A brand new arrival from the Specialized brand, the Tarmac SL6 Comp Disc is a phenomenal all round bike. With the top end of the tarmac range being one of the market leading bikes, it’s great to see that a lot of these features carry down through the range. Not the cheapest of bikes, though fantastic value for money, the Tarmac SL6 Comp Disc delivers everything you’d want it to.
— 12 TYPES OF ROAD CYCLIST WE ALL KNOW —
The Tarmac disc is almost identical to the rim version – in terms of performance and geometry. Specialized have been working on disc brake bikes for over 5 years and believe that allows them to make a disc brake bike that coming with all the aero benefits of a rim brake bike. Using the Retul bike fit technology has allowed specialized to design and engineer a bike that really is the complete package.
Specialized claim that they’ve designed each size different using various layup schedules and materials. They also come with visibly different forks. The updated geometry from previous versions offers a Performance Road Geometry that perfects the combination of a responsive front-end and short wheelbase which delivers instantaneous response and optimal power transfer.
The seat stays have been dropped and the seat tube shape slightly altered to offer a firmer ride all round. Though this isn’t the case in the slightly cheaper SL6 comp, it still offers all the stiffness you’d need. Tyre clearance up to 30mm means that you can turn the bike into an all road explorer should you wish. Altogether these additions still have the Tarmac riding like a true race-machine but it also takes a bit of the sting out of road imperfections. Something you’ll definitely be grateful for on your next long ride.
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Complete with disc brakes and an Ultegra groupset, the Specialized Tarmac SL6 Comp Disc gives you all the freedom you need. Agile into the corners, the bike holds very firm. It’s no surprise this bike always features very highly on bike of the year ratings. It’s quick off the mark to accelerate, as well as comfortable to climb on.
While out riding the bike it’s very clear that it’s been thoroughly designed and tested along with the pros. Their knowledge has leaked down through the range and the middle of the range is now starting to benefit. The disc brakes keep you feeling very secure into the corners and rattling down the descents. In former years this was only available no the s-works version of the bike, retailing over £9,000 it certainly wasn’t available to the majority.
— SPECIALIZED BICYCLE COMPANY – THE NEED TO KNOW —
Verdict:
If you want a bike suited to all areas of your ride, then the Tarmac disc is for you. It looks the part and is now available at a fraction of the £9,000 price tag, it’s a no brainer. Once you’ve added this versatile weapon to the arsenal, you won’t look back!
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Value - 84%84%
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Performance - 87%87%
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Durability - 81%81%
