Have you heard that Specialized is about to release the new Tarmac SL7? If you’re already on the Specialized Ride App, you probably have. Front and center on its home screen is a teaser for the new bike, offering the chances to “See the bike before you can see the bike.” What does that mean? If you click through, it powers up an Augmented Reality viewer which pops the new bike into your living room. Now, instead of searching for Pokemon, you can use your phone to get an “in person” first look at the new Tarmac which launches next week.
Now, I have no way of knowing just how accurate this AR version of the SL7 really is, but from here it looks pretty detailed. While the overall silhouette of the bike looks familiar, there are a number of details that stick out.
With everything aero these days, the new bike appears to have a more integrated stem/steerer area with an all new stem design that hides the cables and blends into the frame.
The aero handlebar looks to have a round clamp for compatibility with other bars and plenty of adjustment. There’s clearly an integrated computer mount as well.
The AR version seems to indicate that we’ll see a new seatpost design with what looks to be a Shimano Di2 juction box built into the back of it. Also, not sure what that second bolt is on the saddle rails – AR error? Locking bolt to adjust saddle tilt and fore/aft separately? We’ll see.
Not much of a surprise, but the bike appears to have thru axles front and rear with flat mount disc brakes.
Here’s where we wonder how accurate the AR really is. This certainly looks like a threaded bottom bracket, complete with tightening instructions (though backwards). Does this mean the SL7 abandons the OSBB of the SL6?
Overall, the bike looks very clean – even in AR. Spot something we missed? Want to check it out for yourself? Download the Ride App for apple or android devices, and give it a (virtual) spin. Or, just wait to see the real thing on the 28th!
