I was smitten from the first pedal stroke. Not ready to drop upwards of 12 grand? The S-Works Aethos frameset costs $5,200 and comes in six color options. It uses the same frame, drivetrain, and wheels as the S-Works model but adds a Roval Alpinist integrated one-piece bar/stem cockpit and CeramicSpeed derailleur pulley wheels. There’s also a $14,500 Founder’s Edition, of which only 300 will be sold. The bottom bracket and derailleur pulleys are packed with CeramicSpeed bearings, and the one-piece cockpit from Roval adds some flair but detracts from some of the simplicity that makes the Aethos such a wonderful bike. Both cost $12,500 and roll on Roval Alpinist CLX wheels. There are two S-Works versions: the Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 we reviewed and one with SRAM RED eTap AXS. Although this way of thinking may be new for Specialized, independent frame builders the world over have known all along that simple works, and you don’t need a bike that resembles a spaceship to have a great ride. Technology aside, we can’t ignore the fact that the most exciting thing about the Aethos is that it’s a throwback to the way bikes used to be before design went nuts chasing the aerodynamic holy grail. Often that leads to parts of the bike being overbuilt in order to compensate for a tube shape that performs well in the wind tunnel, but on its own doesn’t fare well against the forces it must handle. That stands in stark contrast to how aero road bikes are designed, where the aerodynamically optimized shape comes first and then engineers determine the proper carbon layup to make it perform. Rather than rely on the carbon layup to create the desired ride qualities, Specialized engineers focused on the shape of the tubes. Tire Clearance: 32mm The Result of Extensive Testing: Round Tubes Work Handlebar: Specialized S-Works Short & Shallow Saddle: Specialized S-Works Body Geometry Power The Aethos stands out because it’s a bike for discerning riders who enjoy and appreciate the performance of racing bikes but are more concerned with having a great ride than being first across the finish line.Ĭranks: 175mm Shimano Dura-Ace with dual-sided power meter At just over 14 pounds, it’s one of the lightest we’ve tested, but that in itself isn’t extraordinary. In other words, it’s everything we’re NOT used to seeing on a modern-day road bike.
There’s nothing obviously aero about it, internal brake-hose routing is minimal, and the traditional stem and round handlebar look old-fashioned when compared to the slick integrated cockpits on many bikes. At the heart of the Aethos is a pure focus on a great cycling experience, not going fast and winning races. A traditional road bike void of fancy tube shapes and handlebar configurations-and any other design element that doesn’t substantively add to the quality of the ride. The latest road bike from Specialized is just that: a road bike. Same geometry and strength-to-weight ratio as the Tarmac SL7.The Takeaway: The Aethos rides like a Tarmac, but is simple and user-friendly in a way modern road bikes haven’t been for years.