When you are riding the lightest production frame ever made, it is only natural you select a build featuring the superb, partially wireless Dura-Ace Di2, to complement it. The S-Works Aethos frame weighs just 585 grams and built here in a complete package with Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 shifting and Roval Alpinist CLX disc brake wheels it results in a sub 14lb build that is fully capable for all the requirements of road cycling, even racing. Of course you'd need to load up on lead weights, as it sits well below the UCI weight limit. And although the S-Works Aethos carries a race geometry, it was engineered and developed to offer the apex cycling experience for the serious enthusiast who appreciates the ultimate in quality and design.

The story of the Aethos is pure Specialized. The achievement of the frameset design represents virtually all of the foundational principles of the company, except one. For one of the leading proponents of aerodynamic design for road cycling and racing, as exemplified by the Tarmac SL7, aerodynamics was never factored in to the development of the Aethos. The engineering problem of building the lightest, most exceptional riding road bike was incredibly appealing. Having solved unbelievably complicated problems with the SL7, they may not have anticipated new and more efficient applications of carbon fiber, or that as a result they'd discover a Continuous Curvature Design strategy. The end result of Aethos process pushed the most innovative team in cycling development to new heights.

The Aethos frame has been designed with the perfect combination of ultimate ride feel, light weight, and style. This was achieved by reinventing the traditional road tube shapes found on bikes of the past, subtly altering these visual shapes to deliver massive gains in stiffness and balance, all without affecting weight or durability. That visual story appears simple on some level, but it was the application of carbon technology and incredible engineering capabilities to find the stress loads, tube thicknesses, and how to best integrate all of the shapes and engineering requirements in ways you can't see to create the Aethos. This new process, with an entirely-new layup system tapped into the R&D system Specialized has perfected over multiple decades.

The creation and engineering story is ripe for a graduate course offering, so the discussion must turn on the possibilities and rationale of the rider experience. A featherweight frame is useless without confidence-inspiring ride characteristics, which is the team developed the Aethos to have the perfect balance of front and rear stiffness combined with exceptional overall ride quality. By studying the flexing and breathing of carbon fiber, the testers were able to discover groundbreaking findings about how forces flow through frames. With just a few firm pedal strokes you’ll realize this sublime ride sets a new standard. Every detail has been designed with style, weight, and durability in mind, everything required in pursuit for the perfect ride. The geometry is exceptionally close to that of the Tarmac SL7, with a few modifications that may add up to a subtle handling difference if you were comparing each bike built with the same exact kit.

The electronic shifting-only Aethos frameset is equipped with a 27.2mm round seatpost, the Roval Alpinist to be exact, which offers some engineered flex into the upper portion that adds to the frame compliance and weighs a scant 136 grams in the 300mm length. Not to worry, it (and the frameset) is rated for a rider weight up to 275lbs. The frame and fork can accommodate tires up to 32mm with 4mm of clearance on both sides. The fork steerer is round, accepting standard stem and bar set-ups. Every line, every junction just feels so economical and judicious in the use of materials. The subtleties are there, sometimes hidden by the amazing finish options, sometimes accentuated by them. The system is clean, simple. There isn't a single detail on the frame that has been overlooked.

This complete package features the awesome shifting prowess of Shimano's updated 12-speed Dura-Ace Di2 and hydraulic disc braking. The R9200 crankset features the 4iiii Precision Pro dual-sided powermeter. Specialized and Roval supply the kit, of course, with S-Works carbon bars, lightweight alloy stem, and Power carbon rail/shell saddle. Roval delivers the Alpinist seatpost and stunning disc brake wheelset, which carry the 700x26 S-Works Turbo Cotton clincher tires. This Aethos build is ready for some serious riding, and no doubt will make many pro cyclists jealous.