Specialized has finally expanded its Tarmac SL9 range with three cheaper models, including a new Tarmac SL9 S-Level, as well as Expert and Comp models.
In June, Specialized released its flagship S-Works Tarmac SL9, which it called “the fastest road bike ever made”, but left a gap in its range for those after a latest-generation race bike at a more affordable price.
The new SL9s fill this gap and all use a cost-saving Fact 10r carbon frame in place of the Fact 12r frame found on the top S-Works models.
The S-Level Tarmac SL9 replaces the previous Pro level bikes and costs £8,799 – a £3,200 saving over the flagship bike while retaining a near pro-spec build.
Beneath this, the Tarmac SL9 Expert costs £5,999 and Tarmac SL9 Comp at £3,999. We’ve included prices for the United States, Europe and Australia at the bottom of this story.
The “closest experience to S-Works”
S-Level was first introduced by Specialized for the Crux 5 gravel bike in May, and it essentially replaces ‘Pro’ spec bikes. Specialized describes it as delivering the “closest experience to S-Works” without the flagship model's Fact 12r carbon frame.
The S-Level, Expert and Pro bikes feature Fact 10r carbon frames, which are said to deliver the same stiffness and compliance levels as the Fact 12r S-Works frames, just at a heavier weight.
The SL9 10r frame is said to weigh 822g, compared to 687g for the 12r frame, in a size 56cm.
The tube shapes, and therefore aerodynamics, of the new SL9 models are identical to the S-Works SL9.
That includes the aerodynamic revisions introduced with the S-Works Tarmac SL9, such as the narrower head tube and offset steerer, revised fork and down tube, 'Win Fin' behind the seat tube and new aero seatpost.
These improvements were developed around Specialized’s 'Time to Finish' metric, for which it says it has balanced aerodynamics, weight and ride quality to meet the finish line in the shortest time possible.
The flagship S-Works Tarmac SL9 is claimed to be 4 watts faster than the outgoing Tarmac SL8 at 45kph, while Specialized's own models put it ahead of rivals including the Colnago Y1Rs, Cervélo S5 and Factor One.
The Tarmac SL9 lineup now neatly mirrors the Crux with S-Works, S-Level, Expert and Comp tiers. So you’ll get short odds from us on the same being repeated for future generations of Specialized's other bikes, such as the Roubaix.
S-Works performance for less?
The S-Level bikes feature SRAM Red AXS or Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 groupsets with dual-sided power meters, Fact 12r carbon forks, Roval Rapide cockpits, and S-Works Turbo Cotton TLR tyres, which is the same spec as the S-Works bikes.
However, second-tier Roval Rapide CL III wheels, Specialized Power Pro with Mirror saddle, and a ‘standard’ SRAM DUB bottom bracket and steel headset bearings round out the build.
As with most bike component mixes we’ve seen over the years, ‘downgrades’ of this type are unlikely to make much tangible difference to the overall ride experience. That said, we’re looking forward to testing an S-Level bike to find out for sure.
Despite these differences, Specialized says complete S-Level builds weigh 7.1kg, while the S-Works SL9 starts at a claimed 6.5kg.
2027 Specialized Tarmac SL9 full range and prices
The new models give the Tarmac SL9 a much broader price range than when Specialized offered only the two £11,999 S-Works builds.
Alongside S-Level, the Expert and Comp models are available from £5,999 / $6,600 / €6,999 and £3,999 / $4,500 / €4,499.
These feature SRAM Force AXS or Shimano Ultegra Di2 R8100 groupsets, and SRAM Rival AXS or Shimano 105 Di2 R7100 groupsets respectively. Neither come with power meters.
The Tarmac Expert features a two-piece alloy cockpit with Roval’s entry-level C38 carbon wheels fitted with S-Works Turbo tyres, while the Comp’s entry level spec features alloy DT Swiss R470 wheels and the same cockpit and tyres.
| Model | US | Europe | UK | Australia |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| S-Works Tarmac SL9 AXS | $14,000 | € 13,999 | £11,999 | $21,500 |
| S-Works Tarmac SL9 Di2 | $13,500 | € 13,999 | £11,999 | $20,500 |
| Tarmac SL9 S-Level AXS | $10,500 | € 10,499 | £8,799 | $15,500 |
| Tarmac SL9 S-Level Di2 | $10,000 | € 10,499 | £8,799 | $14,500 |
| Tarmac SL9 Expert AXS | $7,000 | € 6,999 | £5,999 | $10,200 |
| Tarmac SL9 Expert Di2 | $6,600 | € 6,999 | £5,999 | $9,500 |
| Tarmac SL9 Comp AXS | $4,500 | € 4,499 | £3,999 | $7,200 |
| Tarmac SL9 Comp Di2 | $4,500 | € 4,499 | £3,999 | $7,200 |
| S-Works Team Replica Framesets | $6,000 | € 5,999 | £5,499 | $9,500 |
| S-Works Tarmac SL9 Frameset | $5,800 | € 5,799 | £5,249 | $9,500 |
