The frameset in itself shares the top position in the test with Trek's "Madone 6.9". The "Tarmac SL 3 SL" owes the most agile riding impression of the five test bikes above all to the 1,117 gram light, acceleration-friendly Zipp wheels, which, however, combine the disadvantage of carbon brake flanks with the cumbersome mounting of tubular tyres. Nevertheless, the ride impression of the stiff wheels is excellent, and the tyres roll remarkably smoothly thanks to the latex tubes. Plenty of points for top stiffness values and very good suspension comfort on the saddle. On the other hand, the bike is criticised for the lightweight TRP brakes, which save around 40 to 60 grams compared to standard models. A look at the total weight explains why the torsion-prone calipers, which do not offer a clear pressure point, were fitted: otherwise the six-kilo mark would not have been broken. The ultra-light "S-Works" crank, on the other hand, impresses with good stiffness and shifting performance. And: If the extremely stiff fork were a little more comfortable, the "Tarmac SL 3 SL" would come very close to the ideal road bike chassis.
Web: www.specialized.com
weighted weights; ** test frame size greased; *** projected dimension from centre of bottom bracket to top edge of head tube; **** saddle-headtube cant at 75 cm seat height (centre of saddle frame - top edge of headset cap)
