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Today’s Deals2012 Specialized
Tarmac Compact
A carbon frame race bike with mid-range components and shimano tiagra rim brakes.
Compare the full range
| Frame | Carbon |
|---|---|
| Fork | Carbon |
| Wheels | 700c Aluminum |
| Drivetrain | 2 × 10 |
| Groupset | Tiagra |
| Brakes | Shimano Tiagra 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, threaded BB BB Standard: BSA, 68mm, Threaded |
|---|---|
| Fork | Specialized FACT carbon, full monocoque, OS race for 1-1/2"" bearing |
| Bottom Bracket | BSA, 68mm, threaded |
| 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 | Specialized EliteSet, 3D forged alloy, 12-degree, 4-position adjustable, 4-bolt, 31.8mm clamp |
| Handlebar | New Specialized Tarmac Comp, alloy |
| Saddle | Body Geometry Romin Comp, hollow Cr-Mo rails |
| Seatpost | New Specialized Sport, alloy, 27.2mm Type: Rigid |
| Pedals | Nylon flat test ride, loose ball, w/ reflectors |
| Rear Derailleur | New Shimano Tiagra 10-speed |
|---|---|
| Front Derailleur | New Shimano Tiagra 10-speed |
| Crank | New Shimano Tiagra 10-speed |
| Shifters | New Shimano Tiagra STI 10-speed |
| Cassette | New Shimano Tiagra, 10-speed, 12-28t |
| Chain | New Shimano Tiagra 10-speed |
| Brakes | Front: New Shimano Tiagra, Rear: New Shimano Tiagra Type: Shimano Tiagra Rim |
| Brake Levers | New Shimano Tiagra STI |
| Rims | Front: DT Axis 2.0, Rear: DT Axis 2.0 |
|---|---|
| Tires | Front: Specialized Espoir Sport w/ double BlackBelt, 60 TPI, wire bead, 700x23c, Rear: Specialized Espoir Sport w/ double BlackBelt, 60 TPI, wire bead, 700x23c |
First added July 9
Last updated July 9
Not listed for 2,521 days