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Tarmac SL6 Sport

4.8

9 Reviews

When we developed the Tarmac Disc, we didn't just want it to be fast. We wanted it…

Voted Best Brand 5 Years in a Row

#1 Again: 2023 Gran Fondo Awards

The riders have spoken! For the fifth year in a row, Specialized has been crowned the #1 “Drop Bar Bike Brand” in the prestigious Gran Fondo Best Brand Awards for 2023. We innovate for riders, and year after year, our bikes are loved by the most discerning riders. Thank you!

Product Details

When we developed the Tarmac Disc, we didn't just want it to be fast. We wanted it to be fast everywhere. Long climbs, windy flats, Grand Tour stages, local fondos—we built a race bike to be the most complete out there. How’d we do it? We started with our Rider-First Engineered™ frame with a perfectly-tuned ride quality for every size, added in some serious aero tech that makes it 30 seconds faster over 40 kilometers than the Tarmac SL5, and then made it 20% lighter. Nothing is lighter, faster, and better handling.

This Tarmac comes with a reliable spec that includes Shimano 105 mechanical shifting and quick-stopping hydraulic disc brakes, durable DT R470 Disc wheels, and our fan-favorite Power saddle.

For the construction of the Tarmac, we utilized advanced aerospace composite optimization software to revolutionize the construction and layup of our new FACT 9r carbon.
500 pieces creating 7 different sizes with the same tuned ride–that’s Rider-First Engineered™. We examine every ply of carbon on every frame size to ensure that all of our performance targets come through. To make sure you get the perfect ride, every frame gets a unique layup schedule with different ply arrangements, orientations, quantities of material in specific areas, and sometimes, even exclusive thicknesses and types of carbon itself.
Aerodynamics is the most important thing we can do to make you faster, but with the Tarmac, we added aero features without any cost to weight. Through development, areas were discovered where we could add aero for free—a new fork shape and dropped seatstays with aero tubes. The result? A Tarmac that’s approximately 30 seconds faster over 40 kilometers.
The updated the geometry is based on countless Retül data points and professional rider input. This enabled us to develop a Performance Road Geometry that perfects the combination of a responsive front-end and short wheelbase, which delivers instantaneous response and optimal power transfer.

Technical Specifications

Frameset

Frame

Tarmac SL6, FACT 9r carbon, Rider-First Engineered™, threaded BB, clean routing, 12x142mm thru-axle, flat-mount disc

Seat Binder

Specialized Alloy, 30.8mm

Suspension

Fork

FACT carbon, 12x100mm thru-axle, flat-mount disc

Brakes

Front Brake

Shimano 105, Hydraulic disc

Rear Brake

Shimano 105, Hydraulic disc

Drivetrain

Shift Levers

Shimano 105 R7020, hydraulic disc

Front Derailleur

Shimano 105 R7000, braze-on

Rear Derailleur

Shimano 105 R7000-GS, medium cage

Cassette

Shimano 105 R7000, 11-speed, 11-30t

Chain

KMC X11 Extra Lightweight, 11-speed

Crankset

Shimano 105 R7000, HollowTech 2, 11-speed

Chainrings

50/34T

Bottom Bracket

Shimano Threaded BSA BB

Wheels & Tires

Front Wheel

DT Swiss R470 rim, 20mm internal width, tubeless ready, 24h, Specialized full sealed bearing thru axle hub, centerlock disc, DT Swiss Champion 14G stainless steel spokes, DT Swiss brass nipples.

Front Tire

Turbo Pro, 60 TPI, folding bead, BlackBelt protection, 700x26mm

Rear Tire

Turbo Pro, 60 TPI, folding bead, BlackBelt protection, 700x26mm

Rear Wheel

DT Swiss R470 rim, 20mm internal width, tubeless ready, 24h, Specialized full sealed bearing thru axle hub, centerlock disc, alloy freehub body, DT Swiss Champion 14G stainless steel spokes, DT Swiss brass nipples.

Inner Tubes

Presta, 48mm valve

Cockpit

Stem

Specialized Pro SL, alloy, 4-bolt

Handlebars

Specialized Shallow Drop, 6061, 70x125mm, 31.8mm clamp

Tape

Roubaix S-Wrap

Saddle

Body Geometry Power Sport, steel rails

SeatPost

S-Works FACT carbon 27.2mm, 20mm offset

* Weights based on production painted frames as pictured. Actual weights will vary based on colourway, frame size, and component variation. Specifications are subject to change without notice.

Geometry

	44	49	52	54	56	58	61
Crank Length	165mm	165mm	170mm	172.5mm	172.5mm	175mm	175mm
Handlebar Width	360mm	380mm	400mm	420mm	420mm	440mm	440mm
Stem Length	70mm	80mm	90mm	100mm	100mm	110mm	110mm
Saddle Width	155mm	155mm	155mm	143mm	143mm	143mm	143mm
Seatpost Length	300mm	300mm	350mm	350mm	350mm	400mm	400mm
Stack	500mm	514mm	527mm	544mm	565mm	591mm	612mm
Reach	365mm	375mm	380mm	384mm	395mm	402mm	408mm
Head Tube Length	105mm	115mm	126mm	143mm	163mm	190mm	210mm
Head Tube Angle	70.5°	71.75°	72.5°	73°	73.5°	73.5°	74°
BB Height	266mm	266mm	266mm	268mm	268mm	268mm	268mm
BB Drop	74mm	74mm	74mm	72mm	72mm	72mm	72mm
Trail	71mm	63mm	58mm	58mm	55mm	55mm	52mm
Fork Length, Full	363mm	363mm	363mm	363mm	363mm	363mm	363mm
Fork Rake/Offset	47mm	47mm	47mm	44mm	44mm	44mm	44mm
Front Center	571mm	574mm	577mm	579mm	591mm	606mm	613mm
Chainstay Length	410mm	410mm	410mm	410mm	410mm	410mm	410mm
Wheelbase	969mm	973mm	975mm	978mm	990mm	1005mm	1012mm
Top Tube Length, Horizontal	493mm	511mm	535mm	544mm	566mm	581mm	599mm
Bike Standover Height	730mm	740mm	755mm	775mm	795mm	826mm	850mm
Seat Tube Length	435mm	451mm	481mm	499mm	519mm	540mm	570mm
Seat Tube Angle	76°	75.5°	74°	74°	73.5°	73.5°	73°

Manual Downloads

Specialized Bicycle Owner's Manual (All Languages)

Specialized Bicycle Owner's Manual (English)

Tarmac SL6 Disc User Manual

SPECIALIZED STEM ACCESSORY MOUNT

Specialized Bicycle Owner's Manual Addendum: Riding With Kids

Trainer Usage Addendum to the Bicycle Owner's Manual

2022 Rider/Bike Weight Limits and Terrain Conditions

Specialized Bicycle Owner's Manual (Chinese Simplified)

Specialized Bicycle Owner's Manual (Dutch)

Specialized Bicycle Owner's Manual (Finnish)

Specialized Bicycle Owner's Manual (French)

Specialized Bicycle Owner's Manual (German)

Specialized Bicycle Owner's Manual (Greek)

Specialized Bicycle Owner's Manual (Hungarian)

Specialized Bicycle Owner's Manual (Italian)

Specialized Bicycle Owner's Manual (Japanese)

Specialized Bicycle Owner's Manual (Korean)

Specialized Bicycle Owner's Manual (Latvian)

Specialized Bicycle Owner's Manual (Norwegian)

Specialized Bicycle Owner's Manual (Polish)

Specialized Bicycle Owner's Manual (Portuguese)

Specialized Bicycle Owner's Manual (Romanian)

Specialized Bicycle Owner's Manual (Russian)

Specialized Bicycle Owner's Manual (Slovakian)

Specialized Bicycle Owner's Manual (Slovenian)

Specialized Bicycle Owner's Manual (Spanish)

Specialized Bicycle Owner's Manual (Turkish)

Specialized Bicycle Owner's Manual (All Languages)

Rider Reviews

4.8

9 Reviews

03/09/2024

Absolutely love it!

Light, snappy, quick, and climbs like a dream. Was looking for a lighter more racier bike to replace my super comfy yet heavy diverge comp carbon. Found this guy at a not so local bike shop for a crazy deal and snatched it up. Non integrated cables and mechanical group set make for super easy diy adjustments and tuning and it’s classy look just keeps growing on me. It is a dream to ride and I highly recommend it. So if you happen to come across one, grab it!

Name:: Dave

Helpful?

05/09/2023

Great overall bike with a couple of minor faults - solid 9/10

I've had this bike for well over a year and I really enjoy riding it. It's quick, nimble, yet also very stable at high speeds. You can get the power down really quick with this thing and it will perform nicely on any paved (and sometimes unpaved) surface. My favorite part about this bike is that it's still exiting to get on and won't be outgrown for everyday riding. I also love the workhorse 105 drive train, as it performs well, is easily self-serviceable, and cheap to upgrade or replace. The toe overlap needs calling out, though. I'm 5' 9.5", 32.5 inseam, size 44 shoe, ride a 54 frame, and there is about an 8-10mm toe overlap. This wouldn't be an issue if the bike had somewhat different geometry (e.g. longer front-center through slacker head tube angle from 73 to 72.5 degrees). This is rarely a problem, but when it does occur it always makes my heart skip. Overall, I'm very pleased with the SL6 Sport. A solid, all-around performer that's easily serviceable and upgradable.

Would Recommend?: Yes!

Name:: Herb

Helpful?

02/17/2023

Best road bike I have owned

It all started back when I was riding around in the dirt on my mountain bike when all of a sudden, I had come to realize that my friends where able to ride longer and faster than I could! I was then introduced to road riding and acquired my first bike, an aluminum Allez sprint disc, but over time I longed to feel a carbon bike between my legs. I knew that it was love at first site when I walked into my local Specialized dealer as saw the SL6 sitting on center display table. Ill never forget the first time I took off on the bike for the test ride. It was so smooth and not as harsh as my Allez, the 105 shifting was crisp and seemingly immediate, I felt as this bike was made.. for me. I took her home and rode he all night long, I could not get enough saddle time on my new SL6. I returned to my retailer for a proper RETUL bike fit, and when I say it was a game changer.... It was a GAME CHANGER!!!! 10/10 recommend.

Would Recommend?: Yes!

Name:: Leroy

Helpful?

01/10/2023

I'm very happy n satisfied

I'm very happy n satisfied with my purchase. Everything looks good n great without any issue. Thank you

Would Recommend?: Yes!

Verified Buyer

Name:: MOHD S.

Helpful?

12/20/2022

Bike performs like an S-Works Tarmac SL7

I own two 2022 S-Works Tarmac SL7 framesets with one built up with SRAM Red tap axs and Roval wheels. Although this Tarmac SL6 Sport is considered the lower price Tarmac, it feels like my SL7 on the flats and hills. I bought it in Hawaii and rode it right out of the bike shop. It was a breeze to climb the hills around Honolulu and I felt confident and secure flying down the steep descents on this Tarmac. I am quite impressed with this bicycle. The only dilemma now is whether to use this Tarmac for my daily rides or the S-Works.

Would Recommend?: Yes!

Name:: Kelly R.

Helpful?

12/06/2022

Love this bike!

The less expensive Tarmac that rides like the most expensive Tarmac. I ride about 600 miles a month and my wife gifted me the Tarmac L6 Sport last month. I adore riding it. So agile and responsive. I highly recommend this bike!

Would Recommend?: Yes!

Name:: Benjamin

Helpful?

11/03/2022

Solid Bike

I picked this bike up at a local shop while it was on sale. While the original sticker price is a bit of a deterrent, the bike has been a dream so far. I have put around 600kms on it in the first month of ownership, and I do not have any complaints yet. It handles very well, and the 105 groupset has yet to disappoint. Whether I am riding on flats or climbing, the bike feels light, quick and comfortable. Overall, it's been a very positive experience.

Would Recommend?: Yes!

Name:: Matt

Helpful?

08/01/2022

Complements

I get a lot of complements on the bike. I did upgrade wheel to C38 and would have like to seen ULTEGRA groups set for this bike. The bike went up $500 from 2021. Going on 5 months and nothing but issues with front brakes unit I replaced the pads with MTX Red Label pads and now I have no issues. (I did take it to shop and they tired to fix it with sanding the rotors and the pads, cleaned them with alcohol still bad.) Go on Youtube L03A pads you will see are not that good and Shimano has already replace them with L05A pads. Tires are holding up very good on harsh California roads.

Would Recommend?: Yes!

Name:: Mike

Helpful?

04/01/2022

On time & on Target!

Would Recommend?: Yes!

Verified Buyer

Name:: Guest G.

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