However, while they give you great speed and control, these wheels are not so bump-friendly. Price: $1,950 Weight: 18.5 pounds Contact: www.specialized.com Bettinis tubulars feature a Specialized hot stamp (although we always wonder). If you're on something of a budget - though nobody is saying 2 grand is chump change - you can't beat it. Cycling Weekly is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. About this model. Specialized released 236 bikes variations of this model so far. Would you like to receive offers, updates and events from BikeRadar and its publisher Our Media Ltd (an Immediate Group Company)? Otherwise, Bettinis Tarmac SL2 is essentially identical to his teammates in that it is based around a Specialized FACT 11r carbon frame built with the companys Az1 (as one) tube-to-tube construction methods. Sadly, this new geometry will not be available to us mortals just yet. The Specialized Tarmac SL6 is a light and fast road bike. New Garmin Instinct Crossover combines tradition and technology via analogue hands and smartwatch functionality, 10 Amazon.co.uk Gift card when you subscribe, Exclusive interviews, fitness tips and product reviews, Try a single issue or save on a subscription, Issues delivered straight to your door or device. Cycling Weekly serves its audience across a range of platforms, from good old-fashioned print to online journalism, and video. This 2020 Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL6 - SRAM Red eTap AXS - SRAM Force eTap AXS is a frame size S. The bike suitable for a body size of 158-173 cm. BikeRide finds and shows you the best prices of the bikes you want to buy. To compensate for the shorter top tube, Bettini runs a relatively long 120mm stem (Boonen uses a gargantuan 140mm pipe). All rights reserved. Save 30% on the shop price + get a Race Face AEffect handlebar worth 41.95! The new Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL2 is stiffer, lighter and even more comfortable than the current model, at least according to Specialized. (I was not disappointed.) Get the latest road bike reviews, news, race results, and much more by signing up for the Roadbikereview Newsletter, Get the latest roadbike reviews, news, race results, and much more by signing up for the Roadbikereview Newsletter. Tall chainstays on the Tarmac SL2 keep the rear end stiff. If I had all the money in the world I would still choice this bike and setup! 4900 . Your safety is a top priority so always wear a helmet when you ride your bike. Getting this bike to 28-32 mph with aero wheels and keeping it there on flats, climbing long nasty grades, or descending sharp and winding roads is just too easy. Specialized S-Works Tarmac 2014 Dura-Ace Di2 Specifications: Frame: S-Works SL4 FACT 11r carbon, FACT construction, tapered/shaped headtube, compact race design, 1-3/8" lower headset bearing, carbon OSBB Fork: S-Works Tarmac FACT carbon full monocoque, OS race for 1-3/8" bearing, hollow carbon dropouts I rode the tarmac side by side with the SL4 last week and like the geometry of the Roubaix. However, the new 2009 Pro model is stiffer than the old 2008 model S-Works Tarmac SL. Every pedal stroke is producing wattage to the wheel, no energy loss. Similar Specialized bikes from other years. All Campagnolo for Bettini: the drivetrain is entirely Record. As for the wheels, Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL2 2008, has a 700c carbon model. Very smooth on not-so-smooth roads. You can get a glimpse at all models from 2008, by clicking on this link. Competitive Road FAST REDEFINED Designed for speed and efficiency, yet still light, sharp-handling and smooth-riding, the Tarmac SL gives new meaning to the word fast. I get more compliments about this ride then any other ride I have had.. The bike is very stiff. If you find a lower price, email us at [emailprotected] with documentation of the price. When I put my foot down hard or jump up of my seat to sprint, it accelerates like a bullet. 49 52 54 56 58 61cm. Sign in to manage your newsletter preferences. Not necessarily a weakness, just an observation. That includes current Olympic and two-time world champion Paolo Bettini, whose bike we examined at Quick.Steps December training camp in Benicassim, Spain. Fork. Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL2 2009: 5,382: More similar Specialized bikes. Specialized FACT 10r carbon, Az1 construction, compact race geometry, carbon fiber dropouts S-Works FACT SL carbon crankset S-Works FACT monocoque carbon fork; full carbon legs, crown and steerer Shimano Dura-Ace 20 speed group S-Works Barmac ultralight bar/stem combo S-Works Mindset headset with sealed bearings, carbon headset cone and spacers Sprints like no other. Bettini prefers to stick with his trusty Concor Light saddle from Selle San Marco. Experts were pleased a power meter is included with the Tarmac SL6. The reason I like the Roubaix is for the more relaxed geometry. 2009 61mm Tarmac SL2 frame developed a 2 inch horizontal crack on the lower part of non drive side chain stay as it meets bottom bracket. Also, the S-Works version is stiffer than the Pro. I hit a 3" rock in the road this morning when descending at about 30 mph. The Quick.Step team will use Specialized Roval wheels for 2008. Other than the new geometry, the only physical thing on Bettinis frame thats officially different from stock models is the non-replaceable mech hanger. New Tarmac SL3 road race flagship for Quick Step and Saxo Bank. Specialized Tarmac SL2. FROM THE SPRING CLASSICS to the Grand Tours, the Tarmac has proven itself to be the professional rider's bike of choice. These new levers are only available to Campagnolo sponsored riders and require slightly more pressure to move the gear change levers than standard. Lower-end models of the Tarmac SL6 have a threaded bottom bracket which is easy to maintain. Use of a different collar can cause damage to the frame or seatpost, resulting in failure (see fig.1 for proper setup). Axles. Stiff, comfy, light, and nice looking bike. The best race bike I have ridden to date. However, they have problems in wet conditions. Skip to main content Free shipping on orders over $50* It reminds of a good quality Ti frame, in terms of ride quality, but with the added stiffness and weight benefits of the carbon. Limited color schemes. 2021 Specialized Tarmac SL6 Comp See value. The tarmac is a bit aggressive for me. The SL3 begins as four main sections: a front triangle, seat tube, seat stays and a bottom bracket/chainstay section. Already have an account with us? Power transfer is awesome. The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox! BikeRide works hard to help you find the lowest prices and information on each bike from the widest possible range of sources. Virtually every tube has been enlarged relative to the original to suit Boonen's power output. While Bettini is not one of the tallest riders in the peloton at just 1.69m (5 7) tall, we were a little surprised to see that he rides the smallest size frame available an XS (49cm). Copyright 2022 VerticalScope Inc. All rights reserved. Testers agree the bike is extremely attractive with the slim frame tubing and internally routed cables. Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL2 2008 its an exceptional Race bike. FSAs OS-115 stem comes with a carbon front cap. DistributorSpecialized UK 0208 391 3500 www.specialized.com, FrameS-Works FACT 11r carbon, FACT IS construction, compact race design, ForkS-Works FACT monocoque carbon, 1.5in crown bearing race, AlterationsS-Works FACT carbon crankset, integrated oversize design, TyresSpecialized S-Works Mondo Dual Compound, BarsS-Works Barmac Wedge one piece carbon bar/stem combo, SeatpostS-Works SL, FACT carbon w/ Zertz insert, 27.2mm, 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. Parts used on Tarmac and on other bikes: MSC MY14 (TARMAC / ROUBAIX / VENGE / CRUX / AMIRA / RUBY) HYDRAULIC CABLE FOAM ICR SLEEVE. Barza has been responsible for a number of decorated bikes in the peloton over the years including former Italian champion Luca Paolini and Milano-Sanremo winner Filippo Pozzato and was also responsible for the gold frame Bettini rode at last years Giro di Lombardia. Vertical compliance however, is exceptional. Roval front hubs like these usually feature on Rapide SL wheels, not Rapide Stars. The tube widens from the standard 1 1/8 at the stem clam to 1 1/2 at the crown. I had a Principia before, also a great bike but this bike is really light and stiff. All for $6500 less than the Tarmac SL2. For under 2 grand (off eBay, of course) it weighs 14.1 lbs (with the Reynolds DV46t), pedals, & cages. Moreover, click here to see all the models since their release date. At 260 lbs, I found the bike to be stable and safe without weight limits. The goal of the Tarmac SL2 was simple. Specialized incorporates a tapered 1 1/8"-to-1 1/2" steerer tube on the new Tarmac SL2. I inspect before every ride to be safe, my weight could play factor 245 to 235 lbs peak season. Now, the brakes are the best in class. However, the price you have to pay for a carbon fork is considerably higher. Decided to purchase the Specialized 54cm SL2 due to its stiffness and vertical compliance. Rear: 142 x 12mm thru axle. Lower-end models of the Tarmac SL6 have a threaded bottom bracket which is easy to maintain. when you subscribe today plus, save 30% off the shop price! Also, buying a used carbon frame is not for everyone (some believe it to be uber-stupid) and should be done carefully. Strength training for cyclists: do the gains really justify the time? Perhaps a small change to the geometry is needed to counter the nervousness. 1891 . I never thought I would need an 11 sp., but with an 11-25, the additional middle range cog comes in really handy. '08 Specialized S-Works SL Dura Ace '92 Litespeed Ultimate '86 Guerciotti SLX '92 Pinarello Montello '82 Mercian 753. The bike must be the same color and size, sold in the US and not include the use of a coupon. Price 1,118 more expensive; Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL4 2012 Save 30% off the shop price + get a Race Face AEffect handlebar worth 41.95, Get a Twinpack Knog Plus Lights (worth 34.99) when you subscribe to Cycling Plus magazine, Pro Bike: Bettinis Specialized Tarmac SL2, Paolo Bettinis Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL2 has a special paint job. This is a review for my 2009 SL2, that was a frame warranty replacement for my Pro SL of the same year. Learn how we accomplished this at Specialized.com/TarmacSL2. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Other carbon manufacturers place a 180-190 lb limit on their finest frames, Specialized does not. It's a great racebike! The bike completely rocks. None of this stuff is cheap, but the S-Works has the ride dialed in just right, and also comes in as the price leader at the high-end range. Unlike the standard versions, Bettinis wheels swap out the distinctive Star hubs in favour of the ones used in the lighter Rapide SL wheelset. BikeRide is reader-supported, and sometimes we receive commissions for links you click on. If you've never tried tubeless tires, you owe it to yourself. On another note, this bike it's featuring the Dura-Ace Di2 groupset, which is a superior quality model. Specialized covered it no problem. Some builds have a press-fit bottom bracket. SL2 was such a massive leap forward that Specialized stuck with it for seven years. The fork on this bike its made out of carbon, so, it wont add up to much weight to your bike. Race bikes are good for road racing, commuting, and long rides. Not many riders have their names written in gold! price,but is cheap compared to europes best. The rear end of Paolo Bettinis frame allows just enough room to fit the rear wheel. The rest of the kit is fairly standard fare, including an FSA OS-115 stem, new-ergo bend FSA K-Force Carbon bar and Look KeO Carbon pedals. Great all-rounder. Thanks! S-Works Tarmac SL7 FACT 12r Carbon, Rider First Engineered, Win Tunnel Engineered, Clean Routing, Threaded BB, 12x142mm thru-axle, flat-mount disc. MSC MY15 TARMAC MY16 VENGE VIAS DROPOUT EXIT FRAME PLUG FOR DI2 WIRE. Road bikes with the highest BikeRide Scores, Specialized Tarmac SL6 in comparison to averages. I compared a lot of other high end frames - Orbea, BH, De Rosa, Madone, Wilier, Cervelo, Parlee, Seven, and they were all hundreds to thousands more than the SL2. A one-and-a-half inch head tube makes space for a wider fork steerer and lower headset bearing, and also provides a larger surface area for the attachment of an oversized top tube and huge down tube. The goal of the Tarmac SL2 was simple. We quizzed him about this and he insisted that it is the right size for him as it allows him to get low. Was riding a '07 Madone 5.2. Find out if strength training for cyclists will benefit your cycling performance. Inside Tech When we set out to build the lightest, most efficient road bike ever, there wasn't a manufacturing process that could do the job. Specialized Allez Sport, Specialized Allez Pro, S-Works Tarmac ('06), S-Works Tricross. Visit our corporate site. The SL3 and SL4 generations were simply iterations on that platform, with tweaks made to weight and. Take a sneak peek at all Specialized Tarmac frames models from 2008, by clicking here. The Campy SR functions just like you would expect of Campy - flawlessly. S-Works Tarmac SL2 Technical Info 2008 S-Works Tarmac SL2 Select a color and size Color Gerolsteiner Select a Size Find In-Store COMPETITIVE ROAD Nothing is lighter and stiffer. If the S-Works Tarmac is the GTI of the range, the Tarmac Disc Sport is the humble 1.0 litre. Quick.Step mechanics get the Olympic and world champions bike ready for another day. Rough roads are not an issue, although much of the smoothness is likely attributable to the tubless wheels & tires. At 80kph I did not feel confident piloting the SL2 through a succession of sweeping bends and even small movements caused a wobble. Bettini has selected the new-ergo bend for his FSA K-Force bars. Bettinis choice of frame size also reflects the desire to get low, a sentiment mirrored by a number of other riders including Giro dItalia winner Danilo Di Luca and currently-in-limbo Basque climber Iban Mayo. There are also 2 lengths - 320mm and 380mm. These are great all-weather tires. Despite supposedly being quite aerodynamic, the Star hubs apparently carry more of a weight penalty than Bettini is willing to bear. Giant OCR Composite 2 Tarmac Pro SL Custom Steel Windsor aluminum frame Ritchey Road Classic Klein Quantum, among others. You know what they say about old dogs and new tricks. The added benefit of avoiding pinch flats is also a big plus. S-Works Tarmac SL2 Frameset | Specialized.com FROM THE SPRING CLASSICS to the Grand Tours, the Tarmac has proven itself to be the professional rider's bike of choice.