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Today’s DealsTarmac SL6
A carbon frame race bike with mid-range components and shimano tiagra hydraulic disc brakes.
Manufacturer Price
$2,699| Frame | Carbon |
|---|---|
| Fork | Carbon |
| Wheels | 700c Aluminum |
| Drivetrain | 2 × 10 |
| Groupset | Tiagra |
| Brakes | Shimano Tiagra Hydraulic Disc |
Summary
The Specialized Tarmac series is celebrated for its lightweight, aerodynamic efficiency, and race-ready performance, with the latest models offering significant improvements in speed, comfort, and stiffness. Reviews highlight its versatility as a do-it-all race bike, capable of excelling in various conditions from climbs to flat terrains. Despite its high price point, the Tarmac is often compared favorably against competitors, setting a benchmark in the race bike category.
Lightweight and aerodynamic design
Improved speed and efficiency over previous models
Versatile performance suitable for various race conditions
High-quality components and build kits
Excellent handling and power transfer
High price point starting at $6,500
Limited compatibility with non-electronic drivetrains
Some models come with budget wheels that detract from performance
Specialized has managed to create a bike with incredible balance across the attributes that matter most.
The Tarmac SL8 is another level above, especially the S-Works models with the Roval Rapide one-piece cockpit.
The Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL7 has killed its sibling, the Venge aero bike, and single-handedly created the category of speed all-rounders.
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Dec 2023 · Dave Rome
This bike sacrifices absolute aero for ride quality, and I'm all for it.

Dec 2023 · Jamie Williams
Narrowing in on perfection - this is the new race bike benchmark
It really is stupidly light!
Excellent geometry
It's a proper do-it-all race bike
The price...

Oct 2023 · Sam Challis
The Specialized Tarmac SL8 launched at the 2023 World Championships – bagging a gold in the women’s Road Race under
Light weight
Reactive acceleration
Perception of comparative ease when holding high speeds
Non-proprietary component standards
Component options not customisable at purchase online
Cheapest build is £6

Aug 2023
Decades of development leads to lightest, fastest Tarmac ever made

Aug 2023 · Josh Croxton
On paper and the road, the Tarmac SL8 is better than the SL7 in every way, but does it beat its competition in 2025?
Sharp handling
Lightweight frame
Stiff under power
Unassuming looks
The enforced component sizes are a pain

Sep 2022 · William Tracy
Evenepoel joins Jai Hindley as a 2022 grand tour winner on the Specialized S-Works Tarmac.
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.
| 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: Blue Ghost Pearl over White / Tarmac Black; Tarmac Black / Smoke - Wild; Pine Green / Light Silver |
|---|---|
| Fork | FACT carbon, 12x100mm thru-axle, flat-mount disc |
| Bottom Bracket | Shimano 68mm threaded |
| Stem | Specialized Pro SL, alloy, 4-bolt |
| 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, 50/34T |
| Shifters | Shimano Tiagra Disc 4720, 10-speed |
| Cassette | Shimano, 10-speed, 11-32t |
| Chain | KMC X10, 10-Speed |
| Brakes | Front: Shimano Tiagra BR-4770, hydraulic disc, Rear: Shimano Tiagra BR-4770, hydraulic disc Type: Shimano Tiagra 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 July 27
Last updated September 13
Not listed for 263 days