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2025 Specialized

Aethos Pro - Force eTap AXS

A carbon frame race bike with high-end components and sram force hydraulic disc brakes.
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Manufacturer Price

$6,999
Weight15.5 lbs  
FrameCarbon
ForkCarbon
Wheels700c Carbon
Drivetrain2 × 12 Electronic
GroupsetForce, Force eTap
Power MeterForce AXS
BrakesSRAM Force Hydraulic Disc
View on specialized.comLearn about Specialized
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Insights
Ride Feel

Based on frame geometry and build specs.

Rider Position
relaxedaggressive
Terrain
smoothrugged
Aethos Pro - Force eTap AXS
Other Race bikes
Gearing

A bike with lower gearing will be easier to ride up steep hills, while a higher top end means it will pedal faster down hills.

Lowest gear

(climbing)

41 mph

Aethos Pro - Force eTap AXS

40 mph

Similar Bikes

Highest gear

(descending)

Spec Level

Based on build material and quality level of the frame, fork, wheelset, groupset, suspension system, and more.

Compare the full Aethos model range

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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
Reviews

Summary

The Specialized Aethos is celebrated for its ultralight carbon frameset and traditional design, focusing on ride quality and lightweight performance over aero optimizations. It offers first-class handling and quick acceleration, making it an excellent climber, though some riders note limitations in descending confidence and efficiency at speed. The bike's unique finishes and high-quality components are frequently praised, despite its high price point and limited availability in certain editions.

Pros
  • Ultralight carbon frameset

  • First-class handling and quick acceleration

  • Unique finishes and high-quality components

  • Excellent vibration damping

  • Traditional design focus

Cons
  • High price point

  • Limited availability in certain editions

  • Lacks efficiency at speed

  • Descending confidence issues

  • Limited tire reserves

Key Quotes
A build kit fit for a king, a pope, or anyone else with deep pockets.
Bikerumor logoBikerumor
Your bike deserves a trip to the Pyrenees just like you do.
Escape Collective logoEscape Collective
The handling of the Specialized Aethos Expert makes up for any of these shortcomings, showing the rest of the test field how it’s done.
Gran Fondo Magazine logoGran Fondo Magazine

Feedback?

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Bicycling
Specialized Aethos 2 Stuns as Lightest Frame Again. The Latest Features Make It Even Better.

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.

Read Review

Cycling News
New Specialized Aethos 2 review: The bike it should have been all along, but not everyone will be happy

Oct 2025

Still a featherweight, but now with relaxed geometry, internally routed cables, and premium builds only

Highs
  • Incredibly lightweight

  • Super nimble and fun to ride

  • Looks fantastic

Lows
  • 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

Read Review

Cyclist
Specialized S-Works Aethos 2 review: First ride on the brand’s updated climbing bike

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

Highs
  • Great ride quality

  • New geometry adds stability

  • 35mm tyre clearance

  • Front-end integration

  • Still very light

Lows
  • Expensive in S-Works guise

  • Non-aero

  • Limited range depth

Read Review

Escape Collective
Believe it or not … that is the new Specialized Aethos

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.

Read Review

Gran Fondo Magazine
The Return of a Purist? New Specialized S-Works Aethos 2 Review

Oct 2025 · Jan Fock

New 2026 Specialized S-Works Aethos First Ride Test – Lighter, Cleaner, Pure Riding Fun?

Highs
  • Explosive acceleration

  • Agile, direct handling

  • More versatile thanks to increased tyre clearance

  • Classic, beautiful frame design with subtle S-Works branding

Lows
  • A little twitchy at high speeds

  • Wide handlebar feels too relaxed for narrower riders

Read Review

Velo
The Specialized S-Works Aethos Is Still Worth the Hype – Field Test

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.

Read Review

road.cc
Tartan paint? Check out the very special Specialized S-Works Aethos that’s being ridden from Edinburgh to Rome this week

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

Read Review

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

Geometry
Specs
Build
Frame

Aethos FACT 10r Carbon, Rider First Engineered™, Threaded BB, 12x142mm thru-axle, flat-mount disc

BB StandardBSA, 68mm, Threaded

ColorGloss Birch / Gold Pearl Radial Fades / Burnt Gold Metallic

Fork

FACT Carbon, 12x100mm thru-axle, flat-mount disc

Bottom Bracket

SRAM DUB BSA 68

Stem

Specialized Pro SL, alloy, 4-bolt

Handlebar

S-Works Short & Shallow, 125mm Drop, 75mm Reach w/Di2 Hole

Saddle

Body Geometry Power Pro with Mirror, hollow titanium rails

Seatpost

Roval Alpinist Carbon Seatpost

TypeRigid

Groupset
Rear Derailleur

SRAM Force eTAP AXS, 12-speed

Front Derailleur

SRAM Force eTAP AXS, braze-on

Crank

SRAM Force DUB, Power Meter, 48-35t, 48/35T

Power Meter

SRAM Force DUB, Power Meter, 48-35t, 48/35T

Shifters

SRAM Force eTap AXS

Cassette

SRAM Force, 12-speed, 10-33t

Chain

SRAM Force 12-speed

Brakes

Front: SRAM Force eTAP AXS, hydraulic disc, 160mm rotor, Rear: SRAM Force eTAP AXS, hydraulic disc, 160mm rotor

TypeSRAM Force Hydraulic Disc

Wheels
Rims

Front: Roval Alpinist CL II, 21mm internal width carbon rim, 33mm depth, Win Tunnel Engineered, DT for Roval 350 hub, DT Swiss Aerolite spokes, Tubeless Ready, Rear: Roval Alpinist CL II, 21mm internal width carbon rim, 33mm depth, Win Tunnel Engineered, DT for Roval 350 hub, DT Swiss Aerolite spokes, Tubeless Ready

Tires

Front: S-works Turbo 2BR, 700x28mm, Rear: S-works Turbo 2BR, 700x28mm

Rider Notes
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First added August 17

Last updated September 13

Not listed for 280 days