Bikes up to 60% offWe monitor over 40,000 bikes daily to find the best prices

Today’s Deals

2023 Specialized

Tarmac SL6 Disc Comp

A carbon frame race bike with high-end components and shimano 105 hydraulic disc brakes.

Manufacturer Price

NZ$5,000($2,917)
FrameCarbon
ForkCarbon
Wheels700c Aluminum
Drivetrain2 × 11
GroupsetUltegra
BrakesShimano 105 Hydraulic Disc
Where to Buy
Similar Bikes
Top Comparison
Insights
Spec Level

Based on build material and quality level of the frame, fork, wheelset, groupset, suspension system, and more.

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.

Pros
  • Lightweight frame with significant weight reduction over previous models

  • Aerodynamic efficiency, claimed to be the most aero bike ever by Specialized

  • Improved stiffness-to-weight ratio and comfort

  • Versatile performance suitable for all types of road racing

  • High-quality components and build kits

Cons
  • High price point, especially for the S-Works models

  • Limited compatibility with mechanical drivetrains and hydraulic disc brakes only

  • Some models come with budget wheels that may not meet expectations

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

Gran Fondo Magazine
Mont Ventoux shootout – Specialized S Works Tarmac SL8 in review

Dec 2024 · Dorian Steinhoff

Despite the numerous aero optimisations, the Specialized Tarmac SL8 tips the scales at just 6.96 kg in size 56. And the price is rather remarkable too at €14,000! But how does the fastest bike in Specialized’s portfolio fare on Mont Ventoux? We’ve put it through the wringer to find out! Since its launch last year, […]

Highs
  • Ergonomic cockpit

  • Intuitive handling

  • Outstanding all-rounder

Lows
  • None

Read Review

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.

Read Review

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

Velo
Interview with Specialized Tarmac SL8 product manager: ‘You can’t just have the most aero bike’

Aug 2023 · Alvin Holbrook

Specialized Tarmac SL8 product manager talks about using Tarmac as their primary race bike, how the bike is more aero than it looks, and more.

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
Pro bike gallery: Remco Evenepoel's world champion edition Specialized Tarmac SL7

Jan 2023 · William Tracy

With its third men's road world champion in as many years, Specialized is getting used to making rainbow motif bikes.

Read Review

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

ColorSatin Carbon / Black/black Reflective

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 105, Hydraulic disc, Rear: Shimano 105, Hydraulic disc

TypeShimano 105 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.

Tires

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

Rider Notes
Riders Also Viewed

First added April 27

Last updated August 6

Not listed for 1,041 days