BikeRadar Finds $14,000 Specialized Tarmac SL9 Gains Hard to Feel Despite 4-Watt Aero Claim
Updated
Updated · BikeRadar · Jun 30
BikeRadar Finds $14,000 Specialized Tarmac SL9 Gains Hard to Feel Despite 4-Watt Aero Claim
3 articles · Updated · BikeRadar · Jun 30
Summary
BikeRadar’s first rides in northern Spain found the newly launched S-Works Tarmac SL9 impressive but only marginally different from the SL8, leaving the reviewer underwhelmed by the real-world upgrade.
Specialized says the bike is 4 watts more aerodynamic at 45kph, 14 seconds faster over 80km and as light as 6.5kg, but the reviewer said those gains were essentially intangible on the road.
£11,999/$14,000/€13,999 pricing sharpened the criticism because tyre clearance stays at 32mm and dealers are not required to guarantee fit-related component swaps at purchase.
The review still places the SL9 among the best all-round race bikes, but argues its conservative updates and old-school spec choices may leave it vulnerable if rivals make bigger leaps.