As Specialized’s flagship road bike series built for "weight-obsessed riders", Aethos is centered on "ultimate lightweight and all-round ride feel". It breaks the industry stereotype that "lightweight must sacrifice stiffness"—through cutting-edge carbon fiber technology and structural innovation, it pushes frame weight to a new benchmark in the road bike field, while balancing race-level stiffness, long-distance comfort, and multi-scene adaptability. It has become the ideal choice for climbers, long-distance riders, and users pursuing pure riding sensation.
Its core advantages include:
- Industry-leading lightweight benchmark: Utilizing top-tier FACT 12r carbon fiber and innovative lamination technology, the frame weighs only 731 grams (56cm size)—about 15% lighter than comparable flagships. The complete bike (with components) can easily weigh under 6.8kg (excluding pedals). The lightweight design directly reduces power consumption during climbs, making steep ascents less strenuous and acceleration response as swift as "zero burden".
- Golden balance of stiffness and lightweight: Through Rider-First Engineered™ technology, carbon fiber lamination direction and density are individually optimized for each frame size (from XS to XXL), ensuring consistent high torsional stiffness across all sizes (bottom bracket stiffness increased by 8% compared to the previous generation). Pedaling power transfer efficiency is nearly 100%, with no significant deformation during climbing out-of-the-saddle efforts or flat sprints—delivering a solid, "light yet not soft" feedback.
- Long-distance-friendly comfort tuning: The rear stays and seat tube adopt "progressive flexible carbon fiber lamination", filtering fine road vibrations through micro-deformation (20% better shock absorption than traditional racing frames). Paired with compatibility for 28c wide tires (max 30c), it further cushions bumps, eliminating "vibration fatigue" during 200km single-day rides and balancing race intensity with endurance experience.
- Minimalist integrated practical design: Features full internal cable routing with the S-Works Aerofly II integrated handlebar, maintaining clean frame lines while reducing wind resistance. The frame reserves fender mounting points, supporting light gravel exploration—breaking the limitation that "pure lightweight frames are only for road racing" and fulfilling the dual role of "climbing weapon + long-distance companion".
- Human-centric geometry and adaptability: The geometry sits between aggressive racing and endurance comfort, with moderate stack height and reach, adapting to diverse positions from climbing sprints to long-distance cruising. Supported by Specialized Retül Fit technology for personalized size customization, it ensures riders of all body types achieve a "rider-bike unity" handling feel.
