Specialized S-Works Aethos Founders Edition Disc Road Bike 2021

Specialized S-Works Aethos Founders Edition Disc Road Bike 2021

The Specialized S-Works Aethos Disc Road Bike is the culmination of several years of development, the aim being to create the perfect bike, and this Founders Edition model is just that. Not focussed on racing, the FACT 12r carbon layup has been altered and the tubes subtly reshaped to bring the highest levels of stiffness, balance, strength and stability, all while minimising the material used. A result is a machine that breaks all the rules, sitting below the UCI weight limit at an incredible 5.9kg in a size 56, with the frame coming in at a mere 588 grams, and it's set to take road bikes in a completely new direction. The geometry and fit are exactly the same as that of the Tarmac SL7, providing an aggressive and racy feel, while Rider-First Engineered™ design keeps every frame size delivering equal performance and handling benefits. 

This frameset can only be paired with electronic groupsets and is built up here with Shimano's flagship offering, Dura-Ace Di2, in a mid-compact configuration with a dual-sided crank-based power meter included. Shifting is fast, precise and smooth at just a light touch of the lever, and the addition of the CeramicSpeed bottom bracket and pulley wheels lowers drivetrain friction markedly. When you need to stop fast, the hydraulic discs, also of the Shimano Dura-Ace marque, are just as capable in wet and dry conditions bestowing confidence on any descent or through any sharp corners. 

Roval Alpinist CLX carbon clincher wheels are the lightest from the brand, at just 1248 grams, making them the obvious choice for a frameset of this calibre. The carbon layup of the 33mm deep rim optimises strength and durability while keeping weight down, while the AeroFlange hub and DT Swiss internals enhance the wheels aerodynamically and bring incredibly smooth-rolling. 

This Founder's Edition bike uses the Roval Alpinist one-piece cockpit, which is another of the brand's lightest components, making for faster climbing, quicker accelerations and improved ride quality. The traditional tube shape and bend provides proven performance and cables are all routed internally, completely in keeping with the sleek aesthetics of the rest of the bike.

Read more about the bikes in our S-Works Aethos article.

Highlights

• Founder's Edition includes one-piece bar/stem Alpinist carbon cockpit
• S-Works Aethos FACT 12r Carbon frame and fork
• Same fit and ride geometry as the Tarmac SL7
• Electronic cable routing specific frame
• CeramicSpeed, 68mm BSA threaded bottom bracket
• Rider-First Engineered™ design
• Frame only claimed weight - 585 grams, size 56cm
• Full build claimed weight - 5.9kg
• Shimano Dura-Ace R9170 hydraulic disc and 11-speed gear components
• CeramicSpeed pulley wheels are added to the rear derailleur
• Dual-sided power meter
• Roval Alpinist carbon seatpost and cockpit
• Roval Alpinist CLX wheels and Specialized Turbo Cotton 26mm tyres
• 32mm tyre clearance