Specialized Aethos 2

92/100
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Experts (3 reviews)
88
Specialized Aethos 2
Where to buy
$6,999.99 Special­ized See it $6,999.99 Con­tender Bicycles See it $8,499.99 Perform­ance Bicycle See it
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Facts

Gender
Men, Women
Type
Road, Non-Electric
Release Year
2025
Brand
Specialized
Wheel Size
700c
Number of Gears
24 (2x12)
Gearing Type
External Derailleur
Weight
13.53, 14.79, 15.54 lb
Suspension
None
Brake Type
Disc: Hydraulic
Frame Material
Carbon Fiber

Summary of Reviews

We have read all expert and user reviews on the Specialized Aethos 2. In summary, this is what cyclists think.

9 reasons to buy

  • The Aethos 2 comes in three tiers: Expert, Pro, and S-Works, each with the choice of Shimano or SRAM. Two framesets are also available.
  • Experts feel the Aethos 2 is essentially its own category, with no direct rival that offers this combination of lightness, agility, speed, responsiveness, and comfort.
  • Despite its impressively nimble and responsive handling, testers say the Aethos 2 remains stable and confidence-inspiring on descents.
  • Experts relish the “explosive” acceleration.
  • Testers praise the sublimely smooth ride and comfortable geometry.
  • Experts admire the classic style of the Aethos 2’s sleek round tubing, though the long head tube upsets the aesthetics for some.
  • The Pro and S-Works builds come with lightweight TPU tubes.
  • This bike has clearance for 35mm tires, but the wheels are optimized for 28mm.
  • Many will welcome the Aethos finally getting fully integrated cables, though this does complicate servicing.

4 reasons not to buy

  • At these prices, Specialized’s refusal to offer component geometry and gearing options verges on immoral.
  • An expert says that heavy riders or those given to high-wattage efforts may find the frame lacks stiffness.
  • Reviewers feel the Aethos 2 Expert and Pro builds offer minimal improvements over the original.
  • This is not a race bike, and despite the tweaked geo, it’s not an endurance bike, either.

Bottom line

Specialized has updated the Aethos with more relaxed geometry, fully internal cabling, and, on the S-Works build, new ultralight wheels. The Aethos 2 maintains its spectacularly low weight, smooth ride, agility, and speed, while offering a more accessible fit. However, the 28mm stock tires may seem narrow to some, and Specialized arrogantly refuses to give buyers the choice to customize the cockpit geo, crank length, or gearing. Overall, the Aethos 2 is an impressive and enjoyable real-world road bike with a hefty price tag. Weight weenies could also consider Scott’s Addict RC or Canyon’s Ultimate.

Expert Reviews

88/100 based on 3 rated expert reviews
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89
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David Arthur - Just Ride Bikes
Level 5 expert

Specialized S-Works Aethos 2 Review: The World’s Lightest Road Bike, Evolved

Level 5 expert

The new Specialized Aethos proves that lightweight bikes are still a valid choice in today’s market… it’s every bit as good as the old bike, but definitely improved in enough areas to make it a worthwhile upgrade.

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90
?
This review has been given a score. Read more here
Gran Fondo
Level 5 expert

New Specialized S-Works Aethos 2 2026 Review – The Return of a Purist?

Level 5 expert

The Aethos 2 stays true to its purist roots and delivers the same unmistakable ride feel that made it so special back in 2020… For full-on race use, it could use some fine-tuning, but as a classic all-rounder with timeless elegance, it’s still a real head-turner in 2026.

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86
?
This review has been given a score. Read more here
BikeRadar
Level 5 expert

Specialized Aethos 2 Pro Di2 First Ride Review: A Tantalising Prospect, but You May Need the S-Works Bike to Realise the Potential

Level 5 expert

After my initial test ride, it’s clear the Specialized Aethos 2 is an incredibly good bike. It might not stand out in quite the same way as the old one, but that doesn’t necessarily matter.

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Velo
Level 5 expert

Specialized Aethos 2 First Ride: Fantastic Ride at the Limit of Lightness

Level 5 expert

My negatives with this bike center around the idea that I’d like to see the bike pushed further. Fully internal routing, even lighter, or 38mm of tire clearance. That said, the Specialized Aethos 2 is a gorgeous bike that’s sublime to ride.

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Sam Rates Bikes
Level 1 expert

The Aethos 2 Is Great, but Who’s Going to Buy It?

Level 1 expert

And the side effect of Specialized launching a new bike is that the old ones will go on sale. And maybe right now, if you don’t want a softened round the edges Aethos, the original is the one to buy.

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Cyclingnews
Level 5 expert

New Specialized Aethos 2 Review: The Bike It Should Have Been All Along, but Not Everyone Will Be Happy

Level 5 expert

On the road, I can have as much fun on the Crux, but with the added ability to nip into the trail centre and have even more. The Aethos 2 will be a great bike for a lot of people, just not for me.

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Cycling Weekly
Level 5 expert

Specialized Added Weight to the New Aethos: So We Went in Search of Some Hills to See How It Performed

Level 5 expert

… despite the recent fashion for aero supremacy, there’s still plenty of customers who want an exclusive bike that’s super light and doesn’t beat them around. That’s still Aethos in my view.

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Cyclist
Level 5 expert

Specialized S-Works Aethos 2 Review: First Ride on the Brand’s Updated Climbing Bike

Level 5 expert

With a fully integrated front end and provision for wider tyres, Specialized’s new Aethos is quite possibly the perfect bike.

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Road.cc
Level 5 expert

Specialized Has Revamped the Aethos for the Greater Good… But After a Test Ride, I’ve Decided I Won’t Be Upgrading (Yet)

Level 5 expert

The Aethos Pro is still an excellent bike, and while the geometry is a bit too tall for me, its weight, ride quality and clean lines make it a great pick for anyone not fussed by aero.

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Velo
Level 5 expert

Battle of the 13-Pound Bikes: Specialized Aethos 2 vs Scott Addict RC

Level 5 expert

Both bikes have a fun kick to them but the Aethos 2 really exaggerates it. This is a bike you feel like being silly on and wasting watts. It’s great for enjoying the scenery while also knowing it can perform when asked.

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Bicycling
Level 5 expert

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

Level 5 expert

If I had to sum up the Aethos V2, I’d say it feels like a hyper light, stiff carbon bike, but the feedback is like that of a beautifully tuned steel bike. Which is kind of ideal, really.

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Bicisport
Level 1 expert

Specialized Aethos 2, the Second Generation Is Lighter and More Comfortable [Italian]

Level 1 expert

The benefits are numerous, and the Aethos 2 has become an even more balanced platform, suitable for a wider range of riders than before.

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Bici Da Strada
Level 3 expert

Test – New Specialized Aethos 2: Improved Where Needed [Italian]

Level 3 expert

… even if it is not easy to categorize, the Specialized Aethos 2 can be considered a high-performance bike that… is aimed at those looking for an exclusive, light, comfortable product with classic lines, now more up to date, thanks to integrated cables.

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Le Cycle
Level 1 expert

Review of the New Specialized Aethos II: Cyclosportive Featherweight at 6KG [French]

Level 1 expert

Cyclists, competitors or not, bike packers and adventurers will be delighted to find a particularly versatile and efficient bike.

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Maillot
Level 1 expert

First Pedal: New Specialized Aethos 2… Lighter and More Comfortable Is Possible! [Spanish]

Level 1 expert

Specialized has done it again: a bike that’s fast without being an aero bike, comfortable without being a gran fondo bike, and a bike for racing without being a race bike (or maybe it is, but not yet).

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Top Vélo
Level 1 expert

Specialized Aethos 2, the Best Cyclosportive Bike on the Market? [French]

Level 1 expert

In summary: the Aethos 2 is designed for cyclosportive riders who want a light, comfortable, responsive bike that prioritizes pure ride quality over aerodynamics. It’s not about speed gains — it’s about pleasure, position, and feel.

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TopCycling
Level 1 expert

I Tested the Specialized Aethos 2 | More Versatile and Even Lighter [Portuguese]

Level 1 expert

To sum it up, this bike is meant for anyone who loves a lightweight, smooth, stable, and confidence-inspiring ride… If you value comfort, smoothness, and the joy of riding without pain or strain, this is a bike for you.

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User Ratings

0/100 based on 0 ratings
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Rankings

Compared to other bikes
#13 Best Road Bike
Top 20%
#14 Best Specialized Bike
Top 50%
#123 Best of All Bikes
Top 20%

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Bike Comparison

Specialized Aethos 2 in comparison to averages
Specialized Aethos 2
92
Average All Bikes
84
Average Specialized Bike
91
Average Road Bike
85

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