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Today’s Deals2011 Specialized
Tarmac Elite Apex
A carbon frame race bike with mid-range components and tektro rim brakes.
Compare the full range
| Frame | Carbon |
|---|---|
| Fork | Carbon |
| Wheels | 700c Aluminum |
| Drivetrain | 2 × 10 |
| Groupset | Apex |
| Brakes | Tektro Rim |
5'1" – 5'5"
5'3" – 5'7"
5'5" – 5'9"
5'7" – 6'0"
5'10" – 6'2"
6'0" – 6'4"
🐐 Estimated
None yet.
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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. …
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
Jun 2008 · R BA
Much has been made of the Tarmac SL2 that propels riders like Paolo Bettini and Tom Boonen of Quick-Step and the Gerolsteiner team in the ProTour, while there has been muffled chatter about the lower end Tarmacs that are the beneficiary of the race-tested and proven designs of the pros. Don’t quote us, but we …
| Frame | Specialized FACT 8r carbon, FACT IS construction, compact race design, 1.5"" lower HS bearing, threaded BB BB Standard: BSA, 68mm, Threaded |
|---|---|
| Fork | Specialized FACT carbon full monocoque, OS race for 1.5"" 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 Comp Ergo, 6061 alloy |
| Saddle | Body Geometry Riva Road, w/ steel rails |
| Seatpost | Specialized Comp, FACT carbon, aluminum head, two-bolt clamp, 27.2mm Type: Rigid |
| Pedals | Black cage, body & toe clips w/ strap |
| Rear Derailleur | SRAM Apex |
|---|---|
| Front Derailleur | SRAM Apex |
| Crank | SRAM S100 |
| Shifters | SRAM Apex |
| Cassette | SRAM Apex, 10-speed, 11-28t |
| Chain | KMC X10 CP |
| Brakes | Front: Tektro cold-forged, dual pivot w/ cartridge pads, Rear: Tektro cold-forged, dual pivot w/ cartridge pads Type: Tektro Rim |
| Brake Levers | SRAM Apex |
| Rims | Mavic CXP22 w/ eyelets |
|---|---|
| Spokes | Stainless 14g |
| Front Hub | Forged alloy Hub, sealed bearings, 28 hole, for J bend round spokes |
| Rear Hub | Forged alloy, sealed, cassette, QR, 32h |
| 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 2,530 days