Who is this bike for? Specialized AETHOS First Ride

Breaking down the TWO new S-WORKS road bikes, sponsored by Specialized.
Aethos: bit.ly/aethos-n...
Tarmac: bit.ly/tarmac-n...
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Production help from:
Jordan Rosen
www.jordanrose...
Dillon Hollinger
/ dillholl

[@xgalvan1]

“honey my $10K tarmac isn’t light enough and I need an easy to work on climbing bike bc I’m getting dropped on the club runs. So I got this aethos”

[@ljsljsljsljs1]

Wife :"Weak"

[@jbaillie]

🤣

[@Fluterra]

Yup! Don’t be so Jelly.

[@mikea6710]

He's talking to his wife: his tarmac.

[@paulysci925]

Chances are if you can truly afford this you don't need to consult with your wife because you are the source of finances 🤔

[@abedfo88]

I recently saw an Aethos in real life at my local club ride. I have to say I literally sat on the guys wheel the entire ride so I could look at it. What a beautiful frame, the shape, the paint job, the geometry..aaaah envy.

[@yankboraayman7681]

I'm a simple man.. When i see Norcal cyling videos, i watch them even if its a sponsored video.

[@ChrisRiekert99]

thanks!

[@NorCalCycling]

MVP!

[@Arrica101]

The difference between this and others is that the cyclists who watch Norcal videos would actually be interested in this bike. If I'm watching a cooking video I don't want to see a sponsorship by nord vpn

[@davidreitan3609]

Q: Who is this bike for? A: A rich dentist.

[@marshallman6591]

Funny when Durianrider said it. You parroting it makes you a pathetic lemming.

[@jdr4307]

Marshall Man uhm who shat in your oatmeal, it’s a common saying 😂😂😂

[@jesuisFORTIO]

@@marshallman6591 Amazing, dumb haters like you fuel him more than his 20 fans. edit: i am not sure anymore if u are one of those 20 fans, u sound like one.

[@mikew9743]

There are some fast dentist out there though

[@MrSailor7x]

@@mikew9743 I wish I was either one!

[@PEPlourde]

Specialized: Here is the new SL7, one bike to do it all! Alos Specialized: Here is a new lightweight bike.

[@timotune]

Aero is everything - Specialized

[@NorCalCycling]

SL7 is their race bike, this is not

[@PEPlourde]

I have to admit that I'm a sucker for classic lines and round tubings! It is just a shame that it won't be within reach of the mere mortals (at least not for now) which it is sorta aimed at with it's simpler and easier to live with caracteristics!

[@jhref]

@@NorCalCycling Then why the racey geo? Surely you should just buy a comfy but light enduro bike or spend that absurd amount on a custom bike with perfect geo for you?

[@AshKetchhum]

NorCal Cycling well to be fair Specialized did promote the SL7 as 1 bike to rule them “all”. Contradicting themselves 1 month later bringing another model out. SL7 can maybe rule the flats not the hills, even you said it can be used in races if wanted too.

[@beecoal]

Yeah, I don’t need my first child. This bike looks dope.

[@kennethstreet7868]

Careful, they've sued for less.

[@JanKowalski-pe9lo]

@@kennethstreet7868 This bike looks pretty average at best and for this money is a robbery. Challenge me...

[@kennethstreet7868]

Your barking up the wrong tree, dude. I couldn't care less about specialized or any of their soulless products.

[@JanKowalski-pe9lo]

@@kennethstreet7868 Well... Not sure why YT add you as to reply for but my comment has been to the op.

[@vaibhavsawant6640]

It's a she....btw

[@jaypeterson7637]

Wife..."Honey, is that another new bike in the corner of the garage?" Me..."What, that old thing? I've had that for at least a couple weeks!"

[@LakbayDiwaTV]

The bike industry has come full circle. These are the types of bikes we used to ride a few years ago, round tubes, standard size seat clamps, stem and handlebars, rim brakes, threaded BB and exposed cables. Back in the day when everything is simple and easy to work on, but without the price tag of this type of bike.

[@azn106]

The new Tarmac is the new Venge. The new Aethos is the new Tarmac. We got played.

[@chris_noswe]

I'd say the new Aethos is the new Allez going by the frame design.

[@jdbaggins92]

this was my first thought

[@hulktruck3264]

Aethos looks like specialized's version of the defy

[@kennethstreet7868]

Its the Tarmenge bro

[@amarmangaonkar7682]

And new venge is merida reacto..

[@sadlfjasdfacv]

I took my 12K, bought a supersix evo with dura-ace, and used the difference to fund a startup.

[@alphonsusho8962]

Same, but now my kids gotta ration their food for the rest of this year and next 😏

[@sadlfjasdfacv]

I took my 12k, bought a trek emonda and used the difference to fly to italy and ride around the dolomites for two months.

[@PuNkOiScA]

Lol I do not know if buying such expensive bike or buying a ticker for a euro trip

[@michaeldewing1904]

I’m debating between Aethos and the Emonda.. the sensible side of my brain says Aethos, my heart says Emonda..🤷🏼‍♂️

[@nimrods6459]

Production on these just keeps going up

[@NorCalCycling]

That's the plan!

[@tytup6963]

NorCal Cycling i only watch for your race commentaries as I get to learn soo much. But yeah production is better and more useful to get new viewers although I’m new as well.

[@RudiDwiHartanto]

Proper riding review, honest, nice cinematic shot. This channel review bike better than many cycling media. Bravo

[@rorner11]

It’s a gorgeous bike and I wish more companies would make bikes that look and perform as well.

[@jdr4307]

You know S-works are too expensive when even their own sponsored rider says you won't be able to afford them unless you sell two of the year before models and says its double the price lol

[@kylehagertybanana]

bikes in general are too fucking expensive

[@TheStealthypie]

Glad they finally updated their SuperSixEvo

[@durianriders]

Don't sell out to the big S bro! Keep your channel what it was - real and authentic.

[@NorCalCycling]

These are my real and authentic opinions. Specialized had no say in the content of this video, they saw the final product same time as everyone else.

[@matthewsmith5715]

@@NorCalCycling glad to hear spesh don't have a direct say in the content... but it's also true that if you said "It's basically a Giant TCR but less aero and twice the price" you wouldn't be doing sponsored content for them much longer.

[@mikew9743]

@@matthewsmith5715 top spec tcr isnt much off price wise and is a bit heavier at 6.6

[@cornishalps9870]

@@mikew9743 at least you get a power meter when you buy a TCR, I'd reckon a TCR would be stiffer as well

[@paul_hd1875]

Specialized is to NorCal... what GIANT is to Australia...

[@VH5150BAZ]

My super six evo from 2014 is the same weight, round tubes, easy to work on and didn’t cost half the federal reserve

[@markramsey113]

I rode both of these bikes, as I was mesmerized by the Specialized “Pine Green” color. It’s simply the most beautiful green I’ve seen. The Tarmac in question was an SL6 I chose the Tarmac and am building it up. I’m 5’10. The Aethos, to me, felt cramped. The riding position it put me in was nowhere near as comfortable (or aggressive) as the Tarmac. The riding position reminded me a lot of the SuperSix. And while the SuperSix is a race bike, for whatever reason, I never felt that I could achieve a comfortable position while down in the bars. With the Tarmac I found that position instantly. Weight-wise, I did not perceive a massive difference between the Tarmac and Aethos. I didn’t weigh them and the Aethos was lighter, but not significantly. Price-wise…man. The Aethos was $8k. The Tarmac, with Tiagra set, was $2700. Once I upgrade the set and get new wheels, I anticipate I will come in just north of $6k on the Tarmac. Still a lot of cash with both bikes. Therein lies my issue. I could have purchased a new Emonda w/carbon frame, wheels and seatpost, with Ultegra set, for right around $4k. I wanted to demo this bike as well, but was so mesmerized by “Pine Green” and the instant fit riding position of the Tarmac that I threw caution to the wind. What justifies Spec’s higher price point? I have no brand loyalty here. I also have a synapse 105 that I purchased for just a bit more than I paid for the Tarmac w/Tiagra. I have a Trek Top Fuel 8 that I’ve put through some abuse and it’s held up find. It seems like a fine bike and I doubt I’d have been able to find its feature set at this price on a different brand. So what’s the deal? Is Trek the best deal in cycling? Are they able to offer better deals by selling direct, only? Am I missing something? Is Specialized…head and shoulders above brands like Trek or Cannondale?

[@ethankang2943]

your drone shots are amazing

[@ChrisRiekert99]

Thanks! Shot by @jordanrosenphotography

[@2pacjordan]

Ok, just for the fun of it, since there's so much hype around the Aethos and how light it is, here are the numbers: 1. TCR advanced SL size 54, Dura Ace drivetrain, WITH pedals, bottle cages, cadence sensor and computer mount: 6.76kg. 2. Specialized S-Works AETHOS also size 54, Dura Ace drivetrain, but WITHOUT pedals, bottle cages, cadence sensor and computer mount: 6.12kg. If I add the same pedals, bottle cages, cadence sensor and computer mount to the Aethos, it would bring it up to 6.475kg - that's a "whapping" 285 grams different. And if I really want to be picky, the Aetos top of the line built comes with a little lighter wheelset - 1,248g Roval Alpinist CLX vs. 1,327g CADEX 42 DISC TUBELESS (79g difference). So let's say I really want to go crazy and build my TCR Advanced SL as light as want (ala "Aetos money is no issue" built), and I'll get wheelset at that weight, I can get my TCR at about 206g off the Aethos 😳 SO much hype for 200g? I mean, I was thinking we are talking about kilograms difference, not 200 GRAMS... And the TCR is more aero, more racy, and oh yeah, more affordable... Complete built with weight numbers of the TCR here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/h3ism6qsgLmKkKs Actual weight of the Aethos, without all accessories mentioned above here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oWjXmnSEl7uWick

[@danroberts007]

So funny. I’ve ridden those roads in the opening drone footage so many times; I recognized them immediately. Great area to train!

[@andrewsmock1899]

Specialized might as well use the intro to this video as their promo clip

[@chrispyy606060606]

LOL if they really cared about simplicity and lightweight they would have brought back the Tarmac SL5 in rim brake.

[@oreocarlton3343]

Mic drop.

[@mikicastan]

They could just continue to sell sl6 s works rim brake frameset

[@ynotnilknarf39]

and threaded bottom brackets.

[@zachcalton3199]

@@ynotnilknarf39 almost all of their bikes have threaded BB now. tarmac aethos, epic, stumpjumper, enduro, roubaix

[@actualperson1971]

@@ynotnilknarf39 yes. That's what's on the Aethos. And SL7

[@drsus0]

That aethos just looks sublime ... it’s gorgeous. And for us that don’t climb fast enough to take advantage of aero uphills ... We’ll take the weight savings

[@tpawlicki]

That Henry Co Climb is my favorite. Glad to see other people hitting it hard. Its one of the Bay Area gems.

[@sunderfun20]

Athos - you can actually change the stem and bars, and adjust your fit!

[@100rando7]

New cyclist here, "ohh the Aethos is cheaper" Google's Specialized Aethos prices.... close app. 😂

[@196592]

I like your channel because of the race content and candid (and spot on) commentary. This video is a commercial, for a truly ridiculously expensive bike.

[@10flyingdutchman]

I've got one kidney I could spare for this.

[@NorCalCycling]

Sorry it'll cost you both

[@ImranWorldCyclist]

NorCal Cycling probably a lung as well!🥴

[@alexandretanhoffer7261]

When you are saying about options, for me there is one more your are not saying, the budget aero bike: the allez. i'm not gonna lie, i love my allez, Its so much bike for the money and i don't care about the extra kg or so. If you ask me, the allez sprint is the best bang for the buck if you just want to go very very fast, but is not for everyone, it's so agressive that most people just ain got the flexibilty

[@MrSailor7x]

The Allex

[@HG-jq5rh]

I love my allez sprint to, it's great

[@benglover6019]

A lot of folks have issues with the aggressive geometry of the allez sprint , particularly idiots who want to slam the stem straight out of the box, I'm quite flexible and find the allez comfortable up to about 100km, but you're right the geo is definitely not for everyone

[@HG-jq5rh]

@@benglover6019 i have ridden 362 km on mine(in one ride) if you ride enough you will get used to it and it will become very comfortable

[@qetuo232]

the bike looks lovely, but Soecialized marketing pitch is just laughable XD 'are you tired of this aero and integrated BS that we were preaching for the last 5 years?'

[@channul4887]

The margins in the bike industry are obscene. And when you realise that people who actually make them in SE Asia earn peanuts it makes it even more sickening.

[@BanacaNation]

Channul the people buying these bikes don’t care about working class rights, let alone the exploitation of workers in the Global South. It’s an absolute racket.

[@minervali631]

Nah we earn bananas in sea, not peanuts

[@actualperson1971]

Actually almost all high end bike frames are made in a handful of factories in Taiwan, not SE Asia. They're also technicians in factories, not sweatshop workers. I think you're confusing bikes with smartphones

[@channul4887]

@@actualperson1971 "almost all high end bike frames are made in a handful of factories in Taiwan, not SE Asia." Taiwan is in SE Asia. I welcome you our American hombre.

[@kra2787]

​@@channul4887 I've spent 2 weeks in Taiwan last November, it's not a 3rd world shithole like the "SE Asia" comment implies. It's a pretty nice place, similar to Hong Kong. Better subway system than virtually all American cities.

[@87togabito]

Funnily enough, it was the complexity of the SL7 that drew me to it away from my TCR advanced pro. So I sold my tcr advanced pro, and swapped to a SL7. The exposed cabling looked so…simple …compared to the SL7 which looked like it has so much crammed into it. It’s probably why I love my full suss bike too, all those moving parts is nothing short of charming.

[@joelbaker3861]

That intro was pretty sweet.

[@TheCyclingCardio]

I have no beef about the simplicity..but they charge it even more expensive than the all integrated complex SL7..W The Eff

[@jonstehlik7745]

I would love to see you guys review the Allez Sprint Disc.

[@mental9mikey]

Also this!! ☝️

[@benglover6019]

Also this, but in fairness the standard comp doesn't do the frame with better components any justice

[@evanreeves5966]

I want them to continue the rim brake. It is so much better for travel.

[@emilegoguely4032]

true

[@justaletdown]

@@evanreeves5966 not just travel, its better overall.

[@xaviermelendez2639]

Hmmm... so glad to arrive late to the party. Get to read all of the comments, and some are almost as interesting and entertaining as the promo video. Still, the Aethos looks to be a sharp bike.

[@holmesroach]

Looks like the Cannondale HiMod EVO with disc brakes - Never sold mine and now it’s back in rim brake style

[@myronwong7463]

Not sure if specialized would allow this, but you guys should test out the aethos with sl7 wheels, since without those deeper wheels, is already 99.3487% as fast. Pretty sure switching those out would be faster.

[@chauccy]

7:02 "It has the usability and simplicity we haven't seen in the bike industry for almost a decade." *Giant TCR sweeping at the corner* Also gotta mention that Giant Propel and Ridley have fairly simple internal cable routing too.

[@ChristianHammad]

if they would get rid of their stupid integrated seat post on their tcr sl's i'd be all for it. the price is right, but the headache is not worth it.

[@benglover6019]

Yeah but the propel runs a proprietary stem which limits you to the giant aero bars which are an oval shape .....you can swap the stem out with the defy stealth bar and use any 31.8mm bars but it still required me to get creative with my dremel to replicate the cut outs for the internal routing for both sets of cables

[@Foster_B]

That intro!! I thought I was watching a movie, great stuff.

[@Mohglee]

You can get a Trek Emonda SLR

[@quantumdecoherence1289]

idiots who think it makes a difference while Sinyard chills on his boat

[@Swampster70]

Some 231lb guy that thinks it makes a difference.

[@argriggs]

2021 Emonda SLR frame is $3700. So nope.

[@skippypicasso]

you can get an Émonda SLR for $4K? Really? Source me a 2021 and I’ll give you a finders fee

[@MichaelPfuji]

The total cost of my race bike is a quarter of the price of the Aetheos and I can say with some certainty that difference in performance would be negligible given Aetheos is not an aero specific bike. If you want a simple machine, you don't need to spend $12.5k.

[@Arrica101]

That's pretty obvious. Before jeff was sponsored by specialized he was winning races on Chinese carbon wheels etc etc. If you know what you are looking for you could make a winning bike for like a 1/3 of this

[@jaycrume5941]

$12.5K? Where'd you find that one? It must be the "Comp" model. I'm waiting for the $10,000 model with the new Shimano Tiagra DI2.

[@JustOneRedSoloCup]

Your video editing skills are top notch, Jeff. Loved the intro setup as well. As a side note... _damn you, Specialized! Choices!_

[@markomarin3414]

Just bought the SL7 for my first roadbike Damn I don't know riding bycicle can be this fun.

[@xx765]

I'm just so happy I still ride my sl5 aka Aethos 2015

[@jok658]

Just got an Aethos Expert. What a joy that bike is…🎉

[@cvonpete]

Can’t argue with the wind tunnel but I feel so much faster on my Aethos vs my tarmac which now feels sluggish compared to my Aethos.

[@danielmiles3636]

what about your strava times - how do they compare on both flat/hilly segments?

[@cvonpete]

Daniel Miles I’ve watched the Strava times for comparison for months and while the Aethos feels faster, the tarmac consistently put up much more PR’s

[@444animation]

Imagine how wicked this bike would be with rim brakes. So light

[@eusebiusmaximus7433]

and call it an SL6 Tarmac 🤙

[@Nicoya]

It’s clear what happened: Specialized scared everyone away from the Venge by making the ugly and overly-integrated Venge Vias. They tried to dial it back but nobody bit. So they turned the Tarmac into the new Venge and cooked up this bike as a continuation of the SL5 Tarmac. It looks like a great bike though, and if my SL6 Tarmac got hit by a meteor I’d probably get one to replace it. Also it’s been way too long since I rode Alpine, I gotta get out there again.

[@jordandaperson]

Between this Aethos, Specialized specing a 1x build for the Tarmac and living in flat Chicago, I am ever more satisfied with my 17.5 lb cross bike serving as a road bike, gravel bike and cross racer. This really counters everything we've been hearing about aero is everything and weight doesn't matter so much. It's laughable. On the positive side I do think once the lower tier, non S-works, models are released, the value of the Aethos will really shine by being able to offer a lightweight (sub 7kg) disc brake build that isn't priced into the stratosphere.

[@frankmoore993]

Some years ago, an English based blog site took 4 aero bikes to an indoor velodrome and did this test: 40 kmh (25mph) with the same wheels and power meter and rider > lowest watts wins! The bike that eventually beat 7 other contenders was a Scott Foil. Which caused consternation amongst the troops because, shock horror! it had EXPOSED CABLES! How could this be? The Giant Propel was WORST! it was a whopping 35 watts more expensive at the same speed. But the propel feels fast? Doesn't it? It had that short chainstay length that dominates the market today. The Foil had 50mm longer chain stays. It was super thin in front on profile whereas the Foil was fatter! How could this result be? Meanwhile I was chatting with the guy who designed Australian Team Olympic bikes who said: There's more drag in how unstable the front wheel connects with the road/track surface than in the rest of the bike. So - if you have a modern, twitchy feel Propel like bike (that makes you "feel" faster) you are undoubtedly sucked into the corporate marketing vortex of lies and deceit! THE ONLY valid test of these bikes is THE WATT TEST. Because the whole package is measured. I've only ever seen this done ONCE! We need a wealthy enthusiast to fund this sort of testing annually, so we can all get high quality information about these bikes. I'd love to see watts per 25mph drop - in increments over time.

[@benglover6019]

I'm not surprised by this , my 2020 propel feels sluggish as hell

[@frankmoore993]

Ben Glover Damn Shame!

[@ImranWorldCyclist]

So the new tarmac SL7 is now the Venge and the Aethos is now the tarmac!

[@robertphillips3078]

Specialized Head Office in Melbourne Australia tell me that the Aethos is better up & down hill than the SL7 . Guess the weight helps heaps up hill . The issue l have with the Aethos is the exterior cable routing . One guy re routed his cables internally & re carbon fibred the entry & exits of where the cables went . Then repainted it .

[@TornadoCODM]

one day i will have enough money to buy a roadbike:) love from Philippinesss ❤️

[@flipboifine]

wow so the 2015 Tarmac just became relevant again! amazing

[@ruffrydazz2032]

SL5 (rim brake) 966g, Aethos 585g. That's almost a full pound lighter in a bike with disc brake and a threaded BB. Pretty impressive.

[@flipboifine]

RUFF RYDAZZ and yet, it looks like an SL5 (disc brake).

[@lauig]

So basically it's a slightly lighter Giant TCR from a few years back with a questionable threaded BB instead of a shimano-standard pressfitted one, at double the cost. Paint looks nice.

[@hiddensight6267]

Just a video idea, I know in the past you've discussed on the bike training and riding nutrition. But I haven't ever seen you talk about off the bike nutrition, i.e. what you eat from day to day (I and neither should you promote being a weight weenie) but I would be interested in hearing what your diet consists of.

[@jrstriker12]

It's obviously for dentists, doctors, and folks who just plain love bikes and are willing to spend more on a bike than a car. Having said that, the bike looks amazing. I'd get one if I could.

[@ynotnilknarf39]

lol, my KTM 6000 from a 2012/13 Conti team is lighter. The KTM is an absolute boat anchor frame and forks wise compared to most modern carbon racing frames 1085g for a 59 and 430g for the forks! With Campagnolo Bora one 50mm + 27/25mm tubs, Superlogic post, carbonio saddle, Modolo Kurvissima bars, Cirrus 4ZA stem, FSA K-force light Carbon cranks + DA9001 for rest of group, oh and the 105/5700 pedals it comes in at 6.633/14lb 10oz or 14.6lb. I got into specialized when I bought my son one for getting to school almost 20 years ago and I've had a globe pro as my daily commute since 2009, my touring/audax machine is a specialized, as is my gravel bike (2010 Sirrus Pro Ltd), so I love the bikes they've made. However honestly I don't see this as anything special, I don't see any pinnacle in this frameset/build.

[@timwang44]

12000 wtf.

[@jozovajda3376]

*14000

[@NorCalCycling]

It's not cheap, and I'm sure they'll be coming out with lower tier versions like they do with their other bikes. That said, the SL7 is sold out until Jan so there's a huge demand for high-end bikes.

[@timwang44]

Unemployment is not real ? Man. I wish I can just drop 14000 on a bike like that.

[@McAwesome363]

Buy an SL3 tarmac for dirt cheap. It's basically the same weight.

[@ruffrydazz2032]

@@jozovajda3376 $14K is just for the extra fancy "founder's edition". Regular old S-Works is a pedestrian $12,500.

[@parmijo]

Reminds me a bit of the 2014 Scott Addict SL. That was 5.92kg in a 56cm with sram red 22. According to the Germans, Aethos weighs 6.17 in a 56cm. Aethos has disc brakes which add at least 300 grams so Aethos is an improvement but not by much. Maybe the stiffness and compliance numbers are better.

[@Incaensio]

Specialized says the SL7 is 20% stiffer than the Aethos, so no.

[@robertphillips3078]

Easy Fix , go purchase 930 gram " One K " carbon wheelset out of Germany, there's approx 350 grams , & if that aint enough a set of Carbon Ti Rotors over Dura Ace is another 75 grams . Noticed that ur Aethos they were using the old bar & stem system & not the Roval one peice Carbon cockpit. There's more weight savings.

[@nuttynut722]

the production quality are head and above the mainsteam cycling "journalist "

[@paulchuck8359]

I have a 2015 SL4 ETap, 2019 SL6 AXS and just purchased an AXS Athos. I"m 66 years old, worked hard all my life and want to enjoy the fruits of my labor because I can't take it with me to the grave. I want to enjoy riding until I"m physically unable to and my bikes allow me to do so. I wasn't a professional high income earner but lived frugally so that I could retire early. Others choose to use their disposal income to travel, drive nice cars, have a 2nd home or drink expensive wine. I chose to buy bikes that I want so that I can ride to stay healthy and sane.

[@ryan6465]

does it come in rim brake? don't need the extra weight and complexity of discs on a crit race

[@fignons_missing_8sec4]

Disc only

[@ChrisRiekert99]

🤣

[@tntgators]

@@ChrisRiekert99 Cannondale synapse for 2000 and the win

[@brysonszy6306]

Specialized : We want to make it as light as possible. Also Specialized : Only available in Disc.

[@McAwesome363]

You mean you don't have an extra $3000 laying around for a new pair of Enve's?

[@Ryem3]

Needed to focus on ride characteristics. Irrelevant to weight differences and "speed" you CAN tell us how they feel on the road. You missed with this video

[@prestongruber9721]

The question isn't, "who the bike is for?" its how much did these guys pay you to talk about this bike?

[@anthonyhebert-trudeau6995]

In my mind, the Aethos is a Tarmac SL6 with a threaded BB and the Tarmac SL7 is a half-baked Venge... but hey; Marketing!

[@bluemystic7501]

I really LOVE these reviews, especially from legit riders like you guys. Keep 'em up!

[@NorCalCycling]

Thanks! Will do!

[@shubhank20]

You guys are pros Jeff has a godly sprint and Chris knows how to play the other competitors to get Jeff to win love you guys u r awesome

[@clementtan5004]

every single bike channel and website releasing reviews at the same time :D

[@mohamadjamil3164]

I ride an aethos with the rapid wheelset. I find that it is not as agile as the shallow ones and I also noticed that the rear end is bouncy with road imperfections. Your comments on those please

[@toreygroen6585]

Jeff - you put out some clean videos my dude. Keep it up!

[@jamesfetter2659]

West Alpine is ridiculously pretty

[@sadlfjasdfacv]

I took my 12k, bought a fuji sl 1.1 disk (basically the same thing) and used the difference to buy a 2015 honda civic.

[@pelagic6]

For me!! Just picked mine up

[@Thieb25]

Hi, thank you very much for your video. What would you recommend between an Aethos and a Tarmac SL8? I don't ride competitions and I really like climbing. I was initially thinking of the Aethos, but the new Tarmac seems to be very good for climbing too. Thank you in advance for your feedback!

[@alexconklin158]

The SL7 comes with hardware to use a standard stem.

[@KenSmith-bv4si]

One thing every reviewer has failed to mention , the Tarmac has more S-Works stickers then a nascar racer, while the Aethos is far less pretentious. I really like the Aethos , I wish I could ride one but, then I'll have to buy it.

[@Rocky4719]

Aethos legit reminds me of an Allez before the redesign, just souped way the fck up to be a hella good race bike.

[@DCRUZ547]

My LBS had given me a heads up about the Aethos when I was about to order the frame of my SL7. I looked at it and went with the SL7. I already got a Sworks SL4 which is pretty much what the Aethos resembles. Regardless, It's a great looking bike.

[@crailwah]

U guys did better than any reviewer out there

[@garrettmain3712]

Who is this bike for? People that can light $12,000 on fire.

[@Ainttrippin]

lol

[@purpleaki7135]

Is this a commercial for Specialized or a review? Sorry my English isn't so good I hope you understand my question.

[@przemysawgumienny2621]

What roads are those? I'm new to the area, and I'm looking to expand my roadcabulary.

[@chickenleg123]

His strava link is in the description, but you will have to go back a few months to find the route if you can. Though, as a general area, it is probably close to the Sunnyvale area

[@przemysawgumienny2621]

@@chickenleg123 yeah I follow him. I recognize a lot of roads on his videos, but not this one

[@flooooooo0686]

i do love that classic look! Shame there is no rim brake version for all the old-school fanboys...

[@BernieYoda]

Do I understand it correctly if I say that the Aethos is a fancy joyride bike, while the SL7 is a racing machine? BTW, I really love your videos! All my knowledge about the tactical aspect of racing is thanks to your videos. It inspired me to ride my bike more often! Greetings from Belgium 🇧🇪

[@w4yland3r27]

Nice review! I'll keep my 2012 bike for now but appreciate the honest review

[@jujubae_]

I know it's personal preference, but owning a Venge and Tarmac SL6 feels greater than owning a Tarmac SL7 and an Aethos. You're right about one thing. It's not worth releasing a new bike model if it's not a class leader and as much as I like Specialized, the new models are hardly a game changer.

[@DominiqueGodefroy]

I bought one Aethos S-works Di2 / 6 months looking for one variable with my Specs. Already own a creo S-works very happy. I was looking for additional speed response while keeping access to all together terrain. I opted out of the SL7. I am not riding for competition, but I am a long-distance rider 17K km per year average, and thx the aethos satisfy my need. The sL7 is probably more suitable for races etc. Not my need. When it comes to prices no need to comment negatively becuase you can’t afford that’s how good quality product are and only people with capital can buy these marvels the same as an expensive powerful car! Isn’t! Good luck all enjoy as you can. I am a happy customer, yet The industry is dry and suffering no parts, no bikes...sucks

[@benjaminogle11]

I have so many thoughts/questions on this bike. Primarily why does it exist? The new Tarmac was built with the explicit purpose of simplifying their lineup. I am unclear if the Aethos will have cheaper versions later, but on their site now the range is extremely expensive S-Works. It is a high-end performance road bike - why not just buy the Tarmac? They fashion it as the bike for those who aren't into racing and more relaxed rider - why have an S-Works version? And I like the look of the bike, non integrated components, and wider tire clearance, but I just am confused why someone wouldn't just buy a 2K steel frame all-rounder, an Allez/Roubaix, or any number of gravel /endurance bikes? As you said in the video - this bike is like Ferrari making an off-road SUV bc its cool in the industry right now. I don't think Specialized is disingenuous and surely the bike has excellent performance, but i wonder if this is primarily revenue driven to provide another offering with the Venge now gone?

[@fpeter01]

My future self lis ooking for an S sized Aethos on the second hand market in 2023-2024.

[@pokecrud]

where in San Jose is this? it's beautiful!

[@jloveys]

I'm curious how cycling in the early morning became a thing. Yes, you can have more daylight but I don't wake up until late usually

[@cccycling5835]

Where is this? Henry Coe? I’d recognize those curves anywhere. So much time spent on a 750cc sportsbike tearing up that road in my backyard. I’m considering these two bikes as my next buy so that makes this vid super attractive.

[@drsus0]

Love the LC200 , the one thin with tires on this video that wont depreciate like a led ball :)

[@Pawcioook]

Those price tags but hey someone needs to pay for those commercials

[@steveflor9942]

It is hard for me to believe a 580gr frame has the BB stiffness needed to make it highly responsive and efficient. Or, that it can stand the rigors of serious riding more than a season. That said, I do like a lot of the ideas at work here.

[@mohamadjamil3164]

I agree. I have the bike and it is very heavy to accelerate depending on the slope of the rode and eventually the riders position. In other words, it is impossible to shoot up the speed if you leaning backwards as the bb flexes when putting the power and hence you start pushing more and get drained before the bike propels forward. I don’t know if I am making sense but am so frustrated

[@MarcraM82]

can you please do one of your tests of the sl7 vs aethos with the same wheels!