2012 Specialized
Tarmac SL3 Expert Mid-Compact
A carbon frame race bike with high-end components and rim brakes.
Compare the full range
| Frame | Carbon |
|---|---|
| Suspension | Rigid |
| Fork | Carbon |
| Wheels | 700c Aluminum |
| Drivetrain | 2 × 10 |
| Groupset | Ultegra, FSA |
| Brakes | Rim |
For This Bike
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.
Do you have this bike? Help other riders make a decision about which size will work for them by sharing your own size and fit notes.
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
May 2012 · Caley Fretz
Roman Kreuziger is running the new SRAM Red, an interesting Corima wheelset and carbon bars at the Giro
Oct 2010
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 10r 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, 8mm cone spacer with 20mm of spacers |
| Stem | New CompSet 6061 alloy, cone head bolt, 12-degree, 4-degree shim 31.8mm |
| Handlebar | New Specialized Tarmac Expert, 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 Ultegra |
| Crank | FSA SL-K Light BB30 carbon |
| Shifters | Shimano Ultegra STI, flight deck compatible, 10-speed |
| Cassette | Shimano 105, 10-speed, 11-28t |
| Chain | Shimano 105 |
| Brakes | Front: Shimano Ultegra, Rear: Shimano Ultegra Type: Rim |
| Brake Levers | Shimano Ultegra STI, Flight Deck compatible |
| Rims | Front: Fulcrum Racing 4, Rear: Fulcrum Racing 4 |
|---|---|
| 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 |
Last updated July 9
Not listed for 1,809 days