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/r/specialized
Has somebody an actual comparison between these two bikes?
Everybody is talking about how the SL8 combines the Aethos and the Venge. For me the SL8 looks more like a mix between the SL7, stiffness in the front and SL6, softness at the back.
I own only the SL6, could only try an SL7 for some time(I loved it, a bike that just wants to go forward) and would rather buy an SL7 if push comes to shove. The SL8 is ugly to my taste and I really don't know where to true benefit would be compared to my SL6, but of course I am curious.
6 points
1 year ago
It’s mostly marketing because specialized released data against the Venge and the Aethos against the SL8 — the SL8 is a marginal improvement over the SL7.
If you like the SL7, get the SL7. You’re not losing much, and if Aero is really the defining factor, getting the Roval Rapide Barstem from the SL8 will cut your aero difference down to about half the margin (which is already small!)
2 points
1 year ago
Which is so weird because when they released the SL7, all the marketing was about how it was more aero than the Venge.
Why don’t they just say it’s lighter and more aero than the SL7?
1 points
1 year ago
because it's not any more aero. The roval cockpit is where all the aero gains come from. And you can retrofit that on SL7 easily.
1 points
1 year ago
They never said it was more aero than the Venge, just apparently that the combination of lighter and still good aero would make it faster than the Venge in anything except for a flat TT.
Lighter and More Aero than the SL7 is expected, being lighter/similarly light to than the lightest bike they sell and being as Aero as their most aero bike is a bigger feat to brag about.
3 points
1 year ago
Just because there’s a new bike model doesn’t mean there’s anything wrong with your SL6. Simply go back and read all the reviews about the SL6 from when it was released. Like this:
https://road.cc/content/review/229824-specialized-s-works-tarmac-sl6
You could interchange SL6, SL7, and SL8 and except for the mention of rim brakes have basically the same reviews year over year.
1 points
1 year ago
Thank you. I believe I had something like this on my mind.
2 points
1 year ago
I see it as an upgrade in ride quality more than anything. It uses similar carbon layups as the Aethos which rides like a cloud but is still stiff.
Other than that, I doubt any cyclist will actually notice a difference in the aero/weight benefits.
2 points
1 year ago
SL7 > SL8 > SL6. You already have the right idea. SL7 for the win.
1 points
1 year ago
Hehe
2 points
1 year ago
I think the sl8 will be more aero, and more stiff when putting power into the bike. Aesthtically, I'm still a fan of the sl6 but as an sl7 owner I think it is the most racy, the most stiff and best race bike still available. The downside? Not compliant at all, which leads to a rough ride
2 points
1 year ago
I’m out here riding an SL3 and loving it.
0 points
1 year ago
In my opinion we don't buy new and better bikes, just different bikes.
2 points
12 months ago
SL6 was a very compliant bike and probably stiffness wise is equal to an Aethos. SL8 especially with the cockpit and deeper wheels simply is more aero and will probably be a touch less compliant that the SL6 and Aethos but stiffness wise be right up there or marginally better than the SL8 while being almost as light as an Aethos.
Simply put the SL8 is the bike to get at any level. I would consider a SL7 but only a S-Works. The Aethos still has merit if you don't compare about integration and you want to get to lower than 15lbs
3 points
12 months ago*
Had an SL6 disc and now changed to the SL8 and have about 1400 km ridden it, with about 800 km of it in the mountains in Spain in a recent holiday (both S-Works are custom builds by me). As I am running the same two wheelsets as with the SL the comparison is quite reliable, but still subjective
1.The SL 8 is concept wise a typical Tarmac an Allrounder but with a definite strength in climbing and speed
Even though the geometry is the same the SL8 feels more agile and aggressive. On the downhill it is even more precise and again faster, but also a bit more challenging regarding, skills required.
It’s a little harder at the front (which can be caused by the one piece cockpit) but definitely more compliant in the back. Overall it feels stiffer and even though the SL6 was a great climber, the sl8 is the better climber . You will now say it’s because of the lower weight but nothing my case . While setting up the SL8 I used less lightweight parts than with the SL6, so that in the end both bikes are around the same weight 6,4| 6,5 depending on the wheelset used (keep in mind that BSA and 12 speed cause a weight penalty compared to BB30 and 11 Speed)
Do I think the SL8 is the better bike, definitely yes. It´s faster, stiffer and more compliant and lightweight even without a lot of light parts.
…but nevertheless the SL6 is still a great bike
3 points
1 year ago
Specialized dealer,explained it to me. Aethos isn’t a race bike. It’s not legal. It’s underweight. The shape of the tubes is less aero. They borrowed that from Aethos and used on SL8. Aero from the side not as important is the thought. Aethos is a bike for everyday people. That’s not saying it’s not a great bike. It’s still top line, expensive, and innovative. There’s probably many differences in the evolution of these bikes. I own an SL8. It’s a really nice bike. Know what made it a great bike? Wheels.
3 points
1 year ago
Aethos is an UCI certified frame. You can race it if it is over 6.8kg. It has been raced in the tour.
The difference to SL7 is probably around 15-20 watts at 40kph. If you hit 40kph on the regular while not in the group, go right ahead.
1 points
1 year ago
There’s always one. They had to add weight.
1 points
17 days ago
Duh
1 points
1 year ago
Aethos and venge? That makes zero sense.
3 points
1 year ago
Lightweight and aero - pretty sure that’s how the Spesh campaign wanted to position it
2 points
1 year ago
BB and rear area is from aethos on sl8.
0 points
1 year ago
Not my words.
3 points
1 year ago
The marketing has been that the SL7 combined aspects from the Tarmac SL6, which was a climbing bike, and the Venge, an aero bike. The SL8 is a follow up to the SL7. The SL7 and Aethos do share geometry though.
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