Specialized Aethos Comp - £5,000 7.86kg

The new Aethos Comp continues to concentrate on ride quality - Luke Friend finds out just how fruitful this focus has been

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ROVAL ALPINIST CARBON SEATPOST

27.2mm diameter post weighs just 136 grams and uses a two-bolt micro-adjust clamp with extended saddle cradle for a precision fit

OVAL TUBE SHAPES

The Aethos features tubes with subtle, elongated conical sections that Specialized calls 'Continuous Curvature Design strategy'. designed to offer the highest stiffness-to-weight ratio

SPECIALIZED PRO SL ALLOY STEM

The use of a traditional two-piece bar and stem allows for simple cable routing and makes for easy adjustment

PROS & CONS

+ SUB 700G FRAME

+ BALANCED RIDE QUALITY

+ LO

- WHEELSET NOT IN LINE WITH PRICE

- COULD BE A LITTLE LIGHTER

SPECS

Frame: FACT 10R Carbon

Forks: FACT Carbon

Groupset: SRAM Rival eTap AXS

Wheels: DT Swiss R470 rim/Specialized hub

Tyres: Specialized Turbo Pro 700c x 26mm

Bars: Specialized Shallow Drop, 6061 aluminum

Stem: Specialized Pro SL, alloy, 4-bolt

Seatpost: Roval Alpinist Carbon

Saddle: Specialized Body Geometry Power Sport, steel rails

Weight: 7.86kg (54cm)

Specialized’s Aethos launched as a high-end performance road bike that eschews aero styling in place of improved ride quality. It made waves for its ridiculously low weight and classic looks that flew in the face of current trends. Since then Specialized has looked to broaden the bike’s appeal.