Specialized has updated its aerodynamic road bike lineup with the Tarmac SL9 S-Level, positioned just below the flagship S-Works build. Replacing the previous Tarmac SL8 Pro, the new model packages premium groupset components onto a slightly heavier carbon frameset.
Lineup Specifications and Build Options
The Tarmac SL9 series comprises four models, each available with either Shimano or SRAM drivetrains. Minor weight variations exist across the lineup depending on component choice; the Shimano build is 20 grams lighter than the SRAM configuration on the Expert model, but 70 grams heavier on the Comp model.
Priced at $10,500, the S-Level features the top-tier SRAM Red groupset and an integrated cockpit, matching the core controls found on the $14,000 S-Works. To achieve the lower price point, Specialized equipped the S-Level with a different saddle, wheelset, and frameset. The model utilizes a FACT 10r carbon-fiber frame, which is also used on the Expert and Comp tiers, rather than the premium FACT 12r frame reserved for the S-Works.
Weight Differences and Ride Dynamics
A 56-centimeter FACT 10r frame weighs 822 grams, making it 135 grams heavier than the FACT 12r equivalent. According to Specialized, the FACT 10r delivers identical stiffness and comfort performance despite the added weight. Across all different components, including the wheels and saddle, the complete S-Level is approximately 500 grams heavier than the S-Works edition.
Ars Technica logged nearly 1,000 miles over several weeks evaluating the SRAM-equipped S-Level. Outfitted with bottle cages, a Garmin mount, and Shimano XTR XC PD-M9200 pedals, the tested bike weighed 7.98 kilograms, compared to a baseline of 7.71 kilograms for a Gen 8 Trek Madone. In testing, the bike exhibited an aggressive ride character that consistently encouraged high-tempo efforts over low-intensity endurance riding.
