Specialized Tarmac SL6 Review
- Price: $2700
- Frame: Carbon
- Tires: Turbo Pro 700x26mm
- Gear: 2 x 10
What we like about it: The geometry, based on numerous Retül data points and professional rider input, provides excellent responsiveness and optimal power output.
What we don’t like about it: The 2×10 drivetrain might result in chain drops during rides, which could impact races.
Rating: (4.7/5)
The Specialized Tarmac SL6’s standout feature is its speed. It excels in speed on any terrain and in any weather condition. It’s impeccably tuned in various sizes. In this price range, no other bike can match its lightweight, speed, and handling.
Below, we’ll analyze the riding experience, key features, components, specifications, and other versions of the Specialized Tarmac SL6. In the latter part of this article, we’ll also make comparisons with several other bikes. If you want to explore more bike reviews, feel free to follow us.
Riding Experience
Competition
I and a few friends made plans, purchased tickets, and booked a hotel through IHG to arrive in New York. On a road far from the city center, where few people ventured, we found the perfect location for testing the racing bike. We designed the route and settled on the competition.
Early in the morning, before sunrise, I arrived at the race site. The Specialized Tarmac SL6’s lightweight design and FACT 9r carbon rigid frame made me feel its speed and stability. I firmly gripped the handlebars, ready to face the challenges of the race.
At the start of the race, the shot rang out, and I pushed down on the pedals with all my might. The Specialized Tarmac SL6, with its efficient Shimano Tiagra rear derailleur and Shimano Tiagra front derailleur transmission system, allowed me to reach top speed almost instantly. I felt every pedal stroke was a pursuit of speed. During the ride, I kept my focus fixed ahead, maintaining full concentration. The Specialized Tarmac SL6’s maneuverability and agility allowed me to navigate through traffic seamlessly. I felt that every overtaking maneuver and lane change tested my technical skills.
In the race, I closely battled with other riders, and the competition was intense. The Specialized Tarmac SL6 helped me maintain stability in corners and on bumpy roads. I felt that every turn and sprint posed a challenge to bike control. My heart raced, and my sweat soaked through my clothes, but I pressed forward with determination and without retreating.
Sprint
In the middle of the race, my stamina began to wane, but I dared not slacken. I adjusted my breathing, putting in every effort to maintain my speed. I adjusted the Specialized Tarmac SL6’s gearing to the smallest ratios, making uphill climbs easy. To be honest, I felt that every climb tested my endurance. But I continued to challenge my limits.
In the final stage of the race, I had almost exhausted all my strength. The Specialized Tarmac SL6’s stability allowed me to maintain a steady speed. I felt that every pedal stroke represented perseverance and determination. I was drenched in sweat, but I achieved a respectable ranking, and my heart was filled with satisfaction and pride.
Specifications
The Specialized Tarmac SL6 is an outstanding racing bicycle. It features a FACT 9r carbon frame, offering exceptional performance combined with lightness and durability, providing excellent responsiveness. It also comes with a 2×10 drivetrain with Shimano Tiagra Rear Derailleur and Shimano Tiagra Front Derailleur, ensuring smooth and precise shifting. Additionally, the Shimano Tiagra BR-4770 hydraulic disc brakes deliver prompt and efficient stopping power for rider safety.
This bike is equipped with Turbo Pro tires known for their speed, lightweight, and durability. The tires have a supple tread made from GRIPTON compound material, which minimizes rolling resistance and provides excellent cornering traction, enabling high-speed riding. Notably, the Body Geometry Power Sport saddle is an ultra-light seat featuring a stiff carbon-reinforced shell and durable titanium alloy rails. Its ergonomic design caters to the needs of various riders.
Video
Other Versions
After extensive testing, we have gained a deeper understanding of this bike. It’s a highly impressive racing bicycle.
However, many riders have specific performance or component requirements. Hence, we conducted further investigations with similar bikes.
Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL7 – Shimano Dura-Ace Di2
The Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL7 – Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 is a full-carbon structure with 700c carbon wheels, making it lightweight and sturdy. However, it’s more prone to break upon impact with sharp objects. In contrast, the Specialized Tarmac SL6 features aluminum wheels, known for their durability, but the welding points are quite fragile due to the welding process, making them susceptible to breakage.
The Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL7 – Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 boasts a 2×12 Electronic drivetrain, offering highly precise electronic shifting. Compared to the Specialized Tarmac SL6’s 2×10 drivetrain, the 2×12 Electronic drivetrain has a wider gear range and smoother shifting. Additionally, the Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL7 – Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 comes with a 4iiii Precision Pro power meter, aiding riders in targeted training and enhancing training efficiency.
What do we like about it?
- The geometry, based on numerous Retül data points and professional rider input, provides excellent responsiveness and optimal power output.
- Fast performance on any terrain and in any weather condition.
- The FACT 9r carbon fiber frame utilizes advanced aerospace composite materials, offering a lightweight yet robust structure.
- Seven different sizes have been created, each meticulously tuned to ensure consistent and excellent bike performance for every size.
What don’t we like about it?
- The 2×10 drivetrain might result in chain drops during rides, which could impact races.
FAQ
- Is this bike suitable for beginners?
Yes, it’s suitable for both beginners and experienced riders.
- How many color options are available for this bike?
It comes in three color options: Blue Ghost Pearl over White / Tarmac Black, Tarmac Black / Smoke – Wild, and Pine Green / Light Silver.
- Does this bike offer improved speed compared to the previous generation?
Yes, it’s 30 seconds faster than the Tarmac SL5 over 40 kilometers.
- How do I choose the right size?
The size chart is below:
These sizes are just general guidelines, the true fit may vary from person to person and the easiest way to find your size the best way is to go for a test ride.
| Rider height | SIZE |
| 4’8″ – 5’1″ | 44 |
| 5’1″ – 5’4″ | 49 |
| 5’4″ – 5’7″ | 52 |
| 5’7″ – 5’9″ | 54 |
| 5’9″ – 6’11” | 56 |
| 5’11” – 6’2″ | 58 |
| 6’2″ – 6’5″ | 61 |
Specs
Build
| Frame | Tarmac SL6, FACT 9r carbon, Rider-First Engineered™, threaded BB, clean routing, 12x142mm thru-axle, flat-mount disc BB Standard: BSA, 68mm, Threaded Colors: Blue Ghost Pearl over White / Tarmac Black; Tarmac Black / Smoke – Wild; Pine Green / Light Silver |
| Fork | FACT carbon, 12x100mm thru-axle, flat-mount disc |
| Bottom Bracket | Shimano 68mm threaded |
| Stem | Specialized Pro SL, alloy, 4-bolt |
| Handlebar | Specialized Shallow Drop, 6061, 70x125mm, 31.8mm clamp |
| Saddle | Body Geometry Power Sport, steel rails |
| Seatpost | Carbon, single-bolt, 27.2mm |
Groupset
| Rear Derailleur | Shimano Tiagra, 10-speed |
| Front Derailleur | Shimano Tiagra, braze-on |
| Crank | Shimano Tiagra 4700, 10-speed, 50/34T |
| Shifters | Shimano Tiagra Disc 4720, 10-speed |
| Cassette | Shimano, 10-speed, 11-32t |
| Chain | KMC X10, 10-Speed |
| Brakes | Shimano Tiagra BR-4770, hydraulic disc |
Wheels
| Rims | Front: Axis Sport Disc, Rear: Axis Sport Disc |
| Tires | Front: Turbo Pro, 60 TPI, folding bead, BlackBelt protection, 700x26mm, Rear: Turbo Pro, 60 TPI, folding bead, BlackBelt protection, 700x26mm |
Comparison Table
| Bikes | Click to view | Tires | Drivetrain | Frame Material | Groupset |
| Trek Émonda ALR 5 | Click View | Bontrager R1 Hard-Case Lite 700x25c | 2 x 11 | Aluminum | Shimano 105 |
| BMC Teammachine ALR TWO | Click View | Vittoria Zaffiro Pro 25mm | 2 x 11 | Aluminum | Shimano 105 |
| Cannondale CAAD13 105 Di2 | Click View | Vittoria Rubino Pro Bright Black, 700x25c | 2×12Electronic | Aluminum | Shimano 105 Di2 |
| Focus IZALCO MAX 8.8 | Click View | Vittoria Rubino TLR, 700 x 28C | 2 x 11 | Carbon | Shimano 105 |
Specialized Tarmac SL6 vs. Trek Émonda ALR 5
The Specialized Tarmac SL6 features a carbon frame, carbon fork, and aluminum wheels, while the Trek Émonda ALR 5 is equipped with an aluminum frame, carbon fork, and aluminum wheels. Carbon frames are lightweight and sturdy but susceptible to damage when encountering sharp objects. Repairing them after damage can be challenging and costly. In contrast, aluminum frames are heavier and have poorer metal fatigue resistance but are known for their durability. They are easier to repair and cost less.
Furthermore, the Specialized Tarmac SL6 has a 2×10 drivetrain, whereas the Trek Émonda ALR 5 boasts a 2×11 drivetrain. The 2×11 drivetrain offers a wider gear range and smooth shifting. Although the Trek Émonda ALR 5 comes with 25c tires, it has a 28c tire clearance, allowing for the use of 28c tires, which are wider than the 26c tires on the Specialized Tarmac SL6. Wider tires provide better support, while narrower tires offer increased agility.
Learn More: Is Trek Emonda ALR 5 Worth Buying? [ Trek Emonda ALR 5 Review]
Specialized Tarmac SL6 vs. BMC Teammachine ALR TWO
These two bikes have similar speeds. The difference lies in the fact that the BMC Teammachine ALR TWO features a more relaxed geometry with a stack/reach ratio of 1.46. On the other hand, the Specialized Tarmac SL6 has a stack/reach ratio of 1.42, sacrificing some comfort for efficiency, and allowing for a more powerful ride in competitive cycling. However, the BMC Teammachine ALR TWO has a heavier aluminum frame, which doesn’t offer the same responsiveness and lightweight feel as the Specialized Tarmac SL6’s carbon frame.
The Specialized Tarmac SL6 is equipped with a 2×10 drivetrain, while the Teammachine ALR TWO features a 2×11 drivetrain, offering a broader gear range and smoother shifting. However, it has a higher BB drop, which lowers the bike’s center of gravity, providing better stability. Yet, this can also result in the pedals being positioned lower, causing some issues when cornering and navigating obstacles.
Learn More: Is BMC Teammachine SLR ONE Worth Buying? [BMC Teammachine SLR ONE Review]
Specialized Tarmac SL6 vs. Cannondale CAAD13 105 Di2
The Cannondale CAAD13 105 Di2 features a 2×12 Electronic drivetrain, offering precise shifting performance with minimal maintenance requirements. Regular charging is all that’s needed, and it provides a wide gear range with exceptionally smooth shifting. However, if you frequently ride in challenging environments, the mechanical shifting of the Specialized Tarmac SL6 can better adapt to such conditions. The Cannondale CAAD13 105 Di2 has an aluminum frame, which is heavier but cost-effective and durable. In contrast, the Specialized Tarmac SL6 features a carbon frame, which is lightweight but comes at a higher cost.
It’s worth noting that the stack/reach ratio of the Cannondale CAAD13 105 Di2 is 1.45, slightly larger than the 1.42 of the Specialized Tarmac SL6, providing a more relaxed and comfortable riding experience. The Specialized Tarmac SL6 is more aggressive, prioritizing efficiency. The Specialized Tarmac SL6 is $1,000 cheaper than the Cannondale CAAD13 105 Di2. The cost of electronic shifting and a carbon frame is relatively higher.
Learn More: Is Cannondale CAADX 1 A Good Bike? [Cannondale CAADX 1 Review]
Specialized Tarmac SL6 vs. Focus IZALCO MAX 8.8
The Focus IZALCO MAX 8.8 is built with a full carbon structure and features lightweight 700c carbon wheels. However, it’s susceptible to breakage when subjected to side impacts. On the other hand, the aluminum wheels of the Focus IZALCO MAX 8.8 are more durable and cost-effective, but their welding points are quite fragile and prone to breakage. The Focus IZALCO MAX 8.8 is equipped with a 2×11 drivetrain, which is superior to the 2×10 drivetrain found on the Specialized Tarmac SL6.
Additionally, the Focus IZALCO MAX 8.8 has a slightly smaller stack/reach ratio, enhancing riding efficiency and allowing riders to apply more power to the pedals. It also comes with FOCUS Bartape SL grips, saving riders the hassle of searching for suitable grips. It’s worth mentioning that the Focus IZALCO MAX 8.8 features 28c tires, which provide better support.
Summary
This is our review of the Specialized Tarmac SL6. It’s an outstanding racing bike that can help riders achieve commendable results in competitions. Considering all factors, we’ve given it a high rating of 4.7. If you’d like to explore more information about bicycles, please take a look at our other reviews.
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