Specialized Tarmac SL7 Comp-Rival eTap AXS Review
- Price: $6299
- Frame: Carbon
- Tires: Schwalbe ONE Race-Guard Fold 700x26C
- Gear: 2×12 Electronic
What we like about it: The lightweight 920g frame, allows for a swift and effortless ride without compromising aerodynamic performance.
What we don’t like about it: It’s expensive.
Rating: (4.8/5)
The Specialized Tarmac SL7 Comp-Rival eTap AXS is truly exceptional with its 920g frame that achieves perfect aerodynamic performance. It promises an excellent riding experience and a competitive edge in races. The “rider-first” engineering philosophy ensures outstanding control and comfort for this bike.
Below, we analyze the riding experience, key features, components, specifications, and other versions of the Specialized Tarmac SL7 Comp-Rival eTap AXS. In the latter part of this article, we also compare it with several other top bike models. If you want to explore more bike reviews, feel free to follow us.
Riding Experience
I booked my flights and hotel through IHG and arrived at a road just outside Chicago, where I found a road with very little traffic to test this bike.
Competitive Riding
At the starting point, I hopped on my Specialized Tarmac SL7 Comp-Rival eTap AXS, ready for an intense and exciting race journey. I had great confidence in this bike, and its features filled me with determination and confidence.
At the starting signal, I pressed the pedals, and the entire bike’s lightness and vigor made me feel the synergy between it and me. Each pedal stroke felt like a craving for victory and a determination to move forward rapidly. The Tarmac SL7 FACT 10r Carbon frame design and aerodynamics allowed me to ride at higher speeds. I took a deep breath and told myself to give it my all.
As the race progressed, I entered a challenging series of continuous turns. The excellent design of the Specialized Shallow Drop handlebar made it easier and more comfortable to handle the bike, but I was still nervous. After all, these continuous turns were extremely difficult. I adjusted my posture and gripped the handlebars tightly. With my wealth of riding experience, I found the right entry point for each turn. I shifted my weight, initiated turns, and successfully navigated each corner with excellence. Each turn was a test of skill and courage. I told myself to stay calm and focused, feeling the bike’s stability and balance at high speeds.
Is That All?
Gradually, I entered a wide-open road. The efficient SRAM Rival eTap AXS transmission system allowed me to move effortlessly. I felt the perfect coordination between the bike and me, with each pedal stroke chasing dreams and the desire for glory. The bike’s comfort and stability allowed me to maintain high speeds. I felt like an arrow, traversing long distances, bravely heading toward the victorious finish line.
The finish line was getting closer, and my body was aching, but my heart was filled with excitement and anticipation. This race journey made me feel the power and speed of the bike. I stopped the bike, looked back at the entire ride, and gazed at the distant finish line. I knew victory was just ahead.
Specifications
The Specialized Tarmac SL7 Comp-Rival eTap AXS is an outstanding racing bike with a Tarmac SL7 FACT 10r Carbon frame. It’s designed based on real-world riding data for each frame size, offering excellent responsiveness whether you’re climbing or descending. Moreover, it excels in aerodynamic performance and is faster than the previous Tarmac SL6.
This bike comes equipped with the SRAM Rival eTap AXS 12, delivering exceptional shifting performance for riders. The Turbo Pro 700x26mm tires provide outstanding rolling speed and grip. Drawing from Venge’s experience, it features a clean, comfortable, and user-friendly cockpit through straightforward integration, enhancing comfort during rides and ensuring easy portability.
Other Versions
After numerous tests, we’ve gained a deeper understanding of this bike’s excellence. However, many riders have their own performance requirements and component preferences, so we conducted further research with similar bikes.
2023 Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL7-Shimano Dura-Ace Di2
The Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL7-Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 features a 4iiii Precision Pro power meter, enabling riders to better control cadence, speed, and energy distribution for training or racing. Additionally, its carbon wheels are exceptionally lightweight, enhancing speed and reducing rider fatigue. Both bikes share identical geometry, ensuring a comfortable ride.
Furthermore, the S-Works Tarmac SL7-Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 uses the Dura-Ace Di2, which offers superior performance compared to the Rival eTap installed on the Tarmac SL7 Comp-Rival eTap AXS. The shifting is smooth, the chain is durable, and the braking performance is excellent. However, both bikes have the same tire width, with the 26mm width being ideal for racing.
What do we like about it?
- Staying below the UCI weight limit while retaining exceptional aerodynamic performance with the ultra-light 920g frame, making for a swift and effortless ride.
- Well-balanced riding quality between the front and rear ends, ensuring great comfort.
- Rider-First Engineered™ frame delivers optimal riding characteristics across all sizes.
- Improved ease of operation and convenient bike portability.
What don’t we like about it?
- Expensive.
FAQ
- Is this bike suitable for beginners?
This bike is suitable for both beginners and experienced riders.
- What is the weight of the frame of this bike?
The frame weight is 920g.
- What is the engineering philosophy behind this bike?
The engineering philosophy is Rider-First.
- How many fixed points does this bike have?
It has four fixed points.
Specs
Build
| Frame | Tarmac SL7 FACT 10r Carbon, Rider First Engineered™, Win Tunnel Engineered, Clean Routing, Threaded BB, 12x142mm thru-axle, flat-mount discBB Standard: BSA, 68mm, ThreadedColors: Satin Teal Tint / Black/light Silver; Gloss Metallic White Silver / Smoke |
| Fork | FACT Carbon, 12x100mm thru-axle, flat-mount disc |
| Bottom Bracket | SRAM DUB BSA 68 |
| Stem | Tarmac integrated stem, 6-degree |
| Handlebar | Specialized Shallow Drop, 6061, 70x125mm, 31.8mm clamp |
| Saddle | Body Geometry Power Sport, steel rails |
| Seatpost | 2021 S-Works Tarmac Carbon seat post, FACT Carbon, 20mm offset |
Groupset
| Rear Derailleur | SRAM Rival eTap AXS, 12-speed |
| Front Derailleur | SRAM Rival eTAP AXS, braze-on |
| Crank | SRAM Rival, 48/35T |
| Shifters | SRAM Rival eTap AXS |
| Cassette | SRAM Rival, 12-speed, 10-36t |
| Chain | SRAM Rival 12-speed |
| Brakes | SRAM Rival, hydraulic disc |
Wheels
| Rims | Front: DT Swiss R470 rim, 20mm internal width, tubeless ready, 24h, Specialized full sealed bearing thru axle hub, centerlock disc, DT Swiss Champion 14G stainless steel spokes, DT Swiss brass nipples., Rear: DT Swiss R470 rim, 20mm internal width, tubeless ready, 24h, Specialized full sealed bearing thru axle hub, centerlock disc, DT Swiss Champion 14G stainless steel spokes, DT Swiss brass nipples. |
| 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 view | Tires | Drivetrain | Frame Material | Groupset |
| Trek Emonda SL 6 Pro Di2 | Click View | Bontrager R2 Hard-Case Lite 700x25c | 2×12 Electronic | Carbon | Shimano 105 Di2 |
| Liv Langma Advanced Pro, Disc 1 AR | Click View | Giant Gavia Fondo 1 700x28c | 2×12 Electronic | Carbon | SRAM Rival eTap |
| Felt FR Advanced Ultegra Di2 | Click View | Vittoria Rubino Pro IV | 2×12 Electronic | Carbon | Shimano Ultegra Di2 |
| Scott Contessa Addict RC 15 | Click View | Schwalbe ONE Race-Guard Fold 700x28C | 2×12 Electronic | Carbon | Shimano Ultegra Di2 |
Specialized Tarmac SL7 Comp-Rival eTap AXS vs. Trek Emonda SL 6 Pro Di2
The Specialized Tarmac SL7 Comp-Rival eTap AXS features aluminum wheels, while the Trek Émonda SL 6 Pro Di2 uses carbon wheels. Aluminum wheels are cost-effective, durable, and environmentally friendly, but they are heavier, which can result in slower speeds. They also have poorer aerodynamics and lower rigidity. On the other hand, carbon wheels are lightweight, highly rigid, and very responsive, offering better aerodynamics. However, they come with a higher price tag, are less durable, and cannot be repaired if damaged.
Furthermore, the Trek Émonda SL 6 Pro Di2 is equipped with Shimano 105 Di2, while the Specialized Tarmac SL7 uses SRAM Rival eTap. The 105 Di2 features a semi-wireless design, with the shift levers communicating wirelessly with the rear derailleur. The rear derailleur is connected to the front derailleur and a central battery, typically housed inside the seatpost. In contrast, the SRAM Rival eTap employs a fully wireless design, with wireless shift levers paired with both the front and rear derailleurs, each equipped with removable and rechargeable batteries.
Learn More: Is Trek Emonda SL 6 Disc Pro A Perfect Selection? – [Trek Emonda SL 6 Disc Pro Review]
Specialized Tarmac SL7 Comp-Rival eTap AXS vs. Liv Langma Advanced Pro Disc 1 AR
The Liv Langma Advanced Pro Disc 1 AR is a women’s bicycle equipped with a Rival AXS power meter, allowing riders to promptly record training data or real-time race data. During training, it helps identify a rider’s strengths and weaknesses, enabling them to reinforce their advantages and address their weaknesses. In races, it allows riders to better control their energy distribution based on their usual training, aiming for improved race results.
When looking at the stack/reach ratio, the data for the Specialized Tarmac SL7 Comp-Rival eTap AXS is smaller than that of the Liv Langma Advanced Pro Disc 1 AR. Consequently, it is more aggressive in design, sacrificing some comfort for efficiency. A larger stack/reach ratio allows riders to maintain an upright position, enhancing comfort and freedom while cycling.
Specialized Tarmac SL7 Comp-Rival eTap AXS vs. Felt FR Advanced Ultegra Di2
The geometry of the Felt FR Advanced Ultegra Di2 is relatively relaxed, providing a very comfortable ride. In contrast, the Specialized Tarmac SL7 Comp-Rival eTap AXS has a more aggressive geometry, offering higher riding efficiency. However, they share the same head tube angle, which makes for agile handling. On the BB drop front, the Tarmac SL7 Comp-Rival eTap AXS has a larger value compared to the Felt FR Advanced Ultegra Di2. It’s worth noting that a larger BB drop increases stability but can pose some challenges when making turns.
Additionally, in terms of the trail, the Tarmac SL7 Comp-Rival eTap AXS has a larger value, providing higher speed stability. A lower trail offers quicker and more agile steering. Both bikes have the same tire width, but their wheel materials differ. The Specialized Tarmac SL7 Comp-Rival eTap AXS features aluminum wheels, while the Felt FR Advanced Ultegra Di2 has carbon wheels. Carbon wheels are lighter but more expensive, while aluminum wheels are cheaper but slightly heavier.
Specialized Tarmac SL7 Comp-Rival eTap AXS vs. Scott Contessa Addict RC 15
The Scott Contessa Addict RC 15 is priced nearly $800 higher than the Specialized Tarmac SL7 Comp-Rival eTap AXS. The Scott Contessa Addict RC 15 features expensive carbon wheels that are lightweight, while the Tarmac SL7 Comp-Rival eTap AXS comes with cheaper and heavier aluminum wheels. For competitive cycling, the weight difference can affect speed. In races, this may have some impact. However, between these two bikes, the Specialized Tarmac SL7 Comp-Rival eTap AXS is still slightly faster, capable of reaching 41mph compared to the Scott Contessa Addict RC 15’s 39mph.
The Scott Contessa Addict RC 15 offers a more comfortable ride compared to the Specialized Tarmac SL7 Comp-Rival eTap AXS. It has a larger stack/reach ratio, allowing the rider to maintain a more upright position. Additionally, the Specialized Tarmac SL7 Comp-Rival eTap AXS has a larger head tube angle, making it more agile and easier to handle.
Learn More: Is Scott Contessa Addict RC 15 Worth Buying? – [Scott Contessa Addict RC 15 Review]
Summary
This is our review of the Specialized Tarmac SL7 Comp-Rival eTap AXS. This outstanding racing bike can help riders achieve good results in competitions. Considering all factors, we have given it a high score of 4.8. If you want to learn more about bicycles, feel free to check out our other reviews.
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