Nat Bromhead
Specialized have launched their 2021 Tarmac, a lighter offering they say combines the aerodynamic advantages of the Venge with the handling and climbing prowess of the Tarmac.
“The days of choosing aero over lightweight are over,” say Specialized, who are the latest of the major industry players to offer lighter and more aero allrounders for 2021.
The S-Works Tarmac SL7 uses Specialized’s FACT 12r material and the complete out of the box weight of the S-Works Di2 model is 6.7kg in the Carbon/Color Run Silver Green colorway.
The Tarmac SL7 Pro and Expert models use our FACT 10r carbon material and layup and have a frame weight of 920g.
The complete Tarmac SL7 Pro UDi2 model weighs 7.3kg, and the Tarmac SL7 Expert UDi2 model weighs 7.65kg.
The Australian models & pricing will be:
|
TARMAC SL6 SPORT |
$4,000 |
|
TARMAC SL6 COMP |
$5,000 |
|
TARMAC SL7 EXPERT UDI2 |
$7,500 |
|
TARMAC SL7 PRO ETAP |
$10,500 |
|
TARMAC SL7 PRO UDI2 |
$10,500 |
|
TARMAC SL7 SW DI2 |
$18,000 |
|
TARMAC SL7 SW ETAP |
$18,000 |
|
TARMAC SL7 SW FRMSET |
$7,500 |
|
TARMAC SL7 10R FRMSET |
$4,500 |
New Tarmac At A Glance
What’s the difference between FACT 12r and 10r framesets?
The main differences between these two frame levels is the carbon layup and the materials used. Both frames share the same design and there is no difference in the handling or ride quality between them.
When it comes to aerodynamics, how much faster is the new Tarmac SL7 compared to the previous generation Tarmac SL6?
Aerodynamically, the new Tarmac SL7 saves a rider an average of 45 seconds over a 40km course compared to the Tarmac SL6. These aero gains are the result of improvements to the frameset, integrated cockpit (Aerofly and Tarmac Stem), and Roval Rapide CLX wheels.
Do the professional race teams use a special version of the Tarmac?
The S-Works Tarmac SL7 is identical to the bikes raced by pros like Sagan, Alaphilippe, and van der Breggen.
What is the geometry of the Tarmac SL7?
The Tarmac SL7 features identical fit and handling geometry as the outgoing Tarmac SL6 and Venge. Detailed measurements can be found in the geometry chart.
How is stack and reach measured on the Tarmac?
Stack and reach are measured to the center of the top of the headtube as is customary. Although these numbers are different than the Tarmac SL6, the fit geometry is identical between Tarmac SL6, Tarmac SL7, and the Venge.
Once you compensate for the height of the necessary headset cover on each bike, your stem’s lowest position ends up at the same point in space on all of them.
What sizes does the new Tarmac stem come in?
The new Tarmac stem has two angles, -6 and -12 degrees. The -6-degree stem comes in 70/80/90/100/110/120/130mm lengths and is spec’d on bikes as well as available aftermarket. The -12-degree stem is available in 110/120/130/140mm lengths and is available aftermarket.
What handlebars is the Tarmac stem compatible with?
The Tarmac stem has the cleanest cable routing when paired with the S-Works Aerofly II handlebar. It was designed with a traditional 31.8mm clamp to work with most other handlebars on the market as well.
What offset will the new Tarmac seatpost come in?
The S-Works Tarmac SL7 seatpost is available in both 20mm and 0mm offsets and in 300mm and 380mm lengths. Complete bikes and framesets will be spec’d with the 20mm offset model.
What build configurations is the Tarmac SL7 compatible with?
The Tarmac SL7 is only compatible with hydraulic disc brakes. All models can be built with electronic or mechanical drivetrains.
Three headset covers are included with all Tarmac SL7 models. These headset caps allow for three different builds, which can be visibly determined by the routing holes:
- Integrated Tarmac Stem with electronic shifting
- Integrated Tarmac Stem with mechanical shifting
- Universal cap for a standard stem and round spacers with either electronic or mechanical shifting
Integrated Cockpit: how is it assembled?
After choosing your drivetrain, the proper headset cover must be chosen to route brake and shift lines through. The integrated spacers allow for easy adjustment in stack (of up to 35mm of stack), and the lines are tucked underneath the new Tarmac Stem for the cleanest configuration. Please refer to the manual for full build instructions.
Just like the Venge, riders can adjust their fit via removeable spacers and the external cable management from the stem, all without re-cabling the bike.
Integrated Cockpit: is there an integrated computer mount?
The new Tarmac Stem offers an integrated computer mount with compatible mounts for the following brands: Wahoo, Garmin, Polar, Cateye, and Bryton. Additionally, there is a mount designed around GoPro devices, Specialized Flux Lights, and a new mount designed for Specialized Stix lights.
What’s the largest tyre size you can install on the Tarmac SL7?
Every Tarmac SL7 comes spec’d with 700x26mm tyres, however, the frame was designed with much larger clearance in mind. You can fit tyres up to 32c on 21mm rims with 4mm of clearance all around. Of course, this is all still dependent on the exact tyre and rim combination as there is quite a bit of variation among tyres especially. We suggest that you check fitment of the tyre before you take it out for a ride
Can I remove the Front Derailleur Hanger?
Yes! The Tarmac SL7 has a removeable FD Hanger, which gives you the cleanest set-up when running a 1x drivetrain. If the FD Hanger is removed, a cover for the routing hole and two bolt holes is included with your Tarmac SL7.
Where is the Shimano Di2 A-Junction Box?
The new S-Works Tarmac Carbon Seatpost offers an integrated location for the Junction Box, like the Venge. This location ensures easy access to the charging port or function button. If a wireless drivetrain is being used, a secondary cover is included with all Tarmac SL7 models to cover the seat post port.
Alternatively, the A-Junction could still be installed in the handlebar if preferred.
What are the other tech specs of the Tarmac SL7?
All Tarmac SL7 models have a 68mm BSA threaded bottom bracket. The Tarmac SL7 has 142×12 and 100×12 thru axles and follows the Shimano flat mount disc brake standard.
The Tarmac SL6 9r models ar still available:
Tarmac SL6 Comp comes with Shimano Ultegra mechanical shifting and hydraulic disc brakes, durable DT R470 Disc wheels, and Power saddle. Weight: 7.9kg
Tarmac SL6 Sport comes Shimano 105 mechanical shifting and hydraulic disc brakes, durable DT R470 Disc wheels, and Power saddle. Weight: 8.1kg
Tarmac SL6 comes with 10-speed Shimano Tiagra mechanical shifting, quick-stopping hydraulic disc brakes, durable Axis Sport Disc wheels, and the Power saddle. Weight: 8.65kg
