Tarmac SL7 Release date

I ended up with the “official” Tarmac SL7 FAQ. It covers a range of discussion and questions above (most have been answered, but figure it’s still worth a share for clarity).


Is the new Tarmac SL7 Rider-First Engineered™?

  • Yes. Every frame size has the same legendary climbing responsiveness and descending prowess you’d expect from any of our Performance road bikes.

How much does the Tarmac SL7 weigh?

  • The S-Works Tarmac SL7 uses our most premium FACT 12r material and layup to achieve a
    painted weight of 800g in the lightest colorways.

  • The complete out of the box weight of the S-Works Di2 model is 6.7kg in the Carbon/Color Run Silver Green colorway.

  • The Tarmac SL7 Pro and Expert models use our FACT 10r carbon material and layup and have a frame weight of 920g.

  • The complete Tarmac SL7 Pro UDi2 model weighs 7.3kg, and the Tarmac SL7 Expert UDi2 model weighs 7.65kg.

What’s the difference between FACT 12r and 10r framesets?

  • The main differences between these two frame levels is the carbon layup and the materials used. Both frames share the same design and there is no difference in the handling or ride
    quality between them.

When it comes to aerodynamics, how much faster is the new Tarmac SL7 compared to the
previous generation Tarmac SL6?

  • The new Tarmac SL7 truly makes no compromises and a big part of the development was all
    about speed. Aerodynamically, the new Tarmac SL7 saves a rider an average of 45 seconds over a 40km course compared to the Tarmac SL6. These aero gains are the result of improvements to the frameset, integrated cockpit (Aerofly and Tarmac Stem), and Roval Rapide CLX wheels.

Do the professional race teams use a special version of the Tarmac?

  • The Tarmac has been developed with input from our professional riders over many generations. The S-Works Tarmac SL7 that you can purchase is identical to the bikes raced by pros like Sagan, Alaphilippe, and van der Breggen.

What is the geometry of the Tarmac SL7?

  • The Tarmac SL7 features identical fit and handling geometry as the outgoing Tarmac SL6 and Venge. Detailed measurements can be found in the geometry chart.

How is stack and reach measured on the Tarmac?

  • Stack and reach are measured to the center of the top of the headtube as is customary. Although these numbers are different than the Tarmac SL6, the fit geometry is identical between Tarmac SL6, Tarmac SL7, and the Venge.
  • Once you compensate for the height of the necessary headset cover on each bike, your stem’s lowest position ends up at the same point in space on all of them.

What sizes does the new Tarmac stem come in?

  • The new Tarmac stem has two angles, -6 and -12 degrees. The -6-degree stem comes in 70/80/90/100/110/120/130mm lengths and is spec’d on bikes as well as available aftermarket. The -12 degree stem is available in 110/120/130/140mm lengths and is available aftermarket.

What handlebars is the Tarmac stem compatible with?

  • The Tarmac stem has the cleanest cable routing when paired with the S-Works Aerofly II handlebar. It was designed with a traditional 31.8mm clamp to work with most other handlebars on the market as well.

What offset will the new Tarmac seatpost come in?

  • The S-Works Tarmac SL7 seatpost is available in both 20mm and 0mm offsets and in 300mm and 380mm lengths. Complete bikes and framesets will be spec’d with the 20mm offset model.

What build configurations is the Tarmac SL7 compatible with?

  • The Tarmac SL7 is only compatible with hydraulic disc brakes. All models can be built with electronic or mechanical drivetrains.

  • Three headset covers are included with all Tarmac SL7 models. These headset caps allow for three different builds, which can be visibly determined by the routing holes:

    • Integrated Tarmac Stem with electronic shifting
    • Integrated Tarmac Stem with mechanical shifting
    • Universal cap for a standard stem and round spacers with either electronic or mechanical shifting

Integrated Cockpit: how is it assembled?

  • After choosing your drivetrain, the proper headset cover must be chosen to route brake and shift lines through. The integrated spacers allow for easy adjustment in stack (of up to 35mm of stack), and the lines are tucked underneath the new Tarmac Stem for the cleanest configuration. Please refer to the manual for full build instructions.

  • Just like the Venge, riders can adjust their fit via removeable spacers and the external cable management from the stem, all without re-cabling the bike.

Integrated Cockpit: is there an integrated computer mount?

  • The new Tarmac Stem offers an integrated computer mount with compatible mounts for the following brands: Wahoo, Garmin, Polar, Cateye, and Bryton. Additionally, there is a mount designed around GoPro devices, Specialized Flux Lights, and a new mount designed for Specialized Stix lights.

What’s the largest tire size you can install on the Tarmac SL7?

  • Every Tarmac SL7 comes spec’d with 700x26mm tires, however, the frame was designed with much larger clearance in mind. You can fit tires up to 32c on 21mm rims with 4mm of clearance all around. Of course, this is all still dependent on the exact tire and rim combination as there is quite a bit of variation among tires especially. We suggest that you check fitment of the tire before you take it out for a ride

Can I remove the Front Derailleur Hanger?

  • Yes! The Tarmac SL7 has a removeable FD Hanger, which gives you the cleanest set-up when running a 1x drivetrain. If the FD Hanger is removed, a cover for the routing hole and two bolt holes is included with your Tarmac SL7.

Where is the Shimano Di2 A-Junction Box?

  • The new S-Works Tarmac Carbon Seatpost offers an integrated location for the Junction Box, like the Venge. This location ensures easy access to the charging port or function button. If a wireless drivetrain is being used, a secondary cover is included with all Tarmac SL7 models to cover the seat post port. Alternatively, the A-Junction could still be installed in the handlebar if preferred.

What are the other tech specs of the Tarmac SL7?

  • All Tarmac SL7 models have a 68mm BSA threaded bottom bracket. The Tarmac SL7 has 142x12 and 100x12 thru axles and follows the Shimano flat mount disc brake standard.

Are there other models of Tarmac still available?

  • The line doesn’t stop with the Tarmac SL7 Expert model. With the Tarmac SL6 9r models still available, riders have all the performance that you can expect from the Tarmac line: Rider-First Engineered™ and born from endless iterations of the carbon layup and Win Tunnel testing for weight and aerodynamic performance.

  • The Tarmac SL6 9r frames still set the bar for a complete race bike, beating out its competitors in all categories to get you across the line faster.

  • Tarmac SL6 Comp comes with a no-fuss spec that includes Shimano Ultegra mechanical shifting and quick-stopping hydraulic disc brakes, durable DT R470 Disc wheels, and our fan-favorite Power saddle.
    Weight: 7.9kg

  • Tarmac SL6 Sport comes with a reliable spec that includes Shimano 105 mechanical shifting and quick-stopping hydraulic disc brakes, durable DT R470 Disc wheels, and our fan-favorite Power saddle.
    Weight: 8.1kg

  • Tarmac SL6 comes with a reliable spec that includes 10-speed Shimano Tiagra mechanical shifting, quick-stopping hydraulic disc brakes, durable Axis Sport Disc wheels, and our fan-favorite Power saddle.
    Weight: 8.65kg

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