Whether you're an elite racer or a cyclist looking for performance, the Specialized Tarmac is undoubtedly one of the best-selling bikes most capable of providing the pleasure and performance you desire.
The Tarmac is, first and foremost, a frame with classic geometry designed for performance cycling. The perfect balance of its angles makes it one of the most enjoyable bikes to ride. It's undoubtedly for these reasons that it is one of the best-selling road bikes in the world!
The Tarmac frame versions in 2014:
Sport, Elite, Comp, Pro and S-Works
The Tarmac variations differ in the type of carbon used in the frame construction: 10r carbon for the Sport, Elite, Comp, and Pro versions, and 11r carbon for the S-Works version.
Whatever your budget for your next road bike purchase, there's a Tarmac version that matches it. With an MSRP* of around $2300 for the Sport version equipped with Shimano 105 components, you'll be able to experience the pleasure of riding a high-performance, full-carbon frame.
In its base versions: Sport, Elite, and Comp, the Tarmac is a comfortable and agile bike. It's an excellent road bike for anyone who wants to start road cycling, train, or go on long-distance recreational rides. The Shimano or SRAM components are selected to offer excellent performance at an attractive price.
The Pro version is aimed more at cyclists who want a stiffer frame with more durable components such as Shimano Ultegra or SRAM Force. It's one of the best value-for-money options if you want a bike capable of performing well in a race or helping you position yourself well in a cyclosportive event where the competition level is quite high.
In its S-Works version, the Tarmac is a true thoroughbred whose performance is so outstanding it gives you goosebumps. The lightweight and stiff S-Works frame offers high-precision handling and a very high level of feel. It's no wonder it's used by a large number of teams and semi-pro and pro riders (just ask Sébastien Cossette of the Quilicot-RackUltra team ). At the handlebars of this bike, you feel connected to the asphalt, and it leaps forward as soon as you apply power to the pedals. Due to its light weight, especially when equipped with SRAM RED components, it is an extremely efficient climbing bike, and its responsiveness is very impressive.
The 2014 Tarmac SL4
Specialized's SL4 is currently one of the stiffest frames on the market, largely due to the shape and size of its tubes. The oversized top tube makes the front of the bike very stiff and provides very precise handling. As for the massive and imposing downtube, it contributes, along with the monocoque carbon bottom bracket, to the frame's great stiffness and aggressive look.
The new 2015 Tarmac: "Rider-First"
In 2015, the new S-Works Tarmac 2015 benefits from the Rider-First Engineered™ concept, which allows each frame size to offer the exceptional stiffness and descending capabilities that have made the Tarmac famous. This approach means that each frame size delivers an equivalent level of performance. This means that a 1.90m cyclist will experience the same feel and performance level on their bike as a 1.70m cyclist on theirs.
So, whether you are a professional racer or a recreational cyclist, the Tarmac is definitely a bike to consider to make each of your rides an experience worthy of a Tour de France stage.
*Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price
Tarmac Race Rival 2013 Liquidation