With the Tour de France approaching and the peloton’s best gearing up for three weeks of racing action, now’s the perfect time to launch a new line of Tarmac frames complete with disc brakes and drop-dead gorgeous paintjobs.
The winning formula
One of the most versatile bikes in the pro ranks, the S-Works Tarmac has piloted some of the world’s best – including the world champion himself, Peter Sagan – to a series of wins across the past few seasons. But the S-Works isn’t the only Tarmac to receive the winning treatment this year, all the models in the Tarmac line feature some of the best tech money can buy.
Rider-First EngineeredTM technology on each Tarmac model ensures the same characteristically zippy and nimble ride experience is consistent no matter the frame size, while also shaving some extra weight. The aerodynamics have also been refined, once again resulting in a bike that happens to be just as aero as the first Venge. Such aero improvements have allowed the Tarmac to ride a giant 45 seconds faster over 40km than any previous model – a massive saving, especially in those races that go right down to the wire. From the mighty Grand Tour winning S-Works to the more affordable Tarmac sport, the Tarmac is available in a wide range of models to suit everyone’s needs. Whether racing a Grand Tour, storming the local crit, or simply cruising through the kilometres, the Tarmac can promise one thing for all – speed; hot nasty speed.
An Expert choice
Billed as the ultimate do it all racer and weekend rider, the Men’s Tarmac Disc Expert is a definite crowd pleaser. Its sharp geometry and smooth, reliable components just as well suited to bossing the local crit as it is to keeping you cruising on the weekend ride with friends. Its FACT 10r carbon construction and revolutionary Rider-First EngineeredTM frame design perfectly blends value and performance, resulting in a lightweight machine with the same legendary climbing responsiveness as its S-Works brother. Shimano provides the super-reliable Ultegra groupset which takes care of precise shifting, and super stopping power from the hydraulic discs. The addition of the super-light and durable Roval C38 Disc carbon wheels make the Tarmac Disc Expert an incredible racing machine, worthy of a proper Grand Tour contender.
Competition-ready
The affordable racer that’s ready to roll straight from the box, the Men’s Tarmac Disc Comp features the same Rider-First EngineeredTM technology in the bar-raising frame as the other Tarmac models, and is also fitted with Shimano’s super-reliable Ultegra groupset. The FACT 9r carbon frame marks a step down from the higher priced, elite models of the Tarmac line, but with the affordable price tag slapped on it, the slight weight gain will soon be relegated to distant memory.
The no-nonsense racer
Taking all the race-winning design from the S-Works variant and channelling it into an affordable, mid-level road bike, Specialized have created a true monster capable of turning any amateur into a professional almost overnight.
A full FACT 9r carbon frame keeps weight low while making no compromises on stiffness and comfort, and the Disc Sport rides with the same nifty handling as the higher end Tarmacs thanks to Rider-First EngineeredTM technology. An 11-speed Shimano 105 groupset compliments the build well, blending durability and performance to create a bike that will give you the confidence to reach those top speeds and tackle the toughest of corners.
Ride like a Pro
The final addition to the new Tarmac Disc line – the Men’s Tarmac Disc Pro – is built with racing at the forefront of its design, an illustrious list of race-ready components eager to quash the competition from the off.
Just like the Expert, the Pro features a FACT 10r carbon frame with ground-breaking Rider-First EngineeredTM technology, but this time pairs it with a Shimano Ultegra Di2 groupset for an even smoother ride experience. Hydraulic discs not only offer exceptional stopping power, but touch-sensitive modulation too, ensuring breaking is both efficient and effective.
The deep-rimmed, Roval CL 50 Disc wheels complete the build, using the same rim as the S-Work’s CLX 50 disc but omitting the top-end bearings and spokes to keep costs low. Unless you’re competing for July’s yellow jersey prize, we’re sure you’re not going to notice.
These new Tarmacs are available now in a concept store near you. The beauty of the Tarmac is its versatility and its wide range of choice, allowing riders to choose whether they want to run traditional rims brakes, or ride the modern disc wave. Not to mention Specialized also offer a wide range of women’s-specific Tarmac models. This is one bike that will no doubt carve a smile onto everyone’s face, no matter their experience level.
