2026 Specialized Tarmac SL8 Pro Shimano vs 2025 Specialized Aethos Pro
The Specialized Aethos Pro size closest to your 54 is the 54. Compare the 54 instead
What changes on the Specialized Aethos Pro
Compared with the Specialized Tarmac SL8 Pro Shimano in 54, the Specialized Aethos Pro in 52 places the top of the head tube 17 mm lower and 4 mm further back, relative to the bottom bracket. Its wheelbase is 3 mm shorter, which can contribute to quicker direction changes.
- Frame stack
- −17 mm
- Lower front end
- Frame reach
- −4 mm
- Shorter frame reach
- Wheelbase
- −3 mm
- Shorter: quicker to change direction
- Head angle
- −0.5°
- Slacker: calmer steering
- Chainstays
- ±0 mm
- About the same
The two frames
Specialized Tarmac SL8 Pro Shimano, 54Specialized Aethos Pro, 52Drawn to scale and lined up at the bottom bracket.
Geometry side by side
| Measurement | Specialized Tarmac SL8 Pro Shimano 54 | Specialized Aethos Pro 52 | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reach | 384 | 380mm | −4 mm |
| Stack | 544 | 527mm | −17 mm |
| Head tube angle | 73 | 72.5° | −0.5° |
| Seat tube angle | 74 | 74° | ±0.0° |
| Chainstay length | 410 | 410mm | ±0 mm |
| Wheelbase | 978 | 975mm | −3 mm |
| Head tube length | 137 | 120mm | −17 mm |
| Effective top tube | not listed | 531mm | |
| BB drop | not listed | 74mm | |
| BB height | not listed | 266mm | |
| Standover | not listed | 728mm | |
| Seat tube length | not listed | 462mm | |
| Fork length | not listed | 369mm |
Differences are the Specialized Aethos Pro minus the Specialized Tarmac SL8 Pro Shimano. Full charts: 2026 Specialized Tarmac SL8 Pro Shimano, 2025 Specialized Aethos Pro.
Where each sits in its class
Specialized Tarmac SL8 Pro ShimanoSpecialized Aethos Pro
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 Tarmac SL8 Pro ShimanoPro - Shimano Ultegra Di2 | Specialized Aethos Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Frame | Specialized Tarmac SL8 | not listed |
| Fork | Specialized FACT 10r | not listed |
| Shifter | Shimano Ultegra R8170 | not listed |
| Derailleur | Shimano Ultegra R8150 Di2 | not listed |
| Cassette | Shimano Ultegra | not listed |
| Chain | Shimano XT M8100 | not listed |
| Crankset | Shimano Ultegra R81000 | not listed |
| Bottom bracket | Shimano Threaded BSA | not listed |
| Wheelset | Roval Rapide CL III | not listed |
| Tire | Specialized S-Works Turbo | not listed |
| Brake | Shimano Ultegra R8170 | not listed |
| Rotor | Shimano Ultegra R8170 | not listed |
| Handlebar | Roval Rapide Cockpit | not listed |
| Stem | Roval Rapide Cockpit | not listed |
| Bar tape | Supacaz Super Sticky Kush | not listed |
| Seatpost | Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL8 | not listed |
| Saddle | Specialized Power Pro | not listed |
Know what is on every bike.
Add your bike to Quiver. Keep its parts, setup, and service history together, then share your build.
Explore the app
