Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL7: The Road Bike that Made My Year

The lost video from September: A full rundown of the best bike for the 200-mile LOTOJA Classic race. We'll discuss the build, including Shimano Di2, Roval Rapide CLX 64 wheels, CeramicSpeed bearings in the bottom bracket and pulleys, the Continental Grand Prix 5000 tires and why I wish I had the Enve 4.5's for this race.

Gear I’m Riding and Into (updated 10/2023) ↓↓↓
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Instagram: @outdoorbros_

Actual Video Times:
0:00 Intro
0:22 The Decision
1:11 Race Build Rundown
1:41 Components/Gearing Choice
2:14 Extra Efficiency
2:30 Tire Choice
3:06 Sealant Choice
3:11 Changes from 2021
3:28 Computer Choice: Wahoo ELEMNT Bolt
3:47 My Wish... Enve 4.5
4:14 Equipment Choice: Limiting Variables

[outdoorbros_]

Of the Tarmac, Aethos and Melee, which of these road bike is your favorite?

[fernfloyd]

Also a fan of the GP 5, 000 TL tires. In the 2.75 years I had them, I only had one flat but it was my fault for forgetting to top off the sealant. I just installed the latest generation of that tire and they're very nice. Nice! We also use the same lube! Not to mention, the same BB, and similar pulleys. I have the OSPW from CS.

[JoseRios-mwlo]

All the best on your upcoming LOTOJA RACE !!!! keep it up always enjoy your insight very informative

[mohamadjamil]

We love your content. Keep up the great work. Happy new year dear Chris

[cameronfrancis]

I am a huge fan of the GP5000TL, I can promise you that when you make the switch to the GP5000S TR, you are going to be thrilled. They are noticeably faster! The only other tire I really like is the SWorks RapidAir 2bliss, I always felt it was faster that the GP5000TL but not as puncture resistant, the new generation of 5000s now feel just as fast the sworks, and just as durable as they have always been, I love them.

[augustbradley]

Super valuabel video! What kind of bike rack is that on the back of your camper van? Looks more solid than the Kuat (which rubs the frame's carbon head-tube). Thanks!

Keep up the awesome videos 🚀

[nicolimchoc]

And yeah I remember like a double upload of your video this year! 😂

[ianhutton]

Awesome videos !!! Love everything you put out ! How tall are you running 170 cranks ? I’m running 172.5 and I’m 6’1. I was thinking on dropping down to 170

[caet]

The gp5000tl was so puncture resistant- never got a puncture 3000+ km - got the new 5000S Tr and already punctured after 500 km….it’s a great tire but I’m not trusting it the same way as the old Tl model

[jessezarate]

Cool vid! Did you size differently in tarmac vs Aethos?

[Sam]

Is the Melee now your go-to race bike after the Tarmac was sold?

[MazingerZX]

Tubeless on the Roval 64s? Any tips or issues to look for?

[ozgurinsan]

America where people can afford two $10.000 bikes and buy another one with no problem.

[myette]

You have all the gear and can’t swap freehub bodies?

[Kanonka]

This is Merida, spec is just made by merida with those several letters "Specialized".

[mikicastan]

Nice, you are still a live and you have all your teeth

[mannie]

I wanted to actually see the bike but there was so much of you on screen and barely any of the bike. Ugh.

[AlexPeka]

I dont rate the SL7 at all. Until recently I had an Sworks Venge (hit by van) Even with crash discount I can't bring myself to buy an SL7. Doesn't look as good. Doesn't look close to aero compared to other competition (eg. S5). Specialized has a lot of work to do to meet the new benchmark in the world tour.