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Today’s DealsAethos 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| Weight | 15.5 lbs |
|---|---|
| Frame | Carbon |
| Fork | Carbon |
| Wheels | 700c Carbon |
| Drivetrain | 2 × 12 Electronic |
| Groupset | Force, Force eTap |
| Power Meter | Force AXS |
| Brakes | SRAM Force Hydraulic Disc |
Based on build material and quality level of the frame, fork, wheelset, groupset, suspension system, and more.
Compare the full Aethos model range
View Comparison5'1" – 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 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.
Ultralight carbon frameset
First-class handling and quick acceleration
Unique finishes and high-quality components
Excellent vibration damping
Traditional design focus
High price point
Limited availability in certain editions
Lacks efficiency at speed
Descending confidence issues
Limited tire reserves
A build kit fit for a king, a pope, or anyone else with deep pockets.
Your bike deserves a trip to the Pyrenees just like you do.
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.
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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
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

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…
| Frame | Aethos FACT 10r Carbon, Rider First Engineered™, Threaded BB, 12x142mm thru-axle, flat-mount disc BB Standard: BSA, 68mm, Threaded Color: Gloss 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 Type: Rigid |
| 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 Type: SRAM Force Hydraulic Disc |
| 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 |
First added August 17
Last updated September 13
Not listed for 280 days