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Today’s Deals2021 Specialized
Tarmac SL6
A carbon frame race bike with mid-range components and hydraulic disc brakes.
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Manufacturer Price
$2,500| Frame | Carbon |
|---|---|
| Fork | Carbon |
| Wheels | 700c Aluminum |
| Groupset | Tiagra |
| Brakes | Hydraulic Disc |
Summary
The Specialized Tarmac is celebrated for its exceptional speed, handling, and efficiency, making it a top choice for racers and enthusiasts alike. Its design and performance have been praised across various models, with particular emphasis on its aero optimization and ride quality. While some builds may come with budget components affecting overall performance, the frame's capabilities often shine through, offering a high-performance experience.
Exceptional speed and efficiency
Outstanding handling and directness
Aero optimization benefits
High-performance frame capabilities
Comfortable for a race bike
Budget wheels on some builds
Higher price tag for top-end models
Some components may not match the frame's quality
The Tarmac SL7 brought an end to the 'aero is everything' Venge and opened a new chapter of the 'one bike to rule them all' Tarmac SL7.
BikerumorThe Tarmac SL7 is undefeated in the elite men’s world road race since its debut.
Canadian Cycling MagazineThis bike ticks all the boxes that most riders care about.
Cycling TipsThe Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL7 has killed its sibling, the Venge aero bike, and single-handedly created the category of speed all-rounders.
Gran Fondo MagazineThis Tarmac SL7 was the fastest bike I had ever ridden.
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Jan 2022 · VeloNews.com
Roval, Shimano, and Tacx continue as partners of the Belgian-backed ‘Wolfpack.’
Dec 2021 · Dan Cavallari
This may be old technology by Specialized's standards, but it just offers more proof that road bikes have already been very good for a very long time.
Excellent frame stiffness, good ride quality, trademark Tarmac handling, easy to service, good overall value.
Wheels are a bit soft and cheap, bulky levers.
Nov 2021 · David Kennedy
Specialized just announced the Tarmac SL7. Scheduled to be released at the Tour de France, Specialized opted to unveil their new road bike, the Tarmac SL7.
Oct 2021 · Matt Hansen
The champ’s rainbow ride for Milano-Torino
Apr 2021 · Simon Smythe
The entry-level Tarmac SL7 is still a premium-priced bike – can it deliver £5K's worth of performance despite cost-saving components?
Ride quality
Handling
Threaded BB
Cockpit integration
Budget wheels
Feb 2021 · Ben Delaney
In a normal year, winning a world championship would result in a straightforward rainbow-themed bike and gear. 2020 was not a normal year. Julian Alaphilippe (Deceuninck-Quick-Step) experienced a rainbow of emotion last year. He lost his father Jo Alaphilippe in June, and then in August he attacked his way into the yellow jersey of the … Continued
Jul 2020 · Josh Croxton
We've been using Specialized's brand new Tarmac for a couple of weeks, and here are our initial thoughts
Aerodynamics and power transfer on par with Venge
Weight (6.89kg tested, size 58cm)
Non-tubeless wheels
Harsher ride than Tarmac SL6
Huge price
Jul 2020 · Matt Phillips
The best race bike is now even better.
A nearly perfect race bike.
Smooth and lively.
| Frame | Tarmac SL6, FACT 9r carbon, Rider-First Engineered™, threaded BB, clean routing, 12x142mm thru-axle, flat-mount disc BB Standard: BSA, 68mm, Threaded Colors: Metallic White Silver / Tarmac Black; Raspberry / Chameleon |
|---|---|
| Fork | FACT carbon, 12x100mm thru-axle, flat-mount disc |
| Bottom Bracket | Shimano 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, steel rails |
| Seatpost | Carbon, single-bolt, 27.2mm Type: Rigid |
| Rear Derailleur | Shimano Tiagra, 10-speed |
|---|---|
| Front Derailleur | Shimano Tiagra, braze-on |
| Crank | Shimano Tiagra 4700, 10-speed |
| Shifters | Shimano Tiagra Disc 4720, 10-speed |
| Cassette | Shimano, 10-speed, 11-32t |
| Chain | KMC X10, 10-Speed |
| Brakes | Hydraulic Disc Type: Hydraulic Disc |
| 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 |
First added March 26
Last updated June 25
Not listed for 343 days