2012 Specialized

S-Works Tarmac SL4 Black

A carbon frame race bike with ultra high-end components and rim brakes.
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FrameCarbon
SuspensionRigid
ForkCarbon
Wheels700c Carbon
Drivetrain2 × 10
GroupsetRED
BrakesRim
Where to Buy
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Insights
Ride Feel

Based on frame geometry and build specs.

Rider Position
relaxedaggressive
Terrain
smoothrugged
S-Works Tarmac SL4 Black
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)

42 mph

S-Works Tarmac SL4 Black

40 mph

Similar Bikes

Highest gear

(descending)

Sizing
49cm

5'1" – 5'5"

52cm

5'3" – 5'7"

54cm

5'5" – 5'9"

56cm

5'7" – 6'0"

58cm

5'10" – 6'2"

61cm

6'0" – 6'4"

🐐 Estimated

Rider Fit Notes

None yet.

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Reviews
road.cc
Specialized Tarmac (2013)

Apr 2013

Superficially flawed if you judge it by componentry. But you shouldn't. The Tarmac offers a great frameset that would be, and is, suited to a far more costly bike

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Cycling Tips
Specialized Tarmac SL4 Pro Review

Dec 2012

At the end of this winter I found myself needing a good race bike. I spoke to Specialized about getting on one of their bikes, but I have to admit, I'd never ridden one of their newer road models; the Roubaix, Tarmac or Venge. I wasn't sure which one to choose but was fortunately given the opportunity to take each

Read Review

Cycling Weekly
Specialized Tarmac SL2

Dec 2012 · Kenny Pryde

We test the 2013 entry-level Specialized Tarmac with carbon-fibre SL2 frameset and Shimano Sora components, £1200

Highs
  • Great frame and fork package

  • Good ride quality

Lows
  • Not much

Read Review

Velo
Giro pro bike gallery: Roman Kreuziger’s Specialized Tarmac SL4

May 2012 · Caley Fretz

Roman Kreuziger is running the new SRAM Red, an interesting Corima wheelset and carbon bars at the Giro

Read Review

Bikerumor
Review: 2011 Specialized Tarmac Expert

Oct 2010

Every year bike companies come out with lighter, stiffer, faster and more comfortable bikes. It seems impossible to engineer something that has such opposite qualities, but stiffer and lighter, but still comfortable to ride, it the ultimate goal. With the 2011 Tarmac Expert Specialized has created a bike with an impressive mix of these qualities. …

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Road Bike Action
Tour Bikes You Can Own: Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL3

Aug 2010 · R BA

The Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL3 took the top two podium spots in the Tour de France. Now, it's available for you to own...

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VeloNews
Flanders tech: Cancellara's Specialized Tarmac SL3

Apr 2010 · William Tracy

Fabian Cancellara was obviously the strongest man in the Tour of Flanders, and his Specialized Tarmac SL3 was equally up to the task, despite one small technical difficulty.

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Cycling News
Specialized Tarmac Expert Compact | Cyclingnews.com

Apr 2009 · Cycling News

Race machine for the masses

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Geometry
99 Spokes on YouTube99 Spokes on YouTube
Specs
Build
Frame

S-Works SL4 FACT 11r, FACT IS construction, compact race design, 1-3/8"" lower bearing, carbon OSBB

BB StandardBB30, Press Fit

Fork

S-Works FACT carbon, full monocoque, OS race for 1-3/8"" bearing

Bottom Bracket

SRAM ceramic press in BB30 bearings

Headset

1-1/8"" upper and 1-3/8"" lower Cr-Mo cartridge bearings, w/ 8mm carbon cone spacer and 20mm of carbon spacers

Stem

New S-Works ProSet stem, 7050 3D forged, carbon-clip front cap/cone, 4-degree shim, CNC head bolts

Handlebar

S-Works Tarmac carbon, short drop

Saddle

Body Geometry Toupe Pro, carbon rails

Seatpost

S-Works SL FACT carbon, 27.2mm

TypeRigid

Pedals

Nylon flat test ride, loose ball, w/ reflectors

Groupset
Rear Derailleur

New SRAM Red

Front Derailleur

New SRAM Red

Crank

New SRAM Red

Shifters

New SRAM Red

Cassette

SRAM Red 10-speed, 11-25

Chain

KMC X10 DLC Superlight

Brakes

Front: New SRAM Red, Rear: New SRAM Red

TypeRim

Brake Levers

New SRAM Red

Wheels
Rims

Front: Zipp 404 Firecrest carbon tubular, Rear: Zipp 404 Firecrest carbon tubular

Tires

Front: Turbo Tubular, 700x23c, Rear: Turbo Tubular, 700x23c

Rider Notes
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Last updated July 9
Not listed for 1,799 days