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2022 Specialized

S-Works Aethos Frameset

A carbon frame race frameset.

Manufacturer Price

$5,500
FrameCarbon
ForkCarbon
Wheels700c
Where to Buy
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Insights
Sizing
49cm

5'1" – 5'5"

52cm

5'3" – 5'7"

54cm

5'5" – 5'9"

56cm

5'7" – 6'0"

58cm

5'10" – 6'2"

61cm

6'0" – 6'4"

🐐 Estimated

Rider Fit Notes
  • 5'11", size 56cm, Just right
  • 6'1", size 61cm, Just right
Price History
Reviews

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.

Pros
  • Ultralight carbon frameset

  • Exceptional ride quality and handling

  • Superb climbing and acceleration

  • Traditional design with modern performance

  • Comfortable for long rides

Cons
  • High price point

  • Limited aero optimizations

  • Some models have non-tubeless wheels

  • Electronic shifting only on certain builds

Key Quotes
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.
Canadian Cycling Magazine logoCanadian Cycling Magazine
The Aethos is one of the finest-riding road frames I’ve ever experienced.
Cycling Tips logoCycling Tips

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Bikerumor
Specialized S-Works Aethos LTD in Italian Marble with Campy Super Record Wireless

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…

Read Review

The Gear Loop
Specialized S-Works Aethos review

Dec 2021 · Leon Poultney

We spend time with Specialized's latest lightweight, high-performance road bike that seemingly excels in all areas.

Highs
  • Climbs like a champion

  • Impossibly light

  • Stylish

  • Effortless to ride

Lows
  • The price

  • Looks better in rowdier colours

  • Limited wheel options

  • Lacks aero touches some might demand

Read Review

Road Bike Action
SPECIALIZED S-WORKS AETHOS VS. OPEN CYCLE MIN.D. - Road Bike Action

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

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Cyclist
Specialized S-Works Aethos review

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

Highs
  • Light and stiff

  • Incredible climber

  • Fantastic handling

Lows
  • Clincher-only wheels

Read Review

Gran Fondo Magazine
The Specialized S-Works Aethos in review

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.

Highs
  • Balanced and intuitive handling

  • Most light-footed and willing acceleration in the test

  • Minimal weight without the usual disadvantages

  • High level of comfort

Lows
  • Average efficiency on the flats

  • Limited mounting point

Read Review

Bicycling
Specialized’s Aethos Comp Rival eTap AXS Is So Good, It’ll Scramble Your Brain

Apr 2021 · Matt Phillips

It sells for $4,800, but it rides like a million bucks.

Read Review

road.cc
Specialized Aethos Pro Ultegra Di2

Dec 2020 · Liam Cahill

What a bike. If you have the cash and don't care about aero, buy it

Highs
  • Incredible ride

  • Low weight

  • Excellent stiffness

  • Perfect handling

  • Gets most of the tech from the S-Works

Lows
  • No power meter

  • Expensive

Read Review

BikeRadar
Specialized S-Works Aethos Dura-Ace Di2 review

Oct 2020 · George Scott

Aero is everything, except where the Aethos is concerned

Highs
  • Exceptionally light frame, pin-sharp handling, 32mm tyre clearance, practical build for everyday riding

Lows
  • No tubeless compatibility, minimum £10k pricing

Read Review

Geometry
Specs
Build
Frame

S-Works Aethos FACT 12r Carbon, Rider First Engineered™, Threaded BB, Electronic cable routing only, 12x142mm thru-axle, flat-mount disc

BB StandardBSA, 68mm, Threaded

ColorsFlake 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

TypeRigid

Rider Notes
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First added July 24

Last updated June 8