SpecializedTarmac SL9
The Tarmac SL9 below S-Works level: the same tube shapes, Speed Sniffer head tube, Flow Fork, Win Fin and race geometry on a FACT 10r frame that Specialized claims at 822 g, paired with the FACT 12r fork. Launched in August 2026 in three trims: the S-Level with Dura-Ace Di2 or RED AXS, a power meter, the one-piece Roval Rapide cockpit and Rapide CL III wheels; the Expert with Ultegra Di2 or Force AXS, Roval C38 carbon wheels and an alloy two-piece cockpit; and the Comp with 105 Di2 or Rival AXS on DT Swiss R470 alloy wheels.
- From
- €10,499$10,000£8,749
- Builds
- 6
- Sizes
- 7
- Frame weight
- 822 g29 oz
Design sketch, generated from the manufacturer's photo
Our verdict
Overall
out of 100, average of 7 categories
The S-Works' aero shapes and race geometry on a FACT 10r frame that is still light at a claimed 822 g, from a 105 Di2 Comp on alloy wheels to a 7.1 kg S-Level with a power meter, carbon wheels and the one-piece cockpit. Expert and Comp swap that cockpit for an alloy stem and bar, only the S-Level gets a power meter, and tyre room stops at 32 mm.
Scored Oct 2026
- + Light
- + Affordable way in
- + Premium frame
AI-drafted from the specs on this page and reviewed before publishing. Scores are relative to every bike in the catalog when they were given, so they drop as newer bikes and parts raise the bar.
- Aero
- 80/100
- Frame
- 85/100
- Components
- 76/100
- Fit
- 84/100
- Practicality
- 76/100
- Price
- 90/100
- Weight
- 94/100
Aero claims and front-end integration
Carbon grade, weight and warranty
Groupset, wheels and power meter
Sizes and adjustment range
Travel, standard parts, servicing
From the cheapest complete-bike MSRP
From the lightest claimed weight (7.1 kg, size 56)
Bike duel
Reviews
1 independent review of the Specialized Tarmac SL9.
- Written
Road Bike Action
Review - Specialized Tarmac SL9 S-Level Dura AceJoe MackeyTested: S-Level Dura-Ace Di2
Frame & platform
Frame & fork
- Frame material
- FACT 10r Carbon
- Fork material
- FACT 12r Carbon (Flow Fork)
- Frame weight
- 822 g29 oz
- Weight measured on
- Frame 822 g as stated by Specialized on the S-Level product page (painted production frame; BikeRadar gives it for size 56)
- Max system weight
- 125 kg275.6 lb
- Frame sizes
- 44, 49, 52, 54, 56, 58, 61
- Colours
- S-Level: Satin Carbon, Gloss White, Gloss Cayenne Metallic (US), Gloss White Silver Metallic (UK/EU); Expert: Gloss Pacific Blue Metallic, Gloss Black, Satin Warm Smoke Metallic, Gloss Silver Dust; Comp: Gloss Dolomite Metallic, Gloss Charcoal Tint, Gloss Vivid Red (varies by build and region)
- Also available as
- S-Works Tarmac SL9 (FACT 12r frame and fork, 687 g frame); no FACT 10r frameset is sold
Compatibility & standards
- Brake type
- Hydraulic disc, flat mount
- Max rotor size
- 160 mm
- Wheel size
- 700c
- Max tire width
- 32 mm
- Bottom bracket standard
- BSA threaded, 68 mm
- Front axle
- 12x100 mm thru-axle
- Rear axle
- 12x142 mm thru-axle (UDH dropout)
- Drivetrain compatibility
- 1x and 2x; Shimano Di2 (wired routing) and SRAM AXS. 2x chainrings: Shimano 34-42 / 50-55T, SRAM 35-41 / 48-54T; 1x 46-54T. Cassettes: Shimano 11-36 max, SRAM 10-46 max.
- 1x compatible
- Yes
- Max chainring
- 55T
- Front derailleur mount
- Removable braze-on hanger; cover for 1x
- Cable routing
- Internal
Bottles & storage
- Bottle mounts
- 2
- Bottle mount locations
- Down tube and seat tube
Fit & adjustability
- Cockpit
- One-piece Roval Rapide Cockpit on S-Level builds; Expert and Comp use a Roval Rapide alloy stem with a 31.8 mm Specialized alloy drop bar
- Seatpost type
- S-Works Tarmac SL8 Carbon seatpost, D-shaped (35.9 x 18.4 mm), 15 mm offset, integrated wedge
- Fit notes
- Seven sizes from 44 to 61 cm with size-specific layups. Stock bar width 380 mm (44-54), 400 mm (56) and 420 mm (58-61) on every trim; stem length 75 mm (44-49), 90 mm (52), 100 mm (54-56) and 110 mm (58-61) with the S-Level cockpit, the Expert and Comp stems being 80 mm on sizes 44 and 49. Headset spacers up to 35 mm.
Aerodynamics
- Manufacturer aero claims
- Same tube shapes as the S-Works SL9: Specialized calls the SL9 the most aerodynamic road race bike it has tested and claims 4 W less drag than the SL8; the Speed Sniffer head tube is 4 mm narrower for a 10% smaller frontal area, with the rear brake hose routed beside the steerer (Offset Steerer) to make room.
- Testing method
- Specialized Win Tunnel with a moving-leg mannequin, plus race-course simulations
- Tube profile
- Speed Sniffer head tube, dropped down tube, Win Fin rear, twisted-blade Flow Fork
Travel, maintenance & warranty
- Headset bearings
- Stainless steel bearings, Specialized custom 49.5 mm OD x 40.5 mm ID x 6.5 mm, 45° (top and bottom)
- Derailleur hanger
- UDH (SRAM Universal Derailleur Hanger)
- Maintenance
- Front rotor 160 mm only, rear 140 or 160 mm. The user manual lists tubeless compatibility as 'Only S-Works (OE spec)'; the Expert and Comp ship with inner tubes. No rack, fender, bag or kickstand mounts; 2.3 kg seat-bag limit.
- Proprietary parts
- Roval Rapide one-piece cockpit (S-Level), D-shaped seatpost and wedge, custom headset bearings
- Sold via
- Specialized retailers and specialized.com
Photos
Design sketches
Builds & components
Highlighted rows differ between builds. Green marks the best value.
Tarmac SL9 S-Level - Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 | Tarmac SL9 S-Level - SRAM RED AXS | Tarmac SL9 Expert - Shimano Ultegra Di2 | Tarmac SL9 Expert - SRAM Force AXS | Tarmac SL9 Comp - Shimano 105 Di2 | Tarmac SL9 Comp - SRAM Rival AXS | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||||||
| Price (MSRP) | €10,499$10,000£8,749 | €10,499$10,500£8,749 | €6,999$6,500£5,999 | €6,999$7,000£5,999 | €4,499$4,200£3,999 | €4,499$4,500£3,999 |
| Weight | 7.1 kg15.7 lb | 7.1 kg15.7 lb | 7.53 kg16.6 lb | 7.55 kg16.6 lb | 8.21 kg18.1 lb | 8.14 kg17.9 lb |
| Weight measured on size | 56 | 56 | 56 | 56 | 56 | 56 |
| Type | Complete bike | Complete bike | Complete bike | Complete bike | Complete bike | Complete bike |
| Notes | Colours: Satin Carbon (US); Gloss White Silver Metallic (UK, Germany). Weight of a painted production bike as pictured. | Colours: Gloss White, Gloss Cayenne Metallic (US); Gloss White, Satin Carbon (UK, Germany). Weight of a painted production bike as pictured. | Colours: Gloss Pacific Blue Metallic, Gloss Black. No power meter. Weight of a painted production bike as pictured. | Colours: Satin Warm Smoke Metallic, Gloss Silver Dust. No power meter. Weight of a painted production bike as pictured. | Colours: Gloss Dolomite Metallic, Gloss Charcoal Tint. No power meter. Weight of a painted production bike as pictured. | Colours: Gloss Vivid Red, Gloss Charcoal Tint. No power meter. Weight of a painted production bike as pictured. |
| Drivetrain | ||||||
| Groupset | Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 R9200 | SRAM Red AXS E1 | Shimano Ultegra Di2 R8100 | SRAM Force AXS E1 | Shimano 105 Di2 R7100 | SRAM Rival AXS E1 |
| Launched | 2021 · current generation | 2024 · current generation | 2021 · current generation | 2025 · current generation | 2022 · current generation | 2025 · current generation |
| Speeds | 12-speed | 12-speed | 12-speed | 12-speed | 12-speed | 12-speed |
| Electronic | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Wireless | — | Yes | — | Yes | — | Yes |
| Drivetrain | 2x | 2x | 2x | 2x | 2x | 2x |
| Shifters | Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 R9270 | SRAM Red AXS E1 | Shimano Ultegra Di2 R8170 | SRAM Force AXS E1 | Shimano 105 Di2 R7170 | SRAM Rival AXS E1 |
| Notes | — | Hydraulic disc shift/brake levers | — | Hydraulic disc shift/brake levers | — | Hydraulic disc shift/brake levers |
| Crankset | Shimano Dura-Ace R9200 | SRAM Red AXS E1 Power Meter | Shimano Ultegra R8100 | SRAM Force E1 | Shimano 105 R7100 | SRAM Rival E1 |
| Chainrings | 52/36 | 50/37 | 52/36 | 48/35 | 52/36 | 48/35 |
| Crank lengths available | 165 mm (44-52), 170 mm (54-56), 172.5 mm (58-61) | 165 mm (44-52), 170 mm (54-56), 172.5 mm (58-61) | 165 mm (44-52), 170 mm (54-56), 172.5 mm (58-61) | 165 mm (44-52), 170 mm (54-56), 172.5 mm (58-61) | 165 mm (44-52), 170 mm (54-56), 172.5 mm (58-61) | 165 mm (44-52), 170 mm (54-56), 172.5 mm (58-61) |
| Power meter | 4iiii Precision Pro | SRAM Red AXS E1 Power Meter | — | — | — | — |
| Launched | — | 2024 · current generation | — | — | — | — |
| Type | — | Integrated in crankset | — | — | — | — |
| Measurement | Dual-sided | — | — | — | — | — |
| Bottom bracket | Shimano Threaded BSA | SRAM DUB BSA 68 | Shimano Threaded BSA | SRAM DUB BSA 68 | Shimano Threaded BSA | SRAM DUB BSA 68 |
| Standard | BSA threaded, 68 mm | BSA threaded, 68 mm, SRAM DUB | BSA threaded, 68 mm | BSA threaded, 68 mm, SRAM DUB | BSA threaded, 68 mm | BSA threaded, 68 mm, SRAM DUB |
| Front derailleur | Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 R9250 | SRAM Red AXS E1 | Shimano Ultegra Di2 R8150 | SRAM Force AXS E1 | Shimano 105 Di2 | SRAM Rival AXS E1 |
| Notes | Braze-on | Braze-on | Braze-on | Braze-on | Braze-on; Specialized lists it as '105 R7170' | Braze-on |
| Rear derailleur | Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 R9250 | SRAM Red AXS E1 | Shimano Ultegra Di2 R8150 | SRAM Force AXS E1 | Shimano 105 Di2 R7150 | SRAM Rival AXS E1 |
| Cassette | Shimano Dura-Ace R9200 | SRAM Red XG-1290 E1 | Shimano Ultegra R8100 | SRAM Force XG-1270 E1 | Shimano 105 R7100 | SRAM Rival XG-1250 D1 |
| Range | 11-34 | 10-36 | 11-34 | 10-36 | 11-34 | 10-36 |
| Speeds | 12-speed | 12-speed | 12-speed | 12-speed | 12-speed | 12-speed |
| Chain | Shimano CN-M9100 | SRAM Red E1 | Shimano CN-M8100 | SRAM Force E1 Flattop | Shimano CN-M7100 | SRAM Rival E1 Flattop |
| Notes | XTR M9100 chain with quick link | Flattop | XT M8100 chain | Flattop | SLX M7100 chain | Flattop |
| Brakes | ||||||
| Brake calipers | Shimano Dura-Ace BR-R9270 | SRAM Red E1 | Shimano Ultegra BR-R8170 | SRAM Force E1 | Shimano 105 BR-R7170 | SRAM Rival E1 |
| Type | Hydraulic disc | Hydraulic disc | Hydraulic disc | Hydraulic disc | Hydraulic disc | Hydraulic disc |
| Wheels & tires | ||||||
| Wheelset | Roval Rapide CL III | Roval Rapide CL III | Roval C38 | Roval C38 | DT Swiss R470 | DT Swiss R470 |
| Front rim depth | 51 mm | 51 mm | — | — | — | — |
| Rear rim depth | 48.5 mm | 48.5 mm | — | — | — | — |
| Internal rim width | 21 mm | 21 mm | 21 mm | 21 mm | 20 mm | 20 mm |
| Material | Carbon | Carbon | Carbon | Carbon | Aluminium | Aluminium |
| Tubeless ready | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Hubs | DT Swiss 350, 18H front, 24H rear | DT Swiss 350, 18H front, 24H rear | — | — | Specialized sealed-bearing thru-axle hubs, Centerlock, 24H | Specialized sealed-bearing thru-axle hubs, Centerlock, 24H |
| Spokes | DT Swiss Competition Race straight-pull | DT Swiss Competition Race straight-pull | — | — | DT Swiss Champion 14G stainless steel, brass nipples | DT Swiss Champion 14G stainless steel, brass nipples |
| Tires | Specialized Cotton TLR | Specialized Cotton TLR | Specialized S-Works Turbo | Specialized S-Works Turbo | Specialized S-Works Turbo | Specialized S-Works Turbo |
| Tire width | 30 mm | 30 mm | 30 mm | 30 mm | 30 mm | 30 mm |
| Notes | Specialized also lists 700x24-34 mm inner tubes with 80 mm valves | Specialized also lists 700x24-34 mm inner tubes with 80 mm valves | Specialized also lists 700x24-34 mm inner tubes with 60 mm valves | Specialized also lists 700x24-34 mm inner tubes with 60 mm valves | Specialized also lists 700x28-38 mm inner tubes with 48 mm valves | Specialized also lists 700x28-38 mm inner tubes with 48 mm valves |
| Cockpit | ||||||
| Handlebar | Roval Rapide Cockpit | Roval Rapide Cockpit | Specialized Expert Shallow Drop | Specialized Expert Shallow Drop | Specialized Shallow Drop | Specialized Shallow Drop |
| Type | One-piece bar and stem | One-piece bar and stem | Drop bar | Drop bar | Drop bar | Drop bar |
| Integrated stem | Yes | Yes | — | — | — | — |
| Widths available | 380 mm (44-54), 400 mm (56), 420 mm (58-61) as fitted by size | 380 mm (44-54), 400 mm (56), 420 mm (58-61) as fitted by size | 380 mm (44-54), 400 mm (56), 420 mm (58-61) as fitted by size | 380 mm (44-54), 400 mm (56), 420 mm (58-61) as fitted by size | 380 mm (44-54), 400 mm (56), 420 mm (58-61) as fitted by size | 380 mm (44-54), 400 mm (56), 420 mm (58-61) as fitted by size |
| Bar reach | — | — | 75 mm | 75 mm | 70 mm | 70 mm |
| Bar drop | — | — | 125 mm | 125 mm | 125 mm | 125 mm |
| Material | Carbon | Carbon | Alloy | Alloy | 6061 alloy | 6061 alloy |
| Notes | Stem length 75 mm (44-49), 90 mm (52), 100 mm (54-56), 110 mm (58-61) | Stem length 75 mm (44-49), 90 mm (52), 100 mm (54-56), 110 mm (58-61) | — | — | 31.8 mm clamp | 31.8 mm clamp |
| Stem | — | — | Roval Rapide | Roval Rapide | Roval Rapide | Roval Rapide |
| Stem length | — | — | 80 mm (44-49), 90 mm (52), 100 mm (54-56), 110 mm (58-61) | 80 mm (44-49), 90 mm (52), 100 mm (54-56), 110 mm (58-61) | 80 mm (44-49), 90 mm (52), 100 mm (54-56), 110 mm (58-61) | 80 mm (44-49), 90 mm (52), 100 mm (54-56), 110 mm (58-61) |
| Notes | — | — | Alloy, 4-bolt, -6 degrees | Alloy, 4-bolt, -6 degrees | Alloy, 4-bolt, -6 degrees | Alloy, 4-bolt, -6 degrees |
| Saddle & seatpost | ||||||
| Saddle | Specialized Power Pro with Mirror | Specialized Power Pro with Mirror | Specialized Power Expert | Specialized Power Expert | Specialized Power Comp | Specialized Power Comp |
| Widths available | 155 mm (44-52), 143 mm (54-61) | 155 mm (44-52), 143 mm (54-61) | 155 mm (44-52), 143 mm (54-61) | 155 mm (44-52), 143 mm (54-61) | 155 mm (44-52), 143 mm (54-61) | 155 mm (44-52), 143 mm (54-61) |
| Rails | Hollow titanium | Hollow titanium | Hollow titanium | Hollow titanium | Chromoly | Chromoly |
| Seatpost | Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL8 Carbon Seatpost | Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL8 Carbon Seatpost | Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL8 Carbon Seatpost | Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL8 Carbon Seatpost | Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL8 Carbon Seatpost | Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL8 Carbon Seatpost |
| Offset / setback | 15 mm | 15 mm | 15 mm | 15 mm | 15 mm | 15 mm |
| Material | FACT carbon | FACT carbon | FACT carbon | FACT carbon | FACT carbon | FACT carbon |
| Notes | 300 mm long (44-52), 380 mm (54-61); Tarmac integrated wedge binder | 300 mm long (44-52), 380 mm (54-61); Tarmac integrated wedge binder | 300 mm long (44-52), 380 mm (54-61); Tarmac integrated wedge binder | 300 mm long (44-52), 380 mm (54-61); Tarmac integrated wedge binder | 300 mm long (44-52), 380 mm (54-61); Tarmac integrated wedge binder | 300 mm long (44-52), 380 mm (54-61); Tarmac integrated wedge binder |
| Bar tape | Supacaz Super Sticky Kush | Supacaz Super Sticky Kush | Supacaz Super Sticky Kush | Supacaz Super Sticky Kush | Supacaz Super Sticky Kush | Supacaz Super Sticky Kush |
Tarmac SL9 price & value
Where it's cheapest
MSRPs converted at ECB reference rates of 2026-10-05 (1 EUR = 1.1204 USD = 0.8472 GBP). US prices exclude sales tax, so add your state's rate before comparing.
| Build | Market | MSRP | In EUR | vs cheapest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tarmac SL9 S-Level - Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 | USA (USD, excl. sales tax) | $10,000 | €8,925 | cheapest |
| UK (GBP, incl. VAT) | £8,749 | €10,327 | +16% | |
| Europe (EUR, incl. VAT) | €10,499 | €10,499 | +18% | |
| Tarmac SL9 S-Level - SRAM RED AXS | USA (USD, excl. sales tax) | $10,500 | €9,372 | cheapest |
| UK (GBP, incl. VAT) | £8,749 | €10,327 | +10% | |
| Europe (EUR, incl. VAT) | €10,499 | €10,499 | +12% | |
| Tarmac SL9 Expert - Shimano Ultegra Di2 | USA (USD, excl. sales tax) | $6,500 | €5,801 | cheapest |
| Europe (EUR, incl. VAT) | €6,999 | €6,999 | +21% | |
| UK (GBP, incl. VAT) | £5,999 | €7,081 | +22% | |
| Tarmac SL9 Expert - SRAM Force AXS | USA (USD, excl. sales tax) | $7,000 | €6,248 | cheapest |
| Europe (EUR, incl. VAT) | €6,999 | €6,999 | +12% | |
| UK (GBP, incl. VAT) | £5,999 | €7,081 | +13% | |
| Tarmac SL9 Comp - Shimano 105 Di2 | USA (USD, excl. sales tax) | $4,200 | €3,749 | cheapest |
| Europe (EUR, incl. VAT) | €4,499 | €4,499 | +20% | |
| UK (GBP, incl. VAT) | £3,999 | €4,720 | +26% | |
| Tarmac SL9 Comp - SRAM Rival AXS | USA (USD, excl. sales tax) | $4,500 | €4,016 | cheapest |
| Europe (EUR, incl. VAT) | €4,499 | €4,499 | +12% | |
| UK (GBP, incl. VAT) | £3,999 | €4,720 | +18% |
Ownership checklist
3 of 3 known checks pass, 1 not published by Specialized. Why these checks
- ✓
Threaded bottom bracket
BSA threaded, 68 mm
- ✓
UDH derailleur hanger
UDH (SRAM Universal Derailleur Hanger)
- ✓
Standard 12×142 mm rear axle
12x142 mm thru-axle (UDH dropout)
- ?
Works with mechanical shifting
Tarmac SL9 geometry
| 44 | 49 | 52 | 54 | 56 | 58 | 61 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stack | 501 mm19.7″ | 514 mm20.2″ | 527 mm20.7″ | 544 mm21.4″ | 565 mm22.2″ | 591 mm23.3″ | 612 mm24.1″ |
| Reach | 366 mm14.4″ | 375 mm14.8″ | 380 mm15″ | 384 mm15.1″ | 395 mm15.6″ | 402 mm15.8″ | 408 mm16.1″ |
| Seat tube angle | 75.5° | 75.5° | 74° | 74° | 73.5° | 73.5° | 73° |
| Head tube angle | 70.5° | 71.8° | 72.5° | 72.5° | 73.5° | 73.5° | 74° |
| Head tube length | 99 mm3.9″ | 109 mm4.3″ | 120 mm4.7″ | 140 mm5.5″ | 157 mm6.2″ | 184 mm7.2″ | 204 mm8″ |
| Effective top tube | 496 mm19.5″ | 509 mm20″ | 531 mm20.9″ | 540 mm21.3″ | 563 mm22.2″ | 577 mm22.7″ | 595 mm23.4″ |
| Seat tube length | 433 mm17″ | 445 mm17.5″ | 456 mm18″ | 473 mm18.6″ | 494 mm19.4″ | 515 mm20.3″ | 545 mm21.5″ |
| Chainstay | 410 mm16.1″ | 410 mm16.1″ | 410 mm16.1″ | 410 mm16.1″ | 410 mm16.1″ | 410 mm16.1″ | 410 mm16.1″ |
| Wheelbase | 970 mm38.2″ | 973 mm38.3″ | 975 mm38.4″ | 986 mm38.8″ | 991 mm39″ | 1,006 mm39.6″ | 1,013 mm39.9″ |
| BB drop | 74 mm2.9″ | 74 mm2.9″ | 74 mm2.9″ | 72 mm2.8″ | 72 mm2.8″ | 72 mm2.8″ | 72 mm2.8″ |
| BB height | 266 mm10.5″ | 266 mm10.5″ | 266 mm10.5″ | 268 mm10.6″ | 268 mm10.6″ | 268 mm10.6″ | 268 mm10.6″ |
| Fork length | 370 mm14.6″ | 370 mm14.6″ | 370 mm14.6″ | 370 mm14.6″ | 370 mm14.6″ | 370 mm14.6″ | 370 mm14.6″ |
| Fork offset | 47 mm1.9″ | 47 mm1.9″ | 47 mm1.9″ | 47 mm1.9″ | 44 mm1.7″ | 44 mm1.7″ | 44 mm1.7″ |
| Trail | 71 mm2.8″ | 63 mm2.5″ | 58 mm2.3″ | 58 mm2.3″ | 55 mm2.2″ | 55 mm2.2″ | 52 mm2″ |
| Front centre | 567 mm22.3″ | 570 mm22.4″ | 572 mm22.5″ | 582 mm22.9″ | 587 mm23.1″ | 602 mm23.7″ | 609 mm24″ |
| Standover | 722 mm28.4″ | 734 mm28.9″ | 745 mm29.3″ | 767 mm30.2″ | 785 mm30.9″ | 807 mm31.8″ | 833 mm32.8″ |
| Wheel size | 700c | 700c | 700c | 700c | 700c | 700c | 700c |
| Crank length | 165 mm6.5″ | 165 mm6.5″ | 165 mm6.5″ | 170 mm6.7″ | 170 mm6.7″ | 172.5 mm6.8″ | 172.5 mm6.8″ |
| Stem length | 75 mm3″ | 75 mm3″ | 90 mm3.5″ | 100 mm3.9″ | 100 mm3.9″ | 110 mm4.3″ | 110 mm4.3″ |
| Handlebar width | 380 mm15″ | 380 mm15″ | 380 mm15″ | 380 mm15″ | 400 mm15.7″ | 420 mm16.5″ | 420 mm16.5″ |
Side view
Drawn to scale (how to read it).
How the geometry rides
The Tarmac SL9 in size 54 against the middle size of 29 other bikes: tendencies from geometry, not a ride review (how to read this).
- Trail58 mm2.3″
shortestlonger than 28% of 29 bikeslongest
- Wheelbase986 mm38.8″
shortestlonger than 56% of 65 bikeslongest
- Front centre582 mm22.9″
shortestlonger than 34% of 29 bikeslongest
- Chainstay410 mm16.1″
shortestlonger than 63% of 73 bikeslongest
Good to know
Design
Specialized says the FACT 10r frame uses the Flow State Design approach first seen on the Aethos, shaping tubes to carry load so fewer carbon plies are needed, and that it withstands over 100,000 test cycles at 2,377 W. Press reports Specialized claims the same stiffness and compliance as the FACT 12r frame, 135 g heavier.
SourceAerodynamics
The Win Fin and the rear of the frame were shaped around a one-bottle set-up, which Specialized says is how most breakaways are ridden, and the Flow Fork's blades are twisted inward to guide air along the frame.
SourceVersions
Specialized added the S-Level, Expert and Comp in late August 2026, two months after the S-Works launch. S-Level replaces the former Pro trim: S-Works-level drivetrains and the Rapide cockpit on the FACT 10r frame, with Rapide CL III wheels (DT Swiss 350 hubs and steel spokes instead of carbon spokes), stainless rather than CeramicSpeed bearings and the SL8-generation seatpost.
Source
Tarmac SL9 FAQ
How much does the Specialized Tarmac SL9 cost?+
Manufacturer prices (MSRP): €4,499–€10,499 / $4,200–$10,500 / £3,999–£8,749 across 6 listed builds and framesets: Tarmac SL9 S-Level - Shimano Dura-Ace Di2, Tarmac SL9 S-Level - SRAM RED AXS, Tarmac SL9 Expert - Shimano Ultegra Di2, Tarmac SL9 Expert - SRAM Force AXS, Tarmac SL9 Comp - Shimano 105 Di2 and Tarmac SL9 Comp - SRAM Rival AXS.
How much does the Specialized Tarmac SL9 weigh?+
The lightest complete build listed (Tarmac SL9 S-Level - Shimano Dura-Ace Di2) weighs 7.1 kg (15.7 lb) in size 56. The frame weighs 822 g (29 oz) (Frame 822 g as stated by Specialized on the S-Level product page (painted production frame; BikeRadar gives it for size 56)).
What sizes does the Specialized Tarmac SL9 come in?+
7 sizes: 44, 49, 52, 54, 56, 58 and 61.
What is the tire clearance of the Specialized Tarmac SL9?+
Up to 32 mm tires on 700c wheels.
Which groupsets are compatible with the Specialized Tarmac SL9?+
Drivetrain compatibility: 1x and 2x; Shimano Di2 (wired routing) and SRAM AXS. 2x chainrings: Shimano 34-42 / 50-55T, SRAM 35-41 / 48-54T; 1x 46-54T. Cassettes: Shimano 11-36 max, SRAM 10-46 max.. 1x drivetrains are supported. The largest chainring that fits is 55T. Bottom bracket: BSA threaded, 68 mm.
What builds of the Specialized Tarmac SL9 are available?+
Tarmac SL9 S-Level - Shimano Dura-Ace Di2: Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 R9200; Tarmac SL9 S-Level - SRAM RED AXS: SRAM Red AXS E1; Tarmac SL9 Expert - Shimano Ultegra Di2: Shimano Ultegra Di2 R8100; Tarmac SL9 Expert - SRAM Force AXS: SRAM Force AXS E1; Tarmac SL9 Comp - Shimano 105 Di2: Shimano 105 Di2 R7100; Tarmac SL9 Comp - SRAM Rival AXS: SRAM Rival AXS E1.
Is the Specialized Tarmac SL9 aerodynamic?+
Same tube shapes as the S-Works SL9: Specialized calls the SL9 the most aerodynamic road race bike it has tested and claims 4 W less drag than the SL8; the Speed Sniffer head tube is 4 mm narrower for a 10% smaller frontal area, with the rear brake hose routed beside the steerer (Offset Steerer) to make room. (Specialized Win Tunnel with a moving-leg mannequin, plus race-course simulations)
Sources
- https://www.specialized.com/us/en/tarmac-sl9-s-level-shimano-dura-ace-di2/p/4293535
- https://www.specialized.com/gb/en/tarmac-sl9-s-level-shimano-dura-ace-di2/p/4293535
- https://www.specialized.com/de/de/tarmac-sl9-s-level--shimano-dura-ace-di2/p/4293535
- https://www.specialized.com/us/en/tarmac-sl9-s-level-sram-red-axs/p/4293534
- https://www.specialized.com/gb/en/tarmac-sl9-s-level-sram-red-axs/p/4293534
- https://www.specialized.com/de/de/tarmac-sl9-s-level--sram-red-axs/p/4293534
- https://www.specialized.com/us/en/tarmac-sl9-expert-shimano-ultegra-di2/p/4293531
- https://www.specialized.com/gb/en/tarmac-sl9-expert-shimano-ultegra-di2/p/4293531
- https://www.specialized.com/de/de/tarmac-sl9-expert--shimano-ultegra-di2/p/4293531
- https://www.specialized.com/us/en/tarmac-sl9-expert-sram-force-axs/p/4293530
- https://www.specialized.com/gb/en/tarmac-sl9-expert-sram-force-axs/p/4293530
- https://www.specialized.com/de/de/tarmac-sl9-expert--sram-force-axs/p/4293530
- https://www.specialized.com/us/en/tarmac-sl9-comp-shimano-105-di2/p/4293528
- https://www.specialized.com/gb/en/tarmac-sl9-comp-shimano-105-di2/p/4293528
- https://www.specialized.com/de/de/tarmac-sl9-comp--shimano-105-di2/p/4293528
- https://www.specialized.com/us/en/tarmac-sl9-comp-sram-rival-axs/p/4293529
- https://www.specialized.com/gb/en/tarmac-sl9-comp-sram-rival-axs/p/4293529
- https://www.specialized.com/de/de/tarmac-sl9-comp--sram-rival-axs/p/4293529
- https://www.specialized.com/us/en/shop/bikes/road-bikes/performance-road-bikes/tarmac
- https://www.specialized.com/gb/en/shop/bikes/road-bikes/racing-bikes/tarmac
- https://www.specialized.com/de/de/shop/fahrrader/rennrader/profirennrader/tarmac
- https://media.specialized.com/support/collateral/TARMAC_SL9_USER_MANUAL_ENGLISH.pdf
- https://www.bikeradar.com/news/specialized-unveils-cheaper-tarmac-sl9s
- https://www.tour-magazin.de/en/e-road-bike/aero-road-bike/s-level-expert-and-comp-more-affordable-spec-options-for-the-specialized-tarmac-sl9/
- https://escapecollective.com/specialized-reveals-rest-of-tarmac-sl9-line/
Specialized Tarmac SL9 data last updated · How the data is checked ·