Tarmac SL7

Name: Specialized Tarmac SL7
Brand: Specialized
Availability: InStock

bike4000–13000 EUR

Origin

Specialized realized that racers shouldn't have to choose between a climbing bike (SL6) and an aero bike (Venge). The SL7 was developed in the 'Win Tunnel' to be at the UCI weight limit while being almost as aero as the Venge. Gen 7 (2020-present): Aero shapes integrated into a lightweight climbing frame, replacing the dedicated Venge aero bike.

Specifications

Frame: FACT 12r carbon (S-Works, ~800 g claimed painted, 56 cm) or FACT 10r carbon (Pro/Expert/Comp/Sport, ~920 g claimed, 56 cm). Fully integrated internal cable routing; reverted to threaded 68 mm BSA bottom bracket.
Weight: kg
Drivetrain: 12-speed; build-dependent: Shimano 105 Di2 / Ultegra Di2 / Dura-Ace Di2, or SRAM Rival/Force/RED eTap AXS (S-Works top builds run Dura-Ace Di2 or RED AXS with power meter)
Brakes: Hydraulic disc, flat-mount (Shimano or SRAM matching the groupset); 160/140 mm rotors typical
Wheels: Build-dependent: Roval Rapide CLX (51 mm front / 60 mm rear, ~1400 g, non-tubeless on early top builds) on S-Works/Pro; Roval C38 or alloy on lower trims; 21 mm internal rim width

The verdict

+Strengths

Genuine speed all-rounder — nearly Venge-level aero at climbing-bike weight, ending the aero-vs-lightweight tradeoff.
Sharp, precise, lively handling; corners can be carried at high speed with composure (praised by GranFondo).
Hits the UCI weight limit in S-Works trim (~6.7 kg complete) with excellent stiffness and power transfer.
Threaded BSA bottom bracket and fully integrated cable routing — cleaner aesthetics and easier home servicing than the old OSBB.
Broad build ladder from Shimano 105 Di2 up to Dura-Ace Di2 / SRAM RED AXS keeps the same fast frame accessible.

−Weaknesses

Firm, race-stiff ride; vibration damping only really works at speed under aggressive riding — punishing on rough roads and long days.
Demands an experienced, aggressive rider — beginners can feel overwhelmed; not a comfort/endurance bike.
Early top-tier Roval Rapide CLX wheels were not certified tubeless-ready, an odd omission given Specialized's tubeless advocacy.
Premium pricing, especially the S-Works tier; cost of entry to the fast frame is high.
Tire clearance maxes at 32 mm — narrower than newer all-road race bikes for mixed surfaces.