You’ve heard about the tariffs. Should they remain in place, they are poised to wreak havoc on the worldwide bicycle industry.
The price of bikes and everything associated with them is going to increase. But that’s just the beginning. Because of the tariffs, brands and shops will need to make difficult choices.
Some of those choices may include delaying orders, routing USA-bound goods to other markets, or offering fewer products in the USA. It will also mean that brands and shops will cut staff and make other tough decisions.
What this means for us as bicycle owners and potential buyers is that bikes and parts will become more expensive and harder to obtain, while maintenance, repair, and labor costs will also increase. Additionally, getting your bike into a shop for repairs or service may be challenging.
But if you’re looking for a road bike, there is a modern, high-performance carbon model that is easy to purchase and relatively inexpensive to maintain at this time. It is not tariff-proof (nothing is), but it is the most tariff-resistant mass-produced carbon bike I know of.
It is the Specialized Aethos.
My garage has an Aethos because it is one of the best road bikes I’ve ever ridden. It’s still the lightest production carbon frame on the planet—the S-Works frame in the lightest finish is claimed at 585 grams. But beyond weight, it has an immaculate ride feel, and the handling is superb. It’s lively and communicative, effortlessly floating up hills like few other bikes.
Pros
- Externally-routed cables
- Standard parts that are easy to replace
- Compatible with mechanical shifting (except S-Works frame)
Cons
I do not consider it a race bike because there are no aerodynamic features, making it less efficient in most situations compared to a Tarmac SL8 and similar machines. This means the Aethos is not suitable for individuals for whom race performance is of utmost importance. For those of us who don’t race, it’s hard to be upset with the Aethos for being a little slower when it has so much else to offer.
It is also an attractive bike, featuring pleasing proportions and shapes. It does not have fully internalized front-end routing, which results in a less clean profile compared to many bikes. However, as you’ll see below, exposed routing is a major benefit.
The price of everything will increase, but the Aethos is more resistant to rising costs than most bikes. Here’s why:
It’s Already in the USA
The Aethos debuted in 2020 and, aside from paint options, hasn’t undergone any changes since. That makes it an “old” bike, but also a bike that’s already in shops and warehouses, so it escapes the new tariffs. Since it’s a Specialized, it is widely available with bikes already in dealers, at online retailers like Competitive Cyclist, and available for direct purchase from Specialized. It’s offered in a handful of models starting at $6,499, and framesets are also available if you prefer to spec your own bike.
And because it’s been around for so long, there are also a healthy number of Aethos bikes and frames in the used market.
Externally Routed Front End
Complete internal routing of the hose, housing, and wires from the controls through the headset takes more time to address and may require additional parts.
For instance, if an internally routed bike needs a new headset bearing, the mechanic probably has to unwrap the handlebars and cut the brake hose. Not only does this add time—for both the removal and re-installation of the tape and hose—but, at minimum, new brake hose olives and inserts will need to be purchased, and potentially new bar tape and a new brake hose. This task will likely take at least an hour (a *very* optimistic estimate) and require numerous new parts.
Additionally, while we know part prices will rise, you can anticipate an increase in shop labor rates as well.
Because the Aethos doesn’t have an externally routed front end, it’s simple to loosen the stem, pop out the old headset bearings and pop in new ones. Even the bearings are a relatively common size (top- 30.5 x 41.8 x 8mm–45/45 degree; bottom- 40.5 x 49.5 x 6.5mm–45/45 degree) It’s a 10-20 minute job with the only parts being the new bearings.
Round 1-1/8” Steerer
The Aethos features a round 1 1/8” diameter upper fork steerer. No proprietary stems, bars, or internal routing system components are required. This provides riders with numerous easily obtainable options for replacing the bar or stem.
If the fork needs replacement, this task is also simpler and quicker than with a bike that has fully internal routing and proprietary parts.
27.2mm Post With External Collar.
Like the Aethos’s bar and stem, its 27.2mm post is a very common component with plenty of options available. Therefore, if you need a replacement or wish to change lengths or rises, the parts are easy to find. The 30.0mm external seat collar is also a typical component that’s simple to replace if necessary, as is the binder bolt, which you can obtain from your local hardware store.
It Has a BSA Threaded Bottom Bracket
Bikes of all types are returning to threaded BBs, so this isn’t unique to the Aethos; however, it is another feather in its lufted cap. A BSA BB is easy to source and very quick to replace. Again, with labor rates likely to increase, fast and easy is your friend. Coupled with its non-integrated front end, even a major overhaul and tune of the Aethos will be faster and easier than most other modern road bikes.
It’s Mechanical Shifting Compatible*
While the 12r S-Works frame is only compatible with electronic shifting, the standard(more affordable, and only slightly heavier) 10r Aethos frame—available separately and used on all builds below the S-Works level—is compatible with both mechanical and electronic shifting. Options are your friend as we navigate the tariff situation and the associated parts shortages if it drags out.
It Fits Wide Tires
Officially, the Aethos fits up to a 32mm tire. Given that we’re in an era of 40mm road tires, 32mm isn’t huge. However, a nice 32mm tire rides superbly and is more practical than a 28. I can attest to how beautifully the Aethos rides with a good 32: Mmmmmm, creamy.
Truthfully, while 32mm is the official clearance, I can tell you that the Aethos will fit 34 and even some 35mm tires (dependent on the specific rim and tire) because I’ve run them on my personal Aethos. This sacrifices clearance, which may be an issue depending on your climate.
The Aethos Is Great for Traveling
Just because tariffs are a nightmare doesn’t mean you won’t want to go somewhere and ride your bike. The Aethos is a great bike for traveling for a several reasons.
The externally routed front end makes it easier to pack, and pack small, than an integrated bike. Plus the Aethos is super light, so it helps you avoid overweight baggage charges.
The standard bar and external routing is easy to replace. I took a trip with my Aethos and, upon unpacking my bike at the hotel, if found the baggage handlers had broken the carbon handlebar.
A quick trip to a local bike shop to pick up a $50 FSA Omega Compact road bar and I made the change in my hotel room. I already had the 5mm hex to mount the shifters and 4mm hex to open and close the stem in my travel tool kit, and I could recycle my (gel-backed) handlebar tape and electrical finishing tape. I didn’t miss a day of riding.
A gear editor for his entire career, Matt’s journey to becoming a leading cycling tech journalist started in 1995, and he’s been at it ever since; likely riding more cycling equipment than anyone on the planet along the way. Previous to his time with Bicycling, Matt worked in bike shops as a service manager, mechanic, and sales person. Based in Durango, Colorado, he enjoys riding and testing any and all kinds of bikes, so you’re just as likely to see him on a road bike dressed in Lycra at a Tuesday night worlds ride as you are to find him dressed in a full face helmet and pads riding a bike park on an enduro bike. He doesn’t race often, but he’s game for anything; having entered road races, criteriums, trials competitions, dual slalom, downhill races, enduros, stage races, short track, time trials, and gran fondos. Next up on his to-do list: a multi day bikepacking trip, and an e-bike race.
