7. The new Specialized Tarmac SL7 and the death of the aero bike

The aero bike is dead. Well, according to Specialized it is. Earlier this week it launched its latest road racing bike, the Tarmac SL7, which not only hits the UCI weight limit of 6.8kg but is so fast in the wind tunnel, Specialized has decided to ditch its dedicated Venge aero bike.That's right, we have got to the point where a lightweight race bike is just as fast as an out-and-out aero bike.So this begs the question, is the aero bike dead?James and Joe caught up with product manager of the new Tarmac SL7, Cameron Piper, to ask him about the end of aero and the other mass changes seen with the new Tarmac SL7, not least that new threaded bottom bracket!James and Joe then mull over where road bikes are headed and what other bike trends could join aero in the bin.James has a gripe about how bikes are not set up properly for the consumer while Joe praises Shimano Ultegra Di2 and laments a diesel 4x4 being promoted by a professional cycling team.For more on the Cyclist Magazine Podcast - https://www.cyclist.co.uk/cyclistmagazinepodcastSubscribe to Cyclist Magazine now - https://cyclistmag.co.uk/cyclistmagazinepodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.