Specialized S-Works Aethos 2 - Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 vs Specialized S-Works Roubaix SL8 - 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 Specialized S-Works Roubaix SL8 - Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 comes out ahead (81% against 76%). That is not a universal verdict — change the terrain or the priority and the order can flip.
What actually separates them
- Price
- The Specialized S-Works Aethos 2 - Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 is £501 cheaper — £11,499 against £12,000.
- Weight
- The Specialized S-Works Aethos 2 - Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 is 1.2kg lighter, which you notice on long climbs more than anywhere else.
- Riding position
- The Specialized S-Works Roubaix SL8 - Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 sits you more upright (1.56 stack-to-reach against 1.48). The Specialized S-Works Aethos 2 - Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 is the more aggressive of the two — quicker if you can hold it, harder work if you cannot.
- Tyre clearance
- The Specialized S-Works Roubaix SL8 - Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 takes 40mm tyres against 35mm — the single most common thing buyers wish they had more of.
- Climbing gear
- The Specialized S-Works Roubaix SL8 - Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 has the easier bottom gear (27 gear inches against 32), which matters more than weight on anything genuinely steep.
- Mudguards
- Only the Specialized S-Works Roubaix SL8 - Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 takes mudguards, which decides whether it can be your winter bike.
Side by side
| Spec | S-Works Aethos 2 - Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 | S-Works Roubaix SL8 - Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £11,499 | £12,000 |
| Weight | 6.0 kg | 7.3 kg |
| Frame | carbon | carbon |
| Groupset | Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 R9200 2x12 electronic | Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 R9200 2x12 electronic |
| Stack / reach | 1.48 | 1.56 |
| Tyre clearance | 35 mm | 40 mm |
| Lowest gear | 32 in | 27 in |
| Mudguard mounts | No | Yes |
| Comfort | 47 | 73 |
| Speed | 83 | 64 |
| Climbing | 77 | 83 |
| 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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