When Specialized first unveiled the Aethos, it broke every rule in the book. It wasn’t designed to win medals or meet the UCI’s weight limits. It was built to disappear beneath the rider and deliver the purest road experience imaginable. The new S-Works Aethos 2 with SRAM Red AXS continues that tradition, refining the world’s lightest disc road frame into an even more versatile, more capable, and more joyful machine. It’s a road bike stripped down to its essence, perfected for the rider who values simplicity, elegance, and performance above all else.

The heart of the Aethos 2 remains its record-shattering frame. At just 595 grams in the top-tier 12r carbon layup, it stands as the lightest production road frame on the planet. But weight alone was never the goal. Specialized engineers employed Flow State Design, a breakthrough approach that optimizes tube shapes based on how forces move through the structure. By eliminating redundant stiffness layers and rethinking every curve of the diamond frame, they created a chassis that is lighter, stronger, and smoother all at once. The result is a bike that responds instantly to every pedal stroke yet floats effortlessly over rough tarmac.

Durability was as critical as weight savings. In testing, the Aethos endured punishing forces well beyond industry standards—over 100,000 pedal cycles at 2,377 watts—without flinching. This means that the Aethos 2 isn’t just featherweight, it’s built for the long haul, able to withstand the rigors of real-world riding from high-speed descents to endless mountain climbs.

Geometry refinements further elevate the experience. Drawing on over 100,000 Body Geometry fits, Specialized tuned the Aethos 2 for better ergonomics and broader rider compatibility. A taller stack by 15 millimeters reduces hand pressure and increases comfort, while a 0.5-degree slacker head tube and 3-millimeter lower bottom bracket create stability through fast corners. A slightly longer wheelbase adds confidence at speed, all without losing the Tarmac-inspired handling that defined the original. The result is a road bike that feels planted, precise, and inviting over long days in the saddle.

Versatility also takes a leap forward. Tire clearance now extends to 35 millimeters, unlocking smoother rides, added grip, and new road possibilities. Despite this expanded capability, the frame still stays under 600 grams thanks to meticulous refinements to carbon layup and component design. Every gram was reconsidered: lighter brake mounts, a new seatpost collar, even a custom Universal Derailleur Hanger designed to shave weight while keeping compatibility intact. Nothing was overlooked in pursuit of the world’s lightest and most refined road machine.

On this flagship build, SRAM’s latest Red AXS groupset takes center stage. This is SRAM’s lightest, most advanced drivetrain ever, with wireless 12-speed shifting that is precise, intuitive, and effortless. The hoods are redesigned for comfort with a smaller, more sculpted profile, while braking has been refined with better ergonomics and smoother modulation. Red AXS isn’t just lighter—it’s smarter, integrating seamlessly with power meters and offering a personalized shifting experience through the AXS app. Paired with the Aethos 2 frame, it delivers a build that hits just 5.98 kilograms complete, without gimmicks or compromises. This is a machine that marries the lightest road frame on Earth with the most advanced drivetrain available, creating an uncompromising expression of performance.

The finishing kit is equally obsessive. The new Roval Alpinist Cockpit II weighs only 270 grams and has been sculpted with rider comfort in mind: ovalized tops to relieve hand pressure, four degrees of flare to support natural wrist angles, and nearly 30 percent more vibration damping than previous designs. Internal cable routing preserves a timeless, uncluttered aesthetic. The Roval Alpinist CLX III wheelset continues the weight-shaving ethos, coming in at just 1,131 grams. With new Aero Composite spokes and DT Swiss 180 internals, these wheels are not only ultralight but also stronger than steel and engineered for durability. Hooked rims provide secure tire retention and optimal performance with modern tubeless setups.

The S-Works Aethos 2 SRAM Red AXS is more than numbers on a scale. It’s the realization of a philosophy—Rider First Engineering ensures that every size rides with the same balance of smoothness, responsiveness, and precision. Flow State Design ensures the bike feels alive under you, enhancing every pedal stroke without distraction. And SRAM Red ensures that every shift, every climb, and every descent is executed with absolute confidence and clarity. The Aethos 2 isn’t trying to be everything to everyone—it’s here for riders chasing joy, simplicity, and freedom on the road.

From effortless climbing to the meditative rhythm of a long ride, the Aethos 2 disappears beneath you, leaving only the sensation of motion and connection. In a world of rules and complexity, it breaks free as a timeless reminder of why we ride: the pursuit of joy, perfection, and the open road.