Specialized Tarmac Bikes & Framesets For Sale

Specialized Tarmac SL7 - Weight, Specs, Pricing

Since 2004, the Tarmac has been Specialized’s premier road bike. It began as the E5 in 2003, half carbon, half aluminum, then the SL1 which debuted in 2006 as the first all-carbon Tarmac. The SL2 benefitted from Classics superstar Tom Boonen providing input. The SL3 and SL4, lighter and stiffer still, quickly followed. Then the SL5 became the first Tarmac with size-specific tubing shapes and layups, obtaining over 100 pro wins in three years. 

S-Works Tarmac

S-Works is the pro-level designation; the frames that Specialized provides to its pro riders. The features and geometry of any S-Works model within a platform are typically the same as the other models, just with a lighter, stiffer, more-expensive carbon-fiber layup. Few “need” an S-Works Tarmac, but few can turn down the oh-so-amazing ride it provides.

Specialized Tarmac Curated Reviews

2023 Specialized Tarmac SL7 Review - A TPC Rider's Quick Take

As dedicated cyclists, we’re like kids on Christmas morning when the 2023 Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL7 arrived. This bike promises to marry the lightness of a climbing bike with the aerodynamics of a speed machine. The question is, does it deliver?

Pros

• Aero Meets Climbing
• The Tarmac SL7 is like the superhero team-up of the bike world – it brings the aero gains you want on the flats and the lightness for floating up climbs. The redesigned FreeFoil Shape Library profile, integrated cockpit, and slim seat post make it slice through headwinds.
• Responsive Handling
• The handling of the Tarmac SL7 is nothing short of poetic. It's razor-sharp and responsive, allowing you to carve through corners and descend with confidence. It’s like the bike knows where you want to go before you do.
• Build Quality and Components
• The S-Works badge comes with an expectation of quality, and the Tarmac SL7 doesn't disappoint. The FACT 12r carbon frame is beautifully made, and it’s adorned with top-tier components, such as the Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 groupset that shifts with telepathic precision

Cons

• The Price of Excellence
• The S-Works Tarmac SL7 asks a princely sum for the pleasure of ownership. ($14,250) It’s a masterpiece but has a price tag higher than most used cars. For many, it will remain a dream.
• Not as Comfortable as Some Rivals
• The Tarmac SL7, in its quest for performance, has a race-oriented stiffness that might not be as forgiving on longer rides or rough roads compared to some of its rivals.
• Proprietary Parts
• With integration comes complication. Some of the Tarmac’s components, such as the stem and seat post, are proprietary, meaning adjusting fit or replacing parts requires a Specialized-specific solution.

The Bottom Line

The 2023 Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL7 is like an exquisitely crafted sword in the hands of a skilled knight. It’s fast, light, and cuts through the air with precision. The Tarmac is the kind of bike that begs you to attack every hill and sprint for every city limit sign. However, this comes at a cost, both in terms of the actual price and compromising comfort for pure performance.

If you're seeking a bike to conquer local races, lead the pack on group rides, or chase Strava segments, the Tarmac SL7 is the steed you want to be on. It’s a no-compromise race machine for those who accept nothing but the best. Just make sure your wallet is as ready as your legs, and don’t expect it to have Rolly Royce-esq comfort.

Specialized Tarmac Size Chart

All bikes are technically unisex, ranging from 48cm (fits 4’11” to 5’2”) to 60cm (fits 6’3” to 6’5”). Depending on the model variant, the Tarmac's fit range is between 5'5" and 6'5". Check our road bike sizing guide to take accurate measurements based on your height, pick the right size, find the right saddle height, and geek out on frame geometry. Click here to view in-depth sizing info on the Tarmac SL7.

Specialized Saddles Explained: How to Pick the Right Bike Saddle - From TPC's Magazine

Pain, numbness, and saddle sores are a surefire way to suck all the fun out of cycling. It’s no surprise then why so many riders prefer Specialized saddles. The Specialized uses “Body Geometry,” developed using decades of fit data, blood flow measurement, pressure mapping, and blind comfort test to develop saddles that maximize comfort and minimize the chance of injury. Read the full article here.

Specialized E-Bike Guide: Comparing Their Electric Mountain, Commuter & Road Bikes - From TPC's Magazine

E-bikes have taken the bike world by storm because they make any rider feel like a cycling superhero. Specialized was one of the first major bike manufacturers to catch on and it has been making e-bikes since 2009. With class-leading motors made in Switzerland and frames engineered with the might of Specialized R&D, its Turbo e-bikes are some of the best in the business. Read the full article here.
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