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Giant Defy Advanced SL 0 vs Specialized S-Works Aethos 2 - Shimano Dura-Ace Di2

Both are endurance bikes at a similar price. Here is what actually separates them.

The short answer

For a typical all-round rider the Giant Defy Advanced SL 0 comes out ahead (82% against 76%). That is not a universal verdict — change the terrain or the priority and the order can flip.

Giant

Defy Advanced SL 0

82% for a typical rider

£9,499 at Brand website
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Specialized

S-Works Aethos 2 - Shimano Dura-Ace Di2

76% for a typical rider

£11,499 at Brand website
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What actually separates them

Price
The Giant Defy Advanced SL 0 is £2,000 cheaper — £9,499 against £11,499.
Weight
The Specialized S-Works Aethos 2 - Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 is 0.9kg lighter, which you notice on long climbs more than anywhere else.
Tyre clearance
The Giant Defy Advanced SL 0 takes 40mm tyres against 35mm — the single most common thing buyers wish they had more of.
Climbing gear
The Giant Defy Advanced SL 0 has the easier bottom gear (25 gear inches against 32), which matters more than weight on anything genuinely steep.
Mudguards
Only the Giant Defy Advanced SL 0 takes mudguards, which decides whether it can be your winter bike.

Side by side

Spec Defy Advanced SL 0 S-Works Aethos 2 - Shimano Dura-Ace Di2
Price £9,499 £11,499
Weight 7.0 kg 6.0 kg
Frame carbon carbon
Groupset SRAM RED AXS E1 12-speed Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 R9200 2x12 electronic
Stack / reach 1.50 1.48
Tyre clearance 40 mm 35 mm
Lowest gear 25 in 32 in
Mudguard mounts Yes No
Comfort 64 47
Speed 73 83
Climbing 91 77
Value 0 0

Neither might be the right answer

This page assumes an average rider. Tell us how you actually ride and we will rank these two against everything else at the price.

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