When Specialized introduced the S-Works Aethos two weeks ago, it sent shockwaves through the cycling industry. The S-Works Aethos frameset is beautifully crafted and refined, and its ride continues to capture the hearts and minds of all who ride it. But if you're thinking of buying one for yourself, you've come to the right place. Unfortunately for consumers who decide to purchase one for themselves, however, the price is an equally impressive number.

For those who don't want to pay the high price for the top S-Works models, Specialized has introduced three new Aethos models, all of which are available in the same price range. Specialized's new Aethos models include two Pro models and an Expert build. [The Expert and Pro models are built with the same Aethos frame design, but with Specialized's Fact 10R carbon and layup instead of S-Works Fact 12R material. Because the Aethos design is centered on optimizing tube geometry, Specialized claims that using Fact 10R carbon does not affect ride or handling. the Fact 10R frame weighs 699g, only 114g heavier than the S-Works model (Satin Carbon/ Flake Silver color). Other than material and mechanical cable routing compatibility, the Fact 10R frame shares the same geometry and features. This means that not only does it offer the same sharp handling as the S-Works Aethos and Tarmac SL7, but it also has clever touches such as a BSA threaded bottom bracket, standard seat clamp, and removable front derailleur mount.

The Aethos Pro has two build options that cater to both Shimano and SRAM preferences. Both are equipped with Roval's lightweight Alpinist CL wheels and S-Works Turbo tires. Both models come standard with a power meter, but the SRAM Force eTAP Pro retails for 7,500 pounds, 250 pounds more than the Ultegra Di2 model. The Ultegra-equipped model weighs 6.58 kg, while the SRAM version is slightly heavier at 6.82 kg.

The SRAM-equipped Aethos Pro is available in Gloss Brush/Satin Tarmac Black and Satin Blue Murano/Carbon/Cobalt, with only the latter available from Shimano.

It is hard to describe a bike that costs £5,500 as a "budget" option, but the Aethos Expert is almost half the price of the S-Works version. It is also £1,750 cheaper than the equivalent Pro model, but uses the same Fact 10r Aethos frameset.The Aethos Expert is equipped with Shimano's Ultegra Di2 groupset, but with alloy handlebars, DT-Swiss R470 wheel set, and a Power Expert saddle in its place, making it less expensive than the Pro model. According to Specialized's figures, the Aetos Expert weighs in at 7.14 kg, which is still impressive.

Buyers of the Expert model can choose from a gloss ice blue/teal tint/flake silver or satin red tint/dream silver color scheme.

Specialized S-Works Aetos - Founder's Edition S-Works Aetos Fact 12r Carbon Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 groupset Roval Alpinist Carbon Seatpost Roval Alpinist CLX wheels Specialized power meters on both sides £13,000 / $14,500 / AUD $22,000

Specialized S Works Aetos - Shimano Dura-Ace Di2S Works Aetos Facto 12r Carbon Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 Group Set S-Works short and shallow handlebar, S-Works SL stem Roval Alpinist CLX wheels Specialized dual-sided power meter 10,750 lbs / $12,500 / $18,500 AUD

Specialized S-Works Aethos - SRAM Red ETAP AXSS-Works Aethos Fact 12r Carbon SRAM RED eTAP AXS Groupset S-Works short and shallow handlebar, S-Works SL stem Roval Alpinist CLX wheels SRAM RED AXS power meter 10,750 lbs / $12,500 / $18,500 AUD

Specialized Aethos Pro - SRAM Force ETAP AXSAethos Fact 10r Carbon SRAM Force eTAP Group Set S Works short and shallow handlebar, Pro SL stem Roval Alpinist CL wheels 7,500 lbs / $7,400 / $10,750 AUD

Specialized Aethos Pro - Shimano Ultegra Di2Aethos Fact 10r Carbon Shimano Ultegra Di2 R8050 group set S-Works short and shallow handlebar and Pro SL stem Roval Alpinist CL wheels £7,250 / $7,400 / AU$N/A

Specialized Aethos Expert - Shimano Ultegra Di2Aethos Fact 10r Carbon Shimano Ultegra Di2 R8050 groupset Expert short and shallow handlebar and Pro SL stem DT R470 disc wheels 5,500 lbs / $5,200 / AU$N/A

S-Works Aethos FramesetS-Works Aethos Fact 12r Carbon S-Works Fact carbon fork Roval Alpinist carbon seat post Removable front derailleur hanger 4,000 / 5,200 / AU$8,000

Aethos 10r Frameset Fact 10r Carbon Fact carbon fork Roval Alpinist carbon seat post Removable front derailleur hanger N/A / $3,200 / AU$N/A