I just bought an Aethos. I also own one endurance bike and one gravel bike. An Aethos with a longer wheelbase and slacker geometry will not be the same Aethos. Plus an Aethos with endurance geometry exists already. It’s the Crux
Thank you for all the bike reviews the past 12 months, personally been really helpful in cementing my choice on two bikes, Canyon Grizel and Fairlight Strael. Happy new year to you David.
I'm a lightweight person but owned Cervelo S and De Roas SK aero road bike due my aero choice to go faster on flat and love long alpine climbs. After switching to a tarmac SL7 and it has been the best of both worlds and I won't change anything. It is very comfortable for 4-5 hrs ride, aero to go fast and lighter for climbs
Much love for a CAAD14. Zero love for turning it into an aluminum Synapse SE. There's already an alu Synapse, the carbon one fits 35mm, and the Supersix Evo SE/CX & CAADX already exist. What the CAAD14 needs to be is a legitimate aluminum road race option again. The current one is as aero as a sideways barn and tame as a tiger. Sure, it needs 32mm clearance in this day and age, but it also needs to be an Allez Sprint competitor to be desireable again. And it wouldnt hurt to make several with Reserve Wheels instead of the literal boat anchors most of them come with these days. Literally more desireable imo for it to be $150 cheaper and just not come with wheels than the "meant to be replaced" R470 wheelsets.
I would love to see a cannondale caad 14 but back to the geometry of the caad12 but with aero tweaks and greater tire clearance. Basically the caadx but with aero optimization
@ I really have no clue what makes a road bike perform as intended but something about the caad12 is so much fun!! Fun to look at and really fun to ride!! I have 3 of them🤣🤣🤣🤣
@@SuperCanonshooterI agree mate I have a CAAD12 too. Always one of my favs good all rounder. It’s one of the best rim brake bikes out there. Which BB you using btw good sir
Totally agree with @Quizmate1......an Aethos with endurance geometry! But please keep the standard seatpost, bar, stem, etc. Also, a Synapse without the light/radar system please!
I messaged the Cannondale Team about the CAAD14 no news yet 😢 Hi (name) Thanks for your interest in the CAAD range. There is no current news on an upcoming CAAD14 model. Once there is I can guarantee it will be well publicised. The new S6 Evo range is threaded so trend wise I imagine your hope is well placed. Kind regards, Emily
I have an Alu bike. It’s about 8kg for 58 cm. I love it. Rides great. I rode some carbon bikes but I never felt the urge to change. Love my aluminum bike.
Specialized has poor distrubition networks and business operations practices. The Aethos is in abundance in Asia from Specialized official stores and a quick check on the Singapore website shows at least 2 colurways in size 49. Please come and clear them out.
Time to ignore the big brands, and buy other brands.......in the UK that means Mason, Fairlight, Stanforth, Temple et al...... Regards the Domane and the Isospeed seatpost, the Hardtail Procaliber used to have it, but has now been replaced by Isobow
If they launch a new Synapse they need to offer a HiMod version like they did with the outgoing model which was a fantastic bike. Also, if they decide to stick with Smart Sense it should be offered as an optional extra only
I read that the Specialized Roubaix generation prior to the SL8 was more aero than the Venge Series 1, so either the Roubaix IS aero or the S1 Venge turned out to be not that aero after all! Maybe an official Future Shock deletion option for the Roubaix is the answer?
Very important to consider the macro picture. All bike companies are reducing inventory, cutting SKUs and struggling to outflank China inc. whose quality is getting better and better.
If Specialized bring back the Venge I personally feel like it makes things confusing with the Tarmac and Athos still being there. I guess you just go back to the aero, climbing and endurance bike model in your lineup?
I don't think Specialized is going to broaden their range of bikes as far as you suggest. Maybe an updated Roubaix and Diverge. Return of the Venge more likely than anything else. Anyway, who knows
WTH David?! The Smartsense stuff on the Cannondale Synapse and Topstone models has always been optional. You could always buy various models with full, partial or none of the Garmin lighting and radar stuff.
A Domane without the suspension, and lighter would be awesome. With the wider tires, etc there is no need for extra complexity/maintenance, cost, and weight of a suspension systems anymore. Trek and Specialized (Roubaix) are just looking for ways to leverage prior R & D and to differentiate their bikes with unnecessary tech...
The other day at my local Cannondale dealer a little birdie told me that the Super X will be coming back soon🚀 The Topsones are also getting a major frame update.
Hoping for just a minor update on the Grizl. Internal routing would be ok but not necessary, maybe the same solution for fork mounts like on the grail, in frame storage, and a shorther frame would be cool. Please dont make it longer and incredibly ugly like the Grizl on. 50mm Tyre clearance is cool. 2.1 official Tyre clearance would also be nice but not necessary
the niche overload is getting silly, amirite. the best bikes are built up from FRAMESETS by people who are experienced and know exactly what they want , part by part, for the exact riding they do. biggest problem, imo, is so many complete bikes sold have a bunch of stuff I want, but also a bunch of stuff I don't, which then become deal breakers.
I couldn't agree with you more. As I get older, I build to my needs as things change, my riding style, and the geographic area to which I live. I never overspend with things on my bike that are wastes of money and materials. 100% Satisfaction, no disappointment. Tailored specifically to what I want. Be patient, do it smart, you'll be very happy. Don't buy into the hype.
The S5 is long overdue for a refresh. The colorways are crap and they're asking $7500 for the Impressions of Paris frameset. The stock handlebar widths are terrible and it's $400 to replace the handlebar right off the bat - for example, a size 58 gets a 44cm which nobody is using on an aero bike. They need to redo it with an adjustable handlebar and a T47A to get it in line with the rest of the Cervelo line-up, as well as the integrated storage found on the new P-Series because saddle bags aren't aero, and shoving your spares in the frame actually adds stiffness to the BB.
I keep pushing for a LAB71 Caad 13 but maybe that will be the 14? Also better specs on it like they did initially with the 13 (Sram Force,carbon wheels etc) rather than being the budget cheaper version of their carbon bikes!
I would take a well made, hydroformed aluminum frame with a bb threaded right into the shell over a low end carbon bike that is not well made, and doesn't even have the benefits of the material all day.
I specifically didn't get another canondale when upgrading my current rim brake synapse because of smartsense. Already have a Varia. Make of that what you will.
@@seanmccuen6970 It always fails, it prevents internal routing at the front end, it adds weight. Literally no one wants it. The Roubaix and Diverge are ruined by it. Im hoping at last they are going to ditch it and redev both those bikes into what they could be!.
I like the Synapse and Topstone but bought the Look 765 endurance bike instead because I simply hate the whole smartsense system. Bulky, ugly meh battery life, weak front and rear lights. I have my preferred bright, long lasting lights, so why pay for that system. Really disappointed as I wanted that bike. They dropped the ball there. I won’t buy the Topstone for my gravel bike for the same reasons, even though I like the simple kingpin rear suspension. On another note, Specialized are out of their minds with the cost to value proposition given their pricing/specs. Wouldn’t even consider one.
An Aethos with endurance geometry, continued utilisation of partial internal cable routing and standard seatpost, bar, and stem would be welcome.
Agreed, I'd love an Aethos, but where it shares its geometry with the Tarmac it's far too aggressive for my ageing body 😂
I just bought an Aethos. I also own one endurance bike and one gravel bike. An Aethos with a longer wheelbase and slacker geometry will not be the same Aethos. Plus an Aethos with endurance geometry exists already. It’s the Crux
@coralsaddiction4598 Fair point! "I'd like a Porsche 911 GT3, but front mount the engine and make it 4WD". That's not a Porsche GT3 any longer 🤣
@@PercyTP5161 I do love my Caledonia for long rides 40+miles. Aethos is for shorter fun rides.
Basically a Crux. 😂
Thank you for all the bike reviews the past 12 months, personally been really helpful in cementing my choice on two bikes, Canyon Grizel and Fairlight Strael. Happy new year to you David.
New Diverge. No gimmicks please just a fun gravel bike with bigger clearance and bag mounts.
Very helpful advice as always keep up the great videos all the best for 2025 🚴♂️👍
I'm a lightweight person but owned Cervelo S and De Roas SK aero road bike due my aero choice to go faster on flat and love long alpine climbs. After switching to a tarmac SL7 and it has been the best of both worlds and I won't change anything. It is very comfortable for 4-5 hrs ride, aero to go fast and lighter for climbs
Much love for a CAAD14. Zero love for turning it into an aluminum Synapse SE. There's already an alu Synapse, the carbon one fits 35mm, and the Supersix Evo SE/CX & CAADX already exist.
What the CAAD14 needs to be is a legitimate aluminum road race option again. The current one is as aero as a sideways barn and tame as a tiger. Sure, it needs 32mm clearance in this day and age, but it also needs to be an Allez Sprint competitor to be desireable again.
And it wouldnt hurt to make several with Reserve Wheels instead of the literal boat anchors most of them come with these days. Literally more desireable imo for it to be $150 cheaper and just not come with wheels than the "meant to be replaced" R470 wheelsets.
New Trek Boone? New Giant TCX? UDH for the Aethos? My thoughts at least…great video and looking forward to what you bring us in 2025, Happy New Year🥂
I would love to see a cannondale caad 14 but back to the geometry of the caad12 but with aero tweaks and greater tire clearance. Basically the caadx but with aero optimization
@ I really have no clue what makes a road bike perform as intended but something about the caad12 is so much fun!! Fun to look at and really fun to ride!! I have 3 of them🤣🤣🤣🤣
@@SuperCanonshooterI agree mate I have a CAAD12 too. Always one of my favs good all rounder. It’s one of the best rim brake bikes out there. Which BB you using btw good sir
Totally agree with @Quizmate1......an Aethos with endurance geometry! But please keep the standard seatpost, bar, stem, etc. Also, a Synapse without the light/radar system please!
I messaged the Cannondale Team about the CAAD14 no news yet 😢
Hi (name)
Thanks for your interest in the CAAD range. There is no current news on an upcoming CAAD14 model. Once there is I can guarantee it will be well publicised. The new S6 Evo range is threaded so trend wise I imagine your hope is well placed.
Kind regards,
Emily
When is the new Dura Ace due?
i want a more affordable SL version of the trek checkmate
That light and crap on the synapse is an eyesore and a reason why I look past it.
I have an Alu bike. It’s about 8kg for 58 cm. I love it. Rides great. I rode some carbon bikes but I never felt the urge to change. Love my aluminum bike.
Five years after launch, and the S-Works Aethos frameset is still sold out most of the time in the size 49. 🤔
They need to make a 44
Specialized has poor distrubition networks and business operations practices. The Aethos is in abundance in Asia from Specialized official stores and a quick check on the Singapore website shows at least 2 colurways in size 49. Please come and clear them out.
@@kimwarner6050 they need to change the whole geometry chart but that will be rather expensive and going not Trek way but Pinarello way
Time to ignore the big brands, and buy other brands.......in the UK that means Mason, Fairlight, Stanforth, Temple et al......
Regards the Domane and the Isospeed seatpost, the Hardtail Procaliber used to have it, but has now been replaced by Isobow
If they launch a new Synapse they need to offer a HiMod version like they did with the outgoing model which was a fantastic bike. Also, if they decide to stick with Smart Sense it should be offered as an optional extra only
Interesting! Hope U test the Scott Addict soon!😊
I read that the Specialized Roubaix generation prior to the SL8 was more aero than the Venge Series 1, so either the Roubaix IS aero or the S1 Venge turned out to be not that aero after all! Maybe an official Future Shock deletion option for the Roubaix is the answer?
Very important to consider the macro picture. All bike companies are reducing inventory, cutting SKUs and struggling to outflank China inc. whose quality is getting better and better.
I don't understand why don't brands re-release models of popular bikes?... There is clearly a market for certain models like the Venge etc
considering the checkmate is lighter than the domane I hope we see a new SLR.
Will we see a new CAAD with a threaded BB I’ll be the first to buy one 😎
And better welds! Trek showed it is possible with the current Emonda ALR, even on very sculpted (as far as alloy goes) areas.
If Specialized bring back the Venge I personally feel like it makes things confusing with the Tarmac and Athos still being there.
I guess you just go back to the aero, climbing and endurance bike model in your lineup?
I don't think Specialized is going to broaden their range of bikes as far as you suggest. Maybe an updated Roubaix and Diverge. Return of the Venge more likely than anything else. Anyway, who knows
Where is our ride review of the Seka Spear??
Okay idea.... The Venge, as an aero gravel bike
Venge was the best looking bike specialised ever made.
WTH David?! The Smartsense stuff on the Cannondale Synapse and Topstone models has always been optional. You could always buy various models with full, partial or none of the Garmin lighting and radar stuff.
I think that scott will launch advanture gravel #endurance bike.
Lightweight all the way. I can’t go fast but I still have to ride hills!
Cannondale have a lot of not updated models, even their cyclocross SuperX needs an update, T47 bottombracket and so on.
the new SuperX is coming this year, there are videos on youtube and ted king has been spotted riding it, including gravel world champs
A Domane without the suspension, and lighter would be awesome. With the wider tires, etc there is no need for extra complexity/maintenance, cost, and weight of a suspension systems anymore. Trek and Specialized (Roubaix) are just looking for ways to leverage prior R & D and to differentiate their bikes with unnecessary tech...
The Everyperson aethos and a simplified domane would be on my lost
The other day at my local Cannondale dealer a little birdie told me that the Super X will be coming back soon🚀 The Topsones are also getting a major frame update.
All SuperX bikes (evo, evo SE/CX) will be updated?
Was about to say same thing
Yes you can see the new SE/CX model in Ted Kings latest video and and some press leaked photos, still got the AI rear wheel...
Hoping for just a minor update on the Grizl. Internal routing would be ok but not necessary, maybe the same solution for fork mounts like on the grail, in frame storage, and a shorther frame would be cool. Please dont make it longer and incredibly ugly like the Grizl on.
50mm Tyre clearance is cool. 2.1 official Tyre clearance would also be nice but not necessary
Aero all the way!
the niche overload is getting silly, amirite.
the best bikes are built up from FRAMESETS by people who are experienced and know exactly what they want , part by part, for the exact riding they do.
biggest problem, imo, is so many complete bikes sold have a bunch of stuff I want, but also a bunch of stuff I don't, which then become deal breakers.
I couldn't agree with you more. As I get older, I build to my needs as things change, my riding style, and the geographic area to which I live. I never overspend with things on my bike that are wastes of money and materials. 100% Satisfaction, no disappointment. Tailored specifically to what I want. Be patient, do it smart, you'll be very happy. Don't buy into the hype.
After just watching the into: VENGE!
I've been waiting for a Synapse reboot. I'm not a fan of the current Smart Sense. I hope Cannondale ditches it altogether.
The S5 is long overdue for a refresh. The colorways are crap and they're asking $7500 for the Impressions of Paris frameset. The stock handlebar widths are terrible and it's $400 to replace the handlebar right off the bat - for example, a size 58 gets a 44cm which nobody is using on an aero bike. They need to redo it with an adjustable handlebar and a T47A to get it in line with the rest of the Cervelo line-up, as well as the integrated storage found on the new P-Series because saddle bags aren't aero, and shoving your spares in the frame actually adds stiffness to the BB.
The last generation Domane (Gen 4) was in 2023, not 2022.
I keep pushing for a LAB71 Caad 13 but maybe that will be the 14?
Also better specs on it like they did initially with the 13 (Sram Force,carbon wheels etc) rather than being the budget cheaper version of their carbon bikes!
New Cannondale synapse would be great , not too relaxed,
I would take a well made, hydroformed aluminum frame with a bb threaded right into the shell over a low end carbon bike that is not well made, and doesn't even have the benefits of the material all day.
Still waiting on caad 14
I specifically didn't get another canondale when upgrading my current rim brake synapse because of smartsense. Already have a Varia. Make of that what you will.
I’ve said it for years spesh just need to ditch futureshock. Aethos is fine as it is.
no way I'd ride that futureshock, not even if it was highly effective. I can't even reconcile the concept.
@@seanmccuen6970 It always fails, it prevents internal routing at the front end, it adds weight. Literally no one wants it. The Roubaix and Diverge are ruined by it. Im hoping at last they are going to ditch it and redev both those bikes into what they could be!.
The synapse broke going around Australia . He spent half of his time on the super six
Are you serious??? Wow
We’ve been predicting the new CAAD14 a couple of years or more , get on with it Cannondale!
Caad14 definetly. Now on sale most caad13...
It was never hardwired into the bike. You can remove it and put a cap over the area where the battery is.
It was stupid.
The cadd 14 needs to be left alone ❌ I think your reaching a bit with your predictions 😂
New Grizl end of Jan 2025
We need an updated V4RS, a do it all bike. Most of us are not suited to Y1RS.
Just use the crux
1st of 2025. Boom. Am taking the rest of the year off now.
I like the Synapse and Topstone but bought the Look 765 endurance bike instead because I simply hate the whole smartsense system. Bulky, ugly meh battery life, weak front and rear lights. I have my preferred bright, long lasting lights, so why pay for that system. Really disappointed as I wanted that bike. They dropped the ball there. I won’t buy the Topstone for my gravel bike for the same reasons, even though I like the simple kingpin rear suspension.
On another note, Specialized are out of their minds with the cost to value proposition given their pricing/specs. Wouldn’t even consider one.
Cannondale synapse is the cheapest ultrgra Di2 bike I can find. $5000 CAD in sporting life, thx to its weight
1:58 The Smartsense can be easily removed. Bought a Synapse Carbon 3L 2 months ago for 1900€ and sold the whole Smartsense stuff for 250€ on ebay.
CAAD14
I absolutely cannot think of anything less exciting than a new Specialized. Boring bikes from a morally questionable company. I'd rather walk.
Where are the road bikes, i only see bs disc brake gravel bikes.
Watch for the "reVenge" in 2026
I started hating specialized when they discontinued the venge