I had this build in the 2021 Di2 model and put 28mm tubeless on Roval C-38 rims. I've only been riding since May 2020 and this is an exceptional bike that begs to be ridden fast. It's stable, nimble and agile. My longest ride was 70 miles and I didn't find the bike too uncomfortable
That’s awesome! I’m glad you like it… I haven’t been able to get out on anything super long yet, but will definitely get its first 100 mile rides in the spring 😊
How does it compare with the Aethos? I'm tossing up between these, they both look nice so it pretty much comes down to aero gains of the Tarmac vs the ride feel of the Aethos
You hit the nail on the head… Both are great and it really depends what your goals are. I am barely scratching the surface on experience with the SL7, but so far it’s a more efficient pedaller, and punches through the wind at higher speeds easier. The Aethos is more comfortable and less efficient (flexier rear end). Im excited to spend more time on the Tarmac to compare.
Another great upload Mitch. Agree completely on the durianrider comment... other than Natasha's hard body, the guy's channel is absolute trash. Love how you're positive and calm about stuff, even in an upload where you crashed. Cheers buddy, have a great weekend, happy riding.
I think the Aethos Comp version is better value at this low end spec level, because if you throw on light climbing wheels to the Aethos it becomes extremely light even with heavy Rival (mine without cages and pedals is 7.2kg). Whereas in this build for the SL7 the heavier frame, Rival and most likely you would go for deeper heavier aero wheels to suite the style I feel it will be a bit too heavy for the price/build. Nice to have both (Sl7 for flat stuff and Aethos for climbing if you have the cash hahah)
You're bang on... The Aethos comp is one heck of a deal for what you get, and the platform you receive. You can easily build off of it for years to come as things wear out, and simply put on a lightweight wheelset to expedite things... The problem is, if you put 3K into a wheelset on it, then now you're jumping up another Spec level, where you'll get the wheelset stock, and a better overall kit... Totally up to you, but great choice either way.
I created a website alert on the Specialized site, as well as asked my local shop to notify me when a 61cm came into stock. I can’t remember which alerted me first, but it was picked up the same day.
@@szokrika For the FIRST TIME in all my 35+ years of riding, people no longer seem to know the weight of their bikes all of a sudden. I don't mean to rag on this guy's bike. He seems like a very nice guy who loves riding his bike so I can relate and respect. BUT, my beef is with the bicycle manufacturing industry that has for the first time convinced the public to pay more for heavier bikes. And to get a respectable weight of a complete build with pedals, cages and mounts that is under 17 lbs, you need to spend at least $10-12K USD with these bloated "AERO disc bikes". This nice fella happens to own the ONLY Specialized that I would even consider buying (AETHOS) but went out and bought the SL7 as a back up bike (I am not one to talk as I owned 5 high end road bikes simultaneously in years past) which is a bloated dog of a bike, especially in this configuration and he still spent twice what I did for my Focus Cayo Evo Di2 that weighs 17 lbs complete. These bikes are not faster than the Tarmac SL3-SL5s not matter what they claim. They are noodly, heavy and soft compared to a real race bike. Funny how Specialized made the SL7 the "ONE BIKE TO RULE THEM ALL" just to release the more traditional Aethos 5 minutes later that got rave reviews across the board for ride quality. I am really curious what Mitch thinks of it compared to SL7 and is honest and not trying to justify a purchase. IF there were a fire and you had to grab one of these bikes, I bet I know which one he'd grab.
@@MitchOnTwoWheels yep..If I would choose etap I would do a force/ red crank and derailleurs with a rival cassette for the quiet and swift shifts..if you can mix and match like shimano..
Look nice, but too heavy in this configuration. The amount of cash that has to be spent now a a day to get a decent race bike is ridiculous. I will keep my SL6 forever.
I agree. Everything is costing more and more… The SL6’s are holding their value very well. Only if they had a threaded BB though. I’ve already started to overhaul the SL7 to make it lighter and more lively.
I must not be drinking the specialized kool-aid because $5K for a Rival eTap groupset that is on par with Shimano's 105 (the only difference being that Shimano hasn't released their 105 Di2 yet) seems overpriced for what you call 'best value race bike.' I'd much rather get a good used SL6 for thousands less.
@@MitchOnTwoWheels There is no advantage to this SL7 over the Aethos. Especially for you. The "Aero Advantage" of the SL7 is supposedly 45 seconds over 40 kilometers at 45kph over the SL6. LOL. Are you keeping a 28 mph pace over 40 kilometers to extract that "aero advantage"? The Aethos is a better riding bike and a lot lighter which matters more than a fantasy "Aero advantage" for the recreational cyclist. Your SL7 bike complete with pedals, cages and mount is not less than 19 1/2 lbs.
Awesome feedback. I look forward to trying it out on the road. I notice it’s a different type of ride right off the hop. Rougher… Quicker power transfer and less rear end flex than the Aethos. This isn’t necessarily a good thing, just different. I’ll keep you posted 😀
I had this build in the 2021 Di2 model and put 28mm tubeless on Roval C-38 rims. I've only been riding since May 2020 and this is an exceptional bike that begs to be ridden fast. It's stable, nimble and agile. My longest ride was 70 miles and I didn't find the bike too uncomfortable
That’s awesome! I’m glad you like it… I haven’t been able to get out on anything super long yet, but will definitely get its first 100 mile rides in the spring 😊
The rival etap shifts quieter than the etap force..im a shimano man but I can't lie I love the look of the sram 12 speed chain..lol
It’s funny how a chain can look great!
Is this the winter bike? That paint does look really sharp.
This is another project bike... AKA all of them :)
How does it compare with the Aethos? I'm tossing up between these, they both look nice so it pretty much comes down to aero gains of the Tarmac vs the ride feel of the Aethos
You hit the nail on the head… Both are great and it really depends what your goals are. I am barely scratching the surface on experience with the SL7, but so far it’s a more efficient pedaller, and punches through the wind at higher speeds easier. The Aethos is more comfortable and less efficient (flexier rear end). Im excited to spend more time on the Tarmac to compare.
What’s the tire clearance on this bike ?
32mm
Wich Id the best wheel sets you suggest for this bike to race siriuslly
Too many options to choose from!
Another great upload Mitch. Agree completely on the durianrider comment... other than Natasha's hard body, the guy's channel is absolute trash. Love how you're positive and calm about stuff, even in an upload where you crashed. Cheers buddy, have a great weekend, happy riding.
Thanks again :)
I think the Aethos Comp version is better value at this low end spec level, because if you throw on light climbing wheels to the Aethos it becomes extremely light even with heavy Rival (mine without cages and pedals is 7.2kg). Whereas in this build for the SL7 the heavier frame, Rival and most likely you would go for deeper heavier aero wheels to suite the style I feel it will be a bit too heavy for the price/build. Nice to have both (Sl7 for flat stuff and Aethos for climbing if you have the cash hahah)
You're bang on... The Aethos comp is one heck of a deal for what you get, and the platform you receive. You can easily build off of it for years to come as things wear out, and simply put on a lightweight wheelset to expedite things... The problem is, if you put 3K into a wheelset on it, then now you're jumping up another Spec level, where you'll get the wheelset stock, and a better overall kit... Totally up to you, but great choice either way.
@@MitchOnTwoWheels agree! The wheelset is going to be the key choice here.
Where’d you find this? I can’t find an SL7 anywhere
I created a website alert on the Specialized site, as well as asked my local shop to notify me when a 61cm came into stock. I can’t remember which alerted me first, but it was picked up the same day.
Fact 10r?
This one was, yes.
Nice catch 👍, also how tall are you
6ft 3.
Any reason you chose 61cm over 58cm? I’m between 6’ 2-3”
I have long legs… I could probably make the 58cm work too, but like having the higher front end.
Nice bike man. I’m currently waiting on a expert to come in. How is the ride /performance of this bike?
Fantastic! You’ll love it… Are the experts still coming setup 1X?
@@MitchOnTwoWheels no man it’s 2x12 ultegra di2. Was really wanting the SRAM e tap. But we’ll see how the shimano is.
I’m glad it’s 2X! Ultegra is apparently unbelievable in the new groupo. I’m sure you’ll have a blast and enjoy every second of it.
@@MitchOnTwoWheels yeah I definitely prefer the 2X on a road bike
Beautiful Build 🙌🏼🤘🏼🚴🏽
Thanks dude. It's going to get even better :)
How much does it weigh?
I’m not sure… I’ve taken a few things off already and swapped cranks, cassette, and seat 😂
Maybe shoot a video with the new stuff and then weigh it?
@@szokrika For the FIRST TIME in all my 35+ years of riding, people no longer seem to know the weight of their bikes all of a sudden. I don't mean to rag on this guy's bike. He seems like a very nice guy who loves riding his bike so I can relate and respect. BUT, my beef is with the bicycle manufacturing industry that has for the first time convinced the public to pay more for heavier bikes. And to get a respectable weight of a complete build with pedals, cages and mounts that is under 17 lbs, you need to spend at least $10-12K USD with these bloated "AERO disc bikes".
This nice fella happens to own the ONLY Specialized that I would even consider buying (AETHOS) but went out and bought the SL7 as a back up bike (I am not one to talk as I owned 5 high end road bikes simultaneously in years past) which is a bloated dog of a bike, especially in this configuration and he still spent twice what I did for my Focus Cayo Evo Di2 that weighs 17 lbs complete. These bikes are not faster than the Tarmac SL3-SL5s not matter what they claim. They are noodly, heavy and soft compared to a real race bike. Funny how Specialized made the SL7 the "ONE BIKE TO RULE THEM ALL" just to release the more traditional Aethos 5 minutes later that got rave reviews across the board for ride quality.
I am really curious what Mitch thinks of it compared to SL7 and is honest and not trying to justify a purchase. IF there were a fire and you had to grab one of these bikes, I bet I know which one he'd grab.
I’m excited to report back 😀
Last years 2021 sl7 expert was a better deal..especially in that silver color way..ill take a 11speed di2 over a 12 speed etap..
Everything last year was a better deal unfortunately. Prices keep going up! AXS Has been great… it’s just the front mech that is picky to set up.
@@MitchOnTwoWheels yep..If I would choose etap I would do a force/ red crank and derailleurs with a rival cassette for the quiet and swift shifts..if you can mix and match like shimano..
You absolutely can. Both my bikes are a mix of this stuff.
@@MitchOnTwoWheels yes indeed..im just learning that it can be mixed like shimano 105/ultegra/Dura ace..good to know when I'm building my next bike..
Look nice, but too heavy in this configuration. The amount of cash that has to be spent now a a day to get a decent race bike is ridiculous. I will keep my SL6 forever.
I agree. Everything is costing more and more… The SL6’s are holding their value very well. Only if they had a threaded BB though. I’ve already started to overhaul the SL7 to make it lighter and more lively.
wow
Very nice indeed
@@MitchOnTwoWheels thx
I must not be drinking the specialized kool-aid because $5K for a Rival eTap groupset that is on par with Shimano's 105 (the only difference being that Shimano hasn't released their 105 Di2 yet) seems overpriced for what you call 'best value race bike.' I'd much rather get a good used SL6 for thousands less.
Fair enough :)
Thanks for watching.
Always amazed about people complaining about the heavy weight of bikes…. You riders should lose some pounds yourself I believe….
Haha! You’re not wrong 😑
That thing EASILY weighs 21 lbs
Oh and I changed the wheel set. It’s definitely less :)
@@MitchOnTwoWheels Aethos is all you need. That tank is a waste of money.
I’d love to hear your argument for this statement…. Genuinely. So far I’m really enjoying it, but also love my Aethos :)
@@MitchOnTwoWheels There is no advantage to this SL7 over the Aethos. Especially for you. The "Aero Advantage" of the SL7 is supposedly 45 seconds over 40 kilometers at 45kph over the SL6. LOL. Are you keeping a 28 mph pace over 40 kilometers to extract that "aero advantage"? The Aethos is a better riding bike and a lot lighter which matters more than a fantasy "Aero advantage" for the recreational cyclist. Your SL7 bike complete with pedals, cages and mount is not less than 19 1/2 lbs.
Awesome feedback. I look forward to trying it out on the road. I notice it’s a different type of ride right off the hop. Rougher… Quicker power transfer and less rear end flex than the Aethos. This isn’t necessarily a good thing, just different. I’ll keep you posted 😀
LOL
What?