Just in: Specialized Women’s Tarmac SL6 Expert with Ultegra R8000

The Specialized Tarmac SL6 has been a very well received bike in 2017, with a lighter, stiffer and more aero frame providing a huge improvement in performance and handling compared to the previous version.

We’ve just taken delivery of the women’s Tarmac SL6 Expert model equipped with the latest Shimano R8000 mechanical groupset. This model costs £3,500 and is one of just two bikes in the women’s Tarmac range, the other is the S-Works model costing £8,500. Quite a jump between the two…

One of the big stories that sort of went under the radar at the launch was the new approach to geometry for men and women’s bikes. Simply put, it has taken the same approach as Canyon in deciding that, after hours of testing and lots of data, that a unisex geometry with gender and size-specific finishing kit is the best approach. It previously used the Amira range for the women’s version of the Tarmac, now women get the Tarmac as well, the Amira is no more.

- Specialized Tarmac 2018: New frame is 200g lighter and more aero

Specialized explains that it has  “put the way people ride ahead of their gender,” and has developed overlapping geometries that serve the riders regardless of their gender. 

“In an effort to serve all riders better, we have created a shared geometry that expands the fit range of the Tarmac platform and accommodates a greater percentage of competitive road fits while providing the sharp and precise handling riders expect from the Tarmac,” adds the company.

The women’s Tarmac range features five sizes from 44 to 56cm. The bike pictured is a 54cm. Measurements include a 544mm stack, 384mm reach, 100mm stem length and 400mm handlebar width, 143mm head tube length and 73-degree head angle.

Otherwise, this here bike has all the same new features as the S-Works model I tested a few months ago. That includes a lighter frame, a massive 200g saving over the previous version. It has also spent a lot of time in a wind-tunnel, resulting in a new downtube, shorter fork crown height and direct mount brakes to produce the same drag figures as the original Venge, a dedicated aerodynamic road bike.

- Review: Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL6

The bike we have here is specced with the brand new Shimano Ultegra R8000 in its mechanical guise. It’s a substantial update, owing a lot to the Dura-Ace R9100 launched a year ago, and closes the performance gap considerably. You can read all about it in Jack’s first ride report here.

Specialized outfits the bikes with its own Roval SLX 24 wheelset, an Expert Shallow Drop handlebar, Pro SL stem, Oura Pro saddle with carbon base and rails, and S-Works Turbo 26mm tyres with BlackBelt puncture protection. On the scales, the bike weighs in at 7.32kg (16.13lbs).

Stay tuned for a full review soon… More details at www.specialized.com