Specialized S-Works Tarmac test: After 15 years of Specialized Tarmac, the Specialized S-Works Tarmac Disc, the first version with disc brakes in the “Tarmac era”, has been available since the beginning of the year. Last year, Specialized caused quite a stir with a complete overhaul and new development of the Tarmac. In order to make the high-end bike even more complete, the model has now also been optimized for disc brakes without weakening the advantages of the rim version. Velomotion has already extensively tested the Specialized S-Works Tarmac.
Specialized S-Works Tarmac Disc - frame and fork
Admittedly, we already know the frame from the Tarmac SL6. At first glance, the Specialized S-Works Tarmac Disc hardly differs from the version with rim brakes. Among other things, this becomes clear very quickly when you look at the geometry table, since the Specialized S-Works Tarmac Disc has the same geometry as the rim version. Only the chainstay length has changed on the Tarmac Disc.
In addition, both variants have the same first-class aerodynamic values, since the disc was designed in such a way that the disc brakes do not become an aerodynamic disadvantage. Thanks to the Rider-First-Engineered construction already known from Specialized, the Tarmac Disc offers the same handling and the same frame stiffness as the rim brake version.
| Size | 49 cm | 52 cm | 54 cm | 56 cm | 58 cm | 61 cm |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| seat tube | 431 mm | 462 mm | 481 mm | 501 mm | 522 mm | 553 mm |
| top tube (horizontal) | 508 mm | 531 mm | 540 mm | 562 mm | 577 mm | 595 mm |
| head tube | 115 mm | 126 mm | 143 mm | 163 mm | 190 mm | 210 mm |
| Steering angle | 71,7 | 72,5 | 73,0 | 73,5 | 73,5 | 74,0 |
| Seat angle | 75,5 | 74,0 | 74,0 | 73,5 | 73,5 | 73,0 |
| chainstay | 410 mm | 410 mm | 410 mm | 410 mm | 410 mm | 410 mm |
| bottom bracket drop | 74 mm | 74 mm | 72 mm | 72 mm | 72 mm | 72 mm |
| wheelbase | 973 mm | 975 mm | 978 mm | 990 mm | 1005 mm | 1012 mm |
| Reach | 375 mm | 380 mm | 384 mm | 395 mm | 402 mm | 408 mm |
| Stack | 514 mm | 527 mm | 544 mm | 565 mm | 591 mm | 612 mm |
The Rider-First Engineered frame made of FACT 12r carbon should ensure perfect handling, ultimate speed and high driving stability. The fiber assignment, which is individually tailored to each frame size, enables an optimal balance of stiffness and weight for all riders. When constructing the frame, 200 more pieces of carbon were added to achieve greater complexity and thereby save more weight with higher stiffness.
The fork was also completely changed in the rim version, because the Rider-First-Engineered concept was also used here for the first time. This gives each size an optimized fork for identical driving characteristics. Of course, the fork of the Specialized S-Works Tarmac Disc was modified again to better absorb the different braking force due to the disc brakes without affecting the driving experience. Equipped with a Flush Axle System, it offers a flush axle that is flush with the frame and can be actuated with a 6mm Allen key.
Specialized S-Works Tarmac Disc – The equipment
But a first-class frame is only really fun if the setup is right. But here, too, you don't need to worry too much about the Specialized S-Works Tarmac Disc. With a Shimano Dura-Ace Di2, you have one of the top electronic shifting groups on your bike. The shifting processes ran flawlessly during our test, as usual, and the cable routing was also very tidy and pleasant. What was interesting was the setting that when you switched to the small chainring, you were automatically shifted two gears heavier at the back. Of course, it takes some getting used to at first, but it is a very useful way of keeping up the rhythm.
Of course, we mustn't forget to talk about the main namesake, namely the disc brakes. With a 160 mm disc at the front and 140 mm at the rear, the bike equipped with Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 disc brakes offers super braking balance. Additional equipment includes the in-house Roval CLX 50 carbon wheels. These deliver a perfect mix of aerodynamics and light weight, which is why they can convince on any terrain.
The tire setup of the Specialized S-Works Tarmac Disc also proved to be the finest on our test drive: With 26mm Turbo Cotton you not only have one of the supposedly fastest tires on the market, but also an extra portion of comfort and grip thanks to the additional width . The wheels are equipped with two sets of axles, one with DT RWS levers and the other with bolted axles. The latter are 30 g lighter per axle. The installed axles have an installation width of 12×100 mm at the front and 12×142 mm at the rear.
For the additional attachments, Specialized relies on the usual good in-house products, such as handlebars, saddle, seat post and stem. The stiff seat post made of FACT carbon is aerodynamically perfectly adapted to the frame and ensures direct power transmission with pleasant damping comfort. The cover of the inner saddle clamp is also elegantly solved.
An additional highlight of the Specialized S-Works Tarmac Disc is the crank, which is equipped with the brand new in-house power meter. According to the manufacturer, the Specialized S-Works Power Cranks offer the lightest and most accurate power measurement on the market. An extensive development process was carried out with the help of the University of Boulder in order to offer the riders the best system. At just 440 grams (without chainrings), the Dual Power Cranks, which measure on both sides, are impressive. With an easy-to-change button cell battery, there is no need for tedious battery changes. In addition, the cranks are extremely robust and waterproof.
Test drive: Specialized S-Works Tarmac Disc – full speed ahead!
After a lot had already been written and reported about the new Specialized S-Works Tarmac Disc, we were of course very excited about our test drive with the top racer and our expectations were correspondingly high. We can reveal that much in advance – we were by no means disappointed! As soon as you left the yard you could tell that the Specialized S-Works Tarmac Disc is a real weapon. Because even if you don't pedal with full force, you can really feel the direct propulsion. This is mainly due to the incredibly good stiffness, especially in the bottom bracket area.
When accelerating around a corner or when accelerating uphill, where the Tarmac Disc can also make the most of its weight, after a short time you really don't want to go slow anymore, as this power transmission and propulsion are addictive. But the new Tarmac Disc also knows how to impress on faster passages. Of course, a large part of the work is done by the good wheels and fast tires, but the aerodynamically optimized frame also plays its part.
In addition, with the Tarmac Disc, despite all the rigidity and aerodynamics, care was also taken to ensure that comfort is not neglected. This is achieved on the one hand by the lowered rear end, which can absorb shocks much better and hardly passes this on to the driver. On the other hand, tires have space of up to 30mm, which should also have a positive effect on comfort. 26 Turbo Cottons were installed on our test bike, which were more than sufficient for our purposes.
It got interesting when we tried to compare the Tarmac Disc a little with the rim version from an earlier test. Because a common problem with many disc racers is that they often feel very sluggish and sluggish. In some cases, this is also due to the fact that these wheels, which were originally designed for rim brakes and are now also available for discs as part of a revision, are often significantly less precise and also harder to control than their rim ancestors.
The main reason for this is that with disc brakes completely different forces and also levers act on the wheel and the driver than with rim brakes. From the driving experience alone, however, we can say quite clearly that the Tarmac has successfully completed this change and that the Tarmac Disc can be steered and braked just as precisely and easily as the rim version, without having to forego the advantages of disc brakes.
And that brings us to the disc brakes. These make the Specialized S-Works Tarmac Disc one of the most complete bikes on the market. Not only the unrestricted good braking performance in all conditions, but also the good dosing and precision of the discs offer a lot of driving pleasure. We also really liked the pressure point of the hydraulic disc brakes and it doesn't appear "spongy" at all.
With the best will in the world, even after a demanding test, we can't find any weaknesses on the Specialized S-Works Tarmac Disc. The impressive overall performance and a high-quality setup make the Tarmac Disc a bike that is rarely seen. So if you are willing to spend almost 10.000 euros on a racing bike, you will certainly get your money's worth here.
Specialized Tarmac Disc Models & Prices
The Specialized Tarmac Disc has been available since March 14, 2018. However, only in the S-Works version, which has a decent price of €9.999. But there is a top-class bike with high-quality attachments and even an integrated power meter. There will also be a Specialized S-Works Tarmac Disc frameset for €3.699.
