Specialized Tarmac SL2 Elite review

Name: Specialized Tarmac SL2 Elite review
Item: Specialized Tarmac SL2 Elite review
Rating: 3.5

Refined carbon creation with race-inspired handling

Our rating

3.5

GBP £1,649.99 RRP

By Cycling Plus

March 1, 2011 at 8:00 am

Our review

Superb handling race bike that’s crying out for better wheels

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The Tarmac is the racier of Specialized’s two carbon road bike families, and the SL2 Elite split our testers’ opinions right down the middle. More competitively inclined riders admired its refined frame and race-inspired handling, and it climbed efficiently too, carrying its weight well.

But even its 27.2mm carbon seatpost and a supportive saddle couldn’t stop some of our Bike of the Year testers finding it hard going during longer rides. A hugely competent race bike then, but the wheels are quite modest and overall it lacks that little sparkle, and appealed to fewer riders than its comfort-enhanced Roubaix sibling.

Product Specifications

Product

Name	Tarmac SL2 Elite
Brand	Specialized

Description	Groupset: Shimano 105
Fork	FACT Carbon
Frame Material	FACT Carbon
Seatpost	Carbon
Stem	Comp-Set
Weight (kg)	8.6
Wheelset	WHR500

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Cycling Plus is the UK's best selling monthly road cycling magazine. Established in 1992, every issue is packed with expert reviews of the latest road bikes and gear, inspirational routes and rides, evocative features that take you inside every aspect of cycling and unmatched nutrition, fitness and training advice.