6,000 Miles Later, is the Specialized Tarmac SL7 Still 👑?

After riding the Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL7 for 6,000 miles, is it still the best? I've put it to the test and share my thoughts on why I think the Tarmac is an incredible value and strong contender for your next bike purchase.

Gear I’m Riding and Into (updated 10/2023) ↓↓↓
*Some of these are affiliate links

Instagram: @outdoorbros_

0:00 Intro
0:27 The Perspective: Everyday Athlete
0:47 Aesthetics
1:22 Performance
1:36 Ride Quality
2:12 Comfort
2:51 Value
3:56 Truly the King
4:12 Up Next: S-Works 7 Lace Shoe

[richardwood]

I really enjoy the channel. I have been riding the Trek Madone since 2008. First was the Madone 5.7 and then several project one Madones running di2 since 2011. It is a wonderful bike. In 2021 my current Modone was requiring some serious servicing after a heavy crit racing history. I still love and own it. I start to look at all options to replace or upgrade, not wanting to believe all that you read from each manufacturer. January 2022 was able to purchase a SL7 frame and build it up with 12 speed Ultegra di2, CLX wheels. What can I stay after riding it for a month, well it is the best bike I have owned. Your review is 100% on the money. Great ride quality, fast and direct. Climbs and descends well. Love it!

[B_KFC_Leg]

I have ridden various models from Giant, Trek and Cannondale previously, and I found that the ride feeling of a Tarmac is very unique to me. It feels extremely solid, like I am always in control. Funny enough I found the exactly the same feeling of a SL7 from a SL3 (10 years old bike) and the same feeling was never found on another brand and model.

[akakak]

I’ve ridden 5, 000 miles on the S-works SL7 with ENVE 3.4AR 28mm and can easily confirm that it is very fast above 20 mph plus it is very comfortable bc it is has a high degree of vertical compliance. No question about stiffness with great compliance. Weight wise, the frame (size 52) comes in at 680 grams plus 280 for the fork. That’s pretty good, but overall weight with disc setup will add more that rim brake setup.

[Amir]

I agree with your commentary. I’m actually selling my pro to upgrade to an Sworks but I do love my SL7. Like it’s just a solid machine.

[nerigarcia]

I've cycled through many different bikes over the years from Bianchi, Orbea, BH, Argon 18, Look, BMC to S-Works and the Tarmac is one I keep going back to. I've had 4 of them since the SL2 (also owned the SL3, SL5, and SL6) and the Tarmac is just the bike that fits me best and feels the best while riding. It's light, responsive, and goes fast without me even trying. Maybe I am but it just feels faster than my other bikes for less work. I didn't want to be another Specialized on the road but the Tarmac is a hard bike to beat in terms of its ride quality. It's one I keep in my collection.

[damoneisenga]

Great channel Chris! Gotta agree with your review as I’ve logged about 7500 miles on my SWorks SL7 Tarmac since purchasing in September of 2020. I thought my SL5 Tarmac was good, but the SL7 feels like you just strap it on and so compliant on bad roads! I am riding 28’s and that was a huge difference as well.

[Jacob]

I really like your channel. I think Aethos is a great choice for an everyday dad that doesn’t race

[ironray]

I love my 2017 Tarmac with Shimano's Di2 shifting. I bought it for around 3K and it performs flawlessly. My typical road rides are 2-4 hour hammer fests and it's the perfect bike for those types of rides.

[nigo]

I have been riding SL7 entry model for almost 1 and half year, even I am a super amateur rider, I can say that the acceleration on SL7 is super fast and fun! Changing the 28mm tubeless tires on Roval C38, it’s very comfy and stable.

[LoaforDie]

I Bought a 500 mile used ridden SL7 Pro and I love it!!!!

[duncancycles]

I’ve gotta say, I have both the S-Works SL6 and S-Works Venge. Hands down the Venge is the fastest bike in the market. Venge will be coming back. Both purchased used

[thatsthatdude]

I love my SL7 with Enve Tubeless wheels and this coming from S-Works Venge that I use to own! It handles great and LOOKS amazing! Definitely my fav bike in my collection!

[abhi_in_the_wild]

Loving the content mate! Would love to see the on-bike/ride carry accessories you use.

[rgborget]

Exactly the way I feel about riding my bike!

[DPS-Runner_Cyclist]

I have about 800 miles on my SL7 and I-Love-It! Much more comfortable than my S5, granted the wider disk brake wheels probably help, but I can ride longer, and faster now.

[barryliu]

I just bought a sl7 expert-ultegra di2 11sp for 2.7k :)))) Can't wait to ride this bike to the grave

[tccycling]

I haven't ridden a ton of other bikes, but my SL7 is absolutely amazing. Unfortunately I've crashed it in races a few times, but it's come away with only a scratch or two. I'll ride this bike into the ground before I think of replacing it. Most I've done in 1 day is 143 miles, and I agree, the bike is plenty comfortable as long as it fits you.

[paul_hd]

"It mocks you... "... LOL. Got a great laugh there! Cheers from NorCal. Sub'd.

[chroniclesofalazyriderbyde]

After 8k of mileage, mine still running smooth and fast. Still the best ride ever.

[dtpapa]

Still the number one for me. Spookily my mileage is currently 6084 😉. First Spech was an sworks SL6 and before that one had TCR, Addict, S5, Foil. It beats them all, even the Aethos which I also currently have.
2nd hand market will be much more restrictive in UK because of numbers of sales so they’re hard to come by, and nobody’s getting mine any time soon 😎