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2020 Specialized

Tarmac SL6 Disc

A carbon frame race bike with mid-range components and shimano tiagra hydraulic disc brakes.

Manufacturer Price

$2,000
FrameCarbon
ForkCarbon
Wheels700c Aluminum
Drivetrain2 × 10
GroupsetTiagra
BrakesShimano Tiagra Hydraulic Disc
Where to Buy
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Insights
Ride Feel

Based on frame geometry and build specs.

Rider Position
relaxedaggressive
Terrain
smoothrugged
Tarmac SL6 Disc
Other Race bikes
Gearing

A bike with lower gearing will be easier to ride up steep hills, while a higher top end means it will pedal faster down hills.

Lowest gear

(climbing)

39 mph

Tarmac SL6 Disc

40 mph

Similar Bikes

Highest gear

(descending)

Reviews

Summary

The Specialized Tarmac is celebrated as a top-tier race bike, blending aerodynamics, lightweight design, and exceptional handling. It's noted for being faster than its predecessor, the Tarmac SL6, and as aerodynamic as the Venge, making it a versatile choice for racers. The bike's performance is further enhanced by its superb power transfer and cornering capabilities, though some reviews mention a firmer ride quality and higher price point as drawbacks.

Pros
  • More aerodynamic and faster than the Tarmac SL6

  • Lightweight with superb power transfer

  • Exceptional handling and cornering capabilities

  • Versatile for various racing conditions

  • Improved aerodynamics without weight gain

Cons
  • Firmer ride quality compared to the SL6

  • High price point

  • Integrated cockpit can complicate handlebar changes

  • Non-tubeless wheels in some configurations

Key Quotes
A handful of refinements and updates help the Tarmac maintain its position as the benchmark UCI-legal road-race bike.
Bicycling
The Tarmac SL7, which replaces the superb as the company’s premier race bike—a no-compromise race bike that’s as fast as an aero bike and as light as a climbing bike.
Bicycling
The new Tarmac SL7 corners like it’s on rails.
Cycling Tips logoCycling Tips
The Specialized Tarmac has long topped my list when it comes to the best ‘all-round race bike’.
Cycling Weekly logoCycling Weekly
The new S-Works Tarmac SL7 is made for high performance, high speeds and maximum fun.
Gran Fondo Magazine logoGran Fondo Magazine

Feedback?

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Cycling News
Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL7 review

Jul 2020 · Josh Croxton

We've been using Specialized's brand new Tarmac for a couple of weeks, and here are our initial thoughts

Highs
  • Aerodynamics and power transfer on par with Venge

  • Weight (6.89kg tested, size 58cm)

Lows
  • Non-tubeless wheels

  • Harsher ride than Tarmac SL6

  • Huge price

Read Review

Bikerumor
2021 Specialized Tarmac SL7 & SL6 complete model overview with specs & pricing

Jul 2020 · Zach Overholt

No more teasers, the new Specialized Tarmac SL7 is finally here. If you’re looking for the details on what’s new, start with our tech breakdown on the new bike. Already read that and ready to check out all of the models and pricing? Then you’ve come to the right place. As outlined in the first post, […]

Read Review

Road Bike Action
Bike Test: Specialized Tarmac SL7

Jul 2020 · Troy Templin

Specialized just announced the Tarmac SL7. Scheduled to be released at the 2020 Tour de France, Specialized opted to unveil their new road bike, the Tarmac SL7.

Read Review

Cycling Weekly
Specialized S-Works Tarmac Disc

Dec 2019 · Rupert Radley

The Specialized S-Works Tarmac Disc ranks as one of the best bikes we've ridden

Highs
  • Amazing ride quality

  • Stiffness hasn't compromised comfort and vice-versa

  • Excellent wheels

  • Handling

Lows
  • None

Read Review

BikeRadar
Specialized Tarmac SL6 Comp Disc review

Jul 2019 · Warren Rossiter

Specialized’s approach to the Tarmac SL6 design process was somewhat conflicted: it wanted a lighter bike that was stiffer and more comfortable, but it didn’t want to change the handling or ride position.. .

Highs
  • Lovely balance, addictive speed, handling chops too

Lows
  • You can find better value bikes

Read Review

Gran Fondo Magazine
Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL6 Disc review

Apr 2019 · Benjamin Topf

As the new official bike of professional UCI teams like BORA-Hansgrohe, you’re going to see the Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL6 Disc in countless races.

Highs
  • Perfect compromise between speed, comfort and safety

  • Perfectly balanced handling

  • Low weight at the limit of legality (don’t tell the UCI-people!)

  • Integrated dual-sided power meter

Lows
  • Di2 cable mess

Read Review

road.cc
Specialized Tarmac Disc Sport

Feb 2019 · David Arthur @davearthur

Race-ready performance with great handling and decent comfort, the Tarmac Disc Sport shines everywhere bar value

Read Review

Cyclist
Specialized S-Works Tarmac Disc review

Sep 2018 · Peter Stuart

Proof that disc brakes can make an already excellent bike even better

Highs
  • Fantastic integration of disc brakes

  • Equipped for versatile terrain

  • Impressively light and a benchmark in handling terms

Lows
  • Not much

  • Although the 'Pro' tier version offers better value

Read Review

Geometry
Specs
Build
Frame

Tarmac SL6, FACT 9r carbon, Rider-First Engineered™, threaded BB, clean routing, 12x142mm thru-axle, flat-mount disc

BB StandardBSA, 68mm, Threaded

Fork

FACT carbon, 12x100mm thru-axle, flat-mount disc

Bottom Bracket

BSA, 68mm, threaded

Stem

Specialized, 3D-forged alloy, 4-bolt, 7-degree rise

Handlebar

Specialized Shallow Drop, 6061, 70x125mm, 31.8mm clamp

Saddle

Body Geometry Power Sport

Seatpost

Carbon, single-bolt, 27.2mm

TypeRigid

Groupset
Rear Derailleur

Shimano Tiagra, 10-speed

Front Derailleur

Shimano Tiagra, braze-on

Crank

Shimano Tiagra 4700, 10-speed, 50/34t

Shifters

Shimano Tiagra Disc 4720, 10-speed

Cassette

Shimano Tiagra, 10-speed, 11-32t

Chain

KMC X10, 10-Speed

Brakes

Front: Shimano Tiagra BR-4770, hydraulic disc, Rear: Shimano Tiagra BR-4770, hydraulic disc

TypeShimano Tiagra Hydraulic Disc

Wheels
Rims

Front: Axis Sport Disc, Rear: Axis Sport Disc

Tires

Front: Turbo Pro, 60 TPI, folding bead, BlackBelt protection, 700x26mm, Rear: Turbo Pro, 60 TPI, folding bead, BlackBelt protection, 700x26mm

Rider Notes
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First added July 23

Last updated July 23

Not listed for 2,146 days