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Today’s Deals2011 Specialized
Tarmac Comp Rival
A carbon frame race bike with upper mid-range components and sram rival rim brakes.
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| Frame | Carbon |
|---|---|
| Fork | Carbon |
| Wheels | 700c Aluminum |
| Drivetrain | 2 × 10 |
| Groupset | Rival |
| Brakes | SRAM Rival Rim |
Summary
The Specialized Tarmac is celebrated for its impressive blend of lightness, stiffness, and comfort, making it a standout in the race category. It offers trickle-down technology from higher-end models at a more accessible price point, with handling that's both predictable and nimble, inspiring confidence in various riding conditions. While some components may not meet the highest expectations, the overall ride quality and performance are highly praised.
Impressive mix of lightness, stiffness, and comfort
Trickle down technology from higher-end models at a more affordable price
Predictable yet nimble handling
Compliant ride quality on various road surfaces
Versatile performance suitable for racing and climbing
Some components considered adequate but not outstanding
Ergonomics of certain parts like saddles and handlebars could be improved
In-house components may detract from the bike's character for some
The Tarmac Expert delivers at all levels. It is essentially a Pro Tour frame with mid level components to make it more affordable.
BikerumorIt always takes me a few rides before I begin to really appreciate a bike’s characteristics, and the more I ride this, the more I like it and appreciate its quality.
Cycling Tipsthe lustrously painted Tarmac frame is far better than the parts hanging off it
Cycling WeeklyFeedback?
View all reviews
Dec 2012
At the end of this winter I found myself needing a good race bike. I spoke to Specialized about getting on one of their bikes, but I have to admit, I'd never ridden one of their newer road models; the Roubaix, Tarmac or Venge. I wasn't sure which one to choose but was fortunately given the opportunity to take each
Dec 2012 · Kenny Pryde
We test the 2013 entry-level Specialized Tarmac with carbon-fibre SL2 frameset and Shimano Sora components, £1200
Great frame and fork package
Good ride quality
Not much
Jul 2012 · Caley Fretz
With the Kazakh flag, gold housing and other customizations, Vino's Tarmac is a rolling shrine to the veteran all-rounder
Oct 2010 · AJ
Every year bike companies come out with lighter, stiffer, faster and more comfortable bikes. It seems impossible to engineer something that has such opposite qualities, but stiffer and lighter, but still comfortable to ride, it the ultimate goal. With the 2011 Tarmac Expert Specialized has created a bike with an impressive mix of these qualities. …
Aug 2010 · R BA
The Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL3 took the top two podium spots in the Tour de France. Now, it's available for you to own...
Apr 2010 · William Tracy
Fabian Cancellara was obviously the strongest man in the Tour of Flanders, and his Specialized Tarmac SL3 was equally up to the task, despite one small technical difficulty.
Apr 2009 · Cycling News
Race machine for the masses
| Frame | Specialized FACT 8r carbon, FACT IS construction, compact race design, 1-1/2"" lower HS bearing, threaded BB BB Standard: BSA, 68mm, Threaded |
|---|---|
| Fork | Specialized FACT carbon full monocoque, OS race for 1-1/2"" bearing |
| Bottom Bracket | With crankset |
| Headset | 1-1/8"" upper and 1-1/5"" lower Cr-Mo cartridge bearings integrated w/ headset, 20mm cone spacer with 20mm of spacers |
| Stem | Specialized Comp-Set, 3D forged alloy, 4-position adjustable, 4-bolt 31.8mm clamp |
| Handlebar | Specialized Ergo 2014 alloy |
| Saddle | Body Geometry Romin Comp w/ hollow Cr-Mo rails |
| Seatpost | Specialized Pro, FACT carbon w/ Zertz insert Type: Rigid |
| Pedals | Black cage, body & toe clips w/ strap |
| Rear Derailleur | SRAM Rival |
|---|---|
| Front Derailleur | SRAM Rival |
| Crank | SRAM S300 |
| Shifters | SRAM Rival Double-Tap |
| Cassette | SRAM, 10-speed, 11-28t |
| Chain | KMC X10 L CP |
| Brakes | Front: SRAM Rival, Rear: SRAM Rival Type: SRAM Rival Rim |
| Brake Levers | SRAM Rival |
| Rims | Front: Fulcrum Racing 6, Rear: Fulcrum Racing 6 |
|---|---|
| Tires | Front: Specialized Turbo Comp, 700x23c, aramid bead, 120TPI, w/ Double Black Belt protection, Rear: Specialized Turbo Comp, 700x23c, aramid bead, 120TPI, w/ Double Black Belt protection |
First added July 9
Last updated July 9
Not listed for 2,521 days