I own this bike so here are my thoughts. Hopefully it might help somebody since most of us have to make these large financial commitments without having much of a chance to test ride these things. My setup is the S works Aethos with SRAM red, ENVE 4.5 AR wheels, ENVE cockpit, 28 tires. It’s a great bike. The first thing you have to do is learn to trust it. When you first pick it up it’s so light you worry that it might snap in half. Once on the bike that concern quickly fades. Surprisingly it isn’t the climbs that made it stand out as much as descending and cornering. It feels planted and agile at the same time. I would often read in bike reviews about a particular biking making you want to push harder and go faster and riding this bike is the first time I really “got” that idea. It does seem to do that. I’m not sure I understand why but I think it’s because you feel such an exhilarating response when you pedal hard. It responds and accelerates so well that you want to feel that feeling over and over again that you get when you put in the effort. You really feel like it rewards you for it. I assume it’s the light weight. It doesn’t maintain as speed as efficiently as my aero bike when I’m on a flat and not pedaling but it does seem significantly more responsive on the flats to even light effort. The GRAN FONDO cycling review made a comment similar to this and I would have to say I agree 100%. (In fact their whole review is spot on in my opinion and is 10x better than mine so you might want to check it out on their web site) I don’t notice as much of a pronounced benefit when climbing as I thought I might with such a light weight bike but it climbs great nevertheless. The miles I have on it so far have not involved much climbing though so I will hold judgment on that for now. It definitely feels like a race bike geometry and apparently it is the same geometry as the SL7. Given the fact that Specialized is not marketing and didn’t focus their design on this as a race bike I would have thought that a more relaxed geometry would have made more sense. I probably would have preferred that frankly. It is still a very comfortable bike however. Like every bike out there it’s not the right bike for everybody but I do think it’s the right bike for me as I don’t race, typically do lots of climbing on my long rides, and given my relatively limited skill level probably notice the benefits of a light weight bike over a heavier aero one. Yes it is ridiculously expensive but keep some things in mind. A lot of what you’re paying for is the years of R & D that Specialized put into developing the technology for this bike. That was years of financial investment with no return. In my experience, regardless of the product, we all think an “outrageous” price on anything is always one level above whatever it is we can afford. I’m certainly guilty of this. If you’re reading this thread your bike, although perhaps much less expensive than this one, is almost certainly ridiculously expensive and forever out of reach to somebody. so perspective is important. Less expensive bikes and people who love to ride but have less financial resources will almost certainly benefit in years to come from what Specialized has done and learned here. We can all be grateful for that.
Great insight, thanks for sharing with us. Interesting comments about how responsive it feels on the flat and stable on the descents, mirrors my findings but only based on one ride
@@davidarthur Thanks for the review. I'd be interested in your thoughts on this vs. a high-end round tubed climbing bikes from a couple of years ago. I have 2016 SuperSix HiMod (an all time classic). With a bit of weight management, I can get that to 6.5kg. I know this a disc brake bike at under 6kg which is very impressive, but I'm curious about your thoughts on ride feel - do you think that it would be noticeably better? Difficult question with so little time on the bike I know, but any thoughts appreciated.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. They have the dark red etap S Works at a local shop sitting right next to a metallic green SL7 S Works. Trying hard not to make a poor financial decision but it becomes more difficult by the day...
David, your insights are the freshest and with a more transparent feeling around. Once again thank you. You help me to clear my mind and decide a little bit more wisely ;)
They should have made it a fixie (to save even more weight) with spare cogs and sprockets delivered in a titanium box with titanium tools allowing for ratio changes depending on terrain. And charged 20k selling it as the world's first bike that offers something like that. It would very likely become your dentist's favourite bike (no pun intended, since it's a fixie).
Just sold a Parlee Z5; (rebuilt w/ D/A 9100, Enve cockpit, Enve SES 3.4 wheelset - 6.4 kg w/ pedals & bottle cages). I ordered a 54cm Aethos with SRAM Red AXS to replace it.
David can you get factor ostro? Its probably the best 1 bike to rule them all... 3 bikes in 1 that insanity can fit 34mm tires(on 19mm wheels), is aero, & frame is just 800+g... & threaded bb too... What more could you ask for... Ps fully integrated cables & you can use any handlebars & Stem as long as they support integrated cables.. Ps: great you got this same time every other youtubers got.. 🙌
Not had much joy with Factor in the past but will try again I have to thank Specialized for inviting me to the U.K. launch for this opportunity to report on the new bike. They like the channel and it’s all due to your support 👍
@@davidarthur ohh which exact model o2? Ohh it must be when you were working for road cc? Definitely as i don't remember you reviewing factor on your channel... Great to hear your feedback though.. 👍
A lot of things I like about this bike. Threaded BB. Conventional seat post clamp. Easy cable routing. Convetional round handlebar. They say it has the same pedaling stiffness as a Tarmac SL 7. On a 580gr frame? I wonder. It will be interesting to find out.
Had a quick look at the geometry of a 52 Aethos compared to my SL6 Tarmac Comp. Stack and Reach are identical. Wheelbase 5mm longer on Aethos. Quick glance, apart from weight not a whole lot differrent except the price. LE model is $22K AUD - unbelievable. It seems the "just for the love of riding" is only for the rich. Unless I buy 2nd hand in the future I will not be buying another Specialized as their range of bikes are just pricing themselves out of consideration. Even entry level SL7 is about $7,500AUD
So the new Tarmac is slower than the 2019 Venge. Are you aware of that? Specialized said it - the Venge is more aero, which = faster. Yes, on almost all circuits. Because guess what happens when you reach the top of a climb? You go down!
@@mattball420 Ah no. There are no lighter disc bikes than the Aethos, direct from a mfg. And when you buy a luxury car, it’s almost always faster than a cheaper car.
If someone says its looks good, which part of aethos frame looks good? Its similar to TCR, cervelo R5, supersix years ago, izalco years ago, and many many of bikes that already exist years ago or 50 years ago also looks like this. So whats so good with this? 🤔 its just look like a normal bike couples of years ago. If you like it just get it, if dont, get the dropped seat stays style then.
@@paul_hd1875 I like to swim 3.8km (or more), then do 180km solo TTs, and run a marathon immediately afterwards. I do a lot of that training on a road bike. I could buy one of these. Am I a serious enough cyclist to pass your wee gatekeeping test?
Dave Cochrane why would you use this? Unless you’re on climbs. If you’re on climbs, damn I wish I had that much free time to train back to back like that and recover.
BasedGod Strugglin' I’d use it for base and strength training on climbs. It’s a lovely bike; whether it’s a 20,200 NZD lovely bike is entirely another issue.
BasedGod Strugglin' As for the recovery, almost everyone else I know who does Ironman builds to about 25hrs a week of training, on top of work and family. You either choose to do it or you don’t. The key is making it work for those around you.
lol glad i bought a brand new sl5 frame and built it up with top of the line everything for just 4.5k usd . enjoy spending 12k guys and still be slower and less comfy than my tubeless rims
Hey I’d genuinely be interested to know more about your SL5 build as looking to do the same. Can you add more details ie rim or disc? What groupset/wheels/tyres? Any pics? Thanks
Great review David. How does it compare to the new Specialissima? I know the Bianchi has gained weight with the latest version but in terms of ride quality which is better? Which handles better? I think it's a very valid comparison as bot are in use in the Tour de France this year.
I can already hear the weenies screaming with excitement I'm sure they will get this closer to 5kg than 6. When I watched the video I thought the UK hill climb scene would probably be it's natural home but at what 4k for the frameset and disc brakes which they don't really need they can probably stick with rim for a cheaper bike unless they have money to burn. Impressive frame weight for any bike let alone disc. That group ride must have had well over 100k's worth of bikes!
@@rlsedition most people buy hybrid bikes just to exercise with their kids for 1 hr in the evening. Mountain bikes are extremely specific where you don’t need 5 types of road bike for any given discipline. I race, climb, TT, train, Fondo, all on the same bike just using different wheels and saddle/bar configurations.
This has disc brakes, electronic gears and a power meter and normal clincher tyres so pretty impressive I reckon, so you’re getting more performance/capability
@@davidarthur Sorry that’s not correct is it? Electronic gears, disc and power meters don’t add performance/capability to a cycle , improves the experience possibly. A power meter only adds minimal 50g if you go for pedals. To an experienced cyclist the benefits of disc do not outweigh the drawbacks. Look at the pro’s who have a choice and aren’t incentivised to ride disc. TDF? This year I have predominantly alternated between my C60 rim & C64 Disc while I love the hydraulic actuation of disc (Campagnolo SR eps & Carbon Ti rotors) the added susceptibility to crosswinds is notable as is the brake fade when coming to a dead stop at the bottom of Buttertubs after descending at 55/60mph. At high speeds my Zipp NSW rim brakes provide greater initial bite which I prefer and do not suffer the fade on Buttertubs.
The flood of comments on here about price and features...can we just all agree that you could argue the same about every car that doesn’t satisfy the absolutely bare minimum standards required of a vehicle? If you want a Ferrari and you can afford it, buy one. If you can’t, don’t.
People blow insane amounts on average cars. This is a top bike with the best components. You could push it to it's limit and still keep your license. Not so with any car. But like you said if you can afford a Ferrari and want one go for it. Others would drop multiples of the Aethos' price only to return with COVID.
Ok light for disc compared with Wout’s 8.2kg Cervelo S5, but did you actually weigh it? Others have weighed a size 52 at 6.7kg. Let’s not take Specialized at their word please
@davidarthur @davearthur How far apart are the aethos and the Tcr advanced pro 1 you tested in terms of ride comfort ,handling , climbing and speed, is the Giant say for example 90% of the bike the Aethos is or are they very different bikes in reality despite looking similar!
Lol there's slight Nvidia inspiration sprinkled in a bike.. 😂 Founders edition... Seriously David you literally dropped a bombshell just like how amd did at same moment... What a coincidence!
Have a Look at Chapter 2 Huru, cheaper, better looking, yeah not as light but easy to build it Sub 6.5kg without the Pricetag only suckers think a Bargain.
@@alexeevfrancoismendoza1891 just had a look and not that much cheaper for the frameset (£750) and the Huru frameset is heavier than most of the new race bikes and over 200g (37%) heavier than the Aethos. So I'd say that bike essentially validates the pricing of the Aethos if you're after a lightweight as opposed to modern race bike.
Feels like the big S just wanted to be like Trek when the Emonda shattered the scales with sub 6kg bikes... Too late to the game, but for those with money to burn, nice bling bling....
At $20,000 AUD it would need to pump up its own tyres and rub my feet after a ride. It is a nice looking bike, if you like the boring black palette we seem to have a fascination with. Personally I feel it is a shame these high end bikes are so costly, it just makes many of us seem like elitist tossers.
Let’s assume you wanna race this. Let’s just assume. You throw some deep wheels and probably some lead in the seat tube for some weight. Does this feel better than a Venge or a SL7 Tarmac?
That would be an interesting test - make it the same weight as the SL7 and then see how they compare. I reckon there'd still be a ride quality difference, the way it rides likely isn't just down to the low weight
David Arthur - Just Ride Bikes I’d like for this to be a talking point. I’d be curious to see what others say. I’m going for a lightweight bike (cause I can’t afford an aero bike 😂) but it would be an interesting debate.
Good idea! For a non racing yet progressive amateur - structured training, epic mountainous gran fondos, and trying to steal your mates Strava segments, Aethos with aero wheels, tarmac sl7 or split the difference with a TCR?
Dave, I am really curious to see the Aethos compared to the upcoming Canyon Ultimate CFR. $4000.00 less for a .5kg difference with tubeless ready DT Swiss wheels and same high-end groupo.
@@rlsedition because I have seen, held and and weighed an Aethos Pro in a size 54 full bike with Sram Force eTap in person. Granted I have not done the same for the Canyon but there are plenty of YT channels that have. Ya, direct to consumer is a touchy subject, I get it. I love supporting my LBS but $4000+ more a similar bike with very close frame type, weight and identical components is more than a philosophical or small business support decision.
www.velonews.com/gear/road-gear/road-bike-of-the-year-giant-tcr-advanced-sl-0/ Velo news says the TCR was the only new bike to approach the Aethos in terms of ride quality. But it's more affordable, and a little bit more aero. Given in cycling reviews 'everything is awesome' to avoid upsetting bike brands, there seems to be genuine love and enthusiasm for both the TCR and the Aethos! One again great content from David!
Awesome post David. One of the bikes I am considering, that's a 56 as you say, i'm 5ft 10.5 and can ride either 54 or 56 can I ask what height are you & what size would you recommend for me albeit that is subjective, thanks in advance!
@@davidarthur Cheers mate, enjoy the rest of w/end & the awesome sunshine I'm from Stratford on Avon but today in your part of the world it was AWESOME; Ebrington/Chipping Campden/Blockley/Moreton/Brailes/Todenham & Paxford to name a few of the places we passed thru were truly MAGNIFICENT!!!
"a new category of bike: superlight ride quality". . . I'd argue my 2016 R5 got there first, 6.5kg, traditional style (not an aero spaceship), amazing climber, comfy as hell...
@@krausol2802 Yeah its awesome, its still a very traditional looking frame tho which is what I like, not really interested in Aero to be honest. Have you tried Wakos when installing your BB? I had loads of issues with my old S5, was told about Wakos and never had a single squeak since, awesome stuff!!
Does it come with pedals or do you have to shell out for a set before you even ride it? They claim they're saving the environment by NOT including the pedals with it I bet. This was my experience with my new 2021Diverge Pro Carbon. You can write in to request a set they say. Cheap *******s. Beware of light weight rims that are not balanced. I experienced a 'death wobble' at high speed on my bike. It took a couple of washings to clean those shorts. I balanced them myself with four good size pieces of split rubber vacuum air hose. Per wheel!! Without this balancing (due to the weight of the valve stem) my rims hopped up and down forcibly when revved up on my stand. Hell, even my old DaVinci twirled around smooth as silk. And, light weight in a wind is another matter too. Hang on tight. I still hope for a call from the Specialized rep wrt these unbalanced Roval rims. Buyer beware is my new motto. Test ride this bike yourself before purchase. I saved all my life for my one extravagance. ...didn't come with pedals. lol.
@@cyclingmilan i guess i was thinking that on the flats I'm normally in the draft of another rider or rolling turns, and the only time I'm not is when we are trying to beat our personal PBs on climbs. So i thought as an amateur that doesnt need to follow the 6.8kg rule it might be faster. I'm looking to upgrade my old Venge.
@@chrisvanbuggenum871 when you are rolling turns, wind resistance is still the biggest force to overcome. And up hills as long as they are not too steep or too long, aero is still king. I've heard it said the tipping point is about 9mph, so as long as you go faster, stay on your Venge. Or sell your Venge, there should be a market for that now, since Specialized doesn't make bikes as fast any more. There is also something to be said about the feel of a lighter bike. I understand your situation, but your initial question, on a mixed terrain, there is really no question as to which bike is fastest overall. Similar test where always in favor of the aero bike/wheels/part... over something lighter but less aero.
Yeaaah sure... Weights exactly the same but you have to spend 10k and get use to hearing ding ding ding (discs rubbing) :D 8 years difference and still worse.
Personally i think it's not gonna be any noticably stiffer than Cannondale super six evo, ss evo frame was around 700g, this one is 600g, while stifness/weight might be better on Spec, when you add weight into equation they are probably identical in bending stifness. So we traveled in time 8 years from the first supersix evo and there is almost no progress in superlight bikes, adding discs doesnt make anything better except profits for those companies, great job Specialized. Btw just look at the Pogacar and Roglic bikes at TdF! great job Specialized ;)
I don’t like Specialized at all. I don’t understand why. 90% of people are riding Specialized bikes in Miami, 3% Cannondale and 7% other brands as Pinarello, Cervelo and Trek. I love cannondale super six Evo and cannondale system six.
Who said disc bikes are heavy? I'm.curious still about the weight at 56cm still, is that with pedals? My aero disc 56, 38x25 clincher wheels are 1560g without pedals and cages is 7kgs and has dura di2. Even considering the frame weight difference I'm struggling to see under 6.5kgs. The wheels must be around 1kg?
Better is subjective but a Parlee was the brand that sprung to mind when I first saw and rode this bike. I used to own a Z4 and tested several models back in the day and custom carbon would be an interesting alternative
Whilst take all marketing speak with a serving spoonful of salt. I really like this frame. Aero everything does nothing for me. A lightweight round tubed, disc brake bike, but in carbon. Perfect. Yes the total bike price is high, but buy the frame and still lower components on it, or wait till components go on sale. Most people are not Sagan and thus do not have the same requirements he has. We don't drive F1 cars, nor do we need pro bikes.
So many comments about the price...clearly it’s not marketed to you. Stop hating on how other people decide to spend their money and move on with your life.
@@ashleyhouse9690 Because of liscensing issues. www.cyclingweekly.com/news/product-news/new-specialized-bike-runs-into-a-naming-problem-legal-documents-reveal-469482
Specialized: Let's make a simple frame with a next to nothing paint job, make sure its is just a bit lighter whatever is out there and sell it to the sucker for twice the price.... Kaching!!! $$$
@@davidarthur maybe. But the obsessed instant upgrade types who by and large inhabit weight weenies and the like will be thinking about this on weight alone. Personally having worked with Specialized in the past think this launch a bit naughty in terms of timing mate.
Ride quality, eh? Seems like that's all any of the review sites have to say about this bike (other than the obvious lightweight). What does that even mean? Why not just say its uber light and be done with it?
Because it involves more than just light weight. A light frame is no good if it doesn't have sufficient rigidity, and it appears this Aethos has both qualities in spades.
I've test rode the aethos and other lightweight aero bikes. The aethos feels a bit different, in a good way. You kind of have to try it to see for yourself.
I own this bike so here are my thoughts. Hopefully it might help somebody since most of us have to make these large financial commitments without having much of a chance to test ride these things. My setup is the S works Aethos with SRAM red, ENVE 4.5 AR wheels, ENVE cockpit, 28 tires. It’s a great bike. The first thing you have to do is learn to trust it. When you first pick it up it’s so light you worry that it might snap in half. Once on the bike that concern quickly fades. Surprisingly it isn’t the climbs that made it stand out as much as descending and cornering. It feels planted and agile at the same time. I would often read in bike reviews about a particular biking making you want to push harder and go faster and riding this bike is the first time I really “got” that idea. It does seem to do that. I’m not sure I understand why but I think it’s because you feel such an exhilarating response when you pedal hard. It responds and accelerates so well that you want to feel that feeling over and over again that you get when you put in the effort. You really feel like it rewards you for it. I assume it’s the light weight. It doesn’t maintain as speed as efficiently as my aero bike when I’m on a flat and not pedaling but it does seem significantly more responsive on the flats to even light effort. The GRAN FONDO cycling review made a comment similar to this and I would have to say I agree 100%. (In fact their whole review is spot on in my opinion and is 10x better than mine so you might want to check it out on their web site) I don’t notice as much of a pronounced benefit when climbing as I thought I might with such a light weight bike but it climbs great nevertheless. The miles I have on it so far have not involved much climbing though so I will hold judgment on that for now. It definitely feels like a race bike geometry and apparently it is the same geometry as the SL7. Given the fact that Specialized is not marketing and didn’t focus their design on this as a race bike I would have thought that a more relaxed geometry would have made more sense. I probably would have preferred that frankly. It is still a very comfortable bike however. Like every bike out there it’s not the right bike for everybody but I do think it’s the right bike for me as I don’t race, typically do lots of climbing on my long rides, and given my relatively limited skill level probably notice the benefits of a light weight bike over a heavier aero one.
Yes it is ridiculously expensive but keep some things in mind. A lot of what you’re paying for is the years of R & D that Specialized put into developing the technology for this bike. That was years of financial investment with no return. In my experience, regardless of the product, we all think an “outrageous” price on anything is always one level above whatever it is we can afford. I’m certainly guilty of this. If you’re reading this thread your bike, although perhaps much less expensive than this one, is almost certainly ridiculously expensive and forever out of reach to somebody. so perspective is important. Less expensive bikes and people who love to ride but have less financial resources will almost certainly benefit in years to come from what Specialized has done and learned here. We can all be grateful for that.
Great insight, thanks for sharing with us. Interesting comments about how responsive it feels on the flat and stable on the descents, mirrors my findings but only based on one ride
@@davidarthur Thanks for the review. I'd be interested in your thoughts on this vs. a high-end round tubed climbing bikes from a couple of years ago. I have 2016 SuperSix HiMod (an all time classic). With a bit of weight management, I can get that to 6.5kg. I know this a disc brake bike at under 6kg which is very impressive, but I'm curious about your thoughts on ride feel - do you think that it would be noticeably better? Difficult question with so little time on the bike I know, but any thoughts appreciated.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. They have the dark red etap S Works at a local shop sitting right next to a metallic green SL7 S Works. Trying hard not to make a poor financial decision but it becomes more difficult by the day...
@@Evan-McM A poor financial decision is if you buy both ....
It’s code name is the tarmac SL5.2.
Stunning bike, love the traditional geometry!
The first and only channel I watch for new bikes, great stuff as per Dave 👌
Wow, thanks!
Just bought one today; can't wait to collect and take off for a proper spin. Absolutely stunning looking bike indeed! 😁
At last a bike that floats my boat. It’s all about the ride✊🏻
Glad to see you got given a bike to test! Was expecting you just to be talking about it without having a bike! Kudos!
David, your insights are the freshest and with a more transparent feeling around. Once again thank you. You help me to clear my mind and decide a little bit more wisely ;)
You're very welcome
Totally get the philosophy behind this bike. Stunning bike.
They should have made it a fixie (to save even more weight) with spare cogs and sprockets delivered in a titanium box with titanium tools allowing for ratio changes depending on terrain. And charged 20k selling it as the world's first bike that offers something like that. It would very likely become your dentist's favourite bike (no pun intended, since it's a fixie).
thanks for showing this David. I'm getting it. ride on.
Great review! Specialized does it again!
Just sold a Parlee Z5; (rebuilt w/ D/A 9100, Enve cockpit, Enve SES 3.4 wheelset - 6.4 kg w/ pedals & bottle cages). I ordered a 54cm Aethos with SRAM Red AXS to replace it.
David can you get factor ostro? Its probably the best 1 bike to rule them all... 3 bikes in 1 that insanity can fit 34mm tires(on 19mm wheels), is aero, & frame is just 800+g... & threaded bb too... What more could you ask for...
Ps fully integrated cables & you can use any handlebars & Stem as long as they support integrated cables..
Ps: great you got this same time every other youtubers got.. 🙌
Not had much joy with Factor in the past but will try again
I have to thank Specialized for inviting me to the U.K. launch for this opportunity to report on the new bike. They like the channel and it’s all due to your support 👍
@@davidarthur ohh which exact model o2? Ohh it must be when you were working for road cc? Definitely as i don't remember you reviewing factor on your channel... Great to hear your feedback though.. 👍
A lot of things I like about this bike.
Threaded BB. Conventional seat post clamp. Easy cable routing.
Convetional round handlebar.
They say it has the same pedaling stiffness as a Tarmac SL 7.
On a 580gr frame? I wonder.
It will be interesting to find out.
Apparantly it’s got the same stiffness to weight ratio. So it’s not as stiff in absolute terms
Looks like a giant TCR
i bet y can get a 6kg giant tcr for half
brulsmurf true true,TCR sl is hard to beat!
But is the ride quality as good on the TCR?
Had a quick look at the geometry of a 52 Aethos compared to my SL6 Tarmac Comp. Stack and Reach are identical. Wheelbase 5mm longer on Aethos. Quick glance, apart from weight not a whole lot differrent except the price. LE model is $22K AUD - unbelievable.
It seems the "just for the love of riding" is only for the rich. Unless I buy 2nd hand in the future I will not be buying another Specialized as their range of bikes are just pricing themselves out of consideration. Even entry level SL7 is about $7,500AUD
David I’m curious about sizing what is your height to be riding a 56cm frame?
Thanks
So they made a slower version of the tarmac and priced it even higher? Amazing
Just like alot of luxury cars are slower than alot of cheaper options lol
Why build a bike thats not built for racing pricier than the race bike....I get it another sales pitch to people with deep pockets...smh
@@herbertpearson5665 There are now two less expensive Aethos models available.
So the new Tarmac is slower than the 2019 Venge. Are you aware of that? Specialized said it - the Venge is more aero, which = faster. Yes, on almost all circuits. Because guess what happens when you reach the top of a climb? You go down!
@@mattball420 Ah no. There are no lighter disc bikes than the Aethos, direct from a mfg. And when you buy a luxury car, it’s almost always faster than a cheaper car.
specialized 5 years later: "we have reinvented the lightweight bike with rim brakes 15000 Eurs."
So basically they went back to a 2013 Tarmac and call it Aethos!
Exactly!
I’ve got one, it’s lighter than most modern bikes, beautiful and has rimbrakes.
Same as what they did with 2021 Diverge they reinvented the 1990's MTB.
R&D money saved but same high price for consumers.
But it is disc brake, which always ads weight.
@@andrewcockburn7484 I was just going to say this looks just like my old Cannondale super six evo nano frame. I guess Aero is not everything now?
Another great review mate
Glad you enjoyed it!
This is a beautiful bike and I love the traditional design - although I’m not ready to give up my Bianchi Specialissima 😂
Cannot get over the price of this bike. Unreal. Mark up on this must be astronomical.
Then you'll like the Pro and Expert Aethos models more.
@@rlsedition I like the TCR more.
@@Michael-cj9uo No problem. We all have our opinions.
Wish I could afford it. Great review
Look at the Aethos Pro or Expert models.
£10,000!! £1,667 a kg! I think I'll use that money to pay off my Mortgage David!
When you leave this earth the only thing you take is your memories😆
Love to hear what you think after a long term test.
It's kind of like the classic Cervélo R3 08/09 but with disc brakes. That one cost like a quarter of this.
How does the ride compare?
Dear David...! I’m curious about sizing what is your height to be riding a 56cm frame?
If someone says its looks good, which part of aethos frame looks good? Its similar to TCR, cervelo R5, supersix years ago, izalco years ago, and many many of bikes that already exist years ago or 50 years ago also looks like this. So whats so good with this? 🤔 its just look like a normal bike couples of years ago. If you like it just get it, if dont, get the dropped seat stays style then.
A $13,000 lifestyle bike. Comical. But suckers will fall for it.
Exactly... All that feedback... and it's essentially a $13,000 bike for non serious cyclists... LOL
@@paul_hd1875 I like to swim 3.8km (or more), then do 180km solo TTs, and run a marathon immediately afterwards. I do a lot of that training on a road bike. I could buy one of these. Am I a serious enough cyclist to pass your wee gatekeeping test?
Dave Cochrane why would you use this? Unless you’re on climbs. If you’re on climbs, damn I wish I had that much free time to train back to back like that and recover.
BasedGod Strugglin' I’d use it for base and strength training on climbs. It’s a lovely bike; whether it’s a 20,200 NZD lovely bike is entirely another issue.
BasedGod Strugglin' As for the recovery, almost everyone else I know who does Ironman builds to about 25hrs a week of training, on top of work and family. You either choose to do it or you don’t. The key is making it work for those around you.
lol glad i bought a brand new sl5 frame and built it up with top of the line everything for just 4.5k usd . enjoy spending 12k guys and still be slower and less comfy than my tubeless rims
Hey I’d genuinely be interested to know more about your SL5 build as looking to do the same. Can you add more details ie rim or disc? What groupset/wheels/tyres? Any pics? Thanks
First specialized I really want!
Great review David. How does it compare to the new Specialissima? I know the Bianchi has gained weight with the latest version but in terms of ride quality which is better? Which handles better? I think it's a very valid comparison as bot are in use in the Tour de France this year.
I can already hear the weenies screaming with excitement I'm sure they will get this closer to 5kg than 6. When I watched the video I thought the UK hill climb scene would probably be it's natural home but at what 4k for the frameset and disc brakes which they don't really need they can probably stick with rim for a cheaper bike unless they have money to burn. Impressive frame weight for any bike let alone disc.
That group ride must have had well over 100k's worth of bikes!
Can you stick rim brakes on the aethos if you buy a frame?
It’s a beautiful purists bike that only caters to a specific subset of riders who are fit, lightweight, and live near the mountains or hilly terrains.
People mostly buy mountain bikes, not road bikes, due to their ability to go just about anywhere. All road bikes are niche products.
@@rlsedition most people buy hybrid bikes just to exercise with their kids for 1 hr in the evening. Mountain bikes are extremely specific where you don’t need 5 types of road bike for any given discipline. I race, climb, TT, train, Fondo, all on the same bike just using different wheels and saddle/bar configurations.
Great review. Shame this bike doesn't come with Campagnolo. Dura-ace is kinda generic.
2013 Super Six Evo 58cm 6.3 Kg with pedals.
And not a disc brake or associated hydraulic hosing in sight...
This has disc brakes, electronic gears and a power meter and normal clincher tyres so pretty impressive I reckon, so you’re getting more performance/capability
@@davidarthur Sorry that’s not correct is it? Electronic gears, disc and power meters don’t add performance/capability to a cycle , improves the experience possibly. A power meter only adds minimal 50g if you go for pedals. To an experienced cyclist the benefits of disc do not outweigh the drawbacks. Look at the pro’s who have a choice and aren’t incentivised to ride disc. TDF? This year I have predominantly alternated between my C60 rim & C64 Disc while I love the hydraulic actuation of disc (Campagnolo SR eps & Carbon Ti rotors) the added susceptibility to crosswinds is notable as is the brake fade when coming to a dead stop at the bottom of Buttertubs after descending at 55/60mph. At high speeds my Zipp NSW rim brakes provide greater initial bite which I prefer and do not suffer the fade on Buttertubs.
The flood of comments on here about price and features...can we just all agree that you could argue the same about every car that doesn’t satisfy the absolutely bare minimum standards required of a vehicle? If you want a Ferrari and you can afford it, buy one. If you can’t, don’t.
People blow insane amounts on average cars.
This is a top bike with the best components. You could push it to it's limit and still keep your license. Not so with any car.
But like you said if you can afford a Ferrari and want one go for it.
Others would drop multiples of the Aethos' price only to return with COVID.
Ok light for disc compared with Wout’s 8.2kg Cervelo S5, but did you actually weigh it? Others have weighed a size 52 at 6.7kg. Let’s not take Specialized at their word please
@davidarthur @davearthur How far apart are the aethos and the Tcr advanced pro 1 you tested in terms of ride comfort ,handling , climbing and speed, is the Giant say for example 90% of the bike the Aethos is or are they very different bikes in reality despite looking similar!
TCR. For evah!
My 7kg Allez Comp SL DSW is £9k+ cheaper, 26mm tyres, CG-R post, carbon wheels/chainset and in brushed alloy. But this is nice too.
Lol there's slight Nvidia inspiration sprinkled in a bike.. 😂 Founders edition...
Seriously David you literally dropped a bombshell just like how amd did at same moment... What a coincidence!
2019 emonda..? Just high grade carbon!
Love the concept, but can I get a 2-2.5K version. I'm willing to take on 4-4.5 lbs to save 10K.
They didn't target this bike to your needs, but $5200 for the Expert model is not too bad.
Super Review !
Great review
good job Merida
That isnt 6.0kg as pictured though. What is the IRL weight?
About 6.2-6.5 kg
Looks like a TCR
I'll never be able to afford one but I really like the look of this!
Have a Look at Chapter 2 Huru, cheaper, better looking, yeah not as light but easy to build it Sub 6.5kg without the Pricetag only suckers think a Bargain.
@@alexeevfrancoismendoza1891 just had a look and not that much cheaper for the frameset (£750) and the Huru frameset is heavier than most of the new race bikes and over 200g (37%) heavier than the Aethos. So I'd say that bike essentially validates the pricing of the Aethos if you're after a lightweight as opposed to modern race bike.
By the way, I think they're all crazily priced :-) just that using the Huru as a baseline actually makes the Aethos price right in a relative sense.
Nice review David. Does this bike have a rider weight limit?
Thanks Ian. 125kg is the rider weight limit on this bike
@@davidarthur That's a way better weight limit than most lightweight road bikes.
When do you think you’ll have the full review up, this bike is so polarizing. thanks.
So tarmac became venge so that aethos could become tarmac? Lol
I guess in a way that is a good assessment. Is that a bad thing? You can choose aero and light or insanely light and amazing ride quality
@@davidarthur "you can choose" is forgetting that the frameset costs as much as a decent motorcycle :/
More or less a SL5 geometrically no?
@@davidarthur the irony is that specialised merged the two bikes because there was no need to choose!
@@neelsahay5227 I ride motorcycles and $5200 doesn't buy you much.
Feels like the big S just wanted to be like Trek when the Emonda shattered the scales with sub 6kg bikes... Too late to the game, but for those with money to burn, nice bling bling....
There are now two lower priced Aethos models available.
Bike manufacturers will NEVER be too late to the game --- the game never ends.
Understated greatness. Love it!
Great review you sold me but the price is a bit out there. For my dollar and ride quality I’ll stick with my Roubaix
At $20,000 AUD it would need to pump up its own tyres and rub my feet after a ride. It is a nice looking bike, if you like the boring black palette we seem to have a fascination with. Personally I feel it is a shame these high end bikes are so costly, it just makes many of us seem like elitist tossers.
Let’s assume you wanna race this. Let’s just assume. You throw some deep wheels and probably some lead in the seat tube for some weight. Does this feel better than a Venge or a SL7 Tarmac?
That would be an interesting test - make it the same weight as the SL7 and then see how they compare. I reckon there'd still be a ride quality difference, the way it rides likely isn't just down to the low weight
David Arthur - Just Ride Bikes I’d like for this to be a talking point. I’d be curious to see what others say. I’m going for a lightweight bike (cause I can’t afford an aero bike 😂) but it would be an interesting debate.
Good idea! For a non racing yet progressive amateur - structured training, epic mountainous gran fondos, and trying to steal your mates Strava segments, Aethos with aero wheels, tarmac sl7 or split the difference with a TCR?
Thanks Dave what the pro like?
Dave, I am really curious to see the Aethos compared to the upcoming Canyon Ultimate CFR. $4000.00 less for a .5kg difference with tubeless ready DT Swiss wheels and same high-end groupo.
Great, so compare that Canyon model to the Aethos Pro.
@@rlsedition the Canyon CFR comes with DuraAce and the Aethos Pro Ultegra. The Pro also weighs more. Not really the same.
@@WatchMeEDC Fair enough on the DuraAce vs Ultegra, but how would you know the Aethos Pro weighs more? And where's my local Canyon dealer?
@@rlsedition because I have seen, held and and weighed an Aethos Pro in a size 54 full bike with Sram Force eTap in person. Granted I have not done the same for the Canyon but there are plenty of YT channels that have. Ya, direct to consumer is a touchy subject, I get it. I love supporting my LBS but $4000+ more a similar bike with very close frame type, weight and identical components is more than a philosophical or small business support decision.
@@WatchMeEDC I'd say the determining purchase factor is how they both ride, not a specs analysis or price comparison.
So they made a new climbing bike...the "one bike to rule them all" mantra just went down the drain...how is this compared to a TCR Advanced?
www.velonews.com/gear/road-gear/road-bike-of-the-year-giant-tcr-advanced-sl-0/
Velo news says the TCR was the only new bike to approach the Aethos in terms of ride quality. But it's more affordable, and a little bit more aero.
Given in cycling reviews 'everything is awesome' to avoid upsetting bike brands, there seems to be genuine love and enthusiasm for both the TCR and the Aethos!
One again great content from David!
Awesome post David. One of the bikes I am considering, that's a 56 as you say, i'm 5ft 10.5 and can ride either 54 or 56 can I ask what height are you & what size would you recommend for me albeit that is subjective, thanks in advance!
I’m 5’11” and always ride 56 with Specialized fits me perfectly
@@davidarthur Cheers mate, enjoy the rest of w/end & the awesome sunshine I'm from Stratford on Avon but today in your part of the world it was AWESOME; Ebrington/Chipping Campden/Blockley/Moreton/Brailes/Todenham & Paxford to name a few of the places we passed thru were truly MAGNIFICENT!!!
Were you sponsored by the Big S per "ride quality" reference......😉
Ha! Sadly no sponsorship here
@@paulschmidtke425 strong responce keyboard warrior!
@@richscorer your right ,.stupid comment , sorry.have removed
"a new category of bike: superlight ride quality". . . I'd argue my 2016 R5 got there first, 6.5kg, traditional style (not an aero spaceship), amazing climber, comfy as hell...
The R5 also had the combo of aero/squoval & lightweight. Fantastic bike, mine just has some of the known bottom bracket issues
@@krausol2802 Yeah its awesome, its still a very traditional looking frame tho which is what I like, not really interested in Aero to be honest.
Have you tried Wakos when installing your BB? I had loads of issues with my old S5, was told about Wakos and never had a single squeak since, awesome stuff!!
A lighter sl5 with disc brake that only run electronic gearing and no mechanical for 12k?
Spesh is spitting on our face!
Is that a defect in the frame at 5:26 ?
No. Thant is a notch in the seat tube so you can squeeze it with the seat clamp.
Does it come with pedals or do you have to shell out for a set before you even ride it? They claim they're saving the environment by NOT including the pedals with it I bet. This was my experience with my new 2021Diverge Pro Carbon. You can write in to request a set they say. Cheap *******s.
Beware of light weight rims that are not balanced. I experienced a 'death wobble' at high speed on my bike. It took a couple of washings to clean those shorts. I balanced them myself with four good size pieces of split rubber vacuum air hose. Per wheel!! Without this balancing (due to the weight of the valve stem) my rims hopped up and down forcibly when revved up on my stand. Hell, even my old DaVinci twirled around smooth as silk.
And, light weight in a wind is another matter too. Hang on tight.
I still hope for a call from the Specialized rep wrt these unbalanced Roval rims.
Buyer beware is my new motto. Test ride this bike yourself before purchase.
I saved all my life for my one extravagance. ...didn't come with pedals. lol.
Over a ride with flats, hills and descents, do you think its faster than a heavier 6.8kg tarmac or a 7.2 Venge?
Good question, and one I'd like to put to the test. Aero is going to benefit on the flats and it depends how steep the hills are
aero trumps weight almost always, even on most hills. You have to take the whole system weight into account, riders, shoes, kit, water etc
@@cyclingmilan i guess i was thinking that on the flats I'm normally in the draft of another rider or rolling turns, and the only time I'm not is when we are trying to beat our personal PBs on climbs. So i thought as an amateur that doesnt need to follow the 6.8kg rule it might be faster. I'm looking to upgrade my old Venge.
@@chrisvanbuggenum871 when you are rolling turns, wind resistance is still the biggest force to overcome. And up hills as long as they are not too steep or too long, aero is still king. I've heard it said the tipping point is about 9mph, so as long as you go faster, stay on your Venge.
Or sell your Venge, there should be a market for that now, since Specialized doesn't make bikes as fast any more.
There is also something to be said about the feel of a lighter bike.
I understand your situation, but your initial question, on a mixed terrain, there is really no question as to which bike is fastest overall. Similar test where always in favor of the aero bike/wheels/part... over something lighter but less aero.
@@cyclingmilan cheers mate, i might just get a new Venge frame, upgrade to s-works.
Lovely looking bike but what makes it so expensive I'm scratching my head hear.
Weight weenies have to get rid of their super six evo's and get this
Yeaaah sure... Weights exactly the same but you have to spend 10k and get use to hearing ding ding ding (discs rubbing) :D 8 years difference and still worse.
Personally i think it's not gonna be any noticably stiffer than Cannondale super six evo, ss evo frame was around 700g, this one is 600g, while stifness/weight might be better on Spec, when you add weight into equation they are probably identical in bending stifness. So we traveled in time 8 years from the first supersix evo and there is almost no progress in superlight bikes, adding discs doesnt make anything better except profits for those companies, great job Specialized. Btw just look at the Pogacar and Roglic bikes at TdF! great job Specialized ;)
Discs. Weight.
Does it ride better than Cannondale super six evo nano frame or 2013 Tarmac? Comments below are suggesting the aethos is a lot like those bikes.
I don’t like Specialized at all. I don’t understand why. 90% of people are riding Specialized bikes in Miami, 3% Cannondale and 7% other brands as Pinarello, Cervelo and Trek. I love cannondale super six Evo and cannondale system six.
Who said disc bikes are heavy? I'm.curious still about the weight at 56cm still, is that with pedals? My aero disc 56, 38x25 clincher wheels are 1560g without pedals and cages is 7kgs and has dura di2. Even considering the frame weight difference I'm struggling to see under 6.5kgs. The wheels must be around 1kg?
Weight is without pedals. Bike weights are usually always without pedals. Those Roval Alpinist wheels are claimed to be 1,248g so pretty darn light
How do you remove the wheel if you want to change a tube? Do you need to carry a tool?
How does the comfort compare to the 2021 Sworks Roubaix?
Wouldn't a full custom Parlee or 51 be a better option at this price point?
Better is subjective but a Parlee was the brand that sprung to mind when I first saw and rode this bike. I used to own a Z4 and tested several models back in the day and custom carbon would be an interesting alternative
i actually really liked the bike.......
..if they could make it 7 grand cheaper🐸
Exactly. Aero bikes are more expensive because they use more carbon on the wider frame but this one uses even less layers than normal.
They have. The Expert model is $5200.
@@rlsedition They need to put some rim brakes and mechanical shifting on as an option to reduce costs and weight.
But still needs another wheel set to run tubeless?
Reminds me a lot about the open Min.d. Would love for you to review that frame and compare
It's a lot of money for an endurance bike. If you want to be lighter have a pee before you ride and enjoy the cash saved in the pub .
The geometry is the same as the Tarmac so it's pretty racey. Can you pee a couple of kilograms then? ;)
@@davidarthur if I've got 8000 in change to spend on beer I will pee about 50 kg at least and have change for slap up dinner at Mrs Miggins pie shop.
And if you want to drive round the corner, don’t buy a 911.
Whilst take all marketing speak with a serving spoonful of salt. I really like this frame. Aero everything does nothing for me. A lightweight round tubed, disc brake bike, but in carbon. Perfect. Yes the total bike price is high, but buy the frame and still lower components on it, or wait till components go on sale. Most people are not Sagan and thus do not have the same requirements he has. We don't drive F1 cars, nor do we need pro bikes.
if your not into racing but into uphill koms, thats the bike. pretty sweet
I'll bet the pros will be riding this in the mountains.(with added weight)
$12,000 bikes should be lightweight, fast, and perfect
And custom....
When you spec an S-Works model, be prepared to pay for it. There are now two lower priced models of this Aethos available.
@@rlsedition What do you give up when you drop down from S-works?
Any one know if you can buy that Specialized bike support stand?
How tall are you mate? This was a 56cm you got to ride? I rode a 54cm...
I'm 5'11" and it was a 56cm I rode. Fits me like a glove
How much does it weigh David? 😉
Definitely more than 6kg!
So many comments about the price...clearly it’s not marketed to you. Stop hating on how other people decide to spend their money and move on with your life.
Isn't it pronounced "ethos" as in "caesar"?
That’s how the Specialized guys were pronouncing it
@@davidarthur Well, they're American aren't they? If it was Athos why did they put the pretentious 'e' in there?
@@ashleyhouse9690 Because of liscensing issues.
www.cyclingweekly.com/news/product-news/new-specialized-bike-runs-into-a-naming-problem-legal-documents-reveal-469482
@@ashleyhouse9690 it would be lighter without the 'e'
Lovely
Di2 only?
I wonder if Specialized will offer a 1x build as well
That would be cool. The front mech hanger can be removed. Campagnolo Ekar maybe?
@@davidarthur Absolutely. BTW do continue covering these super bikes. It makes for quality content! Even though pricing is astronomical.
Specialized: Let's make a simple frame with a next to nothing paint job, make sure its is just a bit lighter whatever is out there and sell it to the sucker for twice the price.... Kaching!!! $$$
Luxury cars have been doing this for years lol
And Harley Davidson
SL7 new owners killing themselves enmass. The big S tucked them up with this one.
Well, the SL7 is still a quicker bike due to the aero design so if racing or ultimate speed is your thing, the Tarmac is the better choice
@@davidarthur maybe. But the obsessed instant upgrade types who by and large inhabit weight weenies and the like will be thinking about this on weight alone. Personally having worked with Specialized in the past think this launch a bit naughty in terms of timing mate.
I do think the two bikes appeal to different people
Looks like an Open Min.d, same concept - create a bike for the love of riding.
The Miata of bikes.
Rather get the Canyon EVO...which weight the same or less, but cost $4K less!
No, Canyon doesn't offer a frame at 588 g.
can it do gravel?
Ride quality, eh? Seems like that's all any of the review sites have to say about this bike (other than the obvious lightweight). What does that even mean? Why not just say its uber light and be done with it?
Because it involves more than just light weight. A light frame is no good if it doesn't have sufficient rigidity, and it appears this Aethos has both qualities in spades.
I've test rode the aethos and other lightweight aero bikes. The aethos feels a bit different, in a good way. You kind of have to try it to see for yourself.