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2022 Specialized

Tarmac SL6 Comp

A carbon frame race bike with high-end components and shimano ultegra hydraulic disc brakes.

Manufacturer Price

CA$4,879($3,513)
FrameCarbon
ForkCarbon
Wheels700c Aluminum
Drivetrain2 × 11
GroupsetUltegra
BrakesShimano Ultegra Hydraulic Disc
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Insights
Ride Feel

Based on frame geometry and build specs.

Rider Position
relaxedaggressive
Terrain
smoothrugged
Tarmac SL6 Comp
Other Race bikes
Reviews

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.

Pros
  • 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

Cons
  • High price point starting at $6,500

  • Limited compatibility with non-electronic drivetrains

  • Some models come with budget wheels that detract from performance

Key Quotes
Specialized has managed to create a bike with incredible balance across the attributes that matter most.
Escape Collective logoEscape Collective
The Tarmac SL8 is another level above, especially the S-Works models with the Roval Rapide one-piece cockpit.
Cycling News logoCycling News
The 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 Magazine logoGran Fondo Magazine

Feedback?

View all reviews

Escape Collective
Specialized Tarmac SL8 Pro review: all-day speed  - Escape Collective

Dec 2023 · Dave Rome

This bike sacrifices absolute aero for ride quality, and I'm all for it.

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road.cc
Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL8 - SRAM Red eTap AXS

Dec 2023 · Jamie Williams

Narrowing in on perfection - this is the new race bike benchmark

Highs
  • It really is stupidly light!

  • Excellent geometry

  • It's a proper do-it-all race bike

Lows
  • The price...

Read Review

Cyclist
Specialized Tarmac SL8 S-Works Di2 review

Oct 2023 · Sam Challis

The Specialized Tarmac SL8 launched at the 2023 World Championships – bagging a gold in the women’s Road Race under

Highs
  • Light weight

  • Reactive acceleration

  • Perception of comparative ease when holding high speeds

  • Non-proprietary component standards

Lows
  • Component options not customisable at purchase online

  • Cheapest build is £6

Read Review

The Gear Loop
Say hello to Specialized’s all-new Tarmac SL8

Aug 2023

Decades of development leads to lightest, fastest Tarmac ever made

Read Review

Cycling News
Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL8 review: An excellent bike let down by enforced specs

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?

Highs
  • Sharp handling

  • Lightweight frame

  • Stiff under power

  • Unassuming looks

Lows
  • The enforced component sizes are a pain

Read Review

VeloNews
Remco Evenepoel's red Specialized S-Works Tarmac for the Vuelta a España

Sep 2022 · William Tracy

Evenepoel joins Jai Hindley as a 2022 grand tour winner on the Specialized S-Works Tarmac.

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Velo
Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl roll out Specialized Tarmac SL7 with new livery for 2022

Jan 2022 · VeloNews.com

Roval, Shimano, and Tacx continue as partners of the Belgian-backed ‘Wolfpack.’

Read Review

Cycling Tips
2022 Specialized Tarmac SL6 Sport review: Flagship performance, distilled - CyclingTips

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.

Highs
  • Excellent frame stiffness, good ride quality, trademark Tarmac handling, easy to service, good overall value.

Lows
  • Wheels are a bit soft and cheap, bulky levers.

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

ColorsRed Tint Fade / White with Gold Pearl; Forest Green / Flake Silver

Fork

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

Bottom Bracket

Shimano Threaded BSA BB

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

S-Works FACT carbon 27.2mm, 20mm offset

TypeRigid

Groupset
Rear Derailleur

Shimano Ultegra R8000, Shadow Design, 11-speed

Front Derailleur

Shimano Ultegra R8000, braze-on

Crank

Shimano Ultegra R8000, HollowTech 2, 11-speed

Shifters

Shimano Ultegra Disc R8020

Cassette

Shimano Ultegra R8000, 11-speed, 11-30t

Chain

Shimano Ultegra, 11-speed

Brakes

Front: Shimano Ultegra, Hydraulic disc, Rear: Shimano Ultegra, Hydraulic disc

TypeShimano Ultegra Hydraulic Disc

Wheels
Rims

Front: DT Swiss R470 rim, 20mm internal width, tubeless ready, 24h, Specialized full sealed bearing thru axle hub, centerlock disc, DT Swiss Champion 14G stainless steel spokes, DT Swiss brass nipples., Rear: DT Swiss R470 rim, 20mm internal width, tubeless ready, 24h, Specialized full sealed bearing thru axle hub, centerlock disc, alloy freehub body, DT Swiss Champion 14G stainless steel spokes, DT Swiss brass nipples.

Front Hub

Tubeless valve

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 September 17

Last updated March 28

Not listed for 1,163 days