The Specialized Tarmac SL9 Gets Cheaper

Specialized has filled out its Tarmac SL9 line with a range of options from S-Level to Comp builds. All of the three additional spec levels are built off of a slightly cheaper, slightly heavier 10r carbon frame. The S-Level Tarmac SL9, in particular, is a top-spec build in most ways except the frame build and the wheelset.

The Tarmac SL9 10r frameset has a competitive weight at 882 grams and uses the same 12r carbon fork to maximize the ride quality generated from the premium carbon construction. 10r builds also use the seat post from the Tarmac SL8 rather than the new bladed post from the S-Works level SL9.

That said, all other aspects of the frame design of the Tarmac SL9 remain the same. Aerodynamically, the frame is the same as the S-Works spec. The only difference in the drag coefficient (or CdA) stems from the changes to the build components.

Tarmac SL9 S-Level details 

The S-Level Tarmac SL9 comes stock with top-spec components to offer a premium-level race bike at a $10,000 and $10,500 price point, respectively. The S-Level, which is new for this year’s Specialized drop-bar bikes, is meant to offer an additional price point for premium builds. To achieve this mix, Specialized has outfitted S-Level builds with either SRAM RED or Shimano Dura Ace. Additionally, S-Level builds offer the sleek Rapide one-piece barstems to provide race-quality feng shui, but at a budget-minded price point.

This means that the ultra-premium parts like CeramicSpeed bearings, a Power Pro Mirror saddle, and Roval Rapide CLX III wheels are left off in favor of slightly more affordable alternatives. All of this nets out to a bike that cuts $3,500 off of the overall price while adding around 1.1 pounds and a few lesser components.

Tarmac SL9 Expert and Comp details 

Similarly, the SL9 Expert and Comp builds each swap components and parts for heavier, lower-quality parts to scale the price of build options between $4,000 to $7,000. Both build specs use the same Fact 10r frame with a 12r fork, and stainless steel bearings that the S-Level build uses.

Beyond the adjustment down in groupsets that marks the most significant differences between the builds, both the Expert and Comp builds use two-piece cockpits. The big component difference between the two levels is wheels, with the Expert level builds using the Roval C38 carbon wheelset. The Comp build uses DT Swiss R470 alloy wheels instead.

In total, the Expert build weighs 16.64 pounds for a complete build, while the Comp weighs in at 17.95 pounds. Notably, there is no option to buy the SL9 10r frameset, as the bike will only be available as a complete bike at this initial release.

The full Specialized Tarmac SL9 Specifications

Specialized Tarmac SL9 Pricing 

More information on the Tarmac SL9

For more information on the Tarmac SL9, check out our review from the release of the S-Works version this summer on our website.