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Today’s Deals2014 Specialized
S-Works Tarmac SL4 Frameset
A carbon frame race frameset.
| Frame | Carbon |
|---|---|
| Fork | Carbon |
| Wheels | 700c |
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 exceptional blend of lightness, stiffness, and comfort, making it a top choice for racing enthusiasts. It incorporates high-end technology and materials, offering a responsive and efficient ride across various road conditions. While some models feature disc brakes for superior stopping power, others highlight the bike's nimble handling and climbing efficiency. However, certain components and design choices may not meet every rider's expectations, and the price point can be a consideration.
Impressive mix of lightness, stiffness, and comfort
Trickle down technology from the S Works model at a more affordable price
Predictable yet nimble handling
Compliant ride quality on various road surfaces
Disc brakes are a game-changer on a race bike
Fulcrum Racing 4 wheels are adequate but not outstanding
New Romin saddle's width at the nose was bothersome for some reviewers
Integrated seatpost clamp design is fragile when seatpost is removed
Limited wheel choice due to modified rear hub
£8,000 price tag for high-end models
The Tarmac Expert delivers at all levels. It is essentially a Pro Tour frame with mid level components to make it more affordable.
BikerumorEvolutionary, not revolutionary
Cycling TipsBest race bike with discs we’ve ridden
BikeRadarThe Tarmac represents the first of a new breed of out-and-out race bikes with disc brakes.
road.ccFeedback?
View all reviews
Sep 2015
While the pro peloton is only just starting to experiment with disc brakes, consumers have had access to road disc bikes for a few years. Specialized was an early adopter however a pure-bred race bike with disc brakes was missing from their catalogue until recently. In this review, CTech editor Matt Wikstrom compares
Dec 2014 · David Arthur @davearthur
Fast and peerless handling with all the benefits of hydraulic disc brakes, it sets the benchmark, but it's not cheap
Nov 2014 · Ben Delaney
A dream machine in a category of its own – though some riders may find it a pigeonhole
Jul 2014 · Caley Fretz
Vincenzo Nibali rode the same shark-themed Specialized for the entire Tour, except for Sunday
Jul 2014 · Canadian Cycling Magazine
On Wednesday, Specialized released details on the bike, S-Works McLaren Tarmac, that was developed with the high-performance automotive manufacturer.
Jun 2014 · Matt Phillips
The new generation of the Tarmac is unlike anything else on the road
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
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. …
| Frame | S-Works SL4 FACT 11r carbon, FACT construction, tapered/shaped headtube, compact race design, 1-3/8"" lower headset bearing, carbon OSBB |
|---|---|
| Fork | S-Works Tarmac FACT carbon full monocoque, OS race for 1-3/8"" bearing, hollow carbon dropouts |
| Bottom Bracket | OS integrated, CeramicSpeed, sealed ceramic bearings |
| Headset | 1-1/8"" upper and 1-3/8"" lower, hybrid cartridge lightweight bearings, 8mm carbon cone spacer, w/ 20mm of carbon spacers |
| Seatpost | S-Works SL, FACT carbon, 2-bolt, 27.2mm Type: Rigid |
First added July 9
Last updated July 9
Not listed for 2,537 days