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Tarmac SL9 S-Level SRAM Red AXS Bicycle
Description
Born from the fastest road bike ever made, the Tarmac SL9 S-Level takes the same race chassis that Specialized engineered around Time to Finish and puts it within reach of riders who don't need the S-Works price tag. The frame is built in FACT 10r carbon rather than the range-topping 12r layup, and Specialized states the two grades deliver the same aerodynamic profile, stiffness, and compliance, with the 10r sitting slightly heavier on the scale. Rider First Engineered construction tunes the layup size by size so a 49 handles the way a 61 does, and Win Tunnel Engineered tube shapes carry over the aerodynamic revisions of the flagship, including the narrowed head tube and the Win Fin behind the seat tube.
The geometry is pure Tarmac, which is the point. Every tube was re-sculpted for speed at World Tour races, but the underlying race position, quick handling, and predictable manners that made the previous generations benchmark all-rounders are left intact. In size 56 the frame runs a 544mm stack and 384mm reach, an aggressive fit that puts you low over the front end without tipping into pure aero-machine extremes. Chainstays stay compact across the size run, and the fully integrated Roval Rapide cockpit keeps the front end clean while contributing to the aerodynamic package.
What separates the SL9 from single-metric race bikes is the Equation of Speed, a physics-based model that weighs aerodynamics, weight, and ride quality together to predict how long a rider actually takes to finish a real course. Rather than chase the lowest drag figure or the lightest scale weight in isolation, Specialized optimized the whole system around race outcomes. That approach lands the S-Level complete bike at 7.1 kg in size 56, a figure that keeps it in the conversation with the lightest bikes from any manufacturer while retaining the aero silhouette of the flagship.
Features
The build runs SRAM RED AXS E1 throughout, the wireless 12-speed electronic groupset paired with a Quarq powermeter integrated into the crankset. Gearing comes from 50/37t chainrings and a RED XG-1290 E1 cassette spanning 10-36t, a range broad enough for steep climbs and fast flats alike. Braking is handled by SRAM RED E1 hydraulic disc calipers front and rear, actuated through the RED AXS E1 hydraulic levers. The Flattop chain and SRAM DUB BSA 68 bottom bracket round out the drivetrain, with a threaded shell for straightforward service.
Roval Rapide CL III carbon wheels sit under the bike, Tubeless-ready with a 21mm internal rim width and depth-optimized profiles: 51mm up front, 48.5mm at the rear. They run DT350 hubs laced 18h front and 24h rear with DT Swiss Competition Race straight-pull spokes. Cotton TLR tires in 700x30 mount front and rear, matching the wider rubber trend that pairs low rolling resistance with real-world compliance. The frame accepts a 12x142mm rear thru-axle and 12x100mm up front, with flat-mount disc interfaces and a UDH dropout for derailleur hanger standardization.
Finishing kit includes a Power Pro Mirror saddle with hollow Ti rails, the S-Works Tarmac SL8 FACT Carbon seatpost with 15mm offset held by a Tarmac integrated wedge binder, and Supacaz Super Sticky Kush bar tape on the integrated Roval Rapide cockpit. It's a build that delivers the SL9 race experience with sensible component choices where the flagship spends on ceramic bearings and composite spokes.
- Tarmac SL9 FACT 10r carbon frame, Rider First Engineered, Win Tunnel Engineered
- FACT 12r carbon fork, 12x100mm thru-axle, flat-mount disc
- Threaded BB shell, 12x142mm rear thru-axle, UDH dropout
- SRAM RED AXS E1 12-speed wireless electronic drivetrain
- SRAM RED AXS E1 crankset with Quarq powermeter, 50/37t
- SRAM RED XG-1290 E1 cassette, 10-36t
- SRAM RED E1 Flattop chain, SRAM DUB BSA 68 bottom bracket
- SRAM RED E1 hydraulic disc brakes, front and rear
- Roval Rapide CL III tubeless carbon wheels, 21mm internal width, 51mm front / 48.5mm rear depth
- DT350 hubs, DT Swiss Competition Race straight-pull spokes
- Cotton TLR tires, 700x30 front and rear
- Roval Rapide integrated bar/stem cockpit, Supacaz Super Sticky Kush tape
- Power Pro Mirror saddle, hollow Ti rails
- S-Works Tarmac SL8 FACT Carbon seatpost, 15mm offset
- 15.65 lbs (size 56)
Geometry
| Size | Stack | Reach |
|---|---|---|
| 44 | 501mm | 366mm |
| 49 | 514mm | 375mm |
| 52 | 527mm | 380mm |
| 54 | 544mm | 384mm |
| 56 | 565mm | 395mm |
| 58 | 591mm | 402mm |
| 61 | 612mm | 408mm |