When the Specialized Aethos launched four years ago, it was the lightest production road bike ever, with a simple but elusive goal: the pursuit of perfection. The aim was to provide the purest ride experience, when mind, body, and machine move as one.
Now, the all-new Specialized Aethos 2 goes even further on that quest for perfection. But “perfect” doesn’t mean much when it only applies to a small number of riders. So Specialized also tuned the Aethos 2 for a wider range of cyclists—in other words, “more perfect for more riders.”
Read on to see how Specialized achieved that goal by staying true to Aethos’ foundation while introducing new innovations in search of the perfect ride.
What’s New with the Aethos 2
In designing the Aethos 2, Specialized sought to make it even lighter while evolving some of its most crucial components. Here are some ways the Aethos 2 distinguishes itself from its vaunted predecessor.
Refined Geometry for a Better Fit
The Specialized design team relied upon decades of Body Geometry data from previous models to create a fit that works for more riders than ever before. The Aethos 2’s stack (the vertical distance from the bottom bracket to the top of the headtube) has been heightened by 15mm, reducing pressure on the rider’s hands.
In addition, the headtube angle has been decreased by half a degree for smoother control. Adding to a sense of high-speed stability is a 7mm longer wheelbase, enabling aggressive, confidence-inspiring descents. Finally, the bottom bracket has been lowered 3mm, offering a more planted and secure feel even during the sharpest corners.
Technical specs aside, these changes mean a more diverse group of riders will find the Aethos 2 fast, capable, and agile. You’ll be able to climb faster, descend harder, and ride longer.
Roval Alpinist Cockpit and Wheels
Roval is a division of Specialized known for creating high-performance wheels and components. The Roval Alpinist family in particular is designed for ultra-lightweight climbing and durability.
The Alpinist II cockpit (i.e., the components the rider interacts with, like the handlebars, stem, shifters, brake levers, and grips) has really outdone itself this time. It’s been reduced to only 270 grams (0.6 pounds), with oval tops, 4 degrees of flare (or the outward angle of the handlebars), and 28.3% more damping for reduced hand pressure and less fatigue.
The Alpinist CLX III wheels, meanwhile, feature lightweight spokes that are stronger than steel and hubs with advanced internal components for advanced speed and smoothness. Those weight savings mean the wheels weigh only 1,131 grams (2.49 pounds), leading to unbelievably fast climbs, corners, and descents.
These innovations in the cockpit and wheels contribute to a bike that’s not only lightweight, but speedy, agile, and fun as a result. In other words, it all contributes to Specialized’s goal to create a purely transcending riding experience.
Increased Tire Clearance up to 35mm
The Aethos 2 now has tire clearance up to 35mm with no added weight. This one is simple: wider tires mean more speed, comfort, confidence, and versatility, whether you’re climbing steep hills, zipping down descents, or cornering sharp turns with maximum agility.
Still the Lightest Road Bike Frame Ever
While the innovations above create an even more transcendent riding experience, in other ways the Aethos 2 sticks with what worked so well on the original Aethos. That bike was a legend in its own right, changing the game for road bikes everywhere.
As on its predecessor, the Aethos 2’s frame weighs in at 595 grams (1.31 pounds), meaning it’s still the lightest production road bike on the market. Despite that, the Aethos 2 frame is durable and robust, able to withstand testing well beyond industry standards. According to Specialized, “even with 2,377 watts moving through the pedals over 100,000 times, Aethos doesn’t break a sweat.”
A Flow State Design State of Mind
How did Specialized achieve this balance? Through a breakthrough called Flow State Design. Previous studies of frame behavior noticed a distinct pattern in how bike frames “breathe” under load, showing how force moves through the structure. The main takeaway was that optimizing shape, not adding materials, would reduce weight while maximizing durability.
Instead of traditional round tubes, Flow State Design features sculpted forms precisely tuned to optimize energy flow. As Specialized says, it all leads to “that rare moment when rider and bike dissolve into motion. Time stretches. Effort fades. Every movement clicks.”
The Specialized Aethos 2: In Pursuit of the Perfect Ride
Specialized calls the Aethos 2 “a portal to the purest ride experience.” That’s probably the best way to describe its speed, control, and agility.
Despite all of Aethos 2’s incredible capabilities—the lightest road bike on the market, with the ability to climb, descend, and corner with unmatched precision—Specialized’s main ambition with this bike wasn’t to win championships or appeal to hardcore riders only. Instead, the goal was to make Aethos 2 “more perfect for more riders”—to deliver a transcendent riding experience to any rider, thanks to the Aethos 2’s groundbreaking and adaptable geometry.
Want to experience the Aethos 2’s perfect ride for yourself? Stop into an ERIK’S location for a test-ride! You’ll be blown away by how easy it is to forget you’re even pedaling and let mind, body, and bike become one, leaving only the love of the ride.
Still have questions about the Aethos 2, Specialized bicycles, or anything else ERIK’S-related? Reach out to our team!
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