Is the Tarmac SL6 still worth it?

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Cattiy
Posts: 116
Joined: Mon Jul 14, 2014 6:08 pm

by Cattiy

I am speaking about the 9R Carbon layup modells, that you can still buy.

For idiotic reasons I sold my SL 6 S-Works Disk a good 2 years ago. The bike fit like a glove.
I thought I could do without a road bike because I would ride only gravel and MTB. These are still my two main bikes.
As a father, I don't have as much time as I used to and it would probably only be used as bike number 3 in the summer when the evenings are long and the weather is good. Maybe once in a while for a holiday in the Alps. I find it very pleasant that there is a threaded bottom bracket and the cables don't run through the headset at the front. Specialized's lifetime warranty is also a bonus.

I already have a completely new Ultegra 12-speed Di2, 45 mm Carbon wheelset with 1300g and also a carbon aero handlebar in 38 cm.

On the other hand, the weight of the 9R frame is of course a bit annoying. In addition, the bike is probably less aerodynamic than my S-Works SL6 because the seat tube is round.

In the Tour Test, it is measured at 239 watts compared to the new Allez Sprint (231), which is a pretty bad value in comparison to the other semi aero allrounders like Emonda, Ultimate, Addict etc.
Add to that the outrageous price of over €2800 for the Tiagra model, which I find the prettiest in terms of colour.

I also have the option of a new Canyon Ultimate CF SL for €3200. Delivered at the end of January. The reports about the problems with the seatpost and the Pressfit BB86 bottom bracket are points that make me think about whether the Canyon is the right choice for my peace of mind.

Alternatives that are semi-aerodynamic, reasonably light and don't have integrated cables are few and far between.

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TwiggyForest
Posts: 193
Joined: Wed Jun 03, 2020 2:06 am

by TwiggyForest

I have a SL6 9R Tarmac disc and I love it, mainly for the reasons you said - threaded BB, standard steerer, round seat post, non-fully internal routing - all of which makes it much easier for a home mechanic to work on and to get parts for. Also, it does ride really nicely, Specialised seem to go a good job keeping the same stiffness across different frame levels.

The frame isnt super lightweight, my bike weighs ~8kg ready to ride w/ 105 pedals, bottlecages, GPS mount, 1450g wheelset, a mix of R9100 & R8000 mechanical groupset, Sworks shallow bend carbon bar, 240g Power Arc saddle. It would probably be easy to save a few hundred grams with a lighter saddle, seat post, dura-ace pedals, narrower bars, lighter wheelset if I desired.
Last edited by TwiggyForest on Wed Dec 07, 2022 1:05 am, edited 1 time in total.

stermyx
Posts: 107
Joined: Thu Nov 24, 2022 4:31 pm

by stermyx

I have one with non disc brakes and i love it. Im starting serously to get it sub 5,8kg, thats why im here in this forum heaheah

AJS914
Posts: 5397
Joined: Tue Jan 28, 2014 6:52 pm

by AJS914

A few guys in my club have the 9R SL6. They love them.

There's a constant steam of SL6es that come across ebay. I would pick one up used in nice conditon and then build it up with your wheels. You could have a much nicer 12 speed bike overall if you start with a used frame and your wheels compared to a Tiagra 11 speed bike.

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