racing bikes: Test: Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL6 – propulsion through technology?

Test: The Specialized Tarmac is without a doubt one of the most iconic road bikes of our time. This year the model celebrates its 15th birthday after it was first launched in 2003. To mark the anniversary, so to speak, the Americans have released a comprehensive update for the top road all-rounder in their portfolio: Tarmac remains Tarmac - but it was possible to save significantly on weight, but this does not come at the expense of the still excellent rigidity. We were out and about with the classy Specialized S-Works Tarmac.

If you deal with noble racing bikes in the price range of the S-Works Tarmac, which we had in our test, two hearts beat in the chest of many two-wheeler lovers: Do you prefer to invest your hard-earned euros in an exotic one-off from a small manufacturer, or do you trust the high-tech expertise of a bicycle giant like Specialized, whose material has to withstand the stresses of the WorldTour almost every day? Personally, I'm actually a fan of small bike brands. A friend of the underdogs defying the big global giants. David against Goliath in the bicycle Olympus, so to speak. But, but - every now and then there is this one bike, which in this case is my exception to the rule. In 2018, the new Specialized Tarmac seems to be that exception.

The new Specialized Tarmac is available in four variants as a complete bike:

S-Works Tarmac Ultralight SL6 // € 9.999,00
S-Works Tarmac SL6 // €9.499,00
Tarmac Pro SL6 // €6.299,00
Tarmac Expert SL6 // €3.999,00

The Specialized S-Works Tarmac frame set is available in six different finishes for €3.699,00, while the S-Works “Ultralight” version costs €3.899,00. In return you get a frame that weighs only 733 grams (in frame size 56) and is therefore one of the lightest on the market.

Specialized S-Works Tarmac 2018 frame and fork

When it comes to the frame, the Californian company from Specialized left (almost) no stone unturned compared to the predecessor SL5. The Specialized S-Works Tarmac top model has lost an impressive 200 grams in the frame alone compared to its predecessor. Responsible for this is the new carbon layup with which the previously somewhat overweight Tarmac has been given a proper diet. A few things have also changed visually - compared to the "old" Tarmac, the frame has become slimmer and more delicate. The lines are straighter and slimmer, a nice refreshment, since very thick carbon tubes have dominated the bike design of many bikes in recent years. The lines themselves have also changed a lot. Tarmac connoisseurs will certainly first notice the lower seat stays. The frame should have better self-damping, which of course should improve comfort.

So while the frame has been further developed on the basis of the predecessor, the 2018 Tarmac has been given a completely new fork. This has also become lighter, but that's not the biggest innovation: the fork is now also part of the Rider First Engineered concept. This is the technical term used by the Californians for their size-dependent geometry adjustments. The goal: Every size should have the same driving characteristics, whether it's really small or really big. From this model year, this also applies to the fork, which has different dimensions depending on the frame size.

Geometry Specialized S-Works Tarmac 2018

Specialized S-Works Tarmac 2018 Equipment

For our test we chose the Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL6. The noble, matt-black racer costs a proud €9.499. In return, you get complete Dura Ace Di2 equipment – ​​only the cranks are fitted with the in-house S-Works carbon cranks, which even weigh a few grams less than the already light Shimano model.

The normal Tarmac still relies on rim stoppers, but a disc version of the hit can be expected later this year. The brakes of the S-Works Tarmac also bear Shimano's Dura Ace lettering.

When it comes to the wheelset, you trust in quality from your own company: the Roval CLX 50 with their high flanks naturally show their advantages especially at high speeds. With an inner width of almost 21mm, they are made for slightly wider tires, which is also used directly on the S-Works Tarmac: The speedster comes with 26mm tires, the Specialized Turbo Cotton, which, with the wide rims, form a streamlined aero combination form and still be really nice and comfortable.

In-house developments are also used in the cockpit: The S-Works SL stem is equipped with titanium screws to save the last gram and the S-Works SL carbon handlebar is one of the lightest that you can currently buy. Nevertheless - if you want to look for a hair in the equipment soup: In times of fully integrated cockpit solutions, the setup on the Tarmac almost seems a bit out of date, especially on such a high-quality and modern bike. On the other hand: When it comes to repairs and maintenance work, one is happy about it and it is easier to experiment with different lengths and widths.

Specialized S-Works Tarmac 2018 Ride Impressions

Even before I climb onto the new Tarmac for the first time, I have to pause for a moment. In any case, optically you have hit the bull's eye here - literally! Everything is black except for the white S-Works lettering and the distinctive Turbo tires with yellow walls. Pure understatement. The Tarmac SL6 will also be Peter Sagan and Bora Hansgrohe's new all-purpose weapon, but it will definitely not be dark and monochromatic.

Already on the first few meters it becomes clear: it has been quite a while since the feeling of well-being on a bike set in so quickly as with the new Specialized S-Works Tarmac. From the first meter, the corners of your mouth are drawn up into a broad grin. In the ears only the wind and the soft whirring of the wheels. The Dura Ace Di2 changes gears with the usual precision and speed. Again and again you get out of the saddle and the mudflats feel like they land directly on the asphalt. Propulsion through technology! This speed rush clouds the senses and at some point sitting down is no longer an option: only the general strike of the lactate union in your legs and the threatening explosion of your lungs are a reminder that your name is not Peter and you don't deserve to wear rainbow colors.

Overall, it's remarkable that, despite the agility and high stiffness, Specialized managed to maintain a noticeable level of comfort - not a matter of course for a declared racing machine. Of course, the 26mm tires also play their part. The only downside from my point of view is more of a visual nature: Above all, the handlebar and stem combination, which is simply no longer up-to-date, is a profane break in the minimalist, beautiful design, similar to the cheap-looking chrome-plated quick release skewers on the front and rear wheels. For just under €10.000,00, in my opinion, every detail should be right and of high quality. From an aesthetic point of view an integrated cockpit would definitely be expected, at the same time I understand the practical reasoning for a regular setup. Not everyone rides comfortably with the uniform dimensions of a handlebar and stem in one piece. Form before function or function before form, that's the tongue-twisting question!

The brakes work great but I've come to appreciate the benefits of disc brakes over the past few years. It's good that the Tarmac Disc should be released this year. I will definitely be one of the first in line to get the disc frame set. Until then, I'll keep practicing my wheelies to feel at least a little bit like Sensei Sagan on the ninja weapon.