Specialized Tarmac SL9 Comp - Shimano 105 Di2 vs Specialized Tarmac SL9 Comp - SRAM Rival AXS

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

The short answer

For a typical all-round rider the Specialized Tarmac SL9 Comp - SRAM Rival AXS comes out ahead (73% against 71%). That is not a universal verdict — change the terrain or the priority and the order can flip.

Specialized

Tarmac SL9 Comp - Shimano 105 Di2

71% for a typical rider

£3,999 at Brand website

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Specialized

Tarmac SL9 Comp - SRAM Rival AXS

73% for a typical rider

£3,999 at Brand website

✓ Checked

What actually separates them

Climbing gear: The Specialized Tarmac SL9 Comp - SRAM Rival AXS has the easier bottom gear (26 gear inches against 29), which matters more than weight on anything genuinely steep.

Side by side

Spec	Tarmac SL9 Comp - Shimano 105 Di2	Tarmac SL9 Comp - SRAM Rival AXS
Price	£3,999	£3,999
Weight	8.2 kg	8.1 kg
Frame	carbon	carbon
Groupset	Shimano 105 Di2 R7100 2x12 electronic	SRAM Rival AXS E1 2x12 electronic
Stack / reach	1.43	1.43
Tyre clearance	32 mm	32 mm
Lowest gear	29 in	26 in
Mudguard mounts	No	No
Comfort	44	44
Speed	69	70
Climbing	67	73
Value	14	14

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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