Specialized introduce S-Works LTD models with SRAM Red AXS

Specialized has chosen the launch of the new SRAM Red AXS as a platform to introduce its S-Works LTD collection, spanning the brand’s 3 carbon fibre framed road bikes.

In the UK, this means Tarmac LTD and Aethos LTD will be introduced, including frameset options, with limited edition paint schemes. Other markets will also see Roubaix LTD options.

The Morgan Hill, California, based brand is keen to point out that this represents, “The best-performance road line in the world meets the lightest electronic groupset ever created – the new SRAM RED AXS – a match made in cycling heaven.”

With the Tarmac SL8 considered the fastest race bike in the world (Specialized points to the “data-obsessed engineers at Tour Magazine” in support of this claim), and the brand claiming nothing is smoother than the Roubaix SL8 (“53% smoother than the nearest competitor”), there’s not much contention when it comes to 585-grams of Aethos frame. Numbers are numbers.

LTD bikes SRP £12,500

Aethos / Roubaix (not in the UK) / Tarmac – Glacial Metallic

S-Works LTD bikes SRP £12,000

Aethos – Satin doppio / gunmetal dry brushed / gold pearl

Roubaix – Gloss toupe/gunmetal strata/charcoal

Tarmac – Gloss solidity/red to black pearl/metallic white silver

Tarmac – Gloss cypress metallic/magenta to gold pearl/satin black metallic

Tarmac Framesets SRP: £4750

– Gloss cqv reflex fine gold pearl over white / satin carbon

– Gloss red sky / metallic white silver

SRAM Red AXS

Much of the news around the launch of the new halo groupset has focused on the weight, or lack thereof. Fair to say dropping 154g (2,650 Vs 2,496) is progress: Weight matters to the pros, and to those building their own dream road bike build. That this weight includes what is widely considered to be an accurate, consistent, power meter is certainly impressive.

For the recreational athletes who’ll make up the large majority of riders paying their own money, it’s the 10-36 cassette which is the biggest news here (and, interestingly, has already been spotted on the first significant mountain stage of this years Giro d’Italia).

Making this ratio range work is an equally impressive 1X or 2X compatible rear derailleur – something which might suggest the AXS Road, Gravel, MTB cross compatibility theme continues even on the top of the range SRAM road groupset. Or, it could just be the exclusive preserve of 1 X TT rigs.