Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL7 Review | Cycling Weekly

[@perrymckenna2261]

One of the best reviews on the new SL7. I have the SL6 with Red Etap, and after viewing your review, I will stay with it (I was thinking of moving up) I'm not a racer, just a passionate rider which enjoys the ride quality of the SL6 on 4-5hr rides, espceially up hills. Thanks for your insights.

[@Timtimzi]

You probably aren't missing out !

[@zeuszuki6698]

I love the Sl7, it got me a clearance Sworks Sl6 ultra light rim brake for the price of the Pro spec 👌and it's sublime to ride ❤🔥🍻

[@TheTheMScope]

really good and honest review and not just a 13min specialized ad...cool to see this videos still exist on yt :D! Definitely stay with my 2019 venge...

[@grovhen]

For my 50th I’m getting the bottom of the range Tarmac Expert Di2 in Turquoise & Rose/gold (£4,750) end of October a 2 month waiting list. I’ll be just looking at it until springtime. 😃

[@joelyons886]

Picked my SL7 up on Saturday and headed out for 1st spin today, the one thing that I was extremely conscious of was the rims and running 26's on them I've swapped them out for 28's as hitting a pothole and chipping them is only a matter of time as you also pointed out that rear in wind ain't easy to handle so I can see a set of Roval C 38 Disc being on the XMas list... the handlebar or aero bar... exposed carbon with "texture" I fear may need a pad down the line but all in all I'm loving the new bike

[@Turbo329]

Excellent review. My opinion is that the Venge was a better bike. It was faster in the wind tunnel by Specialized's own admission, it handled superbly, was already stiff in all the right places, and only suffered a modest weight penalty compared to the SL6. Spesh went this route to please the majority of the weight weenies that dominate the sport but the Science favors the Venge. It would have been great for Specialized to offer both the Venge alongside the SL7 spec'd with shallower rims as you mentioned more suited to climbing. Aero bikes make great Crit race weapons, are efficient on rolling hills, and are mostly the bike of choice for bigger riders. Here's to hoping that the rest of the manufacturers don't follow Specialized's lead down this path.

[@teriemer]

Great honest review - that's the way to do it. I'll stick to my SL-6 - it's such a blast to ride ;-)

[@gasken2182]

Excellent review. Clear, honest and the reviewer's great too. I'm waiting for a SL7 in the new fluid colour to be delivered 🤤

[@c.initiative2705]

Thank you for this balanced (imho) review of the Tarmac SL7. I decided to keep my BMC SLR01 Ultra DI2.

[@AllanPhillips]

A very thorough and informative review without any of the usual clichés - nice one.

[@roadglide]

100% on the SRAM. Absolutely sublime group.

[@jonoharper4729]

Can't argue with the "claimed performance stats"....this bike just won the UCI Road World Championships in both Women's and Men's categories. No better advert than those Rainbow stripes. Nice review, thanks Michelle, good advice re the Alpinist rims 🔥

[@astrayagrarian]

It’s about the rider, not the bike

[@roadglide]

Jojo Harper Today’s bicycles ridden by professionals are all top shelf. Including components. But then it’s always about the rider.

[@rcah6191]

Excellent video!!!! I have got a S-WORKS SL7 and she is very honest.

[@ehudbourne2795]

Good review... Nice Job with the Stick Bike Stand 👍🤭

[@stevengraham7627]

This was a great review. Very thoughtful and nuanced blending the tech specs with real world subjective feedback.

[@WowRixter]

So now that the front forks are snapping, is there going to be any reporting on this?

[@austinbrough7327]

Much of the negative feedback on this bike has been about the harsher ride quality, but this is very subjective. I built my own S Works SL7 up using Zipp 303S tubeless wheels, with 28mm tyres and 60psi - the ride quality is sublime.

[@yonglingng5640]

I built a 2021 Tarmac SL7 Pro Ultegra Di2, so it came with 26 mm S-Works Turbos in a clincher setup, pumped to 90 psi front and 95 psi rear. When I took it out for a spin, the first thing I felt, is the compliance it offered. It's still about as comfortable as a FACT 9r Tarmac SL6, just a little faster.

[@sammckenzie4979]

Great review! Thanks for the honest comparison to the SL6 re ride quality vs speed. Eager to hear reviews on the lower end SL7s.

[@tomatokosir]

Splendid review, more of these, please!

[@mk4nice918]

she really knows how to review a bike properly. What a good woman.

[@joshbissenden1207]

Looks like a beautiful road bike.

[@briantreadwell2206]

Some of the observations transferable to other models - the £4K bike that’s lesser spec’d doesn’t sound like you are compromising too much. Many thanks

[@MichaelStugart]

Awesome review. I appreciate the honesty so very much. Thanks alot. 😃👍

[@paulappleyard5832]

'Top end adjustments.......' I liked that comment. I think your correct £3-4k gets will get you IMO basically the same performance although depending on brand wheels are often a weak point at that price point. Still I'm sure specialized will sell more than a few as if you've got the money why not i would.

[@Timtimzi]

I love this detailed review. Very well spoken and got all the important points across without the general bias we hear about new bikes. Keep it up Michelle! I love the Sworks Sl-7. Only thing I hate is that you're gonna see a lot of these on the California roads pretty soon. Everyone is gonna have one and it's not gonna feel so "special."

[@YesItsKevin]

timtimzi - Cycling and Gaming your pfp makes me uncomfortable

[@mesere7]

Great review. Watched it twice in a row. Now looking for a bank to rob.

[@JanKowalski-pe9lo]

Here you go... Another brainded knob.

[@sukarno]

10K! Spend ⅓ that on a decent bike and use the rest of the money more wisely.

[@pigupigu]

Yep. Like. Giant TCR

[@warrenkingston7606]

What a great review, thanks.

[@tinaluck8118]

Nice to hear a woman’s prospective. I have a Pro model on order! Would like a review on it. Thank you

[@GC-uq2pd]

now that it is on order, perhaps it is too late to read the review !

[@allantimm2003]

You never covered the power meter that comes standard on the bike ?? ......fantastic bike I picked mine up three weeks ago !!

[@MichelleArthursBrennan]

Fair - we're getting too used to these being specced as standard on top end bikes - but it is a major selling point if you don't already have a swappable PM option.

[@Adam-vi5qp]

Great review. $10k is a lot of money for bike!! Which bike would you suggest as a drop down "cheaper" option for this tarmac?

[@MichelleArthursBrennan]

Thanks! And yes, it is. The "Tarmac Sport", £2500, uses the SL6 frame which as noted I loved a lot. Then if you want the more aero SL7, range starts at £4750.

[@MichelleArthursBrennan]

... If you're ok with losing a few watts via the frame, and you find one in your size, Id be tempted to check out the 2019 SL6 sales

[@sammckenzie4979]

Michelle Arthurs-Brennan have you heard any non-pros saying that they needed the stiffer rear end for pedalling efficiency at the expense of ride quality vs. the SL6?

[@Andy_ATB]

Nice bike no doubt. However, unless you race, then I'd say the Roubaix is probably a better bike - slightly more relaxed geometry, wider tyres, etc Especially on the poor roads of the UK....

[@TaiwanGolfer]

Couldn’t agree more. The Roubaix is the perfect bike for 95% of the riders who aren’t being paid to ride.. arguably near just as fast and 10x more comfortable.

[@jamsxr]

Nice review 🤙

[@paulosullivan3991]

Well explained , top class

[@koko_5662]

Do you get legal trouble after recommending to friends due the snapped steerers? 🥰

[@IsmaelDiazIAGoupeFinancier]

Thanks for sharing this video. I'm looking to upgrade my old dinosaur bike and I'm looking between Pinarello F12, Canyon Aero CS 8

[@parenthlete]

Rear on sl7 is not stiffer , the seat post is but the frame is not. although I’m not a sprinter put out 1100-1200w often on rides and even for me prefer the power delivery on the Sl6. Sl7 edges for time and sl6 for feel imo

[@janantoniolontao8473]

I just love to watch what I can’t afford, btw it’s my dream bike

Prices gone trough the roof. It’s ridiculous what manufactures charge nowadays for those bikes.. I mean c’mon over 10K...

[@louisbudisoesanto1567]

Small bike manufacturers also make an aero bike for around 6k to 9k euro, without aero handlebar and only with ultegra di2. Imagine if specialized sell their SL7 in that range, nobody would buy that “other brands”, the competition gonna die, and specialized won’t bother to innovate or give after sales services. Like it or not, those price keeps the competition alive. Specialized also have an expert and pro version of sl7. If sworks too expensive, then buy the expert version. I don’t understand why people very salty when they see the price with a (obviously) minimum aero gains. They build that sworks for the pros, not for people who complains about the price and aero gain that not designated for them SPECIFICALLY

[@peterchristo196]

Is this the 10k bike?

[@TheDanrae]

Yeah

[@moonpat]

Thank you for the review, i am 5'7 would this bike fit me?

[@iyuzhu]

Oh these were the shots mentioned in Hambinis posts

[@derekmarlowe522]

heavier, not tubeless ready, more expensive--I'll pass-thank you...

[@ericreynolds469]

You forgot faster…

[@ericreynolds469]

@darkrainne 679 just facts. People used to think tubeless was less rolling resistance and therefore faster… until they actually started testing them. There’s actually no real difference in rolling resistance between tubeless and lighter latex tubes. So since tubeless will almost always be heavier because of the extra reinforcement needed they will be slower or at best possibly the same speed. Also just look at the pros, it’s their job to go fast and it’s still rare to see them on their bikes. I think there’s a place for them but the road is still a place where they don’t make as much sense. Someday they might but just not today.

[@misterzero84]

You're saying that you prefer the deeper wheels for a race day but not for everyday riding right? Then what depth wheel should the bike have come stocked with unless you're referring to one set for racing and one set for everyday.

[@MichelleArthursBrennan]

40-50mm is the sweetspot for most people, the greatest benefit is going from box section to 30-40mm, anything after that is tiny gains: www.cyclingweekly.com/news/product-news/how-do-you-choose-the-perfect-rim-depth-for-you-447785

[@rogase68]

The aero claims at 50 kmh are laughable. That speed is only obtainable by the worlds fastest time trialists over 40 kmh. The time savings at a more realistic 35kmh would be marginal.

[@jibranjawaid]

how about dropping folks downhills ;)

[@JanKowalski-pe9lo]

How about no? Get some experience and come back lol

[@Cartman2428]

Is the SL7 the kind if bike that if you wreck its totaled?

[@parenthlete]

Yes it’s carbon..

[@GerhardDIETRICH]

Cool Review what power Meter is on this bike

[@MichelleArthursBrennan]

As specced, Dura Ace power meter or SRAM (Quarq D Zero), this one has Favero Assioma pedals (good option for someone swapping bikes on a weekly basis!)

[@MichelleArthursBrennan]

(and thanks!)

[@GerhardDIETRICH]

@@MichelleArthursBrennan Thanks, good idea for the pedals to change. Is it true that the cleats are not compatible with shimano pedals ?

[@MichelleArthursBrennan]

@@GerhardDIETRICH Favero are Look style, ditto Powertap, Garmin and Look/SRM (obviously) ... I think a lot of Shimano pedal riders would like a Shimano compatible PM.

[@darrenbarlow5759]

Considering the Expert model. I have Roval C-38s tubless to throw on it, but I'm still concerned it won't give me all day comfort. I'm coming from a Caad 12 so I'm sure I'm used to a race type frame and figure the carbon frame on this beauty will make for a more comfortable ride? Thoughts? Thanks so much

[@arnowelscher9213]

Sorry I can only agree on one thing that's good on this bike, the threaded bottom bracket anything else that comes from Specialized gets a thumbs down.

[@valteraraujojr]

Wow 😳 it seems this bike fell to the right. The right pedal, rear mec and right part handlebar are scratched. Also the handlebar/stem are not aligned with the front wheel. Nice video by the way!

[@MichelleArthursBrennan]

#insufficientstickstand

Yes I had the same impression. This bike hits the floor. Must be brutal if you have spent over 10 grant for it..

[@NihilisticHedonism]

700 km? And still looks so pristine? Good job. However I really would need some convincing to justify buying myself such an expensive bike. I guess you're worth it ;-)

[@philjono2462]

Why don’t they say the actual weight of her SL7, compared to the same Sl6?

[@jeancanaday9684]

Quick change hubs?

[@willdtw]

Heaviest Tarmac since 2004 thanks to disc brakes

[@markomarin3414]

The only cons for this sL7 is the price . I get a VW polo over this bike 😅

[@jomski1167]

Hi! Size 52 is that medium? How tall are you? Thank you!

[@marcuswong1797]

where did you find the information of the weight of the frame? SL6 was never 733grams even for the smallest size.

[@kpizzle1985]

When some Specialized frames fail QC on the paint they send them back and put a new paint job straight on top, that adds a fair bit of weight. Bike companies quite often state the bare frame weight but don't specify what 'bare' actually means.

[@b-bikesinger]

Specialized increased prices on their 2021 bikes,They jump in prices of up to 12% and affects both road and mountain bikes!

[@enki42ea]

If you were doing 100 miles would you use the sl7 or would the extra compliance of sl6 make you pick that?

[@enki42ea]

In that I've seen some racers pick the faster bike for shorter rides but couldn't really handle the decrease in comfort for longer rides. I plan to use 28 width tires

[@MichelleArthursBrennan]

@@enki42ea If I was racing 100 miles, the SL7 for sure - being in a breakaway knowing I was throwing away watts would be quite upsetting! And it's not 'uncomfortable' - just a little less so than the SL6. For a 100 mile with friends, I'd probably favour the SL6, it just suited my riding style so well. Ride quality is pretty personal and has a lot to do with frame and rider size too. I certainly wouldn't turn down the SL7 for a 100 mile ride either way, 28s seem like a sensible swap for most people.

[@enki42ea]

I don't race but in my case my friends are usually faster then me so feel like I should get the faster bike if I'm not giving up too much comfort

[@costasmandylor1565]

Can you review the SL7 Pro model...for those of us not interested in dropping $13,000 on a bike please.

[@MichelleArthursBrennan]

Yes! Working on getting hold of one (actually, two, in different frame sizes but maybe that was too ambitious)

[@costasmandylor1565]

Michelle Arthurs-Brennan great!

[@jurijterglav8302]

Michelle, could you compare Tarmac with Basso Diamante?

[@MichelleArthursBrennan]

Not got a windtunnel myself but I'd wager the Diamante is less aero but, IMO, more comfortable (NB not everyone in the office agrees with me that it's comfortable - an interesting addition to the frame size debate). Basso's front end is a bit lower, and the cutaway headtube means it's pretty much designed to be slammed, making it a bit more aggressive if you ride as intended (I don't!). The new, more aero Diamante SV vs the Tarmac SL7 might be a closer comparison, but I've not ridden it.

[@daronheggie7780]

I've purchased the 2016 Allez Sprint..depending on how much I've it I'll sell my Cervelo P4 and purchase the 2020 Allez Sprint...This Tarmac is way way too expensive for me.

[@mlam86]

Curious about the sizing on the bike. 52cm, how tall are you? I’m looking at possibly getting an SL7 but I think I’m between sizing at the moment

[@MichelleArthursBrennan]

Hello! Im 166cm. I could ride a 49 or 52, though last bike fit I had with Phil Burt he advised a 52 and it's hard to argue with that level of qualification!

[@yonglingng5640]

@@MichelleArthursBrennan What's your inseam? I'm 1.65 m with a 77.8 cm inseam and I suit best on a Size 49.

[@shanewiseman5729]

I wonder what specialized pay the chinese to make these frames?

[@gigi-vk8nn]

Nice review, but please clean that chain!

[@JogBird]

lmao, the 2020 TdF was won on a rim brake bike w round tubes

[@MichelleArthursBrennan]

Brakes dont win races independently of riders....

[@astrayagrarian]

Michelle Arthurs-Brennan yeah, but disc brakes constantly rub

[@misterzero84]

What were the world championships won on?

[@astrayagrarian]

misterzero84 probably performance enhancer

[@Z4coupeuk]

Has she got a blocked nose?

[@lookpro.rideslow]

Almost every British female sounds like that. It’s weird

[@thepleasureroom9646]

yeah sounds like it haha

[@Bricklinsv1970]

31 mph on flat ground?

[@oftankoftan]

I'd rather have Dura-Ace because their bb and crank standard is infinitely better. Hollowtech II > SRAM DUB That plastic adjuster is a crime against bikes.

[@roadglide]

SRAM Dub is sublime. SRAM is sublime. Wireless is sublime.

[@joelyons886]

Just think... you could have gone CampyEPS and then you'd really know what heartache is all about!

[@Cycling_in_ja]

Is It 6.6 with the pedals 🤔?

[@MichelleArthursBrennan]

Nope, quoted weights are always without pedals (so yes, UCI legal with them)

[@hardcheese]

Wait what? Did you just say its 45 sec faster over 40 km at 50kmph??? wtf you realise the World Champs ITT was about that speed and over a shorter distance? What is the comparison at 40kmph? How are the 28mm tyres not costing you time vs thinner tyres at 50kmph?

[@mikeypalmer3977]

Yet more hyperbole on a super expensive bike.

[@hayabusa27]

Way too much drama with broken steerer tubes

[@buck3103]

may i know whats your height?

[@MichelleArthursBrennan]

Hey! 166cm, it's on my author profile at Cycling Weekly, hope that helps

[@popitn2nd]

How tall are you? Not sure size 52cm is for what height.

[@yonglingng5640]

Size 52 suits 1.7 - 1.75 (if your legs aren't too long) m.

[@popitn2nd]

@@yonglingng5640 what is 1.7 ? Would you mention it in inches pls

[@yonglingng5640]

5 ft 6 in - 5 ft 8 in

[@popitn2nd]

@@yonglingng5640 do you think i can fit a size 52cm? I’m 5ft 10” but people says...i look like i shrunk a bit. May be because of my age. So i would be roughly around 5ft 9” now i would assume.

[@yonglingng5640]

@@popitn2nd 5'9 is around 1.75 meters, you can ride a Size 52. Of the individuals I've seen with this height, they're usually on the borderline between Size 52 and 54, so they can pick either size. Do you know your inseam?

[@jonathanzappala]

There is no point in that bike if you take off the handlebars and wheels for non aero versions. Then its thousands for the tiny tinest marginal frame gains.

[@luisdecastro5581]

"varmac" 🔥

[@lifematch]

Whats ur height and inseam? Im also thinking of getting 52cm.

[@yonglingng5640]

Size 52 suits riders that stand between 1.7 - 1.75 m. If your inseam is at least 80 cm and you're at least 1.7 m tall, Size 52 would be OK.

[@lifematch]

@@yonglingng5640 I’m 170cm tall with inseam of 77cm. Should i get the 49cm instead?

[@yonglingng5640]

@@lifematch It'd be better if you want an agile bike. Plus, you get to run a longer stem too.

[@lifematch]

@@yonglingng5640 so yes for 49cm?

[@yonglingng5640]

@@lifematch If you'd like.

[@ralphinho77]

So just like the new giant tcr it's perfect for the pro's but too stiff for us amateurs. That's the wrong way..

[@yonglingng5640]

I've ridden the Tarmac SL7 (post-build test ride), both the FACT 10r and 12r versions, they don't feel harsh. It's more compliant than the 3rd-gen Venge.

[@extraterrestre1590]

She gorgeous 😍 and her accent 😍 and loved bikes 😍 💘 😍

[@markjermey8579]

So to sum it up it's too stiff,too expensive, with the wrong wheels,tyres,bars and group set. Nice colour though!

[@davidcarroll4227]

Overpriced yet again

[@denisedaly2307]

Great technical review but your long socks really bothered me.

[@MichelleArthursBrennan]

*I*Like*Long*Socks*and I cannot lie 🎶

[@denisedaly2307]

@@MichelleArthursBrennan Haha rock your socks!

[@PhilB303]

Way overpriced.

[@paulosullivan3991]

Well ex

[@ulrichz4099]

I really don't like the frame coloring except the S-Works frame... The others are just ugly....

[@ntphong999]

TREK all the way

[@Max__apex]

😂😂. Nothing more then average but pay $$$$$$$ 🤬🤬

[@pedalboy9605]

is she got a cold? i wonder??

[@astrayagrarian]

Imagine shilling so hard for a company with a long track record of producing shitty bikes and poor business practices?

[@reginaldscot165]

Heavier, slower, more expensive, disc only, stiffness issue, nightmare for home mechanics and bike shops, plagued by technical problems during the tour... did I miss anything? The marketing was total BS, one bike to rule them all? Pull the other one. More like jack of all traits and master of none.

[@ray27492]

It won multiple stages on the tour and just won the World Championships TWICE. Both Men and Women! So what the heck are you talking about!?

[@yonglingng5640]

I've built two in two different configurations (mechanical and electronic), yes, it's not a piece of cake, but it's not frustratingly hard either.

[@edwardbntz8825]

You’re very cute BTW

[@thepleasureroom9646]

sounds like she has a cold lol

[@janplexy]

clogged