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Today’s Deals2012 Specialized
Tarmac Comp Mid-Compact
A carbon frame race bike with high-end components and shimano 105 rim brakes.
Compare the full range
| Frame | Carbon |
|---|---|
| Fork | Carbon |
| Wheels | 700c Aluminum |
| Drivetrain | 2 × 10 |
| Groupset | Ultegra, 105 |
| Brakes | Shimano 105 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 top choice for racing. It features technology trickled down from higher-end models, offering great value. While the bike excels in performance and handling, some components may not meet the high standards set by the frame.
Impressive mix of lightness, stiffness, and comfort
Trickle down technology from higher-end models at a more affordable price
Excellent power transfer and handling
Compliant ride quality on various road surfaces
Versatile for both climbing and racing
Some components, like wheels and tyres, are considered the weak link
Certain models feature cost-cutting parts that may not match the frame's quality
Ergonomics could be improved for better comfort
The Tarmac Expert delivers at all levels. It is essentially a Pro Tour frame with mid level components to make it more affordable.
BikerumorVersatile, but no compromise
Cycling TipsSuperficially flawed if you judge it by componentry. But you shouldn't. The Tarmac offers a great frameset that would be, and is, suited to a far more costly bike.
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Apr 2013
Superficially flawed if you judge it by componentry. But you shouldn't. The Tarmac offers a great frameset that would be, and is, suited to a far more costly bike
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 bearing, OSBB BB Standard: BB30, Press Fit |
|---|---|
| Fork | Specialized FACT carbon, full monocoque, OS race for 1-1/2"" bearing |
| Bottom Bracket | OS integrated, sealed bearings |
| Headset | 1-1/8"" upper and 1-1/2"" lower Cr-Mo cartridge bearings integrated w/ headset, 20mm cone spacer, w/ 20mm of spacers |
| Stem | New CompSet 6061 alloy, cone head bolt, 12-degree, 4-degree shim 31.8mm |
| Handlebar | New Specialized Tarmac Comp, alloy |
| Saddle | Body Geometry Romin Comp, hollow Cr-Mo rails |
| Seatpost | Specialized Comp carbon, 27.2mm Type: Rigid |
| Pedals | Nylon flat test ride, loose ball, w/ reflectors |
| Rear Derailleur | Shimano Ultegra |
|---|---|
| Front Derailleur | Shimano 105 |
| Crank | FSA SL-K Light BB30 carbon |
| Shifters | Shimano Ultegra STI, flight deck compatible, 10-speed |
| Cassette | Shimano 105, 10-speed, 11-28t |
| Chain | New Shimano Tiagra 10-speed |
| Brakes | Front: Shimano 105, Rear: Shimano 105 Type: Shimano 105 Rim |
| Brake Levers | Shimano Ultegra STI, Flight Deck compatible |
| Rims | Front: DT Axis 3.0, Rear: DT Axis 3.0 |
|---|---|
| Tires | Front: Specialized Turbo Elite w/BlackBelt protection, 100 TPI, aramid bead, 700x23c, Rear: Specialized Turbo Elite w/BlackBelt protection, 100 TPI, aramid bead, 700x23c |
First added July 9
Last updated July 9
Not listed for 2,521 days