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Today’s DealsS-Works Aethos Frameset
A carbon frame race frameset.
5'1" – 5'5"
5'3" – 5'7"
5'5" – 5'9"
5'7" – 6'0"
5'10" – 6'2"
6'0" – 6'4"
🐐 Estimated
Summary
The Specialized Aethos is celebrated for its ultralight frame, exceptional ride quality, and superb handling, making it a standout in the race category. Its design focuses on lightweight and traditional aesthetics, offering a smooth, responsive ride that excels in climbing and descents. While it lacks some aero optimizations, its performance and comfort are highly praised across various reviews.
Ultralight carbon frameset
Exceptional ride quality and handling
Superb climbing and acceleration
Traditional design with modern performance
Comfortable for long rides
High price point
Limited aero optimizations
Some models have non-tubeless wheels
Electronic shifting only on certain builds
This $4,800, 17.2-pound Aethos—the base model—is one of the finest road bikes, of any price, I’ve ridden in my long testing career.Bicycling
The Aethos is crazy light.
The Aethos is one of the finest-riding road frames I’ve ever experienced.
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Oct 2023 · Cory Benson
Specialized celebrates 50 yrs since Mike Sinyard’s pilgrimage to Italy with limited edition S-Works Aethos LTD road bike built with Campy & faux marble…

Dec 2021 · Leon Poultney
We spend time with Specialized's latest lightweight, high-performance road bike that seemingly excels in all areas.
Climbs like a champion
Impossibly light
Stylish
Effortless to ride
The price
Looks better in rowdier colours
Limited wheel options
Lacks aero touches some might demand

Sep 2021 · David Kennedy
When you stop listening to the pros and focus on the people, bikes like the Open MIN.D. and Specialized Aethos are the result

May 2021 · James Spender
The Aethos is virtually the perfect bike, from its razor handling to incredible climbing. If only it had tubeless wheels and cost a bit less
Light and stiff
Incredible climber
Fantastic handling
Clincher-only wheels

Apr 2021 · Benjamin Topf
Hardly any aerodynamic features, cable integration or even mounting points, other than for two bottles: the list of things that the Specialized S-Works Aethos doesn't have is long. Does this reductionist concept work during the test or does this bike not stand a chance against the competition? Find out here.
Balanced and intuitive handling
Most light-footed and willing acceleration in the test
Minimal weight without the usual disadvantages
High level of comfort
Average efficiency on the flats
Limited mounting point

Apr 2021 · Matt Phillips
It sells for $4,800, but it rides like a million bucks.

Dec 2020 · Liam Cahill
What a bike. If you have the cash and don't care about aero, buy it
Incredible ride
Low weight
Excellent stiffness
Perfect handling
Gets most of the tech from the S-Works
No power meter
Expensive

Oct 2020 · George Scott
Aero is everything, except where the Aethos is concerned
Exceptionally light frame, pin-sharp handling, 32mm tyre clearance, practical build for everyday riding
No tubeless compatibility, minimum £10k pricing
| Frame | S-Works Aethos FACT 12r Carbon, Rider First Engineered™, Threaded BB, Electronic cable routing only, 12x142mm thru-axle, flat-mount disc BB Standard: BSA, 68mm, Threaded Colors: Flake Silver / Red Gold Chameleon Tint/brushed Chrome; Satin Carbon / Jet Fuel; Cool Grey / Chameleon Eyris Tint/brushed Chrome; Chameleon Supernova Tint over Maroon / Chrome; Carbon / Chameleon Eyris Color Run / Chrome Foil; Gloss Sand/ Red / Goldchameleon / Satin Brushed Gold Foil |
|---|---|
| Fork | S-Works FACT Carbon, 12x100mm thru-axle, flat-mount disc |
| Bottom Bracket | BSA, 68mm, threaded |
| Seatpost | Roval Alpinist Carbon Seatpost Type: Rigid |
First added July 24
Last updated June 8