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Specialised Tarmac SL7 Comp
The most affordable version of the Specialised Tarmac SL7 comes with electronic SRAM Rival gearstick and costs as much as 5600 euros; cheaper variants are still based on the Predecessor model SL6. In purely visual terms, apart from the flatter wheels, the simpler version looks confusingly similar to the professional's tool. But the impressive virtues of the S-Works version you experience in the saddle of the SL7 Comp unfortunately only rudimentarily. The bike clearly feels more robust and more stable than the sensitive professional model - especially at high speeds, it feels like a board on the road. Compared to the sinfully expensive top model, however, the inexpensive version feels sluggish and also uncomfortable.
The frame set alone is almost 300 grams heavier; a good portion of this is probably due to the white metallic paintwork. The tyres roll tougher and are less springy than the fine Specialized tyres with cotton carcass. We found the hard and thin aluminium handlebars and surprisingly also the saddle, which is similar in shape to the S-Works model but is more firmly padded and less flexible. The biggest difference is caused by the Impellersalmost 700 grams more weight to get going.
They are also the main reason why the Specialised Tarmac SL 7 Comp is aerodynamically inferior by several classes. In our track simulations, the disadvantage is correspondingly clear in all disciplines. With fast rims, the Tarmac, which is less than half the price, could make a significant leap to 216 watts and lose weight effectively at the same time.
Facts about the Specialised Tarmac SL7 Comp
- Price 5600 Euro >> available here
- Weight 8.4 kilos
- Aerodynamics 229 watts****
- Info www.specialized.com
Frame sizes** 44, 49, 52, 54, 56, 58, 61 cm
Seat/top tube/head tube 500/560/163 millimetres
Stack/Reach/STR*** 585/387 millimetres/1.45
Wheelbase/caster 990/56 millimetres
Weight frame/fork/steering bearing* 1064/451/66 grammes
Drive/Circuit SRAM Rival eTap AXS (2x12, 48/35, 10-36 t.)
Brakes SRAM Rival HRD (160/160 mm)
Wheels/tyres (weights)***** DT Swiss R470/Specialized Turbo Pro 26 mm (f./h. 1,362/1,908 grams)
The expensive model: Specialised S-Works Tarmac SL7
The Specialised Tarmac is currently one of the most victorious wheels in the peloton (pictured: Aleksandr Vlasov). In the TOUR test, too, the S-Works version a dream score that few bikes can match. The success is based on successful Balance from Aerodynamics and Weight: No other bike under 7 kilos is so fast. The high quality of the components is also remarkable: Apart from the drive and brakes, everything comes from Specialized. At 14500 euros, the S-Works Tarmac but also to the most expensive series wheels at all.
Facts about the Specialised S-Works Tarmac SL7
- Price 14500 Euro
- Weight 7.0 kilos
- Aerodynamics 210 watts****
- Info www.specialized.com
Weight frame/fork/steering bearing* 857/374/63 grammes
Drive/Circuit SRAM Red eTap AXS (2x12, 48/35, 10-33 t.)
Brakes SRAM Red HRD (160/160 mm)
Wheels/tyres (weights)***** Roval Rapide CLX 60/Specialized Turbo Cotton 26 mm (f./h. 1,134/1,450 grams)
*Weighed weights.
**Manufacturer information, test size bold.
***Stack/Reach Projected vertical/horizontal dimension from the centre of the bottom bracket to the top of the head tube; STR (Stack to Reach)1.36 means a very stretched, 1.60 a very upright sitting position.
****Aerodynamics Theoretical pedalling power required to overcome the air resistance at 45 km/h, measured in a wind tunnel with a pedalling dummy leg.
*****Impeller weights including tyres, cassette, quick release/threaded axles and brake discs if necessary.
More models in the test:
- Canyon Aeroad CF SL 8 vs. Canyon Aeroad CFR Disc MVDP
- Giant TCR Advanced 1 vs. Giant TCR Advanced SL
- Lapierre Xelius SL 6.0 vs. Lapierre Xelius SL 75TH
- Merida Scultura 7000 vs. Merida Scultura Team
- Wilier Zero SL vs. Wilier Zero SLR
- What distinguishes expensive professional racing bikes from inexpensive models
Jens Klötzer
Editor
