You have the S-Works Crux which is 95% of the Aethos. Keep the SL7 and sell the Aethos. Then you have a bike that can do everything well in the Crux and a bike that can rip up the tarmac at high speed.

Æthos is a bike between the SL and the Crux meaning that it can do a little bit of what the latter do. If you cannot keep all three, keep the ones on the extremes and let the former go.

I'd take the Aethos over the SL7 any day. Better handling, lighter, easier to work on, less branding, better looking. It's a classic road bike. The SL7 will look dated in two years, the Aethos will always be cool.

Keep the bike that makes you happy and excited to ride, remember that it’s that it’s the goal.

I tried both on the same day on the same 6 km course around the bike shop. After the run up the first minor hill I knew I‘d buy the Aethos. The handling was just so incredible that I did not at all care about the Tarmac anymore. Did not feel the same snappiness with the Tarmac. Plus, my arms hurt after only 6 km with the Tarmac, but not with the Aethos. So no-brainer for me. YMMV.

I have watched you're several videos on the Aethos and SL7, but I honestly believe that you have answered your own questions. If everything is a 10 with the Aethos and you're kind of done with the "Aero" look, keep the Aethos. I do understand you're dilemma and second guessing, I have the same issue... drives my wife crazy! Good luck with your decision... and just listen to your heart. I hope to get an Aethos myself... it's everything I'm looking for. Keep up the good work with the videos!

Great feedback, this is why you keep me checking in. Interesting to see what you do with your decision.

I have an SL6, that I customized to be more aggressive and brought down to about 16.4lbs with 38mm climber wheels and an areo zipp bar. I liked how it was a bit more relaxed from the SL7, so I get the Aethos appeal, especially the way you have set it up. For me comfort and ride quality are key, so I'd say Aethos. But the SL7, if you like the very aggressive position, is probably the better bike.

I have S-Works Tarmac SL7, it is just simply a fantastic bike. It provides everything I want from a road bike. Pure joy of riding. Have been hesitating of also buying a Aethos as a climbing bike and for endurance ride, but could never convince myself. Honestly, if you already own SL7, you don’t really need another road bike (except for gravel).

That point you made about the Aethos having minimal branding, and not looking like a billboard is spot on. The first bike that comes to mind is the Madone SLR with that enormous 'Trek' logo on the down tube.

I had an SL7, loved it, but I was tempted by the simplistic vibe of the Aethos since I am like you in that I am primarily a hardcore enthusiast. Got the Aethos and love it!! Such a solid bike. However I am now wondering if I should have kept my SL7. Not because I dislike my Aethos, but because I got a bad habit of changing things up too often… always thinking/looking for the next/better thing. What I just keep telling myself now is that my Aethos is awesome and I need to stick with it for a couple years. Human nature is hard to please. Being content is a struggle and I admit I am working on it:-) I am also so spoiled in that I even get to ride these super bikes🙏 Best of luck finding peace ✌️

bought an Aethos pro last august for many of the reasons mentioned for the higher model. its a great ride after the previous 2016 BMC - which still feels great when I ride it - and very different. I like the Aethos because it avoids so many of the other default assumptions of other road bikes with very little downside for most riders.

The Aethos will be much easier to maintain in the future, due to non-proprietary parts (for the most part). I bought one that reason and the reasons you mentioned here and love it.

Honestly, you should keep both. I have an S-Works Aethos and Tarmac SL7 Expert. I bring out the Aethos on casual rides and the Tarmac on rides when we plan on hammering it for a good chunk of the ride

I've never tried the Aethos but I've owned many other brands. I've had a Bianchi Oltre XR4, Orbea Orca, BH Ultralight, BMC SLR01, Argon 18 Gallium Pro, Look 695, just to name a few, and I always keep coming back to the Tarmac. I've owned 4 of them in between these other bikes starting with an SL2, SL3, SL5, and now the SL6 which I got down to 15.9 lbs. It has just been a bike that fits me best and feels most responsive in every way. It's light, fast, can climb, descend, and to me seems like the all-around bike. Again, I can't speak to the Aethos but the Tarmac does it for me. With so many specialized (no pun intended) bikes out there, the Tarmac seems to do it all very well.

I’ve recently swapped my roubaix comp for a tarmac sl7 expert and then swapped out the c38 for some zipp 404 firecrest. My main concern was going from a super comfy bike like the roubaix to the sl7 would feel to harsh on the road. But with the addition of some comfier bar tape and going tubeless my concerns have gone away completely, the sl7 is fast comfortable and always puts a smile on face.

Put them both up for sale and see which one sells first 😉 I think your gut feel is keep the tarmac….you know it makes sense 👍

I’ve gone through the same dilemma having both the Aethos and Crux, I think it comes down to having 2 bikes that are very different. Aside from the tire size, the aethos feels just like my crux so you’re probably feeling some of that overlap. If you are torn, put them both up for sale and sell what sells first. The fact you do group ride I would imagine having the fastest bike even if it’s slighter faster is important, also another reason to keep the SL7. I have a ton of climbing by my and no group rides, therefore right now the Aethos makes better sense for me than the Sl7 I want so bad.

Hi nice video. Im curious have you tried the Cannondale supersix Evo 2021/2022, heard it has the best handling

I just built an SL7, I really struggled between the decision between Aethos and SL7 and coming from.a Cannondale SuperSix Evo I decided I really wanted a Race bike not just a comfortable road bike that was really fast! I want to feel and look fast! SL7 All the Way!!

You say about the Aethos, "It handles better, it looks better, and it's more comfortable". I think you answered your own question. Ordinarily, someone lists three and expects to pick two. You've got all three. Winner! I'm guessing the race-lineage of the Tarmac is pulling on your emotions. Everyone wants the 'faster' bike, whether real or perceived. When you roll with your buddies, the Tarmac generates more cred, I'll guess, though when blindfolded, the Aethos might win.

Can’t speak for other people, but I was hanging a bit between Aethos and Tarmac (the Comp models, couldn’t afford the more expensive ones). For me the widely used standard parts sold the Aethos, especially during these times when bike parts in general are difficult to get. Also, I don’t race or do trails (ie. Crux), so Aethos looked like an endurance bike on steroids that can handle some gravel roads, if needed. Just what I was looking for (Caledonia was another candidate but it was out of stock)! My previous bike is CAAD9 from 2010. Unfortunately I only managed around 90 miles before winter hit here in Eastern Finland, eagerly waiting for the snow to melt and start the new season.

I've been following all of your videos closely, as we seem to have a very similar taste is bikes and cycling shoes! super curious what you end up keeping. I'm building a Venge now, and want something to go along side that for the loner days in the saddle, where I don't need the hardcore aero frame. Can't decided if it's the comfy Aethos I want, or the do it all SL7 ! a very hard choice and an expensive one at the end of the day, so want to get it right ! Looking forward to following the debate !

Hey man, great videos, really helpful on the bike comparison info. I went and got a aethos. Now I'm looking to spend some money on training, would you know any good online training courses for road biking?

I would keep both but put the Aethos back to what it’s supposed to be, a light weight bike, ditch the deep heavy wheels and go back to light weight climbing wheels, if you don’t live in an area with hills or mountains then part with it and keep the Tarmac, it’s not a bad problem to have!

Hello! Finally! Someone with ceramicspeed bearings in their Enve wheelset alloy hub! How much faster do they roll vs stock? Please advise.. pretty please! Thank you 🙏🏻

I would definitely keep the SL7 and sell the Aethos. Strictly based on you having the Crux already. I really would love to own the Aethos as it's probably my dream bike but I still think you should sell it. But my #1 dream bike is the Crux and think that would serve me well for gravel and a little bit of tar.

So many tarmacs out there. It’s refreshing to see the aethos. Many won’t know what it is. I’m leaning aethos though I’ve never ridden one.

Put both up for sale at the same time. You keep what doesn't sell first.

Both amazing bikes. Difficult decision! Ultimately when you go riding which bike tends to sit more? I know they may be used for different purposes

Both great bikes, go with the SL7 for integration, thats what sold me.

Keep the Aethos! The bike is the best all-rounder. This bike changed MY (cycling) life!

I've got just 245 klms from 5 spins on my Aethos 61 cms Dura Ace since new 04/09/22. I'm 56 and don't expect ever to own or ride a better bike. I'll have a full bike fitting probably mid-Summer when I'll probably need a longer stem; I'm 197 cms 83 kgs. Otherwise I'll change nothing.

My LBS told me I was the first Aethos buyer in Sacramento, which gives a hint how stoked I was about it and all the universal love it was getting. About 1,000 miles later (yup, me too), I sold it. Not because it's not a great bike, it's just not great ... for me. My creaky, ever less flexy old body demands endurance geometry.

There's no right answer but I would keep the Tarmac - it's closer to being the complete packade, which I think is what you're looking for.

pop the ENVE 4.5 AR's on the SL7... you will up the comfort of the SL7 and not regret it. that's the combo i'm running :)

I would keep the aethos, I just love the clean look of it 😜

It’s like asking if you should keep a 911 GT3 or Turbo S.

Sell the Aethos if you keeping the crux. I have a 10r Crux in size 52 fully built with pedals and 2 cages at 15.87lbs. And that is with a heavy tube in the rear right now. Now I have a QR SR6 for fast rolling rides and a weekend climber that is lighter than my previous R5 disc. I throw some gravel tires and I instantly have 3 bikes. Before buying mine I watched your videos and ended up with one. So thanks.

you already have a crux. id get ride of the aethos, since theyre pretty similar.

Keep the SL7 for the obvious need for speed bug that bites. Also, the Aethos can look like a Chinese knockoff from 20 feet away. If you want comfort, the sofa is always there after you smash a ride.

You convinsed me to buy the Aethos. If the Aethos is the best bike you have ever ridden. Just keep the Aethos!

Seems like you're more comfortable with the Tarmac, if it ain't broke don't break it

If you are having trouble selling the SL7, put them both up for sale. keep the one that doesn't sell first?

First they’re totally different bikes but you make it similar by changing the wheels and the stem that mean you make the eathos a faster bike which is not it’s a climb bike and the tarmac it’s more design for flat and speed rides

16 lbs with pedals and 2 cages, gos mount and everyday ridable is about right.

I'd keep the better handling, better comfort and aesthetically pleasing Aethos. Unless you are regularly railing corners in a Crit or something, the SL7 isn't the better bike. The Aethos is the better bike in more circumstances. At least, for the enthusiast, occasional racer.

Having the Crux and the SL7 the Aethos is kind of redundant in your garage. Even though I personally prefer the Aethos, in your situation it seems a better call to sell it.

Build the SL7 as aero as possible, (1x12 with enve 7.8) and build the aethos as light as possible. (Sub 6kg) Then you can justify both

“handles better and more comfortable” - that makes Aethos the champ IMO - but I don’t race

Hate to see the Aethos go. I am bias because I ride one as well. I do not know much about the Crux, but if it is meeting the same needs as the Aethos and allows for gravel with current set up then maybe selling the Aethos is the way to go. If it was me I would keep the Aethos and the SL7, I like look of both bikes. That is my 2 cents.

I'd wait for the SL8 :); Aethos is timeless; SL may not;

Aethos vs Tarmac was never intended to be a topic nor is it now. They are very different arrows in the quiver. Many Tarmac enthusiasts bought the aethos just to have it alongside their tarmac. I love my Aethos and will never sell it. Depending on my ride route and mood, I will ride my Aethos or my Melee. (I ditched my SL& for the Melee and love it)

My Birthday is in AUGUST . So if it's a 54cm . When u get older u need a lighter bike . Will gladly take the Roval Alphinist Wheel Set . Taking up donations now . Cheers . Apparently the Aethos decends better than the SL7

Keep them all and get an S works Diverge for chunkier gravel rides. How many bikes are enough? N+1!😂

Honestly the whole issue that the SL7 had with the headset, it ruined the reputation of the SL7 and might make it hard to sell even if its fixed. You might be forced to keep the SL7 as people will only want it for cheap.

I think your problem here was trying to make an Aethos aero… at 14lbs you’d choose that Aethos up any climb over the SL7. Depends where you shine as a rider

To be honest . What you need is a pianrello dogma F . I have sl7 and chip nk1k and dogma . Pianrello dogma just do everything and it’s just that much special when ridding out out with friend . For 5 digit bike … there is no way choosing between these two

Put the both up for sale and whatever sells first keep the other one

Keep them all for awhile and just ride them.

Well the Athos to me as it is brilliant.

Chose the one which suits your driving style. Are you racing? Tarmac is the way to go. I am more the sportive driver and therefore have chosen the Aethos.

I think you meant 75-100 a week not year

Ok, I will share my perspective on the aethos. The bike looks good and very stylish and light. the lightness of the bike has a couple of limitations though. the first one is that the front of the bike is light, the rear is not and hence you don't feel that you can though it where you want when sprinting. the second limitation is the front rub. when out of the saddle, the bike has a very annoying rub from the front because of the flex of the fork. besides, there is something with the geometry that is not right. the reach is short leading to longer stems and hence affecting the weight distribution. I have the rival rapids on mine and they are doing ok. at the price point of the swork, i think that the tarmac is a better choice. it is just more agile and racy and gives this feeling of keeping you at the edge as compared to the aethos. You don't look like a social rider and neither I am. my choice to get the aethos was for the same exact reasons and I regret that. I would opt for a race bike or would go to the lower end aethos and will use it for a social coffee ride on a Sunday afternoon. I thought the look of the bike would make me feel good...I was wrong, it is the raciness factor that brings me the feel-good factor.

What size?

Give the Aethos to your 200,000th subscriber, if not higher. Get that number up and the bike will pay you back.

I don't think Specialized set out to build a 'better' Tarmac with the Aethos. Completely different bikes. I would stick with the Aethos. Also, don't agree at all on the wheels. The Roval Alpinist are awesome wheels. I have Enve's on my other bikes (3.4s). They are great, but again, very different purposes. I also went with Dura Ace as I know it will last.

Good video

Put the enve wheels on the tarmac and keep the tarmac. Tarmac is just too fast to get rid of

If it's a 10/10 then what's a Crux perfection 11/10 lol Must have been a hard sponsorship video

32km per day on average? yeah that's not average my dude, that's a lot

If as you say all being equal; Then-->care and maintenance = Aethos.

As a staunch supporter of the SL7 and a true believer in its beauty and greatness, I think you should sell the SL7 and stick with the Aethos. If you really think the Aethos, with its gangly exposed cabling and 1990’s round tubing, is better looking than the sleek, fierce, powerful and commanding stance of the SL7, then the Aethos is where you belong. You’ve come so far from the days when you insisted the Venge was the only bike worth riding 🤣 🤣🤣

Well you said comfortable is better looks better handles better , take the atheos if not send it me

Keep the aethos. It's just a simpler bike. Plus EVERYONE has an SL7, it's specialize's hottest road bike. The Aethos is a bit more special in my eyes

I would keep the tarmac %100

Sell it, if you want to climb, put some climbing wheels on the sexy CRUX 🤗

Do you work for Specialized?

Sell it and get the sl5 rim brake and weight weenie that shiiiiiz

there is a reason why Tarmac is the best selling road bike.

You only ride 75-100 miles a year? Must have taken a long time to turn 1,000 miles. I know you really meant to say a week instead of a year . . .

I have a athos pro i put the Roval rapide clx and now i have a great bike but i love the look of the Tarmac no câbles

It "looks better, handles better and is more comfortable". With the right components (which you now have) that's 99% of what a bike needs to be. I'm confused...

You do a helluva job with your content but selling any bike is blasphemy!! 😜

Bigger guy at 180 😭😭😭

KEEP SL7. You race occasionally. Aethos aint about it. SL7 climbs and race.

That bike is extremely overprice.. I bought a KTM XC250 for thousands less than an S-Works

I hate to say it but probably the best bike for you was the Tarmac SL6 which you obviously can't buy new ,so like other replies you've had ,if its really hilly where you live stick with the Aethos or if you can keep both ..........

Must be nice

Not racing - I say Aethos stays.

Keep the Tarmac

Dude last video hating on the aero look then gets aero wheels 😑

sell the tarmac, it’s too chad

More money than sense!

Sell both and buy a venge. :)

Late to the party, fashionably late. The harsh truth? Your Aethos build is fat. It's a svelt machine and you loaded it up on carbs. No wonder you're getting buyer's remorse. Put it on a diet, shed a kilo, then reassess. Mine comes in at 14.08 lbs with pedals, cages, sealant. Google Bike Ahead Bitrubo Road wheels. Makes the Aethos a work of art. Light, fast, and drop-dead gorgeous. Get a lighter saddle. Ditch the Venge stem. Never had a bike this responsive and fun to ride. It turns heads. I love riding (racing) it in traffic. It only becomes slightly twitchy a slow speeds. It loves to go fast. It descends like a dream, with aggressive confidence.

48/35, that is so unusable in the real world.

Both 😋 n+1

Sell me the aethos.

Sell the Aethos. Take a $5k loss, at least. Go out and buy the next new SWorks whatever 2023 model, "upgrade" everything, then sell it. Rinse and repeat. They love you.