From Ars Technica · · 3m
Specialized's Tarmac SL9 S-Level tempts you to abandon Zone 2
The aero road bike is so responsive and fast it makes easy rides feel like tempo efforts. At ten thousand five hundred dollars, it offers top-tier components at a lower price than the S-Works.
In brief
The aero road bike is so responsive and fast it makes easy rides feel like tempo efforts. At ten thousand five hundred dollars, it offers top-tier components at a lower price than the S-Works. Specialized's Tarmac SL9 S-Level is an aero road bike that combines top-tier SRAM Red components with a lighter frame than the…
A bike that seduces you into speed
The Specialized Tarmac SL9 S-Level is so responsive and fast that even easy Zone two rides turn into tempo efforts. The bike's performance makes riders want to go harder just for the fun of it.
“Go fast. This bike was built to go fast. Speed is good.”
Where the S-Level sits in Specialized's lineup
The Tarmac SL9 S-Level sits just below the S-Works in Specialized's top tier of carbon aero road bikes. It replaced the Tarmac SL8 Pro after an update this year.
Four models with flexible drivetrain options
Specialized offers the Tarmac SL9 in four models: S-Works, S-Level, Expert, and Comp. All are available with SRAM and Shimano drivetrains, so you don't need the top model to get the top groupset.
S-Level pricing and specifications
The S-Level costs ten thousand four hundred ninety-nine dollars ninety-nine cents with SRAM Red AXS or nine thousand nine hundred ninety-nine dollars ninety-nine cents with Dura-Ace Di2.
S-Level gets premium components at lower cost
The ten thousand five hundred dollar S-Level offers the same SRAM Red groupset and integrated cockpit as the fourteen thousand dollar S-Works.
Frame weight difference is modest
The FACT ten r frame weighs eight hundred twenty-two grams for a fifty-six centimetre size, one hundred thirty-five grams heavier than the FACT twelve r on the S-Works.
Testing the S-Level across Illinois
The reviewer rode the S-Level around Chicago suburbs and central Illinois, putting nearly one thousand miles on it. Testing included freshly laid asphalt, chipseal, and country roads, but not mountain climbs.
Striking looks and aerodynamic design
The S-Level's blue-on-white with gray striping is visually striking. Specialized says the Tarmac SL9 is the most aerodynamic road bike it has ever made, with tweaks to the head tube and a new dropped-down tube.
The Win Fin aerodynamic feature
The Win Fin is the most visually striking change on the SL9.As the seat tube rises from the bottom bracket, it deviates to follow the wheel curve.
Comfort and balance on long rides
On every surface except brand-new chipseal, the Tarmac felt comfortable and balanced, absorbing punishment from uneven pavement.The SL9 feels great on hours-long rides, matching the Trek Madone SLR nine AXS Gen eight in this regard.
Responsive and twitchy when you want speed
When ready to drop the hammer, the S-Level is a willing accomplice. It's twitchy in good ways with instantaneous response to rider effort. The SRAM Red AXS groupset makes shifting buttery smooth.
Climbing, descending and cornering feel effortless
The first few seconds of a climb feel free, with no lag or flex as the bike snaps forward.
Minor complaints about fit and components
The reach to the brakes in the drops felt excessive and needed adjustment.The one hundred seventy millimetre cranks are longer than the reviewer's preferred one hundred sixty-five millimetre.
Value proposition at ten thousand five hundred dollars
At ten thousand five hundred dollars, the S-Level is three thousand five hundred dollars less than the S-Works while offering the same SRAM Red groupset.
“Zone 2 can wait until tomorrow.”
The bottom line
Specialized's Tarmac SL9 S-Level is an aero road bike that combines top-tier SRAM Red components with a lighter frame than the S-Works, making it fast and responsive enough to tempt riders into harder efforts than planned.
