Specialized Tarmac SL6 Expert Road Bike 2019

Specialized Tarmac SL6 Expert Road Bike 2019

As far as lightweight road bikes go, the Specialized Tarmac SL6 Expert is a bit of an overachiever. It's certainly lightweight, with the stiffness to win an uphill sprint, but it's the added aerodynamic elements that blur the edges, making this bike a serious contender on fast flat courses too.

The frameset is constructed with Specialized's FACT 10r carbon, for which they utilised aerospace design software to ensure the shape was as stiff as possible using as little material as possible. The result is a frame that's 20% lighter than the Tarmac SL5.

You'll benefit from this attention to detail regardless of your frame size, as Specialized use their Rider-First Engineered method to adjust tube sizing and ensure the entire range handles the same way.

Decked out with a Shimano Ultegra R8000 11-speed groupset, you're getting a superb mechanical offering that's easy to maintain. A mid-compact chainset combines with a wide ratio cassette to deliver a plethora of gearing options to suit any terrain. The direct mount brakes offer more power than standard calipers, without the perceived hassle associated with disc braking systems.

A key part of this bike's fantastic aesthetics is the wheelset. The Roval CL50 wheels feature a 50mm deep carbon rim for improved aerodynamic performance. Not only do they complete the look of the bike, but they're also a seriously fast wheelset too, rolling on a set of Specialized S-Works Turbo 26mm tyres for excellent grip and comfort.

FEATURES:

• Rider-First Engineered design that ensures every frame size has the same climbing responsiveness and descending prowess you'd expect from a Tarmac
• The FACT 10r frame is the perfect blend of value and performance
• The 11-speed Shimano Ultegra 8000 shifting is extremely reliable, lightweight, and precise
• The Roval CL 50 wheelset
• Direct mount brakes for improved stopping power