New road bike. What's your desire ?

[blizzard]

Stopped by Planet Cycles this morning to look at an Aethos. Unfortunately now need an Aethos.

Apart from the alloy bars and lack of PM it’s about perfect for me.

What's the cost for an Aethos, whenever I've looked at Specialized's pricing they are normally a decent chunk more than their competitors equivalent bikes for similar spec but I suspect there is substantial discounts available in store.

As for Specialized dealers, the couple times I've been into Planet Cycles I didn't have great customer service as opposed to Bicycle Riders in Morningside who were super helpful buying a new saddle.

PS. If you are going a lightweight externally routed bike, the previous TCR Advanced SL frame is another consideration on huge discount, then you can build it to your exact spec.

[warthog1]

I like the SL8, but not the price!

[Mr Purple]

Stopped by Planet Cycles this morning to look at an Aethos. Unfortunately now need an Aethos.

Apart from the alloy bars and lack of PM it’s about perfect for me.

What's the cost for an Aethos, whenever I've looked at Specialized's pricing they are normally a decent chunk more than their competitors equivalent bikes for similar spec but I suspect there is substantial discounts available in store.

As for Specialized dealers, the couple times I've been into Planet Cycles I didn't have great customer service as opposed to Bicycle Riders in Morningside who were super helpful buying a new saddle.

PS. If you are going a lightweight externally routed bike, the previous TCR Advanced SL frame is another consideration on huge discount, then you can build it to your exact spec.

Planet Cycles were actually pretty helpful today, but I'll talk to Morningside as well.

Aethos is currently $8k for the Ultegra Di2 version. I suspect that they're often on sale, because honestly compared to the SL8 they're looking very old fashioned.

The Ultegra Di2 Aethos is 6.78kg, the SL8 7.16kg. I suspect they're going to struggle to sell any Aethos at full RRP of $11,200 where the SL8 is $12,500. I have no idea why they've specced alloy bars on the Ultegra Di2 Aethos, but imagine I'll need a narrower set anyway so will just upgrade in the process.

[jasonc]

Stopped by Planet Cycles this morning to look at an Aethos. Unfortunately now need an Aethos.

Apart from the alloy bars and lack of PM it’s about perfect for me.

What's the cost for an Aethos, whenever I've looked at Specialized's pricing they are normally a decent chunk more than their competitors equivalent bikes for similar spec but I suspect there is substantial discounts available in store.

As for Specialized dealers, the couple times I've been into Planet Cycles I didn't have great customer service as opposed to Bicycle Riders in Morningside who were super helpful buying a new saddle.

PS. If you are going a lightweight externally routed bike, the previous TCR Advanced SL frame is another consideration on huge discount, then you can build it to your exact spec.

Planet Cycles were actually pretty helpful today, but I'll talk to Morningside as well.

Aethos is currently $8k for the Ultegra Di2 version. I suspect that they're often on sale, because honestly compared to the SL8 they're looking very old fashioned.

The Ultegra Di2 Aethos is 6.78kg, the SL8 7.16kg. I suspect they're going to struggle to sell any Aethos at full RRP of $11,200 where the SL8 is $12,500. I have no idea why they've specced alloy bars on the Ultegra Di2 Aethos, but imagine I'll need a narrower set anyway so will just upgrade in the process.

I had my bars upgraded as they were building it. Can sell you the alloy ones cheap. Never mounted

Edit: as I would changed the wheels anyway (roval Alpinist wheels are stiff and narrow), I don't know if going the Ultegra version would have saved me any money

[blizzard]

$8k is almost ok, the SL8 is almost comically priced. I suspect you're correct about the alloy bars. My size Tarmac comes stock with 42cm bars, I'm currently riding 38cm so I would have to change them either way. Also a huge PIA for bikes with integrated cockpits, they are always too wide.

[AndrewCowley]

Aethos is currently $8k for the Ultegra Di2 version. I suspect that they're often on sale, because honestly compared to the SL8 they're looking very old fashioned.

The Ultegra Di2 Aethos is 6.78kg, the SL8 7.16kg.

Dare I say it, this is great value. I shall have to get fitted for one. Can see a day in the not too distant future where Specialized discontinue this bike.

[jasonc]

Aethos is currently $8k for the Ultegra Di2 version. I suspect that they're often on sale, because honestly compared to the SL8 they're looking very old fashioned.

The Ultegra Di2 Aethos is 6.78kg, the SL8 7.16kg.

Dare I say it, this is great value. I shall have to get fitted for one. Can see a day in the not too distant future where Specialized discontinue this bike.

There is a Chinese offering that is a copy of it

[blizzard]

Aethos is currently $8k for the Ultegra Di2 version. I suspect that they're often on sale, because honestly compared to the SL8 they're looking very old fashioned.

The Ultegra Di2 Aethos is 6.78kg, the SL8 7.16kg.

Dare I say it, this is great value. I shall have to get fitted for one. Can see a day in the not too distant future where Specialized discontinue this bike.

There is a Chinese offering that is a copy of it

Big Rock Sohtea? Actually looks like a nice bike and whilst not a direct copy of the Aethos, it's definitely in the same style, even the name is Aethos backwards!

[jasonc]

That's the one

[g-boaf]

I had not seen this before:

https://www.fairwheelbikes.com/blogs/po ... ess-alpha/

AX Lightness Alpha - 3.584kg! I wouldn't trust riding that.

[jasonc]

I had not seen this before:

https://www.fairwheelbikes.com/blogs/po ... ess-alpha/

AX Lightness Alpha - 3.584kg! I wouldn't trust riding that.

I thought my 13 gran bottle cages were light. 6g is nuts. Then again, mine were $32 for both

[Mr Purple]

Come to think of it the updated Aethos pro has carbon bars and a 4iii power meter, and is a couple of hundred grams lighter.

https://www.specialized.com/au/en/aetho ... 506-221466

New mission 'get new Aethos pro at runout prices'. I still reckon they're going to struggle to sell them for $11,400 so it may be on the cards.

[MichaelB]

here you go Mr Purple.
https://devlincc.com/

Thanks!

And he lives pretty much around the corner from me. This is dangerous knowledge to have.

Late to the party, sorry.

When I was looking at the Llewellyn, I also looked at some other builders, and Devlin and Prova were among them.

Whilst they had some great options, they were more expensive than Dazza, and at the end of the day, stoked with what I got, and sorta glad I didn't end up getting a second. Although it was close ....

Re the Aethos, probably a damn competent bike, but they got the spelling wrong ....

[Mr Purple]

Re the Aethos, probably a damn competent bike, but they got the spelling wrong ....

This is actually a recurrent problem in the performance bike market.

I've got it down to the Madone, the Aethos, the SL8 and the TCR. One of the things that may sway me is which of those four I can consistently pronounce correctly.

Madone and Aethos are difficult!

[MichaelB]

Re the Aethos, probably a damn competent bike, but they got the spelling wrong ....

This is actually a recurrent problem in the performance bike market.

I've got it down to the Madone, the Aethos, the SL8 and the TCR. One of the things that may sway me is which of those four I can consistently pronounce correctly.

Madone and Aethos are difficult!

1st world problems

[Duck!]

Another member on a now-defunct forum I used to be on used to call her Madone the "Mad One".

[CmdrBiggles]

Ma-don-ee (like abalone) is what I have heard.

I don't think the other name is spelt correctly.

[g-boaf]

PS. If you are going a lightweight externally routed bike, the previous TCR Advanced SL frame is another consideration on huge discount, then you can build it to your exact spec.

My 2013 and 2014 TCR Advanced SL frames had internally routed cables, only the sections from the bars into the frame are external. And even that can be cleaned up if you use SRAM E-Tap, which I did on one of them:

[blizzard]

PS. If you are going a lightweight externally routed bike, the previous TCR Advanced SL frame is another consideration on huge discount, then you can build it to your exact spec.

My 2013 and 2014 TCR Advanced SL frames had internally routed cables, only the sections from the bars into the frame are external. And even that can be cleaned up if you use SRAM E-Tap, which I did on one of them:

Good point, I think of external cables to be not routed through the bar and headset. I probably should have said semi internal cables.

[CmdrBiggles]

PS. If you are going a lightweight externally routed bike, the previous TCR Advanced SL frame is another consideration on huge discount, then you can build it to your exact spec.

My 2013 and 2014 TCR Advanced SL frames had internally routed cables, only the sections from the bars into the frame are external. And even that can be cleaned up if you use SRAM E-Tap, which I did on one of them:

TCRs have been around for a while; a 2013 or '14 turned up recently on a weekday commute to Melbourne — a considerably larger frame, an 11 * 2 and rim brakes. Current (2024) gen TCR Advanced models have integral brake routing on the left side fork and left side downtube. Personally I see nothing wrong with this neat arrangement, even though there are avowed purists out there who squirm at the "unseemly sight" of cables routed like this, eschewing the method for full internal routing (through-stem / headset) — and then this stuff about "the affect of aerodynamics" is worth a giggle... I can only assume that, come the time to replace those cables it is not so straightforward.

[Mr Purple]

The current model TCR Advanced Pro has the brake cables routed through the headset though they're briefly visible below the stem as pictured.



Because I'm sick of replacing cables every 3000km I'm going Di2 - the brake lines have to be replaced so rarely I'm not worried about the routing.

The Advanced Pro 0 apparently has a weight of 7.1kg according to the reviews so it will likely come down to a choice between this and the Aethos Ultegra Di2. The Aethos is marginally lighter (6.7-6.9kg), and has a threaded bottom bracket but less concession to aero (round bars, 33m wheels, and seatpost). However the RRP of the Giant is $8199 (and often on special) and the Aethos $11,200 (but also often on special).

I think I'll get the fit, decide on the exact spec and take it from there. It may come down to the ability of the two dealers to negotiate. The Giant is far more boring, but given my recent history maybe it should be.

[g-boaf]

I can only assume that, come the time to replace those cables it is not so straightforward.

On mine (above) I had plastic cable guides that I ran through the frame so any time the steel brake cables needed replacing it was no drama to replace them. But that thing was old school rim brakes so everything more simple on that bike, aside from the shifting which was E-tap so dead easy (no cables!).

It was a good bike that one, just too harsh on bad roads, which it commonly encountered. That thing went up and down Col du Galibier, Col Sarenne, down Alpe du Huez, up and down Col de Vars and Col de Bonnette, up the climb to Risoul and various others - it was damn stable as well even at mega speeds downhill.

[CmdrBiggles]

The current model TCR Advanced Pro has the brake cables routed through the headset though they're briefly visible below the stem as pictured.
...

Because I'm sick of replacing cables every 3000km I'm going Di2 - the brake lines have to be replaced so rarely I'm not worried about the routing.
[...]

Your comment is curious. I am up to 5,773km on my TCR, and nothing to speak of re brake cables.
Why did you mention needing to replace them ever 3000km? What are doing with them, chewing 'em to release nervous tension!?

The GIANT TCRs may look boring and plain, but they're no crazy kittens. That suits a lot of people prefer a bike that looks boring to one that is loudly and boldly singing and dancing — a principle I also apply to cars!

PS: If there's one thing I would be keen to replace on the TCR is the CADEX Classic tyres. They don't have a very good wear life and ideally should be rotated to extend that, but who bothers doing that? I fitted Goodyear Eagle SuperSport F1 R and that was the single biggest (and surprising) performance boost to the bike other than the ever-reliable 9-grain, walnuts and vegemite!

[blizzard]

The current model TCR Advanced Pro has the brake cables routed through the headset though they're briefly visible below the stem as pictured.
...

Because I'm sick of replacing cables every 3000km I'm going Di2 - the brake lines have to be replaced so rarely I'm not worried about the routing.
[...]

Your comment is curious. I am up to 5,773km on my TCR, and nothing to speak of re brake cables.
Why did you mention needing to replace them ever 3000km? What are doing with them, chewing 'em to release nervous tension!?

The GIANT TCRs may look boring and plain, but they're no crazy kittens. That suits a lot of people prefer a bike that looks boring to one that is loudly and boldly singing and dancing — a principle I also apply to cars!

PS: If there's one thing I would be keen to replace on the TCR is the CADEX Classic tyres. They don't have a very good wear life and ideally should be rotated to extend that, but who bothers doing that? I fitted Goodyear Eagle SuperSport F1 R and that was the single biggest (and surprising) performance boost to the bike other than the ever-reliable 9-grain, walnuts and vegemite!

Mr Purple is talking about gear cables, which 3000km is still quite a short life. Although I have never talked to anyone that manage to break cables, eat tyres and crack frames as often as he does, it's really quite an achievement.

Your TCR has wireless so no worry about replacing gear cables and hydraulic lines should practically last forever... Now changing headset bearings with full internal routing is a much harder job than when the hoses were external.

[CmdrBiggles]

Mr Purple is talking about gear cables, which 3000km is still quite a short life. Although I have never talked to anyone that manage to break cables, eat tyres and crack frames as often as he does, it's really quite an achievement.

Your TCR has wireless so no worry about replacing gear cables and hydraulic lines should practically last forever... Now changing headset bearings with full internal routing is a much harder job than when the hoses were external.

Oh, gear cables. OK then.

I fully agree!!
He must be bopping along to Bat Out of Hell as he goes hurtling about...

Even in my now distance touring days, gear cables — for all the literal hidings and forced upshifts and foul weather that were part and parcel for the caper, were set-and-forget and often lasted well over 15+ years (I used teflon-shielded multistrand cables).

I have seen through-head routing on some bikes (DOGMA) and I do admit to it looking very neat — almost kind of an engineering marvel from a distance. I didn't even know the TCR has a headset (or where... ) ...well, at least not in the old-skool visual presence of the many bikes that came before it with conventional headsets!!

Maybe Mr Purple could be better served with a more robust frame than the at-first-glace slender and svelte TCR (eminently suitable for a skinny gossoon like me!). But first, how his previous frame happened to come undone... how, why, wherefore???