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Today’s Deals2025 Specialized
S-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 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.
BikerumorYour bike deserves a trip to the Pyrenees just like you do.
Escape CollectiveThe 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 MagazineFeedback?
View all reviews
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 | 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: Satin Deep Lake Metallic / Green Pearl + Burnt Gold Metallic Fades / Dark Navy; Gloss Sea Foam / Dry Brushed Violet + Gold Ghost Pearl / Smoke |
|---|---|
| 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 August 17
Last updated June 13