Bought this bike in September 2023 as my 2nd bike (already have a Roubaix Comp). However I have been riding the Aethos exclusively except maybe 2 times since I got it. So light, nimble and quick. Shifting with Force eTap is smooth and trouble free. The power meter is a nice bonus! The Aethos has improved my riding and I’ve already put close to 8k miles on it as of 1 March 24. Just loving this bike (no worries about the Roubaix as it’s going to be on the trainer I’m getting very soon). Maybe in a couple of years I’ll upgrade to an S Works Aethos.

Ugh, I wanted to love this bike... but all of my power is lost upon sprinting, or just riding "hard" in general (Zone 3+). I put barely 400 miles into the bike before stripping it for the parts and moving them to a frame that is stiffer. I feel sketched out even turning too fast on this bike. It feels its gonna snap right from underneath of me. This bike is good for two things: 1. Going uphill, and 2. Going for long moderatately-paced GROUP rides (not solo). You will waste so much energy into keeping the bike rolling & upright that it's even worth it. I gave it 2 stars rather than 1 because the color is beautiful and multi-dimensional.

I have roughly 200 miles on this bike and it is a pure joy to ride. It is quick, nimble and responsive without being squirrelly. The power delivery is direct, without being rigid. It climbs naturally and swiftly. I was looking for a bike that was a traditional road bike, without the gadgetry of the Tarmac. With its traditional componetry and understated aesthetics, this fit the bill perfectly. This bike will not disappoint.

This is the bike that's been waiting for me all my life. The first sensation that hits you - the bike is totally conected to your body - like the thing is almost stiched on. I used muscles on first trip I've never felt triggered on another bike - particularly around quads. The bike urges you forwards all the time and I found regular hills could be covered almost efforlessly, compared to my last (very light) carbon bike. Didn't need the small chain ring, so much fewer distracting gear changes up hill. Also for some reason Aethos had me swinging the frame left and right much more than before- my cycling style adapted immediately. I was cheeky and upgraded to SRAM RED before riding. Aethos now weighting 6.99KG and expect to drop to 6.8 with final tyre/inner tube mods (54 frame). Some tiny niggles - bronze colour is meh, the look anonymous for the price, and ride slightly harsh on UK roads. Its a 'keeper' the weak link is now the rider I need to raise my game to match the bike!

The Sram eTap was easier to get used to than expected coming from Shimano cables, it's stiff in all the right places and very responsive to rider input, I put the 32c mondo tires on it which took all the harsh road chatter away, it's all-day ride comfy and QUICK (!!!) - I've ridden it 8 times in 2 1/2 weeks putting 300 miles on it and climbing over 25,000 feet with several PR's for my 55 yo self - its a keeper!! FYI - my bike weighed in at 17.6# kitted out ready to ride (61cm).

I can only reiterate many of the other reviewers that rate the bike 5 Stars! ALL TRUE!! So let me add just a couple of details. My other bike is a Roubaix and I would compare them by saying that the Roubaix pedal action feels like you are pedaling in a circular motion, the Aethos feels like you a pedaling in a sharp Downward motion - the feeling is that you are exerting more muscle action straight to forward motion and much less to moving the pedals around the sprocket! Second the Sram set-up is a delight - intuitive, elegant, and sooo smooth! I am finding that without trying I am more in the middle of the cassette more often, I am shifting less and best of all you can shift under load on a steep hill like your on the flats!! I am a Sram convert!! I am 6'1", 170 lbs. 34" inseam got a 58cm.

When I decided to purchase a new bike, I researched the Roubaix and the Aethos. At 67 years old, I was looking for something with a little more comfort so I was leaning towards the Roubaix. I was afraid that the Aethos' geometry might be a little to aggressive for me. But I loved the simplistic traditional look of the Aethos. After more research, I purchased the Aethos Pro in the maroon color. The bike is gorgeous, but a good looking bike doesn't necessarily translate into a great riding bike. After putting some miles on the Aethos, this bike is absolutely fantastic. This bike is everything I wanted, what a fabulous riding bike. It is extremely light and very comfortable and fast.The SRAM Force e tap AXS shifting was like a Swiss watch. The bike is very responsive and climbs hills like a dream. The Aethos is the perfect bike and I would highly recommend it. Thank you Specialized for making an older guy extremely happy.

The perfect blend of tradition and modern technology, this bike is a dream to ride on the high mountain roads that surround my home. High marks for traditional bar, stem, seatpost, headset and BSA BB (funny that those are ‘features’ in 2022…) and stock power meter. Love the clean simplicity and functionality of the Force AXS group. Great balance of road feel and comfort, with geometry that feels lively without being too aggressive. Understated industrial design and paint job have attracted more compliments than any road bike I’ve owned in 20+ years. Minor gripes are that I wish the carbon headset cover was thinner (is ~7mm) so I could achieve a lower stack height with my preferred -6deg stem, and the ultra-lightweight compression plug is pretty darn flimsy. I’ll take the few grams hit and swap it with a proper full-length one so I don’t have to think twice when trundling down the hill at 75kph. Overall, fantastic bike, as it should be at this price.

Lightweight, snappy and comfortable. Classic design and easier to maintain than its aero relatives. Wish the tires were tubeless.

This is the bike I've been waiting years for. It's light, great, balanced handling with comfortable ride; looks great. It's the perfect blend of old school (standard round 27.2 seat post, standard bar and stem, threaded BB) and new school (disc brakes, carbon wheels, electronic shifting). I love everything about this bike. I don't want integrated this and that; this is THE bike for me.

Beautiful ride. Easy to setup. Light. Shifts flawlessly. Comfortable and fast. Looking forward to many many miles on this bike.

Great combination of light weight and comfort. The build with E-Tap components carbon wheels and bars and power meter is an excellent combination

I bought this bike sight unseen based on descriptions from Specialized and my LBS. My Roubaix of a few years old was recently stolen and I was desperate! I only have a couple of rides so far, both flat Z2 spinning and some short, steep 12% climbs. I am so psyched. The Aethos is super light and extremely comfortable, even on chip seal. Although I'm not a great climber, this bike will make me better! So smooth and so fast. Specialized did a great job rethinking what a composite frame could be.

I bought this bike sight unseen due to Covid supply chain issues. It's an amazing bike. Great for climbing. love every aspect about it. It's light weight, super quiet and has amazing acceleration. You'll be KOM on this bike. a lot of coin, but you quickly forget that when you see those PBs in strava.

I have been riding Specialized S Works SL4 for several years. I was debating whether to stay with the Roubaix or change to the Aethos. In these times it’s difficult or neat impossible to demo new models due to limited availability. At 68 ,I was looking for comfort in addition to all the usual requirements such as light, fast, responsive, cool looking and fun.The modern, clean, retro design definitely looks great but in a stealthy not flashy way. I have ridden the Aethos a few hundred miles. I replaced the 26mm turbos with 32mm Continental 5000TL mainly for comfort. I absolutely love the way the bike rides and the fact that handling is super responsive without being the least bit twitchy. Obviously, the bike is a great climber and handles with confidence flying down hills. The SRAM Force AXS shifts impeccably well and integrates perfectly with my Wahoo element. I definitely highly recommend the bike to anyone who wants a fun, comfortable, light and fast all around road bike.

Be careful getting this bike because you're friends will expect you to climb faster, and you will. It's a lightweight, fast bike that will do anything!