In the event you concept the unique Ares used to be a game-changer, buckle up—Specialised simply dropped the all-new S-Works Ares 2, and it’s dialed for something: max energy switch with 0 sacrifice in convenience. It’s additionally an important departure from the former type (learn our evaluate right here). Whilst the remaining iteration serious about a sock-like are compatible, this new model makes a speciality of foot power and a locked-in really feel.
(Footage: Jordan Villella/Bikerumor.com)
The Specialised mantra for the Ares 2 used to be certainly “comfort is power,” and when you’ve ever had a scorching spot on a protracted experience – you recognize exactly why thats true. That each one comes at a value; this new model of the S-Works Ares may be $175 greater than the unique. So, is it value it?
(Picture: Specialised)
What’s it? Specialised S-Works Ares 2
In a nutshell, the Specialised S-Works Ares 2 is the brand new flagship street shoe from Specialised. It makes use of a brand new remaining and massively improves on its predecessor’s shortcomings. It’s additionally a whopping $600, which is taken to close customized carbon territory for pricing.
(Picture: Jordan Villella/Bikerumor.com)
Specialised has accomplished its analysis with never-ending foot scan recordsdata, and riders are backing the brand new design. However as everyone knows, you’ll be able to handiest accept as true with a subsidized rider’s opinion calmly, and we have now some impressions ourselves that you’ll be able to learn in spite of everything.
(Picture: Jordan Villella/Bikerumor.com)
What’s New? Convenience and Potency
Specialised delved deep into potency with the Ares 2, fine-tuning each and every part to spice up energy and get rid of discomfort.
The outcome? A shoe that delivers a claimed 7-watt energy acquire whilst decreasing forefoot power by means of 44%. (We’re guessing that the 7-watt acquire comes from the relaxation or efficacy in alignment with different contributing components, however we’ll have to attend and notice what Specialised says again.)
(S-Paintings Torch lace up the usage of the older remaining vs. the S-Paintings Ares 2 the usage of the brand new BG remaining)(Picture: Jordan Villella/Bikerumor.com)
How? Thru an entire overhaul of its Frame Geometry Remaining, delicate over 100,000+ RETÜL 3-D footscans and professional comments. It’s formed by means of nature and sponsored by means of science, making sure each and every pedal stroke is as efficient as imaginable.
(Picture: Specialised)
How does it examine to the former remaining? With no need two solely dissected footwear, it’s a bit difficult. However we have now a couple of the S-Works Torch lace-ups (very relaxed, in my view), and this shoe makes use of the newest (till now) Specialised BG remaining. In the event you take a look at the toe field, you’ll understand probably the most distinction.
New (left) vs Older (proper)
Best is the brand new Ares 2 and the ground is S-Works Torch
As an alternative of a boxy cone-ish form, the brand new remaining fades away because the feet descend from the most important to the pinky. Maximum, if now not all, of the updates come carried out from the midsole ahead. The result’s a roomier toe field with much less power on any digits.
(Picture: Jordan Villella/Bikerumor.com)
A race shoe must do two issues: stay you attached and relaxed. The S-Works Ares 2 nails each. It has some lingering design options of the unique, however handiest the great ones.
(Picture: Jordan Villella/Bikerumor.com)
Specialised labored onerous to get rid of forefoot power, a thorn within the earlier fashions of previous S-Works footwear (I’m pondering basically of the S-Works Recon and the S-Works 7).
(Picture: Jordan Villella/Bikerumor.com)
Within the up to date Ares 2, the triangular closure gadget spreads power lightly around the foot. It’s a identical concept to the OG type, however it’s a lot more straightforward to get on. Plus – the BOA lets in the floating triangle to shift reasonably to get the most productive are compatible. The up to date heel cup seems extra conventional than the S-Works Torch type.
(S-Works Torch (left) vs. S-Works Ares 2 (proper))
Specialised claims this new design must get rid of heel carry, and we haven’t had a topic but. Truthfully, it used to be by no means that gigantic of a deal for my are compatible. It’s attention-grabbing to look the transfer from an asymmetrical heel design to a symmetrical one once more.
(Picture: Specialised)
Refresh: Frame Geometry Tech
In the event you’re within the Specialised ecosystem, you recognize Frame Geometery. It’s the bio-mechanical aspect of “Big S,” the place biomechanical tweaks thru insoles and wedges could make you quicker. The function is to make your legs act like environment friendly pistons, with cast knee monitoring and a platform to pedal. Specialised does an excellent process at advertising and marketing this effort, and I’ve used their insoles for years religiously — they paintings smartly and remaining lengthy. Frame Geometery’s function for the Ares is steadiness, convenience, and gear.
(Picture: Jordan Villella/Bikerumor.com)
How do you’re taking a race-drive shoe and make it as relaxed as your joggers? This activity ended in a couple of inventions and up to date some older ones.
Right here’s what’s packed into the Ares 2:
Varus Wedge (1.5mm): Aligns foot, knee, and hip for higher steadiness and gear.
Metatarsal Button: Prevents nerve compression and dreaded “hot foot.”
Longitudinal Arch Give a boost to: Stops arch cave in, turning your foot right into a inflexible energy lever.
Wider Toe Field: Lets in herbal toe splay for convenience with out compromising efficiency.
(Picture: Specialised)
No Watt Wasted
The theory of the Ares 2 isn’t almost about energy however seamless energy supply. The stiff carbon outsole, protected closure, and locked-in are compatible make sure that each and every ounce of effort interprets immediately into ahead movement. I’d say they accomplished that with the brand new design. It’s relaxed, light-weight, and takes 0 time to wreck in. Heres what Primož Roglič thinks;
“I’ve never felt more connected to my bike. I push on the pedals, and my bike jumps. Plus, no hot spots or discomfort, even on long days.” – Primož Roglič—Pink Bull–BORA–Hansgrohe’s race-winning powerhouse—backs it up:
“The S-Works Ares 2 provides a maximum connection between the rider and the bike. There’s no lag. If you sneeze, that power and movement will go straight to the pedals.”– Rob Cook dinner, Specialised Design Director of Sneakers
(Symbol: Specialised)
S-Works Ares 2 Specifications & Pricing
Sizes: 36–49 (with part sizes from 38.5–46.5)
Weight: 247g (dimension 42.5, part pair)
Colours: White (examined), Crew White, Black, Inexperienced Gecko
Value: $600
Availability: Now
(Picture: Jordan Villella/Bikerumor.com)
First Impressions: A Giant Step Ahead, However at a Price
I’ve been partial to the Specialised street shoes for a while now. I light out when the S-Works 7 street shoe got here out, regardless that; I couldn’t get a are compatible the place the forefoot wasn’t overwhelmed below the weight of the Boa. When the S-Works Torch lace-up got here out, they eradicated that feeling, and I may in any case benefit from the footwear. The are compatible of Specialised footwear has grown over time, particularly for the ones with wider toes. It kind of feels each and every iteration of the shoe will get reasonably wider year-to-year.
(Picture: Jordan Villella/Bikerumor.com)
We’ve handiest had time for 2 weeks at the Ares 2, however the message is apparent—that is a surprisingly relaxed, watt-coaxing, race-focused shoe.
(Picture: Jordan Villella/Bikerumor.com)
How Do They Are compatible?
Slipping at the S-Works Ares 2, I first spotted how a lot better the are compatible used to be than the unique Ares. I didn’t need to struggle with the shoe; they only went on. You already know what I’m speaking about when you have ridden the OG Ares.
(Toebox comparability from S-Works Torch to S-Works Ares 2)
The toe field is roomier, the closure gadget feels extra herbal, and the heel cup is extra delicate—no carry, no power issues, simply locked-in convenience. You’ll be able to transfer the triangle pad round calmly when cranking up the Boas, and it slides into position moderately than ratcheting you into the shoe.
(Picture: Jordan Villella/Bikerumor.com)
For me and my toes, those footwear really feel very good. I’ve battled with the unique S-Works Ares (most commonly to get them on my foot), and that is probably the most relaxed Specialised shoe I’ve worn. The are compatible provides the similar “free foot” sensation as the unique type however has extra substance and beef up. I’ve reasonably huge toes, and footwear (like saddles) are very non-public.
(Picture: Jordan Villella/Bikerumor.com)
Journey Impressions
At the motorcycle, the beef up is noticeable; the shoe looks like an extension of the foot, turning in clean, environment friendly energy and not using a wasted motion.
The shoe feels extremely responsive at the street, however probably the most vital distinction is the relaxation. The shoe is extra relaxed than another Specialised shoe I’ve attempted immediately from the field. It normally takes me somewhat to wreck in a collection of brogues, together with a experience within the rain. The Ares2, then again, may be very malleable and works with the rider’s foot moderately than forcing it right into a form.
(Comparability S-Works Torch vs. S-Works Ares 2 (most sensible))
What’s Up With That Value?
However then there’s the elephant within the room: the associated fee. Biking tools isn’t getting any less expensive, however even in an trade the place prices stay hiking, the Ares 2 pushes the bounds of what maximum riders can justify spending on race footwear. It’s an impressive piece of equipment—no query—however one who few will revel in merely for the reason that price ticket places it out of succeed in for many riders.
Ultimate Ideas
The S-Works Ares 2 is a no-compromise race shoe constructed for many who call for the best possible. In the event you’re on the lookout for locked-in safety, maximized energy switch, and a are compatible that feels molded in your foot, the S-Works Ares 2 will abide.
www.specialised.com
