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Specialized Aethos 2 Expert - SRAM Force AXS vs Cannondale Synapse Carbon 2

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

The short answer

These two score within 1 point of each other for a typical all-round rider, so there is no single winner — the right one depends entirely on which of the differences below you care about.

Specialized

Aethos 2 Expert - SRAM Force AXS

76% for a typical rider

£5,499 at Brand website
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Cannondale

Synapse Carbon 2

75% for a typical rider

£5,995 at Brand website
✓ Checked *

What actually separates them

Price
The Specialized Aethos 2 Expert - SRAM Force AXS is £496 cheaper — £5,499 against £5,995.
Weight
The Specialized Aethos 2 Expert - SRAM Force AXS is 1.2kg lighter, which you notice on long climbs more than anywhere else.
Riding position
The Cannondale Synapse Carbon 2 sits you more upright (1.52 stack-to-reach against 1.48). The Specialized Aethos 2 Expert - SRAM Force AXS is the more aggressive of the two — quicker if you can hold it, harder work if you cannot.
Tyre clearance
The Cannondale Synapse Carbon 2 takes 42mm tyres against 35mm — the single most common thing buyers wish they had more of.
Mudguards
Only the Cannondale Synapse Carbon 2 takes mudguards, which decides whether it can be your winter bike.

Side by side

Spec Aethos 2 Expert - SRAM Force AXS Synapse Carbon 2
Price £5,499 £5,995
Weight 7.2 kg 8.4 kg
Frame carbon carbon
Groupset SRAM Force AXS E1 2x12 electronic Shimano Ultegra Di2 R8100
Stack / reach 1.48 1.52
Tyre clearance 35 mm 42 mm
Lowest gear 29 in 27 in
Mudguard mounts No Yes
Comfort 54 68
Speed 75 53
Climbing 80 68
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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