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Today’s Deals2024 Specialized
Aethos Frameset
A carbon frame race frameset.
Manufacturer Price
$2,999| Weight | 3.0 lbs (frame) |
|---|---|
| Frame | Carbon |
| Fork | Carbon |
| Wheels | 700c |
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 exceptionally lightweight frame and superb ride quality, offering a balanced and responsive experience that excels in climbing and handling. Its understated aesthetics and efficient chassis make it a standout in the race category, though some note limitations in wheel options and aerodynamics. Overall, it delivers a remarkable ride that prioritizes comfort and performance without excessive flair.
Exceptionally lightweight frame
Superb ride quality and handling
Understated aesthetics
Excellent climbing performance
Generous tire clearance
Limited wheel options
Lacks aero features
High price
Skittish on descents in some models
The Aethos Comp, however, is much better when it comes to descending – the chassis is more composed and the front end transmits much less buzz, even with an alloy bar, budget wheels and skinny tyres.
BikeRadarThe Aethos is one of the finest-riding road frames I’ve ever experienced.
Cycling TipsWhat a bike! If you have the cash and don't care about aero, buy it.
road.ccthe Specialized Aethos is excellent, offers a truly remarkable ride and it doesn't like to shout about itThe Gear Loop
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Oct 2025
Specialized’s Aethos 2 returns as the world’s lightest road frame, now with new upgrades that boost comfort, fit, and versatility for every cyclist.
Oct 2025 · Jordan Villella
Get your wallet ready, the new Specialized Aethos 2 just dropped and it looks like more of the classic looks with some performance tweaks.
Oct 2025
Still a featherweight, but now with relaxed geometry, internally routed cables, and premium builds only
Incredibly lightweight
Super nimble and fun to ride
Looks fantastic
Off-the-shelf tyre size is narrow, considering the clearance
Forced cockpit width is a headache customers shouldn't have to deal with
The Crux offers the same ride characteristics with more versatility
Oct 2025 · Aaron Borrill
When Specialized unveiled the first-generation Aethos in 2020, it was an instant hit, perhaps only drawing flak from the rim-brake
Great ride quality
New geometry adds stability
35mm tyre clearance
Front-end integration
Still very light
Expensive in S-Works guise
Non-aero
Limited range depth
Oct 2025 · Ronan Mc Laughlin
Specialized solves one pain point but makes a new one, as the second-generation Aethos adds weight but still clings to the “lightest road bike” crown.
Oct 2025 · Jan Fock
New 2026 Specialized S-Works Aethos First Ride Test – Lighter, Cleaner, Pure Riding Fun?
Explosive acceleration
Agile, direct handling
More versatile thanks to increased tyre clearance
Classic, beautiful frame design with subtle S-Works branding
A little twitchy at high speeds
Wide handlebar feels too relaxed for narrower riders
Jun 2025 · Josh Ross
Not an all-road and verging on relic status, but the passion behind Specialized S-Works Aethos continues to keep it relevant.
Mar 2024 · Mat Brett
Spoon Customs has created a stunning finish for a bike that’s being used to raise funds for the fight against motor neurone disease
| Frame | Aethos FACT 10r Carbon, Rider First Engineered™, Threaded BB, 12x142mm thru-axle, flat-mount disc BB Standard: BSA, 68mm, Threaded Color: Satin Carbon + 50% Silver Blue Viavi / 10% Fog Tint |
|---|---|
| Fork | FACT Carbon, 12x100mm thru-axle, flat-mount disc |
| Bottom Bracket | BSA, 68mm, threaded |
| Seatpost | Roval Alpinist Carbon Seatpost Type: Rigid |
First added October 4
Last updated April 12
Not listed for 417 days