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 Specialized 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
Technical Specification
| Frame | Specialized S-Works Aethos FACT 12r Carbon, Rider-First Engineered™, 68mm BSA threaded BB, electronic cable routing only, 12x142mm thru-axle, flat-mount disc |
| Fork | Specialized S-Works FACT Carbon, 12x100mm thru-axle, flat-mount disc |
| Bottom Bracket | CeramicSpeed, 68mm BSA, Shimano HollowTech 2 axle compatible |
| Stem | Roval Alpinist Cockpit, one-piece bar/stem combination, carbon |
| Handlebar | Roval Alpinist Cockpit, one-piece bar/stem combination, carbon |
| Bar Tape | Supacaz Super Sticky Kush |
| Front Brake | Shimano Dura-Ace R9170, hydraulic disc |
| Rear Brake | Shimano Dura-Ace R9170, hydraulic disc |
| Brake Levers | Shimano Dura-Ace R9170 |
| Front Derailleur | Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 R9150, braze-on |
| Rear Derailleur | Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 R9150, 11-speed, CeramicSpeed pulley wheels |
| Shift Levers | Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 Disc R9170 |
| Chain | Shimano Dura-Ace, 11-speed |
| Cassette | Shimano Dura-Ace CS-R9100, 11-30t, 11-speed |
| Crankset | Shimano Dura-Ace R9100, HollowTech 2, 11-speed, dual-sided power meter, 52/36T |
| Front Wheel | Roval Alpinist CLX, 21mm internal width carbon rim, 33mm depth, Win Tunnel Engineered, Roval AFD hub, 21h, DT Swiss Aerolite spokes |
| Rear Wheel | Roval Alpinist CLX, 21mm internal width carbon rim, 33mm depth, Win Tunnel Engineered, Roval AFD hub, 24h, DT Swiss Aerolite spokes |
| Front Tyre | Specialized Turbo Cotton - Black Sidewall, 320 TPI, 700x26mm, clincher |
| Rear Tyre | Specialized Turbo Cotton - Black Sidewall, 320 TPI, 700x26mm, clincher |
| Saddle | Specialized Body Geometry S-Works Power Arc, carbon fibre rails, carbon fibre base |
| Seatpost | Roval Alpinist carbon seatpost |
| Pedals | Available to be purchased separately |
| Accessories | SWAT integrated cycle computer mount |
| Manufacturer Claimed Weight | 585 grams, frame only, size 56cm / 5.9kg, full bike build |
Built, Checked, Tuned and Tested
All our bikes are fully built, checked, tuned and tested by our Cytech qualified mechanics and then securely packaged, ready for delivery. All you have to do is add the pedals (if included), attach the handlebars to the stem and tighten them following the included detailed instructions or by watching our video and using the provided FREE tools. Visit our Bike Assembly page to see how you assemble your new bike once you receive it.
All bikes collected from our shop, are built, tested and ready to ride. For hassle-free home delivery and bike set-up from a qualified mechanic use our Premier Delivery Service.
Please note, occasionally, manufacturers may change the specification without notice. Bicycles do not come with pedals unless otherwise specified. Bikes ordered for delivery will not arrive with the pedals installed, please refer to the owners manual and pedal installation guides provided for guidance. We do not install accessories to bikes, including mudguards. Bikes ordered for delivery that have tubeless compatible tyres and rims will arrive with inner tubes installed or with tubeless valves installed, this will be brand dependent. Sealant is available to be purchased separately.
If you require any assistance please contact our Customer Care team.
Unable to display Reviews due to Privacy Settings.
Adjust your Cookie Preferences to Opt-in "YES" to "Functional Cookies".
Unable to display Q&A due to Privacy Settings.
Adjust your Cookie Preferences to Opt-in "YES" to "Functional Cookies".
Why buy your bike from Sigma Sports?
Don't hesitate to reach out to us. It's our goal to answer all of your questions and offer the best advice from our experts. We’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have. Contact us now or visit us in-store.
Save up to 47% with any one of our 11 Cycle to Work partners, and get the health benefits of a new bike in exchange for tax free salary sacrifice. To find out more about our various partners and how to apply click here.
Choose between Free Bike Delivery - to your home or place of work - or our new Premier Bike Delivery Service £99.99 and have your bike delivered "ready to ride" and set up to your measurements with seatpost and pedals adjusted on arrival by a qualified bike mechanic. Either way, our Customer Care team will be in touch to arrange a delivery date to suit you.
We've partnered with Laka to offer you 30 days free bike Insurance on your new bike purchase over £400. Click here for more info and find out how to claim.