose a bottle), and Zipp cockpit. If you want to make it lighter with some more exotic parts this bike would be a climber's dream. FWIW- I'm 5'8", 155, and 32" inseam. I ride a 54 with a 90cm stem and feel comfortable but not stretched out to a race-level position. If you are on the fence, unless you want full aero, you won't go wrong with this bike. Great review, Jill, enjoy your ride!

[@jillpattersoncoaching8655]

Awesome comments!! I love how you said it felt different - good, but not fast…but then you realized it was in fact fast! I feel the same way. It’s deceptive, as you say. And even though it’s not really marketed as a race bike, it’s definitely the best race bike I’ve ever owned! I’m actually biking in France right now with it, doing tons of steep climbs, and for the first time in my life I’m learning to enjoy the downhill just as much as the uphill. It makes me feel stable and thus I can go faster with more confidence. I’m glad you are loving yours and having fun on it! Thanks for your great input on it and how it rides!

[@GMoneyLove]

@@jillpattersoncoaching8655 nice to hear someone else feels the same about the bike. Oh, and biking in France... awesome. Envious in a good way. Allez! Enjoy!

[@LaRuta-sk8rr]

Great review. I agree with your conclusions and I’d like to add a 57 year olds perspective. I have the Aethos Comp with Roval C38. On a 80 k ride I climb anywhere between 650 and 1,000 meters. I’ve hit 75 k on a downhill and felt totally in control. I’m not much of a climber but I no longer dread 8% climbs. Love your set up, my next upgrade is the Roval Alpinist cockpit. Finally I would just add that with this bike you just want to keep on riding. Such a joy.

[@jillpattersoncoaching8655]

Thanks for sharing your opinion of your Aethos! I’m so glad you love it! I hope you get many more fun km on it…and I think you’ll like the alpinist cockpit!

[@jasboehlke]

Great review, switched from a Cervelo Caledonia 5 to the Aethos as I wanted snappy and swapped over my Ultegra Mech along with Zipp 303S, which will be my all around wheelset, perhaps not as snappy but tubeless and not too heavy at 1440. Total build 16.5 in 56CM.

[@jillpattersoncoaching8655]

Awesome!! Enjoy! I think you’ll love it 😊

[@stevenkates4876]

Just bought an E N V E Melee and love it -- you also ride it but it it is a bull ride and it is pissed. You must pay attention; I like that effect. Please review if they let you borrow one.

[@jillpattersoncoaching8655]

Sounds like it definitely has some personality! I’ll definitely review it if I get the chance to ride one!

[@lazarosnikolaidis256]

Very good review. Totally agree with you: Aethos is a marvel (snappiness/responsiveness/compliance) but Alpinist CLX wheelset [try 'em with Tubolitos on the Contis 5000/28mm ;)] and cockpit put it on the top. This saddle also is the icing on the cake. I wish you good health to enjoy the bike!

[@jillpattersoncoaching8655]

Thank you! I will definitely try the tubolitos (my friend runs them and loves them).

[@rudyelizondo1935]

I have them in my contis 5000 and they’re great

[@motorcyclesandguitars1892]

Hello Jill, Thank you for taking the time and making such a great video. Would be nice to hear your thoughts after ~9+ months of ownership. Have a great day!

[@jillpattersoncoaching8655]

I’m still loving the bike! It’s been to several countries (France, Colombia, Spain…) and I have ridden it on loooong mountain climbs and descents and some really rough roads. It handles beautifully. I mostly ride the Roval climbing wheels with it and they have held up wonderfully, too. I actually like that they are not tubeless because it’s so much easier to travel with them. So I guess my opinion of the bike hasn’t changed (and has only gotten better) after 9+ months. 😊

[@motorcyclesandguitars1892]

@@jillpattersoncoaching8655 Thank you for the detailed response. It is the bike my heart wants the most, but my heart and I still need to talk to my wallet… 😉

[@jillpattersoncoaching8655]

@@motorcyclesandguitars1892 😂

[@OM-sb2bd]

Wow super sweet build and bike. ⭐️🚴🏻‍♂️ Interesting to hear that the Mirror saddle feels the same as the other Power saddles … all the other reviews have insisted that the Mirror is more comfortable.

[@jillpattersoncoaching8655]

I’ve heard a lot of people say the mirror is more comfortable…I think I’m the minority!

[@wss327]

Nice review! Thank you for the comparison of the two wheels sets. I have the SWorks Chameleon Green with Campag SR EPS & WTO 45s wheels and just love it! Fun fun fun.

[@jillpattersoncoaching8655]

You’re welcome, and you have a great setup! Glad you love it!!!

[@Deanhess1129]

Great & thoughtful review Jill!! I'm considering purchasing this bike and this helped a LOT!!!

[@jillpattersoncoaching8655]

Thanks! I still love the bike and am now considering getting a Crux!

[@Deanhess1129]

@@jillpattersoncoaching8655 I've heard that the Crux is a great all-around ride, will it be your main bike or an all-around for you? I bought a gravel bike (Niner RLT-9 RDO) a couple years back and had considered using it as my only bike by adding a light set of wheels for road riding. Your thoughts?

[@jillpattersoncoaching8655]

@@Deanhess1129 I would use it for gravel and then probably when I travel (and bring two tire sets - one for road and one for gravel)

[@motomoto898]

Thanks for a really nice video review. I’m in the market these days and have been debating whether I should go for a tarmac or aethos, I’m not racing, I ride on the regular weekend club rides as well longer sportives that often are hilly. Tbh I really love the aesthetics of the tarmac but the aethos sounds more sensible. I had the opportunity of test riding both, and yeah can relate to what you’ve alluded to in your video. Having 2 wheel sets makes a lot of sense. Just subscribed to your channel and look forward to seeing more of your content.

[@jillpattersoncoaching8655]

Thanks for your comment! I think the Aethos is a great choice! I had a Tarmac, too, but prefer the Aethos to that. And with the riding you described that you’ll be doing, I have a feeling you’ll enjoy the Aethos more, too. Enjoy your bike, whichever you end up getting, and thank you for subscribing!

[@dom5491]

What sexy looking bike!! thanks for sharing ❤❤, If they had a rim break bike version I would definitely consider this bike. Its the only specialized I only had a interest in.

[@jillpattersoncoaching8655]

Thanks for watching! Too bad you can’t get it in rim brake…I think a lot of companies are moving to disc brake and it will be harder and harder to find rim brake 😞

[@dom5491]

@@jillpattersoncoaching8655 hi Jill! Yea I know this to be the case. When I found out a couple seasons ago cervelo was going to all disk breaks I picked up my dream bike 2018 Cervelo R5. So glad I did.

[@dom5491]

@@jillpattersoncoaching8655 I would have both the athos. If there was a rim break. Reminds me when f the o left super six evo. Love the classic Frames. So timeless

[@simonwarmer8777]

Great bike! I thought at first (thumbnail), is Annemiek van Vleuten riding a Specialized?!

[@jillpattersoncoaching8655]

lol! 😂

[@jok658]

Great video. Thanks

[@jillpattersoncoaching8655]

You’re welcome and thanks for watching!

[@Drushen07]

Good review. Would you that the Aethos has a bit of a relaxed geometry comparable to endurance bikes ?

[@jillpattersoncoaching8655]

Compared to endurance bikes I would say it actually has a more “racy” feel, less relaxed. The handling is good and fast. The endurance bikes I’ve ridden are a bit more sluggish and slow to respond, less nimble.

[@SunDVL08]

AWESOME video! You really have an amazing set up. My Aethos Comp just shipped. I’ll be riding on mixed terrain…mostly flat but will certainly do some climbing as well. Does something like the Roval c38 make sense for me, or should I pick up the Alpinist 2? The rookie vibes you’re probably sensing from me is accurate lol

[@jillpattersoncoaching8655]

Thanks for watching the video! That’s very exciting you will have your bike soon. You will love it. Since you will be riding mixed terrain I recommend the c38. Though I’m not an equipment expert, I think those will be more versatile than the Alpinist for what you want to do. Plus they are tubeless compatible- that is one drawback of the Alpinist in my opinion. The last I heard, Alpinist cannot be run tubeless. And you don’t have to run the c38 tubeless - but you will have the option if you want to. Have fun with your bike!

[@SunDVL08]

@@jillpattersoncoaching8655 Truly thank you for taking the time out of your day to respond. Great advice…love your channel!

[@michaelty400]

like your video can i ask whats your height

[@jillpattersoncoaching8655]

Thanks! I am 5 foot 6 inches

[@Japangirl2506]

Jill but the total cost is around 10k What about Tarmac cost you less and its cheaper and faster

[@jillpattersoncoaching8655]

I had the sl7 and didn’t like it, but I have heard the sl8 is fantastic and rides and handles a lot like the Aethos (fun, snappy), but has more aero benefits…I would totally do the sl8 instead of the Aethos if I were in the market for another bike!

[@Japangirl2506]

@@jillpattersoncoaching8655 oh love the sl 7 lucky you

[@jonasosa5126]

I don’t think those handlebars are integrated if that is the alpinist cockpit, have those on my aethos as well

[@jillpattersoncoaching8655]

It is the alpinist cockpit with the stem/handlebar all as one unit

[@jonasosa5126]

@@jillpattersoncoaching8655 that is true but internal being the cables reroute inside, which the alpinist unfortunately does not. You can see it in the video that your cables are out, which means not integrated.

[@jillpattersoncoaching8655]

@@jonasosa5126 yes, that is correct, thanks for explaining the difference, I didn’t know

[@jonathanhowson6420]

I have a tarmac SL2 with 10 speed Ultegra and its still great running 40mm magic carbon rim brake wheels. I dropped a guy on an S Works SL7 so I know its not all about the bike and my 14 year old bike is still fast. The two bikes in considering are the SL7 or the aethos with Ultegra and then some Reserve 63 52 wheels. How much speed would I loose on the aethos vs the SL7. Im 36 and want a bike for the next 10 years if not more. Also im on the edge of a 52-54 and currently ride a 54, so I think dropping down a size might be beneficial. Any pointers would be greatly appreciated. Cheers, Jonny

[@jillpattersoncoaching8655]

Great question! I also had the sl7 but never really liked it and only rode it for a year. So I’ve been racing on my aethos for the past two years with 60mm wheels and I’ve liked it…BUT…I’ve talked with several people who have had the aethos as well as an aero bike (sl7, Factor, Pinarello), and they all say they feel like they lose about 10 watts on the aethos. I’m actually getting a new aero Factor soon to use for racing and will use my aethos for travel and hill climbing from now on. So I think I would recommend the sl7 if you want speed and want to save every watt you can and most of the rides you do are fast/race-like. If you want a more comfortable bike that handles great and can still keep up well enough (I have been racing on the aethos…), then go with the aethos. I honestly think either one is a great choice, but if speed is priority then I lean towards the sl7. And, even though I personally didn’t like the sl7, a lot of people do! I just preferred the handling of the aethos - it felt a little more lively to me, and for the type of rider I am, that suits me better.

[@rafaelvillavicencio9800]

Thanks for sharing your awesome bike! I noticed you have an aero top tube bag. Can you please tell me what is the brand and the size of your aero top tube bag? Cheers!

[@jillpattersoncoaching8655]

You’re welcome! And it’s the xlab stealth pocket 100 carbon. It’s big enough for a bar or two and a few gels. I really like it and recommend it.

[@rafaelvillavicencio9800]

@@jillpattersoncoaching8655 thank you very much!

[@bikingtascha3126]

@@jillpattersoncoaching8655 Do you use any frame protection? I have the aethos in matt pine green and am worried about using a top tube bag.

[@jillpattersoncoaching8655]

@@bikingtascha3126 I do not, but that’s a legitimate concern. On a past bike I used a top tube bag and it left a slight sheen over time on the carbon frame (not damage, just cosmetic). It has not marked my aethos, but I rarely use it on that bike. Maybe some electrical tape?

[@bikingtascha3126]

@@jillpattersoncoaching8655 Yes, probably the best solution (but it kind of breaks my heart to put tape on that beauty). Thank you!

[@grelierquentin2688]

Hello Jill, Can you give me the reference and model of your stem extension support for Garmin + Bontrager Ion 200 light please?

[@jillpattersoncoaching8655]

Hello! I think it’s the bontrager blendr universal light mount: www.trekbikes.com/us/en_US/equipment/bike-accessories/bike-lights/bike-light-accessories/bike-light-brackets-mounts/bontrager-blendr-universal-light-mount/p/26815/?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAxreqBhAxEiwAfGfndJSs6Aa92_h9ZR8A455kqMtcAS1J8WgLBjnbAZIoLCDqown4s0HVcRoCn7AQAvD_BwE

[@rafacycle]

Why didn't you go with zipp 353 and have just 1 set to do it all ? I am between this 2 models for my aethos and don't know what to choose ... love to climb and most of the places I go are 6-12 grades of climb... what would you recommend ?

[@jillpattersoncoaching8655]

Great question! My previous bike had two wheelsets - a climbing and a deeper aero, and I really liked being able to choose and switch. So I went with the two wheelsets. But, now, many months later, I am finding myself riding the Roval climbing wheels almost all the time, even on flatter stuff. I just love them so much and love the way they ride, even on flats! They are super responsive and fun, and for me I prefer that to the aero gains of my 454. So I would either recommend that wheelset, or the 353 (I think you would prefer those over the 454 with all the climbing you do).

[@rudyelizondo1935]

Great bike although the cost is way too expensive for us good old home boys

[@rudyelizondo1935]

Great review by the way, thank you

[@jillpattersoncoaching8655]

Thank you and you’re welcome! And yes, quite expensive…It was my treat to myself 😆😊

[@rudyelizondo1935]

Your very smart to invest in an excellent well made bike that will last you for years to come. Good forethought to have the best carbon wheels also where you can dial in any ride you want. This is the never ending sport where the fun never ends. I’ve been riding bikes since I was 10 years old and am 70 now and survived a heart attack because is was fit. You go girl!!!

[@jillpattersoncoaching8655]

@@rudyelizondo1935 wow, that’s a lot of years and so glad it ended up helping you! You go, too!

[@rudyelizondo1935]

Can you tell me what tires you used and what pressures? Thank you

[@marcuswong1797]

The mirror power saddle weighs more than the non mirror version.

[@jillpattersoncoaching8655]

Really? When I researched it I thought it weighed less. Perhaps I made a mistake and misunderstood

[@jasboehlke]

@@jillpattersoncoaching8655 I had to check, but Marcus is correct about 16 grams (in 143) lighter for the reg, perhaps the mirror is more comfortable, negligible really.

[@jillpattersoncoaching8655]

@@jasboehlke that’s so funny, when I was researching it all online I really thought the weight was less…but I was also focused on so many other things trying to build the bike…I’m not surprised I made that mistake 😆

[@keithglanz7534]

Hi. You have very much the build of Aethos I’m considering purchasing with the Roval Alpinist2 wheels. I haven’t made up my mind whether I will choose the 12 or 10 carbon frame yet, but will probably elect the Pro model frame to save money. I called Specialized recently and not only are they short on complete bikes, but they don’t even offer complete bikes with Ultegra 8100 di2 12 speed chainsets yet, nor the new tubeless Alpinist 2 wheels. So, like you, I’m considering building my bike. Can you tell me how much in excess of a complete bike from Specialized, putting together your own similar bike costs? Thanks!

[@jillpattersoncoaching8655]

Hi Keith! I wish I could tell you a price comparison, but I never looked at a complete bike because there weren’t any. I talked with a few people and the general consensus is that, for mid-level bikes you might end up saving money with a complete bike. For top-end bikes you might end up saving money with a build. The reason I wanted to build mine is so I could choose specific components I wanted, like cockpit (sizing), saddle (even though that saddle might be the one that comes with that bike if I were to buy it complete), bottom bracket, etc.

[@rlmurillo]

Great video. I have been thinking about buying an Aethos. I am 5’7 1/2 and I don’t know if I go 52 or 54. How stretched are you on this bike? Thanks

[@jillpattersoncoaching8655]

Thanks! I’m not that stretched out, but I’m 1.5 inches shorter than you. I recommend you go to a shop or fitter that could take your measurements and advise you on which size frame to get. That’s what I did - I asked my fitter before I ordered the frame

[@rlmurillo]

@@jillpattersoncoaching8655 Thank you for the info!! What gearing do you have on the bike?

[@jillpattersoncoaching8655]

@@rlmurillo you’re welcome, and I have shimano 12 speed, compact crank. 11-30 on my aero wheelset, 11-34 on my climbing wheelset

[@wss327]

I’m 5’9” and ride 54 but it’s not your height rather your inseam length that is the major factor that determines bike size. Get a bike fit before buying. Which bars, stem length, seat tube set back, crank length, all play a part in the fit. Just for reference, I am 1734mm tall and 809 inseam with 165mm crank, 15mm seat offset & Roval Alpinist 40x90 (stem).

[@rlmurillo]

@@wss327 Thank you. i asked because coming from a Specialized Roubaix 54cm i am sitting more upright, i read that the Aethos has almost the same geometry as a Tarmac which is a longer frame. Inseam i am fine on a 54, its the long frame, stem and handlebars what i am concerned as my neck is not that flexible.

[@roycetiuang]

What’s your top tube bag?

[@jillpattersoncoaching8655]

It is Xlab stealth pocket 100c in the “carbon” material

[@VendetaBrown]

This is a 52cm you said? How is the fit? How tall are you? What length stem?

[@jillpattersoncoaching8655]

Yes, 52. Stem/handlebar is 90mm x 40cm. The fit is great! I’m 5’6”

[@timl3900]

Thanks for your video. I love this bike and want to get one - but it’s so super expensive..