2021 Test

I have raced and ridden two S Works Tarmac bikes over the past ten years and like the fit of the 56cm. I bought the Aethos due to the geometry being similar. The plus is that I am able to put a 33mm tire in this frame and take it on the rougher terrain. The comp came with aluminum wheels so adding the carbon Roval wheels makes for an incredible climbing bike for sure. The Ultegra Di2 is indistinguishable from the Dura Ace di2 to my experience. I would say that for the price point and the weight/price ratio even with the extra $2.5K for the wheelset, it is a good deal.

Bought this bike in red tint and upgraded the wheels to the carbon Roval Alpinist. Absolutely love this bike. Light, responsive, and climbs beautifully. Feels like an extension of my body on the way down the hills. Awesome.

After riding a Ti frame for 14 years, it was time for a change. And after doing some shopping around, this is one amazing bike. So light, quick in the corners, climbs like a dream, smooth in the rough stuff, snappy when standing on the pedals Super impressed with everything about the bike.

For years I had my heart set on a Tarmac, but when I test rode both the Tarmac and the Aethos the choice was easy - I got the Aethos Expert. It truly does feel and ride like a ""ride all day"" bike, and soaks up the road bumps and chatter noticeably better than the Tarmac. The Aethos floats up climbs and descends faster than my other road bikes. During my usual Sunday group ride, I found myself keeping up on the descents with no effort, whereas in the past I always got dropped or had to hammer to keep up on the descents. No longer. And the climbs? I set a new PR on a nearby hill today without pushing that hard and using fewer watts than I did to get almost the same time on the segment using my other road bike. If you like climbing you'll love this bike. Every new bike is a joy to ride, but this bike brings more joy than most--especially when you see yourself keeping up with or dropping guys who usually leave you behind. The Di2 is crisp, fast, and precise. The shallow-drop bars are comfy on the hoods and the drops. I've never been a fan of the Power saddles, but the one on here feels great for some reason. All in all this bike is the perfect combination of comfort and speed.

I looked at a few bikes from other manufacturers but was settled on the Specialized Tarmac Pro. While I waited for it to become available, I test rode the Aethos Expert and fell in love. The ride is perfect. Super light. I see no trade-off's for me whatsoever. I guess the Tarmac is faster but if you have hills to contend with, lighter is better right? The blueish color is FIRE. Hard to source but worth the wait.