Along with the levers, cockpit, and suspension (where applicable) are in new The drivetrain will have wear dents. These are a good all-round tire, and pretty durable as well. Bikes in this range are well-loved and have moderate wear. Then the aero-road trend started and it presented riders with a choice: a stiff and lightbut not at all aerobike, or a heavier, less-stiff, aero road bike. are included. Even though the SL7 is more aerodynamic than the SL6, it still has a round down tube optimized for stiffness-to-weight. But its also $4,000 less. Rather than let the Venge erode away at the relevance of its older sibling, Specialized has taken the key aero learnings of the Venge and transposed them to the Tarmac in this SL7 model. The pavement around me is largely crapand I do not shy away from dirt roadsand I found the SL7s smoothness surprising, refreshing, and absolutely delightful. suspension, those components will have scratches and scuffs. Over time, the two categories began to converge: The stiff and light bikes got more aero, and the aero bikes got stiffer and lighter. For sale - Pictures are mandatory 22-3-13, Best components to switch to make Tarmac SL6 Sport lighter, https://ibkbike.com/home/384-tarmac-sl6 53440.html. Power meter users will be happy to note that there is plenty of clearance for all sorts of power meters, including left-side pods. And Specialized is so confident it achieved that goal that its killing off the Venge (it remains as a frameset-only option in some markets), and Specializeds pro teams will exclusively race the Tarmac. Aerodynamically, that puts the SL7 close to Specializeds Venge. The SL7 is compatible with mechanical and electronic drivetrains. I suggest you completely dissassemble your bike and weight each individual component on a decent quality scale. Given this hyper-efficient feel and easy speed, its smoothness is otherworldly. Sizing may vary across brands. Hoses and housing are hidden from the wind to improve aerodynamics. So, when you hear the company pitch it as a no-compromise bike and call it the fastest race bike, what it means is its the fastest all-around UCI LEGAL road bike it can currently make. but no significant damage. minor scuffs and scratches no paint chipping. She is passionate about supporting grassroots women's racing and founded the women's road race team 1904rt. This bike loves to corner and I love to corner on it because of how much it loves to corner. One important note before I dive into my ride impressions: The SL7 is legitimately better than the SL6; however, the SL7 feels a lot like that SL6. not sustained any damage. The drivetrain has moderate to heavy wear. During testing, I actually swapped on the Alpinist 33mm hoops, preferring the more sprightly ride on offer with these - but wheel choice will (opens in new tab), as ever, come down to personal preference. I agree with Lucendi. the frame and wheels will have cosmetic scuffs, scratches, and/or We must point out that at time of review, the S-Works Tarmac SL7 was 10,500 - the price was increased to 11,500 after review, scoring reflects the original price. Tarmac SL7 Pro and Expert modelsmy review bike is a $7,000 Tarmac Pro Shimano Ultegra Di2use a 10r carbon frame thats about 120 grams heavier than the S-Works frame. Piper says the SL7s handling targets were the same as those of the SL6, though the SL7 has refinements that cut weight from most frame sizes without changing how the bike handles. So fast, it kills off the Venge aero-road bike. The tipping point when the Tarmacs lower weight overcomes the Venges aero advantage happens on a 3 to 5 percent grade, depending on the rider's effort. Where I had felt the SL6 perfectly straddled the boundaries between stiffness and compliance, this new model rendered a much harsher ride quality and that was unexpected. Gear-obsessed editors choose every product we review. Then as you say handlebars and stem. Price: $7,000 (Tarmac SL7 Pro Ultegra Di2)Weight: 16.19 lb. The more I've ridden it, the more I've enjoyed it. Our experts inspect each bike and rate its components on a scale of The S-Works SL7 12r carbon frame weighs the same as the S-Works SL6 disc frame: about 800 grams, painted (for a 56cm). Not only will they save you 50-80g. The brakes are smooth at the lever with a firm bite and predictable power. But if youre already on an SL6, I cant think of a super-compelling reason for you to swap it for an SL7 unless you really, really, want a small aero bump (as I noted above, you could add the Aerofly bar and Rapide wheels to an SL6 and cut the SL7s aero advantage in half). She joined CW as an 'SEO Analyst', but couldn't keep her nose out of journalism and in the spreadsheets, eventually taking on the role of Tech Editor before her latest appointment as Digital Editor. paint loss, they will not be structurally damaged. We may earn commission if you buy from a link. The aero claims seem to measure up: It punches through the low 20s into the mid to higher 20s with ease. My review bike is the $7,000 Pro Ultegra Di2. So, you could add those parts to your SL6 and halve the SL7s aero advantage. Which is good because it is so good at going fast and so smooth that (until I got used to it) I was often surprised at how fast I was entering corners. The outgoing S-Works SL6, with Shimano Dura-Ace, S-Works Power Cranks and Roval Rapide CLX50 disc wheels came in at 9,499. Yeah Ultegra DI2 seems a good buy right now - just installed on the OH's new build, it's available, cheap-ish, not overly heavy and works brilliantly. That's very much an expectation among the top-tier bikes now, and for 11,500 (10,500 at time of review) you're quite right in expecting such additions. But if you want the best, UCI-legal bike for getting from point A to point B as fast as possible on pavementup, down, flat, or otherwiseI believe that bike is the Tarmac SL7. It doesnt matter if you ramp up the pace just slightly on a climb, or suddenly jump on the pedals to sprint with everything you have, the SL7 responds immediately with unfiltered forward motion. highlight any wear or damage. A win win! Specialized sent my bike with the new Mirror saddle. This represented an excellent testing ground since the opening 2km are steep and favour the Tarmac of old whilst the final 3km become shallower - giving the Venge qualities a chance to shine. This has jarred with me several times, because my inclination is always towards the traditional round tubed lightweight bikes: I prefer an Ultimate to an Aeroad, an monda to a Madone, and I preferred the Tarmac over the Venge. The frame will have slight paint loss, Done. The Specialized Tarmac is an iconic bike, and the latest update from the American brand has futureproofed it. It comes in 20mm and zero offset andlike the Venges postthe Di2 junction box resides just under the saddle clamp. But you may swap stems without pulling anything. 2014 Madone 5.9 w/R9100 shifters and R8000 everything else- using 38mm ICANs or 60/90 SuperTeams- 7.25kgs with the ICANs and Garmin Vector S dual sided PM pedals- not super light but not a dog, either! The general consensus among the cycling focused physicists of the world is that saving watts via aerodynamics is much more effective than via a drop in weight on all but the steepest climbs. minor scuffs and scratches on the fork legs and shock, and the They will also greatly improve your rolling resistance. That's 2-4cm wider than my ideal 36-38cm bar preference, and it's worth checking if your dealer will swap these free of charge should you want an alternative width. However, all things equal, the new Tarmac is 350 grams lighter. Naturally, Specializeds Rider First Engineering is present in the SL7, which aims to let every rider experience the same handling regardless of frame size. The excellent handling and responsiveness of the Tarmac lives on, though there's a new stiffness in the latest model which won't suit everyone. condition. The SL7s down tube is round with little obvious aero shaping. significant suspension component wear. Power transfer is superb, with electric-like efficiency and an explosive feel when you increase power to the pedals. damage on rims, spokes, and/or hubs. Handlebars, The Tarmac SL7 was different. Cycling Weekly is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. W52-FC Porto cannot compete in any races after an investigation conducted by the Anti-Doping Authority of Portugal, Laporte won stage 19 at the Tour de France but says some are still quick to doubt his progress, Tubeless, tubular, tubed or tire insert: the much-anticipated gravel stage was a mechanics conundrum, By Anne-Marije Rook scale. If your primary concern is going fast, I'd wholeheartedly recommend it. However, Cameron Piper, the Tarmacs product manager, says that the down tube is not a significant contributor to aero performance, even using weight yaw averages that account for crosswinds. There's no doubt in my mind that the aero upgrades have made the Tarmac faster, but they've also made it stiffer and less accessible to those looking for comfort alongside speed. It's always been a responsive and quick-handling machine and in my opinion, the Tarmac SL6 perfectly hit the compliance/stiffness balance jackpot. Thats the goal of the new Specialized Tarmac SL7, which replaces the superb Tarmac SL6 as the companys premier race bikea no-compromise race bike thats as fast as an aero bike and as light as a climbing bike. My size 52 model came with 40cm bars. Easypeasy, everything that's on bike made of metal replace with carbon. The SL7 uses a threaded bottom bracket with no stiffness or weight trade-off. Boy, that would be something, wouldnt it? Though some companies feel differently, Piper says Specializeds testing indicates dropped stays provide an aerodynamic advantage, adding, Weight gain, if any, is marginal, and improvement in rear end stiffness from a compact rear triangle is there. has. To earn a rating in this range, bicycles have sustained some wear According to Piper, the 56cmthe size used to measure for the brands weight claimsis within 5 grams of its predecessor; every other size saw a more substantial weight savings over the SL6.. We'll happily purchase this bike back from you when you're ready for your next upgrade. S-Works frame is more aerodynamic without any weight gain compared to SL6: still about 800 grams. off the QOM, in 26th of 3,774 riders. The condition charts Overall Rating is the average of those Bikes with suspension components have The SL7s aero gains over the SL6 come with no weight gain. It comes as a response to the way the Venge has been gradually encroaching upon the Tarmac's well-established borders. The geometry has also seen little change, my size 52 came with a stack/reach of 517/383mm, a 975mm wheelbase and 72.5 headingle with a -6 stem angle. So far, I've raced (myself) on the Tarmac, I've joined 150km club runs on it and I've taken it out for a few relaxed dawdles on my own. They run through the bar, so they need to be pulled for a handlebar change. If the bike has The drivetrain The chart below provides a general suggested range of heights and is not exact. Cycling Weekly is supported by its audience. Despite an utterly enraging tourist traffic-induced 17-second stop, I still surpassed expectation, taking the crown from within the Cycling Weekly office and coming in 77 seconds (60 seconds without the stop!) This year's list contains 78 items which scored a 9 or 10/10 with our tech team - this gear is the best of the best, and has received the Cycling Weekly stamp of approval. Thats because the SL7 is not just a fast bike, its fast and nearly perfectly balanced. The problem for racers: If both bikes are advantageous at different times in the same race, which bike do you pick? In any event, with the UCI weight limit stuck stubbornly at 6.8kg, those making bikes for pro racers have little need to search for more grams to drop. The SL7s seat tube cuts a deeper and more aero profile than the SL6s, which results in a new (deeper and more aero looking) seatpost. UCI suspends continental team's licence due to doping investigation, Its always the same, the rider who wins the Tour, no one believes it: Christophe Laporte says nothing changes with suspicion in cycling, Tour de France Femmes gravel stage throws up a tyre choice conundrum for team mechanics, Exclusive interviews, fitness tips and product reviews, Try a single issue or save on a subscription, Issues delivered straight to your door or device. As you are changing wheels I would also change tyres and tubes, and perhaps a cassette Ztto makes a lighter one that's not too expensive, As the Seatpost is round I expect there will be an easy weight saving there. Contact our Ride Guides if you have any questions about the fit of your new bike. The Aerofly handlebar is one of the reasons the SL7 is more aerodynamic than the SL6. There are seven sizes, from 44cm to 61cm. Accepting that you won't ever get super light with that platform (disc, and not the top-tier carbon), and that it would seem a shame to remove an entire brand-new groupset, 105 is a perfectly good one.. It is a race bike fit: long and low. condition. Join Bicycling All Access for more in-depth gear reviews. With the launch of the new Tarmac, Specialized brings its road-race bikes full circle. Thats intentional, as Specialized knows the SL6 is a great riding and handling bike. As with all top-end bikes, once you get beyond the realm of 5,000, you've entered the territory of diminishing returns - the bike is not going to be 'twice as good' - but it does have S-Works on the down tube, and you can't put a price on happiness. The thing to remember about the Tarmac is that its subject to the UCIs regulations because it is built for Specializeds professional race teams. The aero features mean more integration, which can be problematic - but I had no issues with the Tarmac SL7. Not exactly, but very close. (54cm). 1-10. Construction wise, its not easy, but the benefits outweigh the difficulty.. shows light wear but the derailleurs, shifters, and levers have Drivetrain, scratches, and/or scuffs. Still, racers had to choose between a lighter, less-aero bike, and a heavier, more aero bike. The SL7s stem is based on the Venges, but its 45 grams lighter without losing any stiffness. Michelle is on maternity leave from July 8 2022, until April 2023. Specialized Tarmac SL6 Road Bike - 2022, 58cm, Shimano Tiagra 4770, Disc Brakes - Hydraulic, Specialized Turbo Pro Gripton Blackbelt, 700C x 26C, Bikes arrive tuned and mostly pre-assembled. It's a course I've only ever raced on a time trial bike, but on the SL7 I beat my personal best of 30.17 by 47 seconds - enough to take the QOM off my team mate who has held it since 2017. from the manufacturer. I didnt need to do that on the SL7. In fact, theyre both the same as the Venge and Tarmac SL6. Your bike ships fast for a $94.99 flat rate. Lastly, Specialized bumped tire clearance up slightly so the SL7 can fit tires up to 32mm. Again, I want to stress that all these impressions are based on evaluating the Tarmac exclusively through the lens of a pavement-centric, UCI-legal, race bike. To bring the Tarmac up to date with current trends, Specialized gave it an aero facelift, optimising the seatstays, forks, seatpost and cockpit. You could save a ton of grams (even 400+), getting Sworks Power cranks, and ditching Ultegra cranks + Favero pedals (if the Tarmac has OSBB, at least the Sworks SL6 were the last Specializeds which did). It has the Aerofly bar and Roval Rapide rims, so, aerodynamically, its identical to the S-Works model. Wheels will also have minor cosmetic This is the top-end model within the Tarmac line up, though it does have a SRAM Red eTAP AXS sibling for the same price. A hidden seat binder resides in the top tube. Its really impressive: awesome pressure distribution and its like your butt is cradled by a springy little hammock. from normal usage and there will be slight scratches and scuffs on Personally, I'd preference the eTap model since Shimano's flagship groupset is due an update really and eTap gives you wireless, 12-speed shifting. Orange Seal, does it live up to it's fame. A lot of this I believe comes down to the wheelset specced, and also the naked top of the flattened carbon bars. This model also comes with the 51/60mm Secialized Roval Rapide CLX wheels which no doubt have an impact. have been previously damaged, but have been professionally This is a trend we've seen in many new releases this year - a lot of GC bikes have been taking on notes from their aero brethren (see the TCR, Teammachine and monda) and the trade-off is very often a loss in compliance as tube profiles increase. I also had the chance to take the Tarmac up Somerset's 5km Cheddar Gorge climb. And among the bikes that adhere to the UCIs rules, I think the Tarmac is the benchmark, slightly eclipsing the excellent new Trek monda. This model is 1,000 more expensive (later increased to 2,000 more), so it's fair to say that price has been hiked beyond inflation. While Speed is freakishly easy to come by on this bike, and it seems to make going faster easier than any other bike Ive ridden. The Takeaway: A handful of refinements and updates help the Tarmac maintain its position as the benchmark UCI-legal road-race bike. Cockpit, saddle, and suspension It reminds me of the way it feels when my snowboard flexes and carves when rolled onto its edge. lowers (where applicable) will also have cosmetic scuffs and There is space for 32mm tyres, though - which futureproofs the Tarmac for a good few years as rubber continues to expand. + Read more. Heres why you can trust us. It surprised me from the first ride, and initially not in the best way. (That may or may not be a hint.). >>> Tarmac SL7 launched: all you need to know. and the saddle might have slight tears. Introduce Yourself / Gallery - Please use metric weights. When Specialized got into pro racing, there was one kind of road race bike and it was as stiff and light as possible. The SL7 does something else I havent felt in a carbon race bike: Theres a slight bit of give that lets the bike bend and flex in a way that lets it corner faster, with better grip, and greater compliance. The big change for the new-generation Tarmac: Its more aerodynamic. The front is significantly chunkier, reportedly fairing better aerodynamically as a result. However, after over 500km aboard this bike, the more I ride it, the more I love it - and if you're after speed over cushioning this could be the bike for you. Now uses a threaded BB for easier service, with no trade-off in stiffness or weight. The SL7s most surprising aero detail is what it doesnt have: an airfoil down tube. Gear-obsessed editors choose every product we review. When you keep surfing on this site you agree with the cookie usage. How we test gear. In theCycling Weeklyoffice, we've nicknamed this bike the 'Varmac' - because it's very much an amalgamated child of the longstanding Tarmac and the 2011 introduced Venge aero road bike. Carbon frames may I've recommended it to countless club mates and friends. There's a lot of stuff you CAN do- whether you want to spend the money and agree with it is a different story altogether. While these bikes have been ridden, they remain in excellent This is a racing bike, which has always offered an aggressive without being excessive geometry, so maintaining this seems like a good move to me, no complaints there. Aluminum rims may have minor The SL6 was a 'do it all' race bike that I'd recommend for anyone. Then theres how it corners, which is practically erotic. The seatpost clamp is hidden beneath a rubber cover, but is easy to access with an Allen key or torque wrench. As others have said, the wheel/tire/tube combo can help shed a significant amount of weight and improve handling/ride-feel- I know you said you already ordered new wheels, but you can consider tubs in the future- I got a set of Reynolds 11s 46mm deep carbon tubs for $450 and they weigh 1150 grams. Even though the stock front end is highly integrated, the SL7 is compatible with any handlebar and stem. The Venge is still a touch more slippery: On a flat 40k time trial, its 9 seconds faster. But this isn't a review of the Tarmac SL6 (opens in new tab). It tips in with a light touch, drops in predictably, and sets into its arc almost automaticallybut thats the way most good race bikes feel these days. Hoses, housing, and wires are completely hidden. Master Mechanic's Notes: stanchions are immaculate. The rims are 51mm/60mm (front/rear) deep, and the front rim is wider and more blunt than the rear, which helps cross-wind stability. Specialized claims it is 45 seconds faster over 40k (25 miles) compared to the Tarmac SL6. I have a SL6 sport 54cm that weighs 8kg with pedals, bottle cages & GPS mount. One of the cheapest upgrades will be latex tubes. Like others have said, a ZTTO or SROAD cassette is quite affordable (compared to Red and Dura-Ace) and can help save a LOT of weight on your rear wheel. Thank you for reading 5 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access, Enjoy your first month for just 1 / $1 / 1, *Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription. There's no obvious reason why. individual components, helping you tell how much overall wear a bike The brand, therefore, made the back end of the bike stiffer - this combined with the deep wheels, aero carbon handlebars and aero profile seatpost all add up to a change in ride quality vs the outgoing model. Wheels are Rovals Rapide CL with DT-Swiss 350 hubs and j-bend spokes. Usually the down tube gets the MOST aero shaping. However, a good chunk of the SL7s overall aero advantage over the SL6 doesnt come from changes to the frames tube shapes. The S-Works with SRAM Red AXS weighs about 180 grams more than the Dura-Ace Di2 model (sorry SRAM fans). Specialized also says that its pro riders requested more rear end stiffness (opens in new tab) in the new SL7 - reportedly stating that the SL6 was mismatched in having a firm front end with a little too much compliance at the rear. the grips or handlebar tape. I will say, however, I didnt find the tops of the Aerofly bar comfortable to hold onto in any situation, especially when the road was bumpythough they seem to be reasonably compliant when holding onto the hoods or drops. 866.401.9636 - rideguides@theproscloset.com. stanchions may have small scratches. The cockpit looks seamless but you still have a bar/stem duo. The wheels and 26mm S-Works Turbo Cotton tyres are not tubeless compatible, which is a bit odd. Each bike was advantageous in different situations. This model comes with a matching power meter, as does the SRAM equipped equivalent. Aboard the New Specialized Tarmac SL7, Your Old PRs Dont Stand a Chance. Until now, Ive felt this only in metal bikesusually steelbut the SL7 has this feel without any trade-off in other areas of its stiffness. A lot of the time I was able to make up versus the TT bike was on the descents and climbs, where the Tarmac absolutely excels due to its excellent front end handling and responsive rear end. repaired and are structurally sound. I might lose a few watts there, but I reckon I'd get them back in opting for a narrower 36cm bar, anyway. The tailoring of any bike is an important step in the long term enjoyment of riding and it can take time to adjust to the fit of a new bike. They want one bike that is fast everywhere. England and Wales company registration number 2008885. Thats not a choice a racer, especially a top-level pro, wants to make. All contact points (pedals, shoes, and saddle) can be changed and altered for personal preference, performance, and comfort. All rights reserved. The The Aerofly bar and Rapide wheelset account for 15 to 20 seconds alone. If I were to spec this bike for myself, I'd swap the 50/61mm Roval Rapide CLX wheels for the shallower Alpenist pair day-to-day (keeping the deep pair for race day, of course), and though I like the flat top of the aero bars when climbing, I'd prefer a rounder bar with a bit more bar tape just to dampen out some of the buzz and clatter at the front end. The Di2 junction box fits into the back of the seatpost. by mikemelbrooks on Tue May 25, 2021 9:40 pm, by TwiggyForest on Wed Sep 15, 2021 4:47 am, by TwiggyForest on Wed Sep 15, 2021 12:47 pm. Shimanos Di2 offers the best shifting on the market. The SL7 is very different - it's a rapid racer offering a firm ride quality that will suit those looking for speed above all else. Whilst the Tarmac SL7 is a little more clattery than I'd like, it's consistent - there are no sudden jarring responses as the road surface changes. This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Shimano Ultegra Di2: perfect. If you love a deal, now is probably a great time to snap up a new SL6 on closeout, or pick up a used SL6 from The Pros Closet.