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2021 Specialized Tarmac SL7 & SL6 complete model overview with specs & pricing

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No more teasers, the new Specialized Tarmac SL7 is finally here. If you’re looking for the details on what’s new, start with our tech breakdown on the new bike. Already read that and ready to check out all of the models and pricing? Then you’ve come to the right place.

As outlined in the first post, the new Tarmac SL7 all but replaces the Venge. But instead of also completely replacing the outgoing Tarmac SL6, the frame that was used on the 2020 Tarmac SL6 Comp continues as the more affordable option for 2021 models. You’ll also find two framesets offered, one at the top S-Works SL7 level and the other is still an SL7 model, but with slightly lower spec FACT 10r carbon fiber.

Here’s a complete list of every new Tarmac SL7 model with paint colors, build details, component specs, and pricing:

S-WORKS TARMAC SL7 – SRAM RED ETAP AXS

S-WORKS TARMAC SL7 - SRAM RED ETAP AXS S-WORKS TARMAC SL7 - SRAM RED ETAP AXS

Starting from the top, the most expensive Tarmac SL7 build is a tie between the S-Works models with SRAM or Shimano drive trains. Both models are priced at $12,000 which includes the top end SL7 FACT 12r Carbon frame.

S-WORKS TARMAC SL7 - SRAM RED ETAP AXS specs

In this case, the build includes a full SRAM RED eTap AXS drivetrain, Roval Rapide CLX wheels, and a Quarq power meter.

S-WORKS TARMAC SL7 – DURA ACE DI2

S-WORKS TARMAC SL7 - DURA ACE DI2 S-WORKS TARMAC SL7 - DURA ACE DI2

Or, for the same $12,000 you can get essentially the same bike – just with Shimano parts.

S-WORKS TARMAC SL7 - DURA ACE DI2 specs

This bike uses the same 12r S-Works frame, and Roval Rapide CLX wheels, but gets a full Shimano Dura Ace Di2 drivetrain. Since the Dura Ace crank doesn’t have the integrated power meter option like the SRAM crank, Specialized includes their own power meter which is a collaboration with 4iiii.

TARMAC SL7 PRO – SRAM FORCE ETAP AXS 1X

TARMAC SL7 PRO - SRAM FORCE ETAP AXS 1X

Into 1x and electronic shifting? Specialized has you covered there with this build. This bike also marks the step down to the SL7 FACT 10r carbon frame from the 12r carbon of the S-Works models. Otherwise, it offers the same features.

TARMAC SL7 PRO - SRAM FORCE ETAP AXS 1X specs

Built with a SRAM Force eTap AXS group, you get a 1×12 drivetrain with a 46t chainring and 10-36t cassette. This bike get the Roval Rapide CL wheels, and still gets a SRAM power meter for $7,000.

TARMAC SL7 PRO – ULTEGRA DI2

TARMAC SL7 PRO - ULTEGRA DI2 TARMAC SL7 PRO - ULTEGRA DI2

The SL7 Pro is also available with a 2×11 drivetrain in the form of this Ultegra Di2 version. TARMAC SL7 PRO - ULTEGRA DI2 specs

It’s the same price at $7,000 for more gears, but you don’t get the power meter that’s included with the SRAM build.

TARMAC SL7 EXPERT – ULTEGRA DI2

TARMAC SL7 EXPERT - ULTEGRA DI2 TARMAC SL7 EXPERT - ULTEGRA DI2 TARMAC SL7 EXPERT - ULTEGRA DI2

The entry point for the SL7 frames is the Expert level which will come equipped in only Shimano Ultegra Di2.

TARMAC SL7 EXPERT - ULTEGRA DI2 specs

Priced at $5,000, you’re getting a full Ultegra 2×11 Di2 drivetrain, DT Swiss R470 tubeless wheels and the FACT 10r carbon frame with all of the new updates for 2021.

TARMAC SL6 COMP

TARMAC SL6 COMP TARMAC SL6 COMP

If you find yourself priced out of the SL7 frames, don’t worry. You can pick up an SL6 for an absolute bargain in comparison. The highest end SL6 Comp is priced at $3,500 – but SL6 models can be had for as little as $2,000.

TARMAC SL6 COMP specs

The SL6 Comp model includes a Shimano R8000 2×11 drivetrain, DT Swiss R470 tubeless ready wheels, and a FACT 9r carbon frame for $3,500.

TARMAC SL6 SPORT

TARMAC SL6 SPORT TARMAC SL6 SPORT

Still running the same FACT 9r carbon frame, the SL6 Sport drops the price by moving to a Shimano 105 2×11 drivetrain.

TARMAC SL6 SPORT specs

Thanks to the change in drivetrain (and also the first non-series chain used), the SL6 Sport will sell for $2,600.

TARMAC SL6

TARMAC SL6 TARMAC SL6

Looking for the absolute cheapest way to get into a 2021 Tarmac? That would be the SL6.

TARMAC SL6 specs

With a Shimano Tiagra 2×10 drivetrain, Axis Sport disc wheels, and a few other component concessions, the price drops to an approachable $2,000.

SL7 Framesets

SL7 Framesets S-works SL7 Framesets S-works colors

Two versions of the SL7 frameset will be offered with the S-Works FACT 12r and lower spec FACT 10r SL7 frame.

SL7 Framesets S-works Specs

The lightest version of the new Tarmac, the frame has a claimed weight of 800g, fully painted, with all the parts. The frameset will include a FACT carbon fork, the new Tarmac integrated stem, and Tarmac Carbon seat post with Di2 Junction box hiding capabilities. It appears that the S-Works frame will be offered in a number of finishes for $5,000 each, though all paint schemes may not be available in all markets or at the same time.

TARMAC SL7 FRAMESET

SL7 Framesets

SL7 Framesets

There are just two options for the SL7 frame – Abalone/Spectraflair, or Carbon/White.

SL7 Framesets specs

This frame drops to the FACT 10r Carbon which results in a claimed weight of 920g – so about 120g more than the S-Works model. However, you still get all the same features, and the frameset includes the same components for $3,000.

Tarmac SL7 & SL6 Geometry Charts

Tarmac SL7 geometry 2021

Tarmac SL6 geometry 2021

There are two slightly different geometries for the new bikes, but only for the different frames. All of the SL7 models use the same geometry, while the SL6 models use their own, slightly different geometry shown above.

specialized.com

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16 Comments
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fatcamper
4 years ago

Can anyone point me in the direction of a carbon recycler? My 6-month old SL6 is utterly obsolete now, and I simply can not be seen on such an antiquated piece of garbage.

Miclaroc
Miclaroc
4 years ago
Reply to  fatcamper

Seriously how can you still be riding that? My 10 yr 595 is just awful

Robin
Robin
4 years ago
Reply to  Miclaroc

My 13y.o. 595 is collecting old frame social security.

Collin S
4 years ago
Reply to  fatcamper

I have a good one here. Please address to Collin in South East Michigan….

TheStansMonster
TheStansMonster
4 years ago

The pictures of the TARMAC SL7 EXPERT – ULTEGRA DI2 sure don’t look like Di2 shifter

Duke249
Duke249
4 years ago

The wheelset shown is also different from the spec on the Expert

El Pataron
El Pataron
4 years ago

$12,000. Out of your d*mn mind.

Sean
4 years ago
Reply to  El Pataron

Good thing that half that price buys you an equally good bike

dr_lha
dr_lha
4 years ago

I see after years of torturing us with press fit bottom brackets, they’ve moved back to having a traditional BSA BB.

Andrew Rockwe
Andrew Rockwe
4 years ago

Spends years convincing us that you need specialized, no-compromise bikes for different functions; then replaces those with a bike that is literally a compromise of all of the above.

Dinger
Dinger
4 years ago
Reply to  Andrew Rockwe

More likely they were having too hard a time selling the Venge to justify all the effort that goes into developing something like that. If the majority were buying the SL6 then the riders were telling them that this is what they wanted anyway.

SomeGuy
SomeGuy
4 years ago

There doesn’t seem to be much value in a whole bike vs build anymore. Those prices are insane.

Caleb McCracken
Caleb McCracken
4 years ago
Reply to  SomeGuy

Yes, I can’t believe some of the prices for completes with bottom tier parts. There are so many new cyclists that dont know how to work on bike parts that keep buying these completes.

Dinger
Dinger
4 years ago

These prices sure do make the Giant TCR look appealing. $5,400 less for Ultegra Di2, Carbon wheel set build + a frame equivalent to the 12r frame vs. Specialized’s @ $7k with the 10r frame.

Steve h
Steve h
4 years ago

The more expensive, the nicer the color 🙁

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