New Specialized Aethos 2 2026: RIDE REVIEW, TEST, AND DYNAMIC BEHAVIOR FIRST IMPRESSIONS
New Specialized Aethos 2 2026: RIDE REVIEW, TEST, AND DYNAMIC BEHAVIOR FIRST IMPRESSIONS
NEW SPECIALIZED AETHOS 2 EXPERT 2026: WEIGHT PRICE TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
NEW SPECIALIZED AETHOS 2 PRO 2026: WEIGHT PRICE TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
NEW SPECIALIZED AETHOS 2 S-WORKS 2026: WEIGHT PRICE TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
NEW SPECIALIZED AETHOS 2 2026: WEIGHT PRICE TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS VERSIONS
New Specialized Aethos 2 2026: RIDE REVIEW, TEST, AND DYNAMIC BEHAVIOR FIRST IMPRESSIONS
The initial road tests of the Specialized Aethos 2 (in the Pro Di2 configuration, listed at €8.499) reveal dynamic behavior that emphasizes purity of ride quality and comfort. Although the platform does not benefit from the ultralight Alpinist CLX III wheelset reserved for the S-Works model, it immediately proves to be intuitive, manageable, and impressive in almost every context.
Road Behavior and Overall Performance
The claimed weight of 6.73 kg (size 56) for the Aethos 2 Pro Di2 immediately places it among high-level competition bikes in terms of lightness.
Climbing and Hills
On climbs, the Aethos 2 benefits tremendously from its 705 g FACT 10r carbon frame. Although the Pro frame isn't the lightest in the range (FACT 12r), the bike's low overall weight makes it exceptionally reactive and agile under acceleration and during relaunches. The stiffness of the chainstays and bottom bracket ensures efficient power transfer. The riding experience is described as "easy," allowing riders to tackle gradients with a sensation of minimal perceived effort.
Flat Terrain and Cruising Speed
The Aethos 2 was not optimized for aerodynamics, focusing instead on weight. On flat ground, while maintaining remarkable efficiency, it does not offer the pure aero advantage of platforms like the Tarmac SL8. However, cruising speed is maintained by its extreme lightness, which makes it quick to accelerate.
Comfort and Stability
One of the Aethos 2's most surprising qualities is its damping capability. Despite the frame's racing nature, the bike proved to be remarkably smooth even on rough surfaces, effectively absorbing bumps and vibrations.
Structural Comfort: The effectiveness in absorbing vibrations suggests that the Pro frame's carbon design and layup have successfully retained the previous model's road-smoothing properties.
Tire Versatility: The increase in tire clearance to 35 mm opens up the possibility of mounting tires wider than the stock 28 mm, offering the potential for further comfort enhancement through the use of lower pressures.
Handling and Descending
Bike handling is excellent and immediately accessible. The Aethos 2 impresses with its intuitive maneuverability and agility.
Refined Geometry: Geometric modifications, which include a slight increase in the head tube angle and a lengthened rear-centre, help differentiate the bike from the Tarmac, offering a dynamic that is stable yet reactive.
Adaptability: The bicycle proves to be agile and precise in fast corners and descents, providing an immediate sense of control.
Braking and Components
The Shimano Ultegra Di2 R8100 groupset ensures powerful and consistent hydraulic disc braking, which is essential for safety and precision on descents. The Roval Alpinist CL II wheelset is stiff and reliable, contributing to secure handling.
Pros, Cons, and Criticisms
Highlights (Pros)
Exceptional Lightness: One of the lightest production bikes available, translating to excellent climbing performance.
Pure Ride Quality: Fluid, balanced ride sensation, free from excessive harshness.
Improved Geometry: The geometry has been made more sensible and comfortable for a wider audience, notably with a taller head tube (+15 mm).
Critical Points (Cons)
High Price: The €8.499 cost for the Pro version is significant, especially when compared to competitors offering equivalent or superior specs (e.g., a dual-sided power meter) at lower prices.
Component Disparity (Wheels): The main limitation of the Pro version lies in the wheels. The latest generation Roval Alpinist CLX III set, with significant weight savings, is exclusively reserved for the S-Works model. This means the Aethos 2 Pro offers only a marginal improvement over its predecessor, and the frame's full potential is not realized without a post-purchase wheel upgrade.
Internal Cable Routing: The adoption of full internal routing modernizes the aesthetic but eliminates the ease of maintenance and customization versatility (particularly the handlebar/stem setup) that were strengths of the original model.
Test Summary
The Specialized Aethos 2 is intrinsically an incredibly capable bicycle that embodies the quintessence of cycling feel and excels in handling and comfort. However, its value proposition is slightly mitigated by the significant performance gap created by the stock Roval wheels, which makes the S-Works model a much more appealing prospect for those seeking to maximize its lightness potential. For most cyclists, the Pro version represents a high-level option, although it doesn't quite reach the peak performance the Aethos 2 frame is capable of delivering.
The links lead to the details of the news:
All New 2026 Road Bike: News, Info, Prices and Photos of the New 2026 Road and Racing Bicycles
All New 2026 Gravel Bike: News, Info, Prices and Photos of the New 2026 gravel Bicycles
All New 2026 MTB Bike: News, Info, Prices and Photos of the New 2026 MTB Bicycles
All New 2026 E-BIKE Bike: News, Info, Prices and Photos of the New 2026 E-BIKE Bicycles
All the New 2026 Bike News, Info, Photos - Our Sources