S-Works Aethos - Dura-Ace Di2 (2024)

FAQs

What is the point of the Specialized Aethos? ›

At the heart of the Aethos is a pure focus on a great cycling experience, not going fast and winning races. There's nothing obviously aero about it, internal brake-hose routing is minimal, and the traditional stem and round handlebar look old-fashioned when compared to the slick integrated co*ckpits on many bikes.

In every other instance, the Aethos is 99% as fast as an aero race bike like a Specialized Tarmac or Allez Sprint. On super steep climbs where speeds drop into the low single digits, it's probably faster.

The Aethos, one of the best endurance bikes, is perfect for century rides, long canyon climbs, scenic highway or coastal loops, or just a great coffee shop group ride. The Aethos is all about simplicity, and the pure pleasure of riding your bike.

The S-Works Aethos is just that magical of a climbing bike. I had experienced this feeling a few years before on a Cervelo RCA that cost twice as much. However, when the S-Works Aethos pointed downhill, the RCA resemblance evaporated. The Aethos could carry speed in a way that the Cervelo couldn't.

Across the board, higher-end frames tend to be the most desirable — Specialized S-Works, Yeti Turq, Santa Cruz CC frames tend to hold value better than versions that use heavier lower modulus carbon.

In fact, I found the Aethos to actually be a bit stiffer than I expected — and stiffer than I would have preferred.

Is the Aethos a gravel bike? No, this isn't a gravel bike.

The 'Specialized Tarmac SL8' is the world's fastest race bike, combining aerodynamics, lightweight, and exceptional ride quality.

The new Specialized S-Works Aethos is a 5.9kg non-racer built for the love of riding. S-Works Aethos. With the dust from the Tarmac SL7 launch just barely beginning to settle, Specialized has launched an entirely new 2021 road bike called the Aethos (pronounced AY-thoss).

Our Culture: Aethos noun (Ay-thos) = Greek word meaning “character” that is used to describe the guiding beliefs or ideals that characterize a community, nation, or ideology.

Is Aethos slow? ›

You will be in a more upright position on the Aethos because of the higher stack and shorter reach which can make you a bit slower but definitely more comfortable than the Tarmac.

Simply put, the Aethos is one of the finest-riding road frames I've ever experienced, and the fact you can buy a complete example with as much technology and functionality as you can here at such a relatively attainable price makes this an easy choice in my head. To hell with the extra weight.

Update: The new Specialized Aethos launched on the 8th of October.

The UCI weight limit is 6.8kg. If you want to race at elite events sanctioned by the UCI, you'll have to do so on a bike weighing at least 6.8kg.

A trials bike is a bicycle designed specifically for trials riding. They look different than BMX and mountain bikes because they are purpose built to excel in the demanding sport of bike trials which requires maximum agility, strength, and balance.

Who is the Specialized Roubaix Comp for? The Specialized Roubaix Comp is a solid and versatile bike. From daily rides and commutes to ultra-distance races, the Roubaix can do it all.

On gravel, the narrow S-Works tires mean that the Aethos reaches its limits a lot sooner than bikes with wider tires, which can be a safety factor on loose terrain.

Weight and Build

The Aethos is maybe the lightest disc frame we have seen and our size 54 frame hit the scales at 622 grams. The fork is 311 grams for a total weight of 933 grams. Specialized continues to remind us that this bike is not up to legal UCI weight even though it has a UCI sticker.