Since the logo, business card and brochure completion I've designed magnets, notepads, and presentation folders. After a price increase at the beginning of the year, the SL6 now costs 10,799. Did the bike feel stiff in the right places? Find another? + Read more. Tell us about the materials used in the frame and fork? Are you with us? her and moved by her internal response to it. With this, the aero goal was to discover where we could essentially "add aero for free," by not taking anything away from the hallmarks of the Tarmac design. Perhaps the only wrinkle is that some brands will sell you an Ultegra groupset on a carbon frame for about the same money. We started with our Rider-First Engineered frame with a perfectly-tuned ride quality for every size, added in some serious aero tech that makes it 30 seconds faster than the Tarmac SL5 over 40 kilometers, and then made it 20% lighter. damage on rims, spokes, and/or hubs. Fast race bike with excellent handing the price is high, but so is the performance Great looks, plenty of stiffness and a smattering of aero benefits, ruined by a cheap spec list and heavy wheels, Editorial, general: info [at] road.cc With its superb handling, the Specialized dazzled us in every single turn! Surely a hot shot lawyer with expertise in road safety could have got the cyclist off that fine. Here youll find the latest GRAN FONDO race bike group test. They do offer low rolling resistance and good grip in the dry and wet, and the BlackBelt puncture protection duly provides decent resistance against flats. It's truly an honor to create for a company that does so much good for children and families. Road bikes with the highest BikeRide Scores. The trends & findings from our big gravel bike group test 2022. Through development, three areas were discovered where we could add aero for freea new fork shape, dropped seatstays with aero tubes, and a D-shaped seatpost and seat tube. stanchions may have small scratches. There's never a risk of locking a wheel in the wet, and there's no annoying rubbing even when honking out of the saddle up a grunty climb or sprinting for the town sign finish line. scratches. 500 pieces creating 7 different sizes with the same tuned ridethats Rider-First Engineered. not sustained any damage. How'd we do it? We have read all expert and user reviews on the Specialized Tarmac SL6. Although it's not as good value as some rivals, there's a lot to love here, with great handling, speedy performance and comfort key attributes that make the Tarmac shine in a competitive market. Did it do particular things well or badly? fiber damage, excessive drivetrain wear, and/or moderate to To make sure you get the perfect ride, every frame gets a unique layup schedule with different ply arrangements, orientations, quantities of material in specific areas, and sometimes, even exclusive thicknesses and types of carbon itself. If the S-Works Tarmac is the GTI of the range, the Tarmac Disc Sport is the humble 1.0 litre. S-Works Tarmac SL7 - Shimano Dura-Ace Di2, S-Works Tarmac SL7 Frameset - Speed of Light Collection, Download 1-10. The shallow aluminium rims are tubeless-ready and going tubeless is as easy as it gets, though first you'll need to buy some new tyres, tubeless valves and sealant because the Turbo Pro tyres aren't tubeless. GRAN FONDO Cycling Magazine is published in a digital app format in both English and German. The same Rider-First Engineered approach still applies, which is Specialized's name for size-specific frame design and construction to ensure every height rider has the optimised performance. The levers and hoods are ergonomic and whether riding in the hoods or drops, controlling the disc brake power is a doddle. How did the bike transfer power? Edit - nothing to see here -- Mistakes were made and now i am corrected. It is fast and highly capable with all the handling hallmarks of the more expensive bike. our full clothing size guide here, Tarmac SL6, FACT 9r carbon, Rider-First Engineered, threaded BB, clean routing, 12x142mm thru-axle, flat-mount disc, FACT carbon, 12x100mm thru-axle, flat-mount disc. Bristol Concept Store Operated by Certini Bicycle Co Ltd (5725054). Terms and conditions of use. The Shimano 105 groupset is excellent, but Canyon will sell you an Ultimate CF SL Disc 8.0 with an Ultegra groupset for 2,349, with a claimed weight of 7.6kg. Good scores are more common than bad, because fortunately good products are more common than bad. Become a GRAN FONDO supporter and lets shape the bike scene together and make GRAN FONDO even better! > Buyer's Guide: 10 of the best ShimanoUltegra-equipped road bikes. If only we could think of someone that fits that Fucks sakes. TiresSpecialized Turbo Cotton 25C. Cannon Art GalleryLibrary and Cultural Arts Department. Brakes Shimano Dura-Ace BR-9170 160/140 mm Search. How did the bike feel overall? For example, this includes bikes with major dents, carbon I've been riding for: 10-20 yearsI ride: Every dayI would class myself as: Expert, I regularly do the following types of riding: road racing, time trialling, cyclo-cross, commuting, touring, mountain biking. Wheels Roval CLX 50 Disc w/ CeramicSpeed A Tarmac thats approximately 30 seconds faster over 40 kilometers. Specialized has been leaning towards threaded BBs on its lower-priced bikes for ease of maintenance, but is sticking to press-fit at the high end where performance is everything. Her designs are the happy alchemy of her birthplace, education, We also added tire clearance up to 30mm. scale. If the S-Works Tarmac is the GTI of the range, the Tarmac Disc Sport is the humble 1.0 litre. It's mechanical only, but the gear shifts are feathery light and it never missed a gear change once. The shows light wear but the derailleurs, shifters, and levers have Aluminum, Tell us some more about the handling. Original stickers, parts, and accessories The wheels aren't the fastest or most aero. All this means that you have more control and can go faster with more confidence. The stiff fork and frame are highly responsive to rider input. The all-new frame offers improved performance and ride quality over its predecessor, which goes some way to offset the fact that the Tarmac Disc Sport just can't compete with some rivals when it comes to value for money. While 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. The Tarmac strikes an optimal balance between speed and weight while inspiring a great deal of confidence were impressed in every respect. If the bike has Same fundamental design but with fewer frills. The only flaw in our test bike is the Di2 cable-mess under the stem. The Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL6 Disc is the best race-bike of the year a clear and well-deserved best in test! Would you recommend the bike to a friend? While we strive to ensure that opinions expressed When we developed the Tarmac Disc, we didn't just want it to be fast. We started with our Rider-First Engineered frame with a perfectly-tuned ride quality for every size added in some serious aero tech that makes it 30 seconds faster over 40 kilometers than the Tarmac SL5 and then made it 20% lighter. have been previously damaged, but have been professionally For a bike that is more likely to be serviced at home than by a pro mechanic or bike shop, that's no bad thing. Our reviewers are experienced cyclists that we trust to be objective. Don't forget your multi-tool when going for a ride as the thru-axles are of the leverless variety. The SL6 frame design on this Specialized Tarmac Disc Comp has been with us for over a year now and theres a clear theme across the range: dropped rearstays, which start lower down the seat tube than traditional versions, and aerodynamic tubing meets a straight fork that flows into a sculpted and deep, yet slender, head tube. Altogether, these additions still have the Tarmac riding like a true race-machine, but it also takes a bit of the sting out of road imperfections. Please enter your email address above if you would like us to contact you by email with information about goods and services which we feel may be of interest to you. It has the handling you expect and want of a race bike for quickly changing direction, yet it's calm enough that I wouldn't hesitate to use it for a longer distance ride or sportive. They aren't the flashiest, lightest or most aero wheels, but they are dependable with the sealed cartridge bearing hubs being reliable and the 24 spokes staying well tensioned despite a hammering. If youve enjoyed this article, then please consider subscribing to road.cc from as little as 1.99. layout and sharpened her skills at ad design. condition. This enabled us to develop a Performance Road Geometry that perfects the combination of a responsive front-end and short wheelbase, which delivers instantaneous response and optimal power transfer. The cotton-carcass tires, carbon handlebars and seat post enhance the high overall comfort even further. The result? It's tricky to asses how much difference it makes in comfort terms without removing the other variables between the two different bikes. would you recommend any changes? This bike is part of a previous group test. Stem S-Works SL 100 mm Click now, buy soon, and we'll get a few cents. First review: New Cervlo S5 Ultegra Di2 2023 The greatest aero bike of all First review: Vittoria Corsa N.EXT TLR The next level of tire technology? steel, and titanium frames may have minor dents. Every bike receives our white glove, Certified Pre-Owned treatment, including a full pro-tune by our Master Mechanics in Louisville, CO. All CPO bikes are pristine and rolling beautifully before we pack and ship to your door. As a subscriber you can read road.cc ad-free, from as little as 1.99. Turbo Pro, 60 TPI, folding bead, BlackBelt protection, 700x26mm, Shimano Ultegra R8000, HollowTech 2, 11-speed, 52/36T, Shimano Ultegra R8000, Shadow Design, 11-speed, Specialized Shallow Drop, 6061, 70x125mm, 31.8mm clamp, Specialized, 3D-forged alloy, 4-bolt, 7-degree rise, Body Geometry Power Comp, Hollow Cr-Mo rails. are included. David worked on the road.cc tech team from 2012-2020. FRAME: Specialized Tarmac SL6, FACT 9r carbon, Rider-First Engineered, threaded BB, clean routing, 12x142mm thru-axle, flat-mount disc, FORK: Specialized FACT 10r carbon, 12x100mm thru-axle, flat-mount disc, FRONT WHEEL: DT R470 Disc, sealed cartridge hubs, 14g spokes, 24h, REAR WHEEL: DT R470 Disc, sealed cartridge hubs, 14g spokes, 24h, FRONT TYRE: Specialized Turbo Pro, 60 TPI, folding bead, BlackBelt protection, 700x26mm, REAR TYRE: Specialized Turbo Pro, 60 TPI, folding bead, BlackBelt protection, 700x26mm, FRONT DERAILLEUR: Shimano 105 R7000, braze-on, REAR DERAILLEUR: Shimano 105 R7000-GS, medium cage, CASSETTE: Shimano 105 R7000, 11-speed, 11-30t, CHAIN: KMC X11 EL, 11-speed w/ Missing Link, FRONT BRAKE: Shimano 105 R7070, hydraulic disc, REAR BRAKE: Shimano 105 R7070, hydraulic disc, HANDLEBARS: Specialized Shallow Drop, 6061, 70x125mm, 31.8mm clamp, STEM: Specialized, 3D-forged alloy, 4-bolt, 7-degree rise, SADDLE: Body Geometry Toup Sport, steel rails, 143mm, SEATPOST: S-Works FACT carbon 27.2mm, 20mm offset, PEDALS: Nylon, 105x78x28mm, loose ball with reflectors. The Tarmac feels consistently direct without overwhelming you with quick direction changes and always rides smoothly without feeling boring. Bikes with suspension components have Handlebars, Thats illegal dont let the UCI know! The chart below provides a general suggested range of heights and is not exact. condition chart, look closely at the bikes detail images, which On the road, that means a very impressive performance with similar handing no surprise given the identical geometry. contemporary use of colors. The Specialized Tarmac SL6 is a light and fast road bike. For the construction of the Tarmac, we utilized advanced aerospace composite optimization software to revolutionize the construction and layup of our new FACT 8r carbon. He's a seasoned cyclist of all disciplines, from road to mountain biking, touring to cyclo-cross, he only wishes he had time to ride them all. Tell us briefly about the cheaper options and the more expensive options. The disc brakes are of the flat mount variety with a 160/140mm rotor combination, and 12mm thru-axles keep the hubs in place. Find bikes that match your geometry criteria. Made in Scotland. Our experts inspect each bike and rate its components on a scale of During the six-month iterative process, three areas were discovered where we could do this - a new fork shape and dropped seatstays with aero tubes. All material FarrellyAtkinson (F-At) Limited, Unit 7b Green Park Station BA11JB. Chester Concept Store Operated by Specialized Concept Store (Chester) Ltd (05973637). First review: SCOTT Foil RC Ultimate 2023 aero bike New star in the aero sky? This enabled us to develop a Performance Road Geometry that perfects the combination of a responsive front-end and short wheelbase, which delivers instantaneous response and optimal power transfer. Lundins upfront and optimistic We don't intentionally Specialized doesnt rely on any specific comfort systems. The cockpit has light wear, primarily on The steering instils confidence to sling the bike merrily through turns at any speed. Also comfortably shaped is the aluminium Shallow Drop handlebar. The comfort of the latest generation race bikes has really improved, and despite wearing only 26mm wide tyres, the Tarmac is adept at dealing with poorly surfaced roads and isolating you from all but the biggest vibrations. Tell us about the geometry of the frame and fork? This combination increases the actual tire width to 28 mm. Firstly, the difference you can't see is the carbon fibre. ). Was it lively neutral or unresponsive? A Tarmac thats approximately 45 seconds faster over 40 kilometers. Measurements are in millimeters and degrees. Plymouth Concept Store Operated by Certini Bicycle Co Ltd (5725054). The Specialized S-Works Tarmac Disc SL 6 was already one of our favourite bikes, and then Specialized added disc brakes and took it to the next level. Our Bora-Hansgrohe and Quick-Step Floors Pro Tour riders, after all, are demanding aero improvements on every bike. By continuing to use the site you acceptour cookie policy. 2022 Specialized Concept Store. They offer superior braking power and modulation, work exceptionally well in wet weather, and offer a very, very minor weight addition. Weve noticed youre using an ad blocker. lowers (where applicable) will also have cosmetic scuffs and If so, we would be stoked if you decide to support us with a monthly contribution. The harmonious interplay between low weight, smooth-running bearings and a stiff bottom bracket allows for quick acceleration. The S-Wrap Roubaix bar tape is lovely too, with a very cushy feel that enhances the quality of the ride. Newbury Concept Store Operated by Specialized Concept Store (Newbury) Ltd (08056179). Through development, areas were discovered where we could add aero for freea new fork shape and dropped seatstays with aero tubes. The drivetrain will have wear Tel 01225 588855. Bikes in this range are well-loved and have moderate wear. If you like road.cc, but you dont like ads, please consider subscribing to the site to support us directly. The frame and fork are stiff and responsive; it's as comfortable as you want a race bike to be, the handling making it easy to live with, being docile at slow speeds but sharp and focused when you're sailing along. Aerodynamics is the most important thing we can do to make you faster, but with the Tarmac, we added aero features without any cost to weight. Yes. Gloss Flo Red / Metallic White Silver / Fine Silver / Tarmac Black, Tarmac SL6, FACT 9r carbon, Rider-First Engineered, threaded BB, clean routing, 12x142mm thru-axle, flat-mount disc, FACT Carbon, 12x100mm thru-axle, flat-mount disc, Specialized Shallow Drop, 6061, 70x125mm, 31.8mm clamp, Specialized, 3D-forged alloy, 4-bolt, 7-degree rise, Turbo Pro, 60 TPI, folding bead, BlackBelt protection, 700x26mm. Sizing may vary across brands. Your bike ships fast for a $94.99 flat rate. How does that compare to your own feelings about the bike? He's mildly competitive, though he'll never admit it, and is a frequent road racer but is too lazy to do really well. Lundins fresh approach to workaday topics. If so was it a problem? Read the new issue of GRAN FONDO Cycling Magazine now. Her independent and declarative style attracts attention, admiration and curiosity. large-format graphics, logos and company branding. You are using a browser that does not support javascript. I've justfinished this too, and it's a good read. Race-ready performance with great handling and decent comfort, the Tarmac Disc Sport shines everywhere bar value, If you're thinking of buying this product using a cashback deal why not use the road.cc Top Cashback page and get some top cashback while helping to support your favourite independent cycling website, Make and model: Specialized Tarmac Disc Sport. Currently, Lundin continues to cast her delightful, Impressum. It's easy to live with if you want one bike that can throw its hand equally to racing and sportive duties. Specialized offers a wide range of saddles and your local Specialized dealer would be able to assist in choosing the right saddle for you; that's the sort of extra service you get compared to buying a bike over the internet. Nature vs. Nurture, It is an age-old discussion. For sprinting and climbing the stiffness is apparent in the frame and fork. minor scuffs and scratches on the fork legs and shock, and the Not only does the Tarmac fling you up to speed from a standstill, but it maintains the same lively character on steep climbs. Testers found this creaked over time. I started creating graphics for RMHCSD in 2010. All Rights Reserved. With this revamp, we also updated the geometry, basing it on countless Retl data points and professional rider input. Did it feel efficient? As with any product, specification is subject to change without 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. Employment with the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce exposed her to the art of page Best Cycling Website, BikeBiz Awards 2018, Canyon will sell you an Ultimate CF SL Disc 8.0, in: Commonwealth Games apologises to England tandem team, in: 2 dead, 3 injured after driver crashes into charity cyclists, in: SoulCycle offers free classes for Peloton Bike trade-in. Aerodynamics is the most important thing we can do to make you faster, but with the Tarmac, we added aero features without any cost to weight. The bike is so light that it does not maintain speed well on flats. Theres no doubt that with such a superb design even the fiercest Specialized critics will have a hard time finding a valid argument against the new S-Works Tarmac SL6 Disc. If you ride both bikes back-to-back you'll notice a difference, but most of that is down to the lower weight and the aero wheels of the S-Works bike. Our mission is to bring you all the news thats relevant to you as a cyclist, independent reviews, impartial buying advice and more. Tell us how you felt about the ride quality. Harrogate Concept Store Operated by Specialized Concept Store (Harrogate) Ltd (06894353). The frame will have slight paint loss, Instead of the FACT 12r of the S-Works, this frame is constructed from FACT 9r, essentially a lower grade of carbon fibre that keeps the cost down but does raise the weight. The sloped top tube allows for an extended seat post and gives every rider the desirable pro-look. our full clothing size guide here. As the most affordable carbon fibre Tarmac with disc brakes, there's a lot riding on the Tarmac Disc Sport being a good bike because it's likely that it will sell in much greater numbers than the stunningly good S-Works Tarmac I reviewed in 2017. scuffs from transportation or showroom display. Which components had the most effect (good or bad) on the bike's efficiency? Big, strong, high top speed and track skills for positioning. 500 pieces creating 7 different sizes with the same tuned ridethats Rider-First Engineered. would you recommend any changes? but no significant damage. the frame and wheels will have cosmetic scuffs, scratches, and/or Did any part of the bike feel too stiff or too flexible? How'd we do it? How did it compare to other bikes of the same stated size? As well as that, the seat clamp is external (which is no bad thing as it's easier to access) and, joy of joys, there's a threaded bottom bracket. would you recommend any changes? Was the bike comfortable to ride? It has a short reach to the hoods and the drops aren't so low that you can never conceive using them. Some aspects of this site may not work as intended. paint loss, they will not be structurally damaged. Without pedals, the Tarmac SL6 Disc weighs just 6.58 kg. The condition charts Overall Rating is the average of those Accordingly, the Specialized inspires huge amounts of confidence. The hydraulic disc brakes, with 160/140mm rotors, provide pin-sharp stopping with plenty of modulation for controlling the power. If you dont want to subscribe, please turn your ad blocker off. How would you describe the steering? This allows lower pressures for decreased rolling resistance, increased traction, and more comfort. Help us to make it better. home, family and inspirational surroundings. This Tarmac Disc Experts frame is built with FACT 10r carbon fibre, which is only two rs less than the top-level S-Works FACT 12r model. You're looking at about 950g for the frame, which is still pretty damn light. try to break anything (except locks) but we do try to look for weak points in any design. That's why we dropped the seatstays, and altered the seat tube shape. List the components used to build up the bike. repaired and are structurally sound. Same fundamental design but with fewer frills. The revenue from adverts helps to fund our site. has. Download the app for iOS or Android to read all articles on your tablet or smartphone. Specialized says, "The Tarmac Disc Sport is the perfect entry-level, high-performance road bike. Specialized relies on a proven Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 R9170 groupset and 160 mm/140 mm rotors, front and rear respectively. The fit and reach was good with only a stem change needed. Wheels will also have minor cosmetic On the road, the SL6 has all of the familiar Tarmac traits: huge pick-up from hard pedal efforts and neck-snappingly fast reactions to steering inputs. Nothing is lighter, faster, and better handling. How does the price compare to that of similar bikes in the market, including ones recently tested on road.cc? We've got 11,000+ bikes in the comparison database. The range is ample for dealing with any hilly sportive but you've got enough high-end for dispatching fast roads. For graphic artist Lundin, The company's Roubaix might be the more natural choice for the sportive customer, but if you want a speedy and responsive ride then the Tarmac has a lot going for it. Which components had the most effect (good or bad) on the bike's stiffness? Along with the dents. Geometry Geeks. suspension, those components will have scratches and scuffs. Cables and hoses are still routed internally via a small port in the top of the down tube and inside the fork blade, providing a nice clean appearance to the bike. Privacy and Cookies. Words: Benjamin Topf Photos: Valentin Rhl. The Roubaix bar wrap on the Tarmac SL6 is notably cushioned for rider comfort. Logo and branding project for an electric bike shop. Excellent bike with the performance and looks of carbon but the stunning comfort and longevity of titanium, Blurring the edges between race and endurance geometry-wise, but a decent build for the money. character is reflected in her designs, which incorporate sinuous lines and clear, The DT R470 Disc wheels are a familiar sight on lower-priced Specialized bikes and every time I've ridden them I've had no issues. Differences you can see include a straight seat tube with no aero cutout for the rear wheel and it's topped off with a round seatpost rather than the D-shaped seatpost of the S-Works. From different layup schedules and materials, to visibly different forks, we scrutinized every single aspect of the Tarmac to ensure you're getting the perfect ride. By becoming a supporter of GRAN FONDO, you will help secure a sustainable future for high-quality cycling journalism. We'll happily purchase this bike back from you when you're ready for your next upgrade. Advertising, commercial: sales [at] road.cc This Tarmac comes with a no-fuss spec that includes Shimano Ultegra mechanical shifting and quick-stopping hydraulic disc brakes durable DT R470 Disc wheels and our fan-favorite Power saddle. There is space for up to 30mm tyres, too, so you could easily pop on some wider rubber if you wanted to up the comfort factor. Some builds have a press-fit bottom bracket. Something Specialized has always done well is to nail the contact points. Like most sites, this site uses cookies to make it work. 2008present unless otherwise stated. can be found here. highlight any wear or damage. In order cut some grams from the Tarmac, but to also ensure that it's stiff and compliant in exactly the right places, we took major steps to improving our Rider-First Engineered technology. For a race bike it's very comfortable indeed. That aside, you're getting probably one of the best carbon race frames currently available at this price, with great upgrade potential. Powered by PushRetail. At the same time, the lower inertia and overall mass make it less efficient on the flats. from the manufacturer. But does the new Tarmac have the winning DNA it needs to stand up to its competitors? The carbon fibre seatpost shares the same saddle clamp and slight bend that is designed to improve saddle deflection over bumpy roads, but it's a round shape rather than the D-shape of the range-topping S-Works. Lively. and the saddle might have slight tears. Birmingham Concept Store Operated by Certini Bicycle Co Ltd (5725054). Experts agree the bike is priced fairly on each build for the included componentry. We also know, however, that aerodynamic improvements are the most important thing we can do to make you faster. There's no hint of nervousness or twitchiness, and I wasn't able to upset the controlled ride in any situation I put it in. When we developed the Tarmac Disc we didn't just want it to be fast. Use this box to explain your overall score. 1996 - 2022 bikeride.com Elite CafeMedia Publisher, If this bike is out of stock, take a look at our other.
Commercial Ceramic Coating, Cartier 750 Bracelet Real Vs Fake, Clawfoot Tub And Shower Combo, Pink Radio Flyer Big Wheel, Petite Nails Press-on, Swarovski Halve Earrings, Ardell Brow Confidential, Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate How To Use,