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Gallery: Specialized’s new 2015 Tarmac

Disc brakes, size-specific design, and increased integration highlight the new Specialized Tarmac

May 9, 2014 Logan VonBokel

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Gallery: — The new Specialized Tarmac does away with its SL suffix and adds disc brake models. Photo: Logan VonBokel | VeloNews.com

Gallery: — The new Tarmac saw subtle cosmetic changes from the SL4, but what is not subtle is the inclusion of three disc brake models in the line. Photo: Logan VonBokel | VeloNews.com

Gallery: — The rim-brake Tarmac S-Works will remain the go-to bike for racers, at least until the UCI reconsiders allowing discs into the peloton. Photo: Logan VonBokel | VeloNews.com

Gallery: — The Tarmac’s seat tube has been chopped down, and the traditional seat collar has been ditched in favor of an integrated design. The shorter seat tube is said to increase compliance, though on our rides we couldn’t find a too much of a difference. Photo: Logan VonBokel | VeloNews.com

Gallery: — There are seven models of the new Tarmac, from the S-Works down to Specialized’s Expert level. All but one of those models sports a Shimano drivetrain. Photo: Logan VonBokel | VeloNews.com

Gallery: — The new seatpost binder system makes the bike look more streamlined, but we found that mechanics must be careful to use torque wrenches that will not mark up the paint. Photo: Logan VonBokel | VeloNews.com

Gallery: — Rumor has it that the McLaren version of the Tarmac S-Works will have an integrated seatmast. Photo: Logan VonBokel | VeloNews.com

Gallery: — The Tarmac S-Works Disc uses the same 11r carbon as the rim brake S-Works, which still uses the same carbon as the 2014 Tarmac S-Works SL4. Photo: Logan VonBokel | VeloNews.com

Gallery: — We have had bad experiences with seat binder systems like this, but while playing with the Tarmac’s seat binder we had no issues. Other designs like this have issue with the expansion piece falling into the seat tube when the post is removed. Photo: Logan VonBokel | VeloNews.com

Gallery: — The new Tarmac carries over the hourglass-shaped headtube of the Tarmac SL4. Photo: Logan VonBokel | VeloNews.com

Gallery: — The new Tarmac, especially in the 56cm size feels just as snappy and race-ready as ever. Photo: Logan VonBokel | VeloNews.com

An American in France

What’s it like to be an American cyclist living in France? Watch to get professional road cyclist Joe Dombrowski’s view.

Keywords:

Native
Wilier

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