Today Specialized has announced the newest generation of their flagship race bike, the Tarmac. Just shy of three years since the launch of the SL8, the SL9 has made its entrance into the cycling world just before this summer’s Tour de France.
While the SL8 was a complete overhaul from the SL7, the Sl9 has subtle changes that some would argue are marginal gains. Compared to the previous generation, the SL9 is a reportedly 4 watts faster when holding speeds of 28mph. Interestingly enough this generation is not the fastest wind tunnel bike but instead is the “lowest real world time to finish”.
Specialized isn’t the first company to take this practical approach to the newer generation of race bikes. Cannondale’s most recent SuperSix EVO also boasts real world practicality in terms of speed and performance.
Specialized refined the headtube shape (Speed Sniffer as they call it) making it more robust and added a bit of a fin on the seat-tube for a more aero profile. On of the most striking changes is the updated seatpost that is compatible with the SL8.
On the weight side of things the SL9 is frame is actually 2-grams heavier than the SL8 while using pretty much the exact same geometry. Specialized did tweak the headtube angle and fork offset to virtually eliminate toe overlap on 54cm size. The SL9 has clearance for 32mm tires like the SL8. Other specs include; UDH, BSA threaded bottom bracket and 140 rear mount rear caliper.
The S-Works bikes are available in SRAM Red AXS ($14,00) and Shimano Dura Ace Di2 ($13,500).