2025 Specialized Aethos LTD vs 2026 Specialized Tarmac SL8 Pro Shimano
The Specialized Tarmac SL8 Pro Shimano size closest to your 54 is the 54. Compare the 54 instead
What changes on the Specialized Tarmac SL8 Pro Shimano
Compared with the Specialized Aethos LTD in 54, the Specialized Tarmac SL8 Pro Shimano in 49 places the top of the head tube 30 mm lower and 9 mm further back, relative to the bottom bracket. Its wheelbase is 5 mm shorter, which can contribute to quicker direction changes.
- Frame stack
- −30 mm
- Lower front end
- Frame reach
- −9 mm
- Shorter frame reach
- Wheelbase
- −5 mm
- Shorter: quicker to change direction
- Head angle
- n/a
- One of the bikes has no number for this
- Chainstays
- ±0 mm
- About the same
The two frames
Only the Specialized Aethos LTD is drawn. The Specialized Tarmac SL8 Pro Shimano numbers we have for size 49 are missing the head angle.
Geometry side by side
| Measurement | Specialized Aethos LTD 54 | Specialized Tarmac SL8 Pro Shimano 49 | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reach | 384mm | 375 | −9 mm |
| Stack | 544mm | 514 | −30 mm |
| Head tube angle | 73° | not listed | |
| Seat tube angle | 74° | 75.5 | +1.5° |
| Effective top tube | 540mm | not listed | |
| Chainstay length | 410mm | 410 | ±0 mm |
| Wheelbase | 978mm | 973 | −5 mm |
| BB drop | 72mm | not listed | |
| BB height | 268mm | not listed | |
| Standover | 748mm | not listed | |
| Seat tube length | 481mm | not listed | |
| Fork length | 369mm | not listed | |
| Head tube length | 137mm | 109 | −28 mm |
Differences are the Specialized Tarmac SL8 Pro Shimano minus the Specialized Aethos LTD. Full charts: 2025 Specialized Aethos LTD, 2026 Specialized Tarmac SL8 Pro Shimano.
Where each sits in its class
Specialized Aethos LTDSpecialized Tarmac SL8 Pro Shimano
Each bike is ranked against the other road bikes on Quiver, on frame geometry alone. Not your hand position or ride feel.
What each ships with
The stock build of each bike's first listed trim. Parts that match are dimmed.
| Part | Specialized Aethos LTDS-Works LTD | Specialized Tarmac SL8 Pro ShimanoPro - Shimano Ultegra Di2 |
|---|---|---|
| Frame | Specialized S-Works Aethos FACT | Specialized Tarmac SL8 |
| Shifter | SRAM RED AXS | Shimano Ultegra R8170 |
| Derailleur | SRAM Red AXS | Shimano Ultegra R8150 Di2 |
| Cassette | SRAM RED XG-1290 | Shimano Ultegra |
| Chain | SRAM RED | Shimano XT M8100 |
| Crankset | SRAM RED AXS Power Meter | Shimano Ultegra R81000 |
| Bottom bracket | SRAM DUB | Shimano Threaded BSA |
| Wheelset | Roval Alpinist CLX | Roval Rapide CL III |
| Tire | Specialized S-Works Turbo 2BR | Specialized S-Works Turbo |
| Brake | SRAM Red AXS | Shimano Ultegra R8170 |
| Stem | Roval Alpinist | Roval Rapide Cockpit |
| Seatpost | Roval Alpinist | Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL8 |
| Saddle | Specialized S-Works Power | Specialized Power Pro |
| Fork | not listed | Specialized FACT 10r |
| Rotor | not listed | Shimano Ultegra R8170 |
| Handlebar | not listed | Roval Rapide Cockpit |
| Bar tape | not listed | Supacaz Super Sticky Kush |
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