Specialized has broadened its Tarmac SL9 collection by introducing three lower-priced variants, giving riders access to the latest generation race platform without the flagship price tag. The new additions include an S-Level Tarmac SL9, alongside Expert and Comp versions.
Back in June, Specialized unveiled its top-tier S-Works Tarmac SL9, marketing it as “the fastest road bike ever made.” However, that launch left a notable gap for cyclists seeking a current-generation race machine at a more accessible price point.
The newly announced SL9 models address this by all utilizing a more economical Fact 10r carbon frame, replacing the Fact 12r frame that features on the premium S-Works builds.
The S-Level Tarmac SL9 takes the place of the former Pro-tier bikes and is priced at £8,799. That represents a £3,200 reduction compared to the flagship model, yet it still delivers a build that comes remarkably close to professional-level specification.
Positioned below the S-Level, the Tarmac SL9 Expert carries a price of £5,999, while the Tarmac SL9 Comp comes in at £3,999. Pricing for the United States, Europe, and Australia can be found at the conclusion of this article.
The S-Level designation was initially rolled out by Specialized on the Crux 5 gravel bike in May, essentially serving as a replacement for what were previously labeled ‘Pro’ specification bikes. According to Specialized, it provides the “closest experience to S-Works” while omitting the Fact 12r carbon frame found on the range-topping model.
Across the S-Level, Expert, and Pro models, the Fact 10r carbon frame is said to match the stiffness and compliance characteristics of the Fact 12r S-Works frame, with the only trade-off being additional weight. In a size 56cm, the SL9 10r frame reportedly tips the scales at 822g, whereas the 12r frame weighs 687g.
Importantly, the tube profiles—and therefore the aerodynamic performance—of the new SL9 models are indistinguishable from the S-Works SL9. This encompasses all the aero refinements brought in with the S-Works Tarmac SL9, including a slimmer head tube with an offset steerer, a redesigned fork and down tube, a ‘Win Fin’ positioned behind the seat tube, and a fresh aero seatpost.
These enhancements were engineered around Specialized’s ‘Time to Finish’ philosophy, which the brand says strikes a balance between aerodynamics, weight, and ride quality to reach the finish line as quickly as possible. The flagship S-Works Tarmac SL9 is claimed to be 4 watts quicker than the previous Tarmac SL8 at 45kph, and Specialized’s internal comparisons place it ahead of competitors such as the Colnago Y1Rs, Cervélo S5, and Factor One.
With this expansion, the Tarmac SL9 range now closely parallels the Crux lineup, offering S-Works, S-Level, Expert, and Comp tiers. It seems highly likely that Specialized will follow the same pattern for future iterations of its other models, such as the Roubaix.
So, does the S-Level deliver S-Works performance for less? The S-Level bikes come equipped with either SRAM Red AXS or Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 groupsets featuring dual-sided power meters, Fact 12r carbon forks, Roval Rapide cockpits, and S-Works Turbo Cotton TLR tyres—matching the specification found on S-Works models. However, the build is completed with second-tier Roval Rapide CL III wheels, a Specialized Power Pro with Mirror saddle, a standard SRAM DUB bottom bracket, and steel headset bearings.
Based on our experience with similar component mixes over the years, these types of substitutions are unlikely to produce a noticeable impact on the overall riding experience. That said, we are eager to test an S-Level bike to confirm this firsthand. Despite the differences, Specialized states that complete S-Level builds weigh 7.1kg, while the S-Works SL9 starts at a claimed 6.5kg.
The introduction of these new models gives the Tarmac SL9 a far wider price spectrum than when Specialized offered only the two £11,999 S-Works builds. Alongside the S-Level, the Expert and Comp models are available from £5,999 / $6,600 / €6,999 and £3,999 / $4,500 / €4,499 respectively.
These models feature SRAM Force AXS or Shimano Ultegra Di2 R8100 groupsets on the Expert, and SRAM Rival AXS or Shimano 105 Di2 R7100 groupsets on the Comp. Neither comes with a power meter. The Tarmac Expert is fitted with a two-piece alloy cockpit and Roval’s entry-level C38 carbon wheels wrapped in S-Works Turbo tyres, while the Comp’s base specification includes alloy DT Swiss R470 wheels paired with the same cockpit and tyres.
