Any long terms reviews of Specialized Tarmac SL3 frameset?

[justarider]

Wondering if there are any long term owners who'd like to share experiences? Or unbiased reviews out there?

I'm in the market for a new race bike, and I know the frameset is older, but could pick one up for half the price of some new 2016 framesets I'm looking at. I'll be sticking Dura-ace 9000 mechanical and a set of carbon wheels on it

Cheers

[mpulsiv]

SL3 is harsh frameset introduced back in 2009. Aluminum Allez E5 is far more complaint. See if you can find SL4 instead.


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[BRM]

SL4 had a front-fork recall

[tonytourist]

I've had a SL, SL2, SL3, SL4 and own the current model Tarmac. The SL3 was a pretty firm frame, particularly in the front end, but I never got off the bike and felt like I was beaten up from the bike. You might need to be careful with wheel selection, I don't think there is a ton of room for wide rims.

[headwind816]

My friend still rides a SL3 S-works, and I have never heard him complain about "too stiff" or any of that jazz. I will say that he rides Mavic Ksyrium SL wheels with Conti GP 4000s 700*23 mounted, and I truly believe you could not mount 25 tires on that bike.

I would say if the price is right and you are okay with narrow tires then go for it!

[mpulsiv]

I've had a SL, SL2, SL3, SL4 and own the current model Tarmac. The SL3 was a pretty firm frame, particularly in the front end, but I never got off the bike and felt like I was beaten up from the bike. You might need to be careful with wheel selection, I don't think there is a ton of room for wide rims.

Hence the reason why one should not invest into an old frameset that has no room for wide wheels and tires.


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[dmoneysworks]

I rode one for couple of years, stiff bike that sprints great. I tried to get some compliance with carbon clinchers without a heap of success. Eventually moved on and I now ride a V1 foil (which are supposed to be too stiff) on wider rims and 25's and for me it's a nice ride. If your a 56 the SL4 is a good model as they have nice balance of compliance, stiffness an handling IMO. Good luck

[NiFTY]

I have one. I think its reputation for stiffness compared to modern bikes is because everyone was running 22s or 23s at that time at higher pressures. I have run 25s on it on both xentis 4.2s and roval clx40s with nil clearance issues. It is not as comfy as my evo but i prefer it for sprinting due to it solid feel. Its a good frame.

[junchen]

I have sl3 in xs. Fitting conti gp4k 25mm on narrow specialized Axis wheels - there's barely any clearance left. Otherwise I'm v happy with my sl3. If u check out zipp 303 website, there's clearance issues for sl4 n sl3 too.

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[NealH]

I have right at 65k miles on my SL3 S-Works. With the DA C24 wheels and tires at 80-85#, it rides and performs great and the ride is not very harsh. Other wheels can impart a harsher feel. I purchased it new at the beginning of 2010. I have ridden the SL4 on numerous occasions. It might tend to ride just a little smoother, but the SL3 is king on descents. It has the best front end of any bike I've ever been on.

[Butcher]

I have a 2010 SW SL3 58cm. I find the ride not to be too stiff at all. Matter of fact, better than the original 2006 SW Tarmac.

[Daniel1975]

I owned a SL3 sw: most terrible harsh frameset I've ever owned or ridden. Tried to get used to it for 6 months and than I sold it and bought a Dogma 60.1. Both ridden with Shamal wheelset, but Dogma was much better in almost everything (exept weight).

[justarider]

Thanks all, decision made I think - I've wide carbon rims and will be running 25s on them

[topflightpro]

My wife has an SL3 Tarmac and an SL4 Amira. She likes the Tarmac better.

[ergott]

My friend has SL3 and uses Roval 40s with 25mm tires and it clears. I haven't looked closely at his setup to see how much room there is on either side.