Specialized has presented the second generation of the Aethos, the bike that once redefined the concept of "lightweight road bike". The new Aethos 2 lifts that idea even further: with a frame weight of just 595 grams (size 56, 12r carbon), this is once again the lightest production race bike on the market. Yet the Aethos is not just about numbers on the scales. According to Specialized, the Aethos 2 is "the ultimate expression of balance, comfort and simplicity."
An evolution of the 'pure bike' idea
When the first Aethos appeared in 2020, it was a radical choice. No aero tricks, no integrated cables, no UCI-approved restrictions, but only a frame that responded optimally to the rider's output. The Aethos 2 builds on that concept, but with four years of analysis, feedback and product innovation.
Specialized's design team developed what they call the Flow State Design mention: thousands of simulations and force measurements were combined with AI analysis to perfect tube shapes. Not to save weight, but to create a more natural distribution of stiffness and flexibility achieve. The result is a frame that Specialized says "feels like it moves with your body, without you thinking about what the bike is doing."
Subtle geometry updates
The Aethos 2 retains the characteristic geometry of its predecessor, but with refined modifications:
- 15 mm higher stack for a little more comfort;
- 7 mm longer wheelbase for stability;
- 0.5° slacker head tube angle and a 3 mm lower bottom bracket, which ensures a lower centre of gravity.
As a result, the bike feels more stable at high speeds, but retains the playful handling that gave the Aethos its reputation. Tyre clearance has also been increased to 35 mm, giving the Aethos 2 more all-road potential without sacrificing efficiency.
Less foam, more soul
The essence of the Aethos remains: no compromises between comfort, weight and handling. The new version uses the same 12r carbon lay-up as the Tarmac SL8, but with different fibre orientation. This makes the frame not only lighter, but also 5% stiffer when you pedal and 15% better at handling vibrations.
The construction is completely focused on efficiency: no internal structures, no excess resin, no integrated cockpit. Specialized sticks to a classic round seat post and a traditional stem arrangement: perhaps slightly less aero, but easier to adjust and lighter.
Roval parts: subtly renewed
The Aethos 2 is equipped as standard with the Roval Alpinist II cockpit and Roval CLX III wheels, good for a weight saving of another 200 grams. The Alpinist II offers 28% more, while the new seatpost clamp is 9 grams lighter. Small details, but in the world of the Aethos, every gramme counts.
Practical and future-proof
Although the Aethos 2 is emphatically not a UCI race bike, it is technically up-to-date. It is compatible with SRAM's UDH derailleur, meaning that future wireless groupsets will fit without any problems. Internal cable routing has also been improved: less rattle, faster installation and a better sealed head tube.
Weight and versions
| Model | Group set | Weight (size 56) | Price (advisory) |
|---|---|---|---|
| S-Works Aethos 2 | SRAM RED AXS | 5.98 kg | €14.000,- |
| S-Works Aethos 2 | Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 | 6.05 kg | €14.000,- |
| Aethos 2 Pro | SRAM Force AXS | 6.71 kg | €8.500,- |
| Aethos 2 Expert | SRAM Force AXS | 7.05 kg | €6.999,- |
The frameset (12r carbon) is available separately for €5.200,-.
The bicycle disappearing into the wind
The Aethos 2 is not in itself a revolution, but a refinement of an existing concept: the bike that rides so well that it disappears. At least, if you give it the right power, otherwise, like any bike, it's a two-wheeled piece of carbon that falls over if you don't move.
