The Specialized Aethos Expert all

Our test team's expectations of the Specialized Aethos Expert were very high. After all, the Specialized S-Works Aethos won our previous road bike group test by a large margin, albeit with a few upgrades. We put the stock Expert model to the test to see how it fares as an all-road bike.

For an overview of the test fleet head to the group test: The best all-road bike 2022 – 7 models on test

The Specialized S-Works Aethos (review here) that won our previous road bike group test was only upgraded to a limited extent: along with the one-piece Roval Alpinist cockpit we had the Roval C38 wheels fitted to replace the stock Roval Alpinist models since they weren't tubeless compatible. We were sure the Specialized Aethos Expert could deliver as an all-road bike in this group test even without the upgrades mentioned above and despite the fact that it has to make do with the lower-end FACT 10R carbon layup.

After all, the Roval C38 wheels are part of the standard spec. They have an internal rim width of 21 mm, providing a good basis with lots of support for the 700 x 26C S-Works Turbo tires, allowing them to inflate to a true width of 27 mm. However, the Specialized had the skinniest tires in the test field nonetheless and, along with the Sarto Seta Disc, it's the only other bike that came set up with tubes. Besides scoring lower in the group test, this robs you of confidence on bumpy surfaces like poorly maintained asphalt or hardpack. For the cockpit, Specialized rely on a classic two-piece setup consisting of a 100 mm Specialized Pro SL stem and a 420 mm wide Specialized Expert Shallow handlebar. This combination leaves little to be desired in terms of ergonomics, but since it's made of aluminium, it can't match the comfort offered by the carbon Roval Alpinist seat post at the rear. Moreover, the level of integration isn't what we’d expect, though this is something we’re used to from the Aethos.

€ 7,000

Seatpost Roval Alpinist 27,2 mm Brakes Shimano ULTEGRA 160/140 mm Drivetrain Shimano ULTEGRA Di2Chainring 52/36TStem Specialized Pro SL 100 mm Handlebar Specialized Expert Shallow 420 mm Wheelset Roval C38Tires S-Works TurboCranks Shimano ULTEGRA Di2 172,5 mm Cassette Shimano ULTEGRA CS-R8100 11–30T

Size 49 52 54 56 58 61Weight 7.21 kg

classic designSWAT mount on the saddleframe stiffness achieved via the top tubetubeless-ready Roval C38 wheels

Weight savings instead of integration: the Specialized Aethos Expert is the ultimate mountain goat with excellent handling.

For the drivetrain, Specialized have opted to go with the new ULTEGRA Di2 groupset, which means there isn't anything to complain about regarding shifting speed and performance, even if the top-end DURA-ACE remains unbeatable in this respect. The 52/36 t crankset is paired with a 11–30 t cassette, which allows you to keep on pedalling at high speeds, though you might wish you had an easier gear on the climbs. If you’ve got enough power in your legs, the lightweight Aethos Expert is an excellent climber, nonetheless, weighing in at just 7.21 kg in size 56. Our test bike costs € 7,000 on the dot.

The Specialized Aethos Expert is on par with the Parapera Atmos Masterpiece in terms of acceleration, both of which set the standard in this group test. Whether you’re on a flat road or winching your way up a climb, it's always willing to accelerate. Like the Parapera, however, it struggles keeping up with the other bikes on test when it comes to efficiency at speed and holding the pace – the lack of aerodynamic optimisation makes a marked difference here. The excellent vibration damping is its saving grace regarding efficiency, ultimately keeping the bike from falling back to the end of the test field. It's the same vibration damping that the Specialized benefits from in terms of comfort, which is down the seat post and the compliance offered by the frame. On bumpy roads, broken asphalt and hardpack, the comfort the bike is able to generate this way is easily enough. However, bigger bumps get passed onto the rider a lot less mitigated in comparison to the most comfortable bikes on test. The tires also reach their limits in these instances, making you grit your teeth every time you hit a bump for fear of puncturing them.

The handling of the Specialized Aethos Expert makes up for any of these shortcomings, showing the rest of the test field how it's done. Since the frame's stiffness doesn't come from the down tube but runs from the head tube to the bottom bracket via the top tube instead, it allows for a certain level of torsional flex. Thereby, the Aethos’ handling is intuitive and excellently balanced between agility and composure, making the steering feel very direct yet cornering as if it's on rails, even when things get bumpy. It's a lot of fun and instils you with confidence – as long as you’re riding on asphalt. On gravel, the narrow S-Works tires mean that the Aethos reaches its limits a lot sooner than bikes with wider tires, which can be a safety factor on loose terrain.

Tuning tip: wider, higher-volume tires are a relatively cheap upgrade that can make the bike a lot more versatile

All in all, the Specialized Aethos Expert proves to be more than capable in this group test too, delivering thanks to its superior handling and first-rate vibration damping. That said, it hasn't got what it takes to repeat what its big brother, the Specialized S-Works Aethos, managed to do by taking the crown. Having the skinniest tires on test and set up with tubes, it's just too limited, and its lack of efficiency at speed also sees it falling behind. The Specialized Aethos Expert is best reserved for steep climbs on asphalt roads followed by winding descents filled with all kinds of corners.

SpecializedAethos Expert

Size: 49 52 54 56 58 61Weight: 7.21 kgPrice: € 7,000

There's no doubt, the Specialized Aethos Expert is an excellent bike, offering brilliant handling and excellent climbing characteristics. As such, it's the right choice for all the alpinists amongst us who spend most of their time on asphalted mountain pass roads full of steep climbs and technical descents. Due to the lack of high-speed efficiency and big bump compliance, you’ll find better bikes on test if you want to blast along on gravel roads and bumpy terrain.

You can find out more about at specialized.com

For an overview of the test fleet head to the group test: The best all-road bike 2022 – 7 models on test

All bikes on review: BMC Roadmachine X ONE (Click for review) | Cervelo Caledonia-5 Ultegra Di2 (Click for review) | Parapera Atmos MASTERPIECE (Click for review) | ROSE REVEAL SIX DISC Red eTap AXS (Click for review) | Sarto Seta Disc (Click for review) | Specialized Aethos Expert | Trek Domane SLR 9 (Click for review)

No, it's not about perfect race tracks, it's about efficiency. Fast, fleet-footed and efficient – those who want to speed along high-speed passages need a defined and spritely bike that accelerates with ease and efficiency. Nevertheless, reliable components are important too. We interpret "Smooth tarmac" bikes as follows: Hard efforts at high speeds with a maximum efficient bike on a consistently well-paved road. Effort-joy ratio: 80:30 (not everything has to be 100%!)↩

… also known as bike riding. Broken-up roads in the hinterland, deadlocked gravel roads, loose surfaces – sometimes muddy, sometimes bone-dry. For this, it takes bikes with super all-round, handling and wearing qualities uphill and downhill. Effort-joy ratio: 50:50↩

If you want to use your bike almost every day, you usually do not need an extremely tuned racing machine. Solid components, which are able to cope with the rigours of continuous usage in any kind of weather, are part of the basic equipment. At the same time, the bike should have practicable details: integrated fenders/assembly options, luggage racks/attachment points and a light system or at least the option of installing bike lights. The position on the bike should be rather relaxed, the overall comfort high, so that the Afterwork Ride becomes a cure and not a curse. Effort-joy ratio: 30:70↩

You can find more info about our rating system in this article: Click here! ↩

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Words: Tobias Hörsch Photos: Benjamin Topf