Specialized Aethos 2 Expert - SRAM Force AXS vs Specialized Aethos 2 Expert - Shimano Ultegra 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 Specialized Aethos 2 Expert - SRAM Force AXS comes out ahead (76% against 74%). That is not a universal verdict — change the terrain or the priority and the order can flip.

Specialized

Aethos 2 Expert - SRAM Force AXS

76% for a typical rider

£5,499 at Brand website

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Specialized

Aethos 2 Expert - Shimano Ultegra Di2

74% for a typical rider

£5,499 at Brand website

✓ Checked

What actually separates them

Climbing gear: The Specialized Aethos 2 Expert - SRAM Force AXS has the easier bottom gear (29 gear inches against 32), which matters more than weight on anything genuinely steep.

Side by side

Spec	Aethos 2 Expert - SRAM Force AXS	Aethos 2 Expert - Shimano Ultegra Di2
Price	£5,499	£5,499
Weight	7.2 kg	7.1 kg
Frame	carbon	carbon
Groupset	SRAM Force AXS E1 2x12 electronic	Shimano Ultegra Di2 R8170 2x12 electronic
Stack / reach	1.48	1.48
Tyre clearance	35 mm	35 mm
Lowest gear	29 in	32 in
Mudguard mounts	No	No
Comfort	54	47
Speed	75	79
Climbing	80	72
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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