Specialized Tarmac SL9 S-Works Red AXS ruby metallic/metallic white silver – 56 | Hlavní členění |Specialized BrnoSpecialized has unveiled the S-Works Tarmac SL9, positioning it as the fastest road bike ever produced. While the frame weight remains at 687 grams, aerodynamic refinements have resulted in a 4-watt gain at 45 km/h compared to its predecessor, the Tarmac SL8. (bikeradar.com)
Time to Finish Philosophy
Departing from traditional metrics like wind tunnel data and frame weight, Specialized introduces the “Time to Finish” metric. This approach simulates complete race outcomes, integrating rider power, mass, clothing, wind, and air density over real-world courses, from Tour stages to classics like Liège–Bastogne–Liège. (bikeradar.com)
In these simulations, the SL9 completes a 100 km Grand Tour stage 28 seconds faster than the SL8. It also outperforms competitors such as the Colnago Y1Rs (34 seconds slower) and the Cervélo S5 (18 seconds slower). It’s important to note that these are Specialized’s internal simulations, not independent tests. (bikeradar.com)
Key Design Enhancements
The SL9 incorporates several subtle yet impactful design changes:
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Narrower Head Tube: A 4 mm reduction decreases frontal area by 10%, achieved through a patent-pending offset steerer that routes both brake cables on one side. (bikeradar.com)
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Win Fin: An extended rear section of the seat tube, positioned closer to the rear wheel, inspired by professional riders discarding their second water bottle during decisive moments. This design contributes approximately 0.5 watts at 45 km/h. (bikeradar.com)
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Deeper Seat Tube Cut-Out: Enhances airflow around the rear wheel.
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New S-Works Rapide Seatpost: Features a slimmer, deeper profile, backward compatible with the SL8.
The geometry remains largely unchanged, with the exception of a modified fork offset in the 54 cm frame to reduce toe overlap. (bikeradar.com)
Real-World Application
Specialized ties the SL9’s performance to a notable race outcome. Simulations suggest that, had Demi Vollering ridden the SL9 in the decisive final stage of the 2024 Tour de France Femmes to Alpe d’Huez, she would have finished 14 seconds faster, potentially securing the overall victory instead of losing by four seconds. (bikeradar.com)
Specifications and Pricing
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Frame Weight: 687 grams (FACT 12r)
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Claimed Aerodynamic Gain: 4 watts at 45 km/h
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Complete Builds: Starting at approximately 6.5 kg (climbing setup: 6.1 kg)
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Sizes: 44 to 61 cm
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Tire Clearance: 32 mm
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Bottom Bracket: BSA68 (threaded)
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Frameset: €5,799
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S-Works Complete Builds (SRAM Red AXS or Shimano Dura-Ace Di2): €13,999
At launch, only S-Works builds are available. The Red Bull–BORA–hansgrohe team will ride the SL9 in an exclusive team design. (bikeradar.com)
For more information, visit Specialized’s official website.
Highlights:
- Specialized claims the new Tarmac SL9 is faster than the Colnago Y1Rs and Cervélo S5 when using “the only metric that matters” | BikeRadar, Published on Monday, June 29
- Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL9 review: I’m underwhelmed by “the fastest road bike ever made” | BikeRadar, Published on Monday, June 29
- ‘The fastest road bike ever made’ – and it looks just like its predecessor: The new Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL9 is here, Published on Tuesday, June 30