2021 Specialized S-Works Aethos Carbon Road Bike in Purple

For once, Specialized are not in it to win.

With the Aethos, they have stopped worrying about winning, or the way things are supposed to be done, and instead chased the greatest expression of ride quality ever made. Well, they did it, and in staying true to keeping that promise, Breaking every design, ride, and race rule along the way. And they`re not sorry. Aethos: Break the Rules.

Top off the world’s lightest frame with SRAM’s 12-speed RED eTAP AXS groupset and Roval’s featherweight Alpinist wheels and you’re left with a perfectly balanced top-tier ride that delivers everything in the name of performance.

The Aethos frame has been designed with the perfect combination of ultimate ride feel, light weight, and style—from accelerating up steep pitches and descending technical descents, to all-day saddle comfort on even the longest coffee rides, the Aethos hits the mark. But how, you ask? By reinventing the traditional road shape found on bikes of the past, subtly altering these shapes to deliver massive gains in stiffness and balance, all without affecting weight or durability. Pair that with an entirely-new layup and process that has been perfected over multiple decades and you have the lightest frame out there (585 grams, S-Works, size 56cm). The Aethos is more than just a new bike, it’s the first of a new breed.

A featherweight frame is useless without confidence-inspiring ride characteristics, which is why Specialized developed the Aethos to have the perfect balance of front and rear stiffness combined with exceptional ride quality. By studying the flexing and breathing of carbon fiber, we were able to discover groundbreaking findings about how forces flow through frames. Just a few pedal strokes and you’ll realize this sublime ride sets a new standard.

Every detail, from the derailleur hangers to the fork expander plug have been designed with style, weight, and durability in mind. They also spec’d it with Roval’s all-new Alpinist carbon seatpost and wheels, further saving weight and improving ride characteristics. Everything in pursuit for the perfect ride.