S-Works Aethos 2 Frameset FAQs
What is the S-Works Aethos 2 Frameset?
The S-Works Aethos 2 Frameset is a premium ultra-lightweight carbon road frameset designed for riders who prioritize pure road-riding feel, low weight, climbing performance and responsive handling. Specialized positions the Aethos 2 as a Performance Endurance road platform.
What type of carbon does the S-Works Aethos 2 use?
It uses FACT 12r Carbon, Specialized's highest-level carbon construction. The Aethos 2 frame weighs approximately 595 grams, making it an exceptionally lightweight production disc-brake road frame.
Is the S-Works Aethos 2 the lightest production road frame?
Specialized describes the S-Works Aethos 2 as the lightest disc production frame, with the FACT 12r frame weighing approximately 595 g.
What is the total frameset weight?
The official Specialized specification lists the painted frameset at approximately 1.24 kg in size 56. Actual weight can vary depending on frame size, colour and production variation.
Is the S-Works Aethos 2 a racing bike?
The Aethos 2 is a high-performance road bike, but its primary focus is the riding experience, low weight, climbing and performance endurance rather than maximum aerodynamic race performance. Riders specifically looking for an aerodynamic race bike may prefer the Tarmac platform.
Is the S-Works Aethos 2 good for climbing?
Yes. Its exceptionally light 595 g FACT 12r carbon frame makes it particularly well suited to climbing and weight-sensitive road-bike builds.
Is the S-Works Aethos 2 good for long rides?
Yes. The Aethos 2 is designed around a Performance Endurance fit, with Specialized increasing the stack by 15 mm to reduce pressure on the hands, neck and shoulders. This makes it particularly suitable for long road rides.
Is the Aethos 2 comfortable?
Yes. Comfort is one of the key characteristics of the Aethos platform. The Aethos 2 combines its lightweight construction with an endurance-oriented fit and is designed to provide a smooth, connected ride feel.
Is the Aethos 2 suitable for fast road riding?
Yes. Despite its endurance-oriented fit, the Aethos 2 is a high-performance road bike capable of fast group rides, climbing, long-distance riding and spirited road riding.
Is the Aethos 2 aerodynamic?
The Aethos 2 is not primarily an aerodynamic race platform. Its design prioritizes extremely low weight, ride quality and handling. Riders whose main priority is aerodynamic performance should consider the Specialized Tarmac.
Does the Aethos 2 use Rider-First Engineered™ technology?
Yes. Specialized uses Rider-First Engineered™ construction so that the Aethos ride characteristics remain consistent across different frame sizes.
Does the Aethos 2 have internal cable routing?
Yes. The frame uses hidden cable routing, providing a clean appearance and allowing compatibility with modern integrated road-bike setups.
Does the S-Works Aethos 2 use disc brakes?
Yes. The frame and fork are designed for flat-mount disc brakes.
What bottom bracket does the Aethos 2 use?
The frame uses a threaded bottom bracket, which offers straightforward installation and servicing.
What fork comes with the S-Works Aethos 2 Frameset?
It comes with an S-Works Aethos 2 FACT 12r Carbon fork with a 12×100 mm thru-axle and flat-mount disc-brake compatibility.
What seatpost comes with the Aethos 2 Frameset?
The frameset includes a Roval Alpinist Carbon Seatpost with a lightweight clamp.
Can I build a custom bike using the S-Works Aethos 2 Frameset?
Yes. The frameset is ideal for a custom high-end road-bike build. You can select your preferred groupset, wheels, cockpit, saddle and other compatible components.
Which groupsets can be fitted to the Aethos 2?
The Aethos 2 platform is offered by Specialized with high-end electronic groupsets including SRAM RED AXS and Shimano Dura-Ace Di2. A compatible groupset and component configuration should be selected for a frameset build.
Is the Aethos 2 compatible with electronic groupsets?
Yes. The hidden cable-routing design supports modern electronic road-bike builds, subject to the compatibility of the selected components.
Is the S-Works Aethos 2 UCI approved?
The Aethos 2 is designed as a high-performance road platform, but it is not primarily positioned by Specialized as its dedicated UCI race platform. For sanctioned competition, the complete bicycle should always be checked against the current UCI regulations.
How does the Aethos 2 differ from the Tarmac SL9?
The Aethos 2 prioritizes low weight, ride quality, climbing and comfort, while the Tarmac SL9 prioritizes aerodynamics, racing, speed and all-round race performance. The Aethos 2 is an excellent choice for riders who value the feeling of riding a very light and responsive bicycle.
Is the Aethos 2 suitable for climbing and descending?
Yes. The extremely low frame weight helps on climbs, while Specialized has also increased the wheelbase by 7 mm and slackened the head tube by 0.5° to provide more confidence and stability on descents.
Can the Aethos 2 accommodate wider road tyres?
Yes. Specialized lowered the bottom bracket by 3 mm and optimized the frame around higher-volume road tyres, helping provide a more connected ride feel and additional comfort.
Who should buy the S-Works Aethos 2 Frameset?
It is ideal for serious road cyclists, climbing enthusiasts, long-distance riders and performance-focused cyclists who want an exceptionally lightweight carbon frameset with premium FACT 12r construction and an endurance-oriented riding position.
Does the S-Works Aethos 2 Frameset come with a warranty?
Warranty coverage is subject to Specialized's applicable warranty terms and the warranty provided with the purchase in India. Customers should refer to the warranty documentation supplied with the frameset for the applicable coverage.