SL7 or Aethos, already have SL6

[heliuscc]

So I already have an SL6 expert with Di2 and CLX50 wheels, power meter etc.
I love it, but 2021 means a new build for me.
Correct me if I'm wrong but for the first time it now seems to be cheaper to build a frame up from parts than buy a full bike in the UK.
So the question is this:
As I have an SL6, weighs 7.52kg on my luggage scale, should I keep it and build up an aethos and build it up as an ultralight all day bike? Or should I sell it and buy an SL7 frame and build that up.
Thinking of moving the CLX50 to the new bike, I still have some C38 not being used in wheel bags and a few sets of rotors etc.

[maxim809]

This is a personal decision which boils down to a matter of taste.

It's race-y looks vs clean looks that's lightweight. Hamburgers vs hot dogs. Unless you think hot dogs are more race-y.

But it may legit just come down to what you can get your hands on in the color/size you want in a timeframe that works for you.

[brusselsprouts]

If you're keeping the SL6, an easy decision. Aetheos

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[hannawald]

Do you race? What averages? What terrain? Can you utilize 2 similar bikes?

[gurk700]

Everybody’s different but to me sl7, sl6 and aethos are too similar to keep any 2 combo.
I’d pick one that speaks to you most and sell rest. buy a mtb or gravel bike to keep things interesting if you want multiple bikes.

but again... just my 2 cents

[Zakalwe]

Your SL6 is obsolete, overweight, non aero, slow. You need to get rid and buy both an SL7 and an Aethos, as Specialized intended

[LanceLegstrong]

If you're keeping the SL6, an easy decision. Aetheos

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I see it the complete opposite way. If he keeps the SL6, get the SL7. If he sells the SL6, getting the Aethos makes sense. To me, the Aethos is just a lighter SL6: exposed cables, non-aero, light, snappy climbing bike. The Aethos is justt lighter. If he keeps the SL6, gettting an SL7 would make more sense as it's a much different bike. Heavier, but more aero, stiffer, racier.

[parleez1]

I was deciding between the Tarmac SL7 and Aethos Pro in October. I test rode both bikes. I do not race. The Aethos with 33mm wheels compared to the SL7 with 50-60mm wheels is so much more comfortable. I liked the idea of not having the propriatery aero tweaks such as cables running through stem/handlebar, having a regular round seat post, so I can do all of the work on the bike easily, change a disc brake cable, stem or handlebar if necessary without a lot of hassle. So far I'm very satisfied all around with my Aethos Pro, for me it was the right decision. Depends on what you will use your bike for and what you like visually. The Aethos handles beautifully!

Good luck
parleez1

[pmprego]

If you're keeping the SL6, an easy decision. Aetheos

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I see it the complete opposite way. If he keeps the SL6, get the SL7. If he sells the SL6, getting the Aethos makes sense. To me, the Aethos is just a lighter SL6: exposed cables, non-aero, light, snappy climbing bike. The Aethos is justt lighter. If he keeps the SL6, gettting an SL7 would make more sense as it's a much different bike. Heavier, but more aero, stiffer, racier.

I will let others comment on the sl6 not being aero.

[LanceLegstrong]

If you're keeping the SL6, an easy decision. Aetheos

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I see it the complete opposite way. If he keeps the SL6, get the SL7. If he sells the SL6, getting the Aethos makes sense. To me, the Aethos is just a lighter SL6: exposed cables, non-aero, light, snappy climbing bike. The Aethos is justt lighter. If he keeps the SL6, gettting an SL7 would make more sense as it's a much different bike. Heavier, but more aero, stiffer, racier.

I will let others comment on the sl6 not being aero.

Compared to theSL7? Really?

My point was that I see the SL6 and Aethos being closer to each other than the SL7/Aethos. Thus, if he wantts 2 different bikes, the options would be SL6/SL7 or Aetthos/SL7.

[stillTrying]

I’m having this same discussion in my own brain. I’ve got a rim brake sl6. Although I’m gonna keep it for another year. I’m already seeing a bunch of sl7s showing up on Craigslist.

I want to know how aero the aethos is in relation to the sl6.

If they are about the same, I’d go aethos.


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[heliuscc]

All interesting points and thank you.

For me I had heard the SL7 was less compliant than the SL6 and the aethos more compliant.

UK roads certainly here are getting worse and the current government is unlikely to have any money to repair them before 2059 the way they're going.

I don't race, I do all my own mechanical work. Typical summer rides average about 19-20mph. Normally 3000-4000 miles a year.

I actually went and saw both s works SL7 and Aethos today. Both are stunning bikes. Having had a Bianchi Infinito, two emondas, and a cervelo C3 in recent years the tarmac is way better than any of them, although the Infinito was very light and fast. I don't want to buy a bike that's slower than the SL6 but I also don't want a bike so stiff my teeth rattle out on the crap roads. I will build it up myself from frame, and I have no issue with internal or external cables. It will get Dura Ace Di2 groupset, either this version or new, and I'd probably stick my CLX50 on either bike to start with.

[pmprego]

If you're keeping the SL6, an easy decision. Aetheos

Sent from my Pixel 3a using Tapatalk

I see it the complete opposite way. If he keeps the SL6, get the SL7. If he sells the SL6, getting the Aethos makes sense. To me, the Aethos is just a lighter SL6: exposed cables, non-aero, light, snappy climbing bike. The Aethos is justt lighter. If he keeps the SL6, gettting an SL7 would make more sense as it's a much different bike. Heavier, but more aero, stiffer, racier.

I will let others comment on the sl6 not being aero.

Compared to theSL7? Really?

My point was that I see the SL6 and Aethos being closer to each other than the SL7/Aethos. Thus, if he wantts 2 different bikes, the options would be SL6/SL7 or Aetthos/SL7.

They are all very close to each other. The rest is talk. But..

Saying that the sl7 is a different world from the sl6 is fooling yourself. Especially given what the sl6 is/was (one if not the most aero bike in the lightweight segment).

Nonetheless, and to close my replies here, for the original post look at both and see which one you think is the best for you.

[Theguy]

First of all I will start saying that I own an sl7 so from my point of view that would be the best bike for you, every time I ride it I feel it more comfy than the previous time I was on it.

Sl6 vs sl7? Tbh I don't see that huge change between them, most of the stuff the sl7 has you can add it to your sl6 if you want it.

Aethos? It's a nice bike I don't doubt about it but I don't know, it's a different style of bike meaning if you can have 2-3 or even more bikes it's ok, make one of them Aethos but for me, if it's going to be my main bike I wouldn't go for the aethos. It's just a matter of 'taste' I see Aethos more likely an endurance bike and isn't something bad at all but in that case I would go for the colnago v3 for example.

[dudemanppl]

Option 3: send the frame in to get repainted so it feels like a new bike. Realistically either of those won't be an actual difference