How much speed can you buy? Tarmac SL7 S-Works vs SL6 Sport

Commentary and testing with @ChrisRiekert.

00:00 Why are we testing
1:53 What are we testing
3:08 How are we testing
7:13 Results: Bike Feel
8:14 Results: Bike Performance

Conclusion: Bikes are fun, buy the one that makes you happy

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[joakim]

during the video i was wondering "what if they have the same wheels?" . Hurry this test! And thank you !

[frozenbean]

Jeff absolutely nailing the "Saturday Dad" look.

[rubendeklerkdeklerkperform]

Wow this is so much better than all the mainstream media bike 'tests'

[chrissollie]

How lovely is this setting. I love the change you throw in every now and then. You really are improving our viewing experience besides the fact that you feed us with new information. Thanks again for the videos!

[rserton]

Having watched NorCal Cycling videos for so long with just Jeff's voiceover, it feels really weird to see his voice coming out of a person on screen.

[bookingstation]

The dork disk on the SL6 is probably causing most of the difference.

[weaselfever]

excellent vid. seems like a ton of work was put into it and it shows

[derekeggiman]

I really liked this video and concept and look forward to your further tests!

When considering a $2500 bike to a $12k bike the next question, what can you do to close that gap with some thoughtful and deliberate upgrades is a really interesting one. Wheels, Carbon aero handlebars, lighter seat; all could be easily added making a ~$4500 sl6 vs a 12k sl7. For those of us spending our own money on bikes, that price difference is still enormous!

[ThePixelize]

Awesome! Pretty astounded by the difference. That 'cheap' Tarmac is no slouch, either. Should've used the same power meter (pedals) though, ideally. If one's reading 2% high and the other one 2% low (all within spec) you already have more than half the difference accounted for. Starting with the wheels, swap component-by component to close in on where that time's lost.

[thecyclingfactor]

Got to nearly the end and was confident much of the difference was due to the wheels. Specialized specs really heavy wheels on their lower end bikes, looking forward to the next video!

[alextasch]

I remember watching this video when it first came out and I really enjoyed it. I just watched it again and want to tell you guys you did a really great job. I quit racing and riding at the end of the 2016 season. I started riding again Jan 2020, bought a 2020 Venge Jan 21. I have a 39.5 mile KOM from 2015 when I was super fit. I just rode the Segment on my Venge and was within 5 minutes of my PR with 50 watts less for the 2 hour average. I am confident that if i go hard on the Venge i will best my old PR. Thanks again the video was amazing.

[ericmagee]

Switching the wheels!! Yes!! Great idea. Can’t wait for the next video to see how it play out. This was very informative, you guys rock. Also great outro music 👍🏻

[jevgeniardassov]

Yes, but the wheels from SL7 will cost as much as a whole SL6... Right? 😏

[MorganBrown]

One test I’ve never seen (maybe impossible) is sprint testing. In other words, try to quantify how efficient a given frame is at translating pedal force to sprint speed. That would have been more important for Jeff at Snelling rr. I “feel” that my Canyon Ultimate is less efficient in a sprint than my old Tarmac Pro, but have never tried to quantify

[stalepigeon]

*While I'm watching* "Ye but what about if you change dem rims bru"... Then the ending 😱😲. Love the sit down style filming too, looking forward to part 2!

[hedleykerr]

Having raced for 38 years I can say as you get older comfort becomes your #1 priority!

[dpw]

Great video! I have an sl6 sport with zipp 404 and I love it.. wheels make a huge diff, can’t wait for the next one!

[samdahrooge]

I know you guys said it's a crushing victory for the SL7 but for a casual rider like myself. Whether I finish my ride in 2 hours or 2 hours and 10 mins it doesn't bother me.

These videos really help me not get caught up in the marketing bs. Can't wait for the next one.

[mansson]

Are we fast because of our kit? You can just hear them credit cards start to sweat.

[whatwelearned]

Man, you 've added chapters, some transitions and drone footage. More kudos on the improving production, old bean