Faster than I was as a World Tour Pro

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  • Опубликовано: 5 авг 2023
  • The hotly anticipated Tarmac SL8 was taken to a regular coffee shop ride route of mine to see what the hype is all about
    The hype is real, fastest average speed yet for this ride.
    The following companies (that you'll see in my content) support me either financially or with free stuff, so huge thanks to these guys for helping the channel thrive:
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    silca.cc/
    specialized.co.uk/
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Комментарии • 221

  • @AlexDowsettOfficial
    @AlexDowsettOfficial  11 месяцев назад +82

    I’m going to do a video addressing this, much like the review vid earlier in the year. This seems to have struck a chord with a small proportion of watchers which becomes a large proportion in the comments whereby there’s a lot of negativity and some downright rudeness which I’d imagine wouldn’t be conveyed across in real life.
    Here’s the thing, and I’ll always openly state this: I’m not an aerodynamicist, I’m not an engineer either. I didn’t go to Uni though I’d like to think I’m not stupid. I am an ex pro cyclist who’s spent the better part of two decades riding the best bikes various manufacturers had to offer and being contractually bound to say they are the best outwardly to the public. Across TT, Track and Road I’ve likely been on more than 50 different bikes (+ 1 gravel bike 🤪).
    What I don’t have is technical know how on the why’s and wherefore’s in carbon layup, the why around BB stiffness, threaded or press fit, historical recalls on every brands bikes etc and I’m don’t feel it’s right to pretend like I do in the vids. I also don’t want to comment on anything aero without testing.
    What I do have though is feeling.
    When Canyon put the new Aeroad under me in the Tour de Suisse in 2015 it was noticeably faster, I clocked 118kph that day, loved it. Then with the Factor One I noticed an improvement in stiffness and responsiveness to the bike, I liked it so much I actually won a road race on it (shock). Then the Ostro was made and that was a step up again, that is a great bike.
    Roll on 2023 and I’m in a privileged position that most brands would give me a bike or two to ride, heck some even offered to pay me as well. But I wanted to ride a Specialized. I approached them to work together when you might remember they were going through a huge public culling of their ambassador programme globally.
    Why’d I go to Specialized? I rode a Shiv to a top 10 at Worlds in what was a *wildly* mediocre physiological performance by me in 2020, and any of the riders from Quickstep and Bora that I spoke to were all very impressed with the bike. I’m yet to met a pro who speaks badly of the Specialized bikes, but I’ve met plenty who will happily tell you the minor faults of a few of the others. It was the one bike I wished throughout my career, especially the latter part of it, that I had as a team bike.
    Specialized do not pay me, I’m lucky enough to get some very nice bikes which I don’t own. I think that’s important to state, because some people feel like I’m being paid to sell you something.
    I’ve been riding around on an Aethos which is 2cm too big for me and has handlebars half a mile wide but I really enjoy riding it, is it fast on the flat roads of Essex? No, but I love riding it, and so it’s tough to convey the why around it, it feels lively and responsive.
    The SL7 expert was also a great bike, not as lively as the Aethos but was more than good enough for some solid race performances. The SL8 did hit different though, noticeably. It’s felt like the Aethos plus some speed. These are all small but noticeable differences, which is why there were 8 different bike brands in the top 15 of the men’s World Road Race Champs. If the differences weren’t small we’d be watching F1 where one car dominates, which is why my review earlier in the year seemed to upset some for it’s lack of (I think) unnecessary controversy, but I stand by what I said, there is not much to choose between Giant, Trek and Pinarello’s best.
    I like challenging points of opinion, I respect other people’s opinions, ultimately who you choose to listen to on here is entirely up to you. There’s engineers, aero specialists, club riders. We’re probably not all going to agree on what makes a bike best and that’s ok.
    I’ve never put my name to something I wouldn’t buy myself and that extends to the bike brand I’m working with. Sorry this is long, like I said I want to do a video covering this but I hope attaching this comment gives you some context, I read the comments, the mean ones do get to me despite everyone saying to ignore it. I try my best to create content I enjoy creating and hope people enjoy watching, which I think the majority do. Thanks, Alex.

    • @danielberry1635
      @danielberry1635 11 месяцев назад +2

      FairPlay Alex. Thanks for the video

    • @andrewwoffinden8671
      @andrewwoffinden8671 11 месяцев назад +3

      Nice, that all makes so much sense. I'm an amateur cyclist and a professional photographer. As a professional photographer I read all the camera reviews online usually delivered by amateur photographers and a thing I know is that the opinion of a pro is worth a LOT more than the opinion of an amateur. I'm sure that it is also the same in cycling and because of that I very much appreciate your opinion of this bike. I think people underestimate what goes into being a pro in a super competitive field.

    • @bbde1980
      @bbde1980 11 месяцев назад

      Just came across your video and then this comment. Well put! Politeness in comments is way too rare on the Internet. I really wish everybody would say their comments out loud at least to their own mirror image before posting them...

    • @cesarfalco1925
      @cesarfalco1925 11 месяцев назад +3

      Fair enough, it comes across as non-genuine, there's no way you're feeling 8 seconds over 40km or whatever their claim is. Maybe your different feeling is because you've gone a step up in the frame spec, and just better fitting. It's a bit like having a Carrera and comparing it to an sl8, obviously you will see differences. But saying it's faster than you were as a world tour pro when there is no evidence to suggest that is in my opinion, irresponsible and misleading, especially when you have been given the bike. Any frame aero differences I guarantee between the sl7/8/venge could easily be overcome by different handlebar set ups, wheel depths,tyre choices, tyre pressure even!
      You must realise when you publish these videos, the main thing it does is hurt your credibility, that's all. People just don't believe you.
      Anyway hope you make some more gravel videos, love those!!

    • @bbde1980
      @bbde1980 11 месяцев назад

      @@cesarfalco1925 I don't know what Alex wanted to express. But from experience I can tell you that "feeling fast" and "being fast" can be two different things. Before I bought my Aethos, I also tested the SL7. I was faster on the SL7, but I felt faster on the Aethos. Bought the latter one, because for me it's about enjoying the ride, not winning something, and that comes down to how you feel. Just my opinion, of course. 🙂

  • @trroland1248
    @trroland1248 Год назад +164

    Great advertisement Alex! 😅 I will now go and make my bike faster by pedalling harder.

    • @888julianman
      @888julianman Год назад +11

      Yep 👍🏻 Great advice! If you only have an older SL7 and your training has hit a plateau with no discernible improvements no matter how hard you train, just get yourself a new SL8 .

    • @Dragon-Slay3r
      @Dragon-Slay3r Год назад +3

      😂

    • @Dragon-Slay3r
      @Dragon-Slay3r Год назад

      ​@@888julianman😎👍

    • @AlexDowsettOfficial
      @AlexDowsettOfficial  Год назад +9

      I can see how you got to this comment 😂😂

    • @zzhughesd
      @zzhughesd 11 месяцев назад +2

      Correct. You only need the 8. No legs. Lol. Just meh totally shot finished stinging lactating legs and the new 8. And bingo. Back to factory fresh. Fast AF. Forgot the legs.

  • @brasso9393
    @brasso9393 Год назад +55

    If tour pro cant even distinguish SL6 vs SL7 then SL7 vs SL8 will be indistinguishable 😬

    • @DavidStacey-tx7on
      @DavidStacey-tx7on 11 месяцев назад +1

      Give any pro a bike built now or ten years ago and results will be the same

    • @Robert-mn8gc
      @Robert-mn8gc 11 месяцев назад +3

      I ride a SL5 TARMAC EXPERT with tones of upgrades ( disk drives) every upgrade available 2me from Specialized including 12speed Di2 Groupset Ultegra. And also a SL7 S-WORKS 54CM TARMAC with the best of everything 6.75 ride away weight.
      The difference between these generations is remarkable. The SL7 is faster & smoother by a Country Mile. Especially down hill . Still has the DNA snappiness of the SL5 TARMAC.
      If l purchased a New SL8 S-WORKS it would be a frame , saddle & one piece carbon cockpit. Wouldn't bother with the heavier 2nd gen aero wheels. Hate Tubeless. So going 2 save 120grams on the Wheelset & approx 115-120 grams on the one peice new carbon cockpit from Specialized over the FSA VISION ONE PIECE CARBON COCKPIT that l have on the SL7 S-WORKS.
      So the ride away weight on an SL8 around 6.55 kilos .. Awesome 👌

  • @christopheroliver148
    @christopheroliver148 Год назад +6

    Agree about two bolt clamps. My first bike had a SR post that was a Nuovo Record copy, and I liked that you could set an arbitrary angle depending on what your bum prefered. You can't do that with toothed curve style posts.

  • @pieterjanvandermerwe3804
    @pieterjanvandermerwe3804 11 месяцев назад +12

    Damn, here I was thinking Alex Dowsett would make unbiased reviews since he isn't restricted by sponsors anymore.😂😢

    • @zzhughesd
      @zzhughesd 11 месяцев назад

      Don’t make me laugh. Love Alex. Solid. Ace on the bike. Think he’ll learn from this early vid. Bit of a shocker. Alex will get there. Subtle product placement which we fall for , or don’t take the P out of !!!!! One of them. I’d struggle with my first product placement. Cannot be easy. No point doing any testing. Cause. Well. Faster. 2023

  • @JeuneCyclisteDynamique
    @JeuneCyclisteDynamique 11 месяцев назад +2

    Couldn't agree more on the saddle clamp: those half-moon clamps had to be tightened at 4x specced torque to avoid slippage on rough roads (only happened in races when you didn't want it to happen).

  • @evanhunterblbier
    @evanhunterblbier Год назад

    Do you feel this closes the gap of comfort from what the SL7 is vs an Aethos?

  • @amc5966
    @amc5966 Год назад +13

    Nice to hear an ex pro giving feedback on his former team bikes.

  • @user-lr5kg6dt8z
    @user-lr5kg6dt8z Месяц назад +1

    specialized s-works tarmac SL6 was my first bike I purchased, at 62 yrs old never bike before . I chose this bike for is lightweight and fit. I did know nothing about biking , Got a coach and did power watts training It has been already 5 years. I absolutely love my bike the handling is amazing light and fast. I also try other Brands but I am definitely for Specialized. I am thinking to get the SL8 , I would love to have this one. Nicole

  • @arcadialive4265
    @arcadialive4265 11 месяцев назад

    Take it out on any hills? Is it more confident enthusing than aethos or SL7? How is it above 50mph? It looks great.

  • @db613
    @db613 Год назад +1

    How does it compare with Ostro VAM vs Canyon Aeroad 🤷🏻‍♂️?

  • @wendysuperfan1014
    @wendysuperfan1014 Год назад

    Thanks Alex!!

  • @joshuawatson1604
    @joshuawatson1604 Год назад

    Looking good Alex!

  • @DeveryAndrews
    @DeveryAndrews Год назад

    Why 3 water bottle cage bolts on the down tube if we’re trying to save weight?

  • @CarbonRider1
    @CarbonRider1 Год назад +9

    I thought the “speed sniffer” looked a bit wonky from initial photos, but seeing it in your video, it really isn’t bad, looks fine I think. The SystemSix has a similar front profile (front lump).

    • @volkervoit
      @volkervoit Год назад

      Had the exact same thought, photos looked worse, especially in this color it looks nice

    • @elevenocean4471
      @elevenocean4471 11 месяцев назад

      Think some of the early pics had a different stem that didn’t align with the head tube as much so looked bulkier. Looks alright in the end

    • @dominicbritt
      @dominicbritt 11 месяцев назад +1

      I can’t help think they would’ve been better no not even mentioning the new head tube tbh…and no one would’ve noticed of batted and eyelid. To give it a name though… marketing people 🙄

  • @shaylorcyclingwahoolecol8313
    @shaylorcyclingwahoolecol8313 Год назад +8

    If anything it was the “Pogi tuft” that made you faster

  • @darekkong7198
    @darekkong7198 Год назад +1

    “I think I’ve got a crossy headwindy thing”
    As someone who struggles to recognise mild wind direction, this is very relatable.

  • @rudyelizondo1935
    @rudyelizondo1935 11 месяцев назад

    Super cool bike!! I would like to try one out but since it’s sooooo expensive for us mortals I’ll just say enjoy the ride

  • @jeffreyb.1657
    @jeffreyb.1657 11 месяцев назад +1

    How is a SL7 with the new cockpit compare to the SL8...that to me is the key question. Good video but many on the net see this as a curious thing. Am a fan.

  • @izmael_kneafcy
    @izmael_kneafcy 11 месяцев назад +6

    Hmm £12,000 on a bicycle. I think I’ll hold on to my cash, unless I get given one like you did Alex.

  • @trekbiker5110
    @trekbiker5110 11 месяцев назад +3

    That Trek!😍

  • @ScottWaltonDev
    @ScottWaltonDev Год назад +2

    Bike looks awesome but it’d look even better racing the 10M TT on the National 10 practice run this coming Sunday 😉

  • @aaronhamlen8215
    @aaronhamlen8215 Год назад +1

    Awesome bike. I have the SL3.

  • @pinoybikernorcal4406
    @pinoybikernorcal4406 Год назад +3

    If you have to choose between the SL8 and Aethos, which one would it be?

  • @davidogden9202
    @davidogden9202 Год назад +5

    Noticeably fast 😂😂 love it

    • @zzhughesd
      @zzhughesd 11 месяцев назад

      I noticed it. It was epic fast. Clouds flew past. Fast

  • @Omeiden
    @Omeiden 11 месяцев назад

    So questions: being a heavy rider would I be better off getting the SL7 non sworks version? And how is the SL8 stiffer with thinner tube profiles?

    • @mikekelly1771
      @mikekelly1771 11 месяцев назад

      Or go the non sworks SL8?

  • @durianriders
    @durianriders 11 месяцев назад +11

    Ive ridden every tarmac since 2003 and these disc brake versions are sluggish garbage lol. IYKYK.
    Even Contador joked about throwing his off a cliff back when Specialized asked him to use one in Tenerife.

  • @robertphillips3078
    @robertphillips3078 Год назад

    Only Disappointment with the Specialized S WORKS is the Garbage Frame Color Selection Alex . I ride a SL5 Expert highly pimped up . Aero 2 Carbon Bars . Power Saddle . Roval Rapide CLX 32mm climbing wheelset & 12 speed ultegra . Time Xpro 12 pedals.
    Also have a SL7 S-WORKS 54CM Dura Ace 12speed. Power Printed Saddle. FSA Metron Carbon Cockpit. Time Xpro 15 pedals. OSPW titanium from Australia. Roval Rapide CLX Aero Wheelset ( 1st edition 1400 gram clinchers. Not a fan of tubeless ) Could build myself a 6.5 kilo SL8 . Glad u r enjoying ur new ride . Wish l could put out ur Watts .

  • @xuchenglin6256
    @xuchenglin6256 3 месяца назад

    I think the best part is the end of the video... 36.7kph average speed, 283watts NP... calculated from the IF, 360W FTP ???... Why nobody is talking about this ??? And this is your easy coffee ride ??? 🤣This is just amazing and refreshing! One day a pro, always a pro. I think these bikes will actually do well for you guys. Actually it's the first time I feel that these bikes do have some real world value to real customers. If one can ride at that speed for a coffee ride, I think whatever the cost, it can be justified. The fitness is what we guys are lacking for not the gears... Unfortunately it seems that this is just ignored in the comment section. Everyone is talking about the gears like experts. Nobody talks about how fast they can actually ride. I just don't know how many of them can actually hold avg 30kph in real world road for some extended period of time. I think with your fitness level every bike will be... well, quick. These days I always wonder if it's my bike slowing me down (avg 30-something KPH is the goal). However with your data I know that's just power. I'm far from 280w NP for 1.5 hr... Not to say "easy ride". So no wonder I can't avg near 35 for even shorter period of time in realwolrd ride. Just so jealous of you! It should feel like a killer if you can commute with such speed. It will just render a car completely useless. Nice video. Like your honesty!

  • @alexwright9341
    @alexwright9341 Год назад +6

    Great video Alex,didn’t realise Specialized help with Little Bleeders,will have to make my next bike a Specialized as my oldest son has Severe A Haemophilia.
    See you at the Blue Egg one day!

  • @carlpentney290
    @carlpentney290 Год назад +1

    Sweet. Makes the Doper bike it's parked next to look like a museum relic.

  • @_cpdchua
    @_cpdchua Год назад +3

    All the speed gains comes from the Roval handlebar alone lmao. Peak Torque already did the computation.

  • @kovar2344
    @kovar2344 11 месяцев назад

    frame looks really slick actually. Video makes it look much better than the original leaked pictures. Wish Specialized would make more colorful paintjobs tho.

  • @alexfirth
    @alexfirth Год назад

    lol that bike at the cafe is an SL6, which goes to show, there isn't much in all of the disc Tarmacs...

  • @jonathanzappala
    @jonathanzappala Год назад +2

    Don't worry, Remco's recon ride blew the cover ;)

  • @manwithnoname6580
    @manwithnoname6580 Год назад

    Hi Alex, May I ask what is that neat little saddle bag you used in this vid? I’m looking for something exactly that kind of size. Thanks

  • @christophesiegel
    @christophesiegel 9 месяцев назад +1

    Just interested to know what size you choose and what height and inseam you are ? Thanks

    • @user-lr5kg6dt8z
      @user-lr5kg6dt8z Месяц назад +1

      Bike 49, I am 5’3” tall, 115 pounds inseams 29”. Long legs and arms shorter torso. Nicole

  • @aronszabo8567
    @aronszabo8567 11 месяцев назад

    Really nice bike...do you think the s-works worth the extra 5k compared to the SL8 Pro?

  • @fbonde
    @fbonde Год назад +4

    Nice bike, Alex. Can't wait to get mine. Just a small correction, I know that you are new to Spz. The pretty "sl7" is an SL6 🤣

  • @JBSpine007
    @JBSpine007 Год назад

    Oh I want one!!

  • @mindfxscience5653
    @mindfxscience5653 7 месяцев назад

    Thanks 👍🏻

  • @thebikepackingadventurer
    @thebikepackingadventurer Год назад +2

    Great looking bike. I love my mates raw carbon SL7. Such a clean lined bike. Likewise this is too

  • @SAnderson77
    @SAnderson77 Год назад

    😂 love these marketing video.
    Anyway I preordered my SL8 frame a couple of weeks ago hoping to pick it up now it’s been release next week. The it’s off for custom paint job

    • @zzhughesd
      @zzhughesd 11 месяцев назад

      Take off the paint. 200g. Adds about 200 watts in 2023 science !!!!!!

  • @ls1125
    @ls1125 Год назад +1

    That's definitely an "Essex Spec" cassette 😂

  • @suadmahmutovic6542
    @suadmahmutovic6542 11 месяцев назад

    Awesome bike! Is that saddle level? If so from where did you level it? Thanks!

    • @AlexDowsettOfficial
      @AlexDowsettOfficial  11 месяцев назад +1

      From nose to tip i have it pointing slightly down so the front quarter is slightly pointing up if that makes sense? Then when riding I micro adjust it.

    • @suadmahmutovic6542
      @suadmahmutovic6542 11 месяцев назад

      @@AlexDowsettOfficial There is a small notch right in the middle I believe on that saddle if it's Power so I have mine at -1 from there to tip pretty much like you 👍👍

  • @ciw8688
    @ciw8688 Год назад

    How was the bb stiffness compares to the sl7?

    • @AlexDowsettOfficial
      @AlexDowsettOfficial  Год назад +2

      Different wheels so it’s unfair to say. This is as, if not more responsive in power transfer than the aethos with alpinist wheels in I felt.

  • @cosmonott1
    @cosmonott1 Год назад

    Hi Alex. Great video. May I ask how tall you are and what crank length do you use? Thanks in advance.

    • @AlexDowsettOfficial
      @AlexDowsettOfficial  Год назад +4

      172.5 on this, will aim to go 170. I’m 182cm and this is a 56, will get 7cm setback with a spec power saddle and a 125/40cm roval cockpit soon.

    • @cosmonott1
      @cosmonott1 Год назад +1

      @@AlexDowsettOfficial Thank you. Looking forward to your full review of the SL8 & component tweaks.

    • @moserroman2083
      @moserroman2083 11 месяцев назад

      @@AlexDowsettOfficial nice gravels bars width . There is not 125/40cm cockpit fro your information , only 120/40cm ... Check that mate. The 125 is only available with 42 or 44 cm width

  • @alvaroodeh4794
    @alvaroodeh4794 6 месяцев назад

    The SL6 and calling it an SL7 is pretty interesting, certainly the highlight of the video.

  • @0views372
    @0views372 Год назад

    Did you wax your chain or was it with factory grease?

  • @xavayang2654
    @xavayang2654 Год назад +1

    Can you direct comparison of the SL8 vs the Factor Ostro?

    • @rjkunzli
      @rjkunzli Год назад +1

      Depends who pays more

    • @zzhughesd
      @zzhughesd 11 месяцев назад

      It’s the 8 as no need for a comparison. Quick cafe stop ride. Proof.

  • @glennoc8585
    @glennoc8585 Год назад

    I like that type of two bolt seatpost but my new Emonda has that one bolt ears design. Easier to micro adjust the tilt angle in the two bolt.

    • @zzhughesd
      @zzhughesd 11 месяцев назад

      My Emonda frames x5 totally garbage on seat pin. Otherwise Emonda and me addicted.

  • @dcv9460
    @dcv9460 Год назад +4

    💯💯💯NOTICEABLY VERY EXPENSIVE 💯💯💯

  • @gwatson7124
    @gwatson7124 Год назад

    Yikes, balance that rear wheel!! Nice bike. You look Pro! 😂

  • @robertphillips3078
    @robertphillips3078 11 месяцев назад

    Alex ur Arse might enjoy the Specialized Power Printed Saddle. Have a Power Saddle on my SL5 Tarmac Disk 12 speed di2 upgraded everywhere . The SL7 with Printed Power Saddle is super comfy . Whats ur thoughts on tubeless please

    • @AlexDowsettOfficial
      @AlexDowsettOfficial  11 месяцев назад

      Love tubeless, once it's set up that is. Something quite satisfying about coming home from a ride having punctured but not knowing until it's done

  • @simontaylor8880
    @simontaylor8880 11 месяцев назад +9

    Keep them sponsers happy eh!

  • @Davidkaisermusic
    @Davidkaisermusic 6 месяцев назад

    “Stiffness in the bars, nowhere else.”

  • @QrankChannel
    @QrankChannel 2 месяца назад +1

    Is it better and faster then Factor Ostro Vam, Alex?

    • @AlexDowsettOfficial
      @AlexDowsettOfficial  2 месяца назад

      Really Hard to say one way or the other, the Ostro vam I used I think was let down by the black inc wheels a bit at the time, I only realised this when I put other wheels in it for some training rides and it always significantly livelier. It goes without saying they’re both very good bikes and I wouldn’t like to say one way or the other now they’ve improved the black inc wheelset (I believe) somewhat.

  • @neil_down_south
    @neil_down_south Год назад +1

    What helmet is that please?

    • @pakelly99
      @pakelly99 11 месяцев назад +1

      I was wondering the same 😅

  • @chroniclesofalazyriderbyde9504
    @chroniclesofalazyriderbyde9504 11 месяцев назад +2

    The keyword here is "its a fun bike to ride" I fully agree on this statement. Not about the aero or the weight... the bike just feels "fun" everytime you saddle up... isn't that what you cycle for?

    • @EW-lc7yl
      @EW-lc7yl 11 месяцев назад +2

      I feel sorry for you if you have to pay £12,000 to have fun on a bike

    • @chroniclesofalazyriderbyde9504
      @chroniclesofalazyriderbyde9504 11 месяцев назад

      @EW-lc7yl if I can afford that fun, why not. Not every fun is the same for everyone. You can have fun on a $500 bicycle too.. I personally own one and when I took it from the store after I bought it, it did gave me a ride total different from my old Giant Propel. It's not the brand but just that it felt so much livelier and not dead serious. It's a personal feel.

    • @chroniclesofalazyriderbyde9504
      @chroniclesofalazyriderbyde9504 11 месяцев назад

      @@FullSugarBrah have you rode one before first?

  • @CanyonWanderer
    @CanyonWanderer Год назад

    Lol, I've always been well, maybe not shy but certainly not loud. So I'm not really keen on a loud rear hub sound. Having said that: after buying some new wheels (not super fancy), I realised I had never checked the rear hub sound...
    So... when Googling: "Wow, it is actually quite loud" 🤪I actually never realised this could be a thing for me..

  • @mattnolan2440
    @mattnolan2440 Год назад +3

    Sounds like a great bike, you should get spesh to sponsor you.

    • @lukaz1927
      @lukaz1927 Год назад +7

      Well, they are. How else would he get this bike couple days before the actual launch?

    • @David..
      @David.. Год назад +2

      This is an advertisement for specialized

    • @moserroman2083
      @moserroman2083 11 месяцев назад

      they kinda do lol

    • @mattnolan2440
      @mattnolan2440 11 месяцев назад +1

      @moserroman2083 I know, I was just being facetious.

  • @zzhughesd
    @zzhughesd 11 месяцев назад +1

    2023 bike. Just better. Cause. 2023. better. And is. Wicked. Durian rider going mental AF watching this. Think he’s gone totally livid. Better. 2023. Definitely. Quicker.

  • @jamiemarshall49
    @jamiemarshall49 Год назад +1

    Wow, the sound at the end ❤❤❤

  • @Nathan-1234
    @Nathan-1234 Год назад +4

    why on earth is the top model SL7 £1000 more expensive than the new top model SL8 on the specialized website

    • @CarbonRider1
      @CarbonRider1 Год назад +3

      Don’t ask those sorts of questions 😂

    • @zzhughesd
      @zzhughesd 11 месяцев назад

      @@CarbonRider1the 8 is always 8 times faster than an odd number frame number. 1 plus 1 plus 1 plus 1 plus 1 plus 1 plus 1 plus 1 is 8 times faster. Cause. Noticeably faster.

  • @VelosaJr
    @VelosaJr 10 месяцев назад

    I want that US Postal madone!

  • @seanicky
    @seanicky Год назад +1

    I prefer the Trek next to it 😂

  • @jrgensneisen6021
    @jrgensneisen6021 Год назад

    The white bike looks awesome, but im so glad i dont have a white bike anymore 😂

  • @housepfhoopz
    @housepfhoopz Год назад +2

    dont worry that sl6 will just think youre riding a sl7
    with good color combo and less spacer the sl8 have potential to look good

    • @tonywilson5468
      @tonywilson5468 Год назад

      Hopefully Specialized will listen to you because the last batch of SL7's came in rubbish/boring colours! My Snake Eye Green SL7 got written off by a car but I couldn't find a replacement in anything nice colour wise to make me spend my money ☹️

  • @dickieblench5001
    @dickieblench5001 11 месяцев назад +3

    I'd take the trek all day long

    • @Robert-mn8gc
      @Robert-mn8gc 11 месяцев назад

      The Trek like many other Brands have gone all Goofy in there Design Parameters 🤣
      The Last Venge was a little bit out there but nothing like what's out now , although the Cannondale & one other were around when the Venge was out fromt & flying .
      Specialized have just kept it Simple & smart with the SL8 & the Weight Advantage/Aero Package 📦 will certainly be worth watching 4 the rest of this Year & next year's TdeF. All Specialized require now is Bums on Saddle that are potentially GC Riders .

  • @JBSpine007
    @JBSpine007 Год назад

    To be a pro or x pro. Nice! 14K in the USD.

  • @davidwills4843
    @davidwills4843 Год назад

    Great video Alex , just looking at the saddle position on your bike would you mind sharing your saddle height from centre to bottom bracket as there seems to be a trend in the peloton of lower saddle heights. These days . Thanks

    • @discbrakefan
      @discbrakefan Год назад +1

      Why would you need that information dude?

    • @endokrin7897
      @endokrin7897 Год назад +1

      @@discbrakefan You don't want to know what he's gonna do with that info... 😆

  • @randb-xl9jy
    @randb-xl9jy 11 месяцев назад

    I thought you are Fernando Alonso on the bike

  • @syazwanabdull4835
    @syazwanabdull4835 Год назад

    Conclusion push hard hihi

  • @zzhughesd
    @zzhughesd 11 месяцев назад

    2023 = 8 = win = 2023. Fast.

  • @MLeo0
    @MLeo0 11 месяцев назад

    And I still use rim brakes bro 😢

  • @Eirikkinserdal
    @Eirikkinserdal 11 месяцев назад +1

    And all the aerogains come from the handlebar 😂

    • @zzhughesd
      @zzhughesd 11 месяцев назад

      Stiffness. I lose 25 watts on my 2019 to these 2023 bars. Cause. 2023. Lose 25 watts to seat pin bolts. Crap. I’m now 50 down. Crap. Lost another 25 to decals. I’m getting on for 75-100 watts down. I’ll change my sock height hope get half watts back. I’ll be ok.

  • @simontaylor8880
    @simontaylor8880 11 месяцев назад +3

    So they've fixed it so the steerer tube wont snap on this one then?, funny you didnt mention that Alex;-)

  • @jk0000079
    @jk0000079 Год назад

    9:08 - dont like the messy weight distribution on the rear-wheel, hopping up-and-down like that ..

  • @stevemahoney1733
    @stevemahoney1733 Год назад

    The Bottle nose dolphin

  • @messi9991
    @messi9991 11 месяцев назад +5

    1. You sold out. Nothing wrong with that, but expect the ridicule that comes with that, in particular when you want to appear as truthful and objective which you cannot be given your partnership.
    2. Even Specialized's own marketing makes very minor claims about performance improvements that no human can truly feel.
    3. If you want to see how sponsorship can work, watch Cameron from RCA, I don't actually really follow him tbh but from what I have seen from his videos the way he does it with BMC is miles better than how you did it. It all started with your video talking about pro-bikes and this deep insight and all it basically was, was faff concluding with "all pros think Specialized has the edge". Cue a week later and turns out you are being paid by Specialized. You blew your credibility then and there. RUclips does work on clickbait, but given what I've written, entitling a video as "Faster than I was as a World Tour Pro" (as if a minor bike upgrade will make your current form exceed that when you were pro, that is just straight up laughable) what can you expect other than more ridicule? You need to change your approach. Not for me. Or anyone else, but for your own sake.

    • @AlexDowsettOfficial
      @AlexDowsettOfficial  11 месяцев назад +2

      Appreciate the reply, I’m not paid by Specialized I do need to add. I could’ve gone to most bike brands and some of them been paid to promote and tell the world I think they’re the best. But I chose to go with the bike brand that I and a lot of my former colleagues think is the best from a moral standpoint.
      I understand the views some have expressed and it does make me sad as I stand by everything I said in the video in January and this one on the sl8, it was the fastest I’ve ever ridden to the cafe and back.
      Alex Richardson wrote a fantastic pdf on his thoughts on the sl8 and Peak Torque also had a great video on it as well which seemed to be in it’s favour. Quite gutted my video comes across as selling out. Will check out Cameron, thanks for directing me that way as I only want to improve this.

    • @messi9991
      @messi9991 11 месяцев назад

      @@AlexDowsettOfficial For what it's worth, you're a nice guy, and I hope people get over it and making cycling content is financially and mentally (i.e. without hate) viable. Also if you do watch him, I am not saying you need to divulge your financials as Cam did, but it does show to what extreme lengths he is going to show his objectivity. Some people take this very seriously. Personally I just really hate clickbait 😅

  • @moserroman2083
    @moserroman2083 11 месяцев назад

    at least we know you don't rate their tt/tri offer as well because you ride a scott plasma tt/tri bike ? ( uci illegal one ? )

    • @AlexDowsettOfficial
      @AlexDowsettOfficial  11 месяцев назад +1

      Big fan of the Scott I'm on. Big fan of the Shiv TT. Rode an unbranded one at Imola Worlds in 2020 to a top 10 on what was a v mediocre day for me in terms of a ride. So I'm a fan. the Tri Shiv I've not really seen so can't comment. :)

    • @moserroman2083
      @moserroman2083 11 месяцев назад

      @@AlexDowsettOfficial specialized fired off lot of ambassadors and riders also triathletes and some went away because they were told the shiv tri wouldn't be updated the focus would be more on an updated tt uci legal frameset that would also serve as uci illegal bike . guess uci illegal is that much faster for u

  • @KetzalSterling
    @KetzalSterling Год назад +7

    Shame, I was hoping you'd remain impartial to bike brands etc. I guess it's just economics. RUclips is totally filled with glorified ad channels. It's the last thing the cycling community needs. I'll stick to Peak Torque and similar sources for any technical discussion.

    • @moserroman2083
      @moserroman2083 11 месяцев назад

      give him a rest world tour cyclist are not paid well enough to refuse sponsorship when retiring lol

  • @harrie974
    @harrie974 11 месяцев назад +2

    Changing the stem will cost you £700 or so and a day of work.

    • @dhfox322
      @dhfox322 5 месяцев назад

      Exactly, I'm surprised this isn't commented on more. "Testing out" a 1 or 2cm longer stem length is incredibly expensive with these integrated bars all the manufacturers are pushing out now. Not to mention the fact the hydro hoses probably not long enough... doubtful they put in enough slack in the lines when the built the frameset up...

  • @smerritt8
    @smerritt8 Год назад +6

    What a surprise it's faster...well you would say that when they give you a bike and give money to your charity, well you don't want to bite the hand that feeds you!

    • @robertphillips3078
      @robertphillips3078 Год назад

      U r a bloody cheeky bugger arent U . Alex Dowsett was a fabulous Tour Pro . Whats more is he is a really decent human being . A genuine guy . And definitely not full of nonsense like U . Show some respect.

  • @jkelleypga
    @jkelleypga Год назад +2

    Claimed 8 watts faster than the SL7 or the equivalent of aero road socks. Never-mind 4 of the acclaimed 8 watts is coming from the handlebars.

    • @discbrakefan
      @discbrakefan Год назад

      What if you have the bike AND aero socks 😂

    • @slowcyclist4324
      @slowcyclist4324 Год назад +1

      The fastest bike on the market today, is the Cervelo s5, which tests in at 203W drag.
      The sl7 tested in at 210. So if this 8w is valid, then this bike really is the fastest bike at the moment, at a weight lighter than that of a full aero bike.
      And what’s wrong with the handlebar being part of the equation? You never ridden at threshold for long enough to notice even that difference of 4-5W? Because I can assure you, at a threshold sustained effort, you can feel every extra watt.

  • @MrHcharles
    @MrHcharles Год назад

    Nice bike, will be crazy expensive, get that rear wheel balanced 😍

  • @BIBIWCICC
    @BIBIWCICC Год назад

    Nice Lycra 😅😂🤣😂😅😂🤣

  • @moserroman2083
    @moserroman2083 11 месяцев назад

    maybe people hate on the sl7 because of the death trap it was until recall and that it shouldn't have gone out in the real world with such a defective conception ?

  • @JimbobB1978
    @JimbobB1978 11 месяцев назад +5

    If the bike industry and the hobby of cycling want's to survive we need to stop championing these "elitist" bikes. They have no place in the hobby. How is a bike that costs the same amount as a car a worthwhile purchase. How will normal people and especially younger people ever be encouraged to take up cycling? What happened to good quality, lightweight fast bikes for a grand?

  • @pdxbk
    @pdxbk Год назад

    The birth of a new hashtag.... #bacw > #baaw

  • @jasonblackwell5534
    @jasonblackwell5534 Год назад

    Nice Angry Bee sound from the hub.

  • @robertphillips3078
    @robertphillips3078 Год назад

    Slammed headset / Carbon Cockpit .

  • @DonnyDonnMendoza
    @DonnyDonnMendoza Год назад

    Noice!

  • @CesarFalco
    @CesarFalco 11 месяцев назад +3

    Videos like this will kill your reputation + opinion alex, just saying

  • @davemellor4697
    @davemellor4697 Год назад +7

    This is why world tour riders use specialized sl7-8s they know just how good a bike is....Some people squeeze there frames (DURIANRIDER) and say they are shyte and he knows more than world tour pro,s....He also said disc,s are absolutely the problem with cycling causing crashes slower times etc etc ....Now you hear just how good these specialized bikes are from a grand tour stage winner not a you tuber who criticizes anyone who rides discs or specialized bikes ...and i myself ride rim brakes but appreciate just how good these bikes are i just know i would trust Alex over a you tuber who cant find anything positive to say about modern cycling....

    • @stfu6397
      @stfu6397 Год назад +5

      Durianrider isn't wrong tho lol

    • @neilbuckley5796
      @neilbuckley5796 Год назад

      Durianrider needs a stiff ignoring.

    • @davemellor4697
      @davemellor4697 Год назад +3

      @@stfu6397 He never is ....:)

    • @neilbuckley5796
      @neilbuckley5796 Год назад

      @@CG-99 who? Me?

    • @volkervoit
      @volkervoit Год назад +2

      Pros don‘t choose their bike - their sponsors decide - and they have to ride what they are given or can leave the team

  • @chrisbinch800
    @chrisbinch800 11 месяцев назад +2

    Great ad!

  • @hanef8852
    @hanef8852 11 месяцев назад +1

    You can hype it all you want, I still don't get the concept of a $14,000 road bike, I mean who buys that? If you have that much money to spare, you probably work a lot and are at best a weekend warrior. Please don't tell me that people at this level, pushing maybe 3 w/kg would notice any performance boost, compared to a $4,000 bike.

    • @AlexDowsettOfficial
      @AlexDowsettOfficial  11 месяцев назад +1

      Completely agree re the specific person and performance boost, for sure the differences are minimal in relative terms, I felt them, but they’re small relatively speaking.
      The nature of performance is that the higher the level the cost per % gain goes up exponentially. But focusing on what you’ve said, and I’m not here to change your mind, just provide my POV, ultimately is it wrong to judge people that can or can’t afford it? Full time riders on £4k or £14k bikes win and lose races, full time workers on £4 or £14k bikes win and lose races as well. It’d be a sad place if any of those groups alienated the other for ultimately doing a variation of the same thing the other is doing. The average person in the street would likely think £4k is an absurd amount of money to spend on a bicycle. This is all relative IMO.

  • @ananovo8662
    @ananovo8662 11 месяцев назад +1

    nice to see the c*ke snorter in the wild

  • @jeffsmithson4104
    @jeffsmithson4104 11 месяцев назад

    When a world tour rider develops an addiction to croissants 🥐

  • @TheTrev53
    @TheTrev53 Год назад

    The problem is, you don’t buy a bike and tell everyone is crap

    • @discbrakefan
      @discbrakefan Год назад +1

      Or you don’t even buy it in the first place…