Cycling WeeklyExpert review
6.0/10
Asks whether the SL9 is one of the best road race bikes; compares changes to SL8, ride impressions, rivals.
Read the review2027 Specialized Tarmac SL9
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2027 Specialized Tarmac SL9
Est. tax $1,008.00 for 43215 (US average) · Shipping set by Cycle Sport at checkout · 8 listings at 11 stores
Build: SRAM Red AXS
Size: 52
| Frame | S-Works Tarmac SL9 FACT 12R carbon |
|---|---|
| Crankset | SRAM RED AXS E1 with Quarq power meter |
| Cassette | SRAM RED XG 1290 E1, 12-speed 10-36T |
| Wheelset | Roval Rapide CLX III, tubeless, 21 mm internal rim depth |
| Brakes | SRAM RED E1 hydraulic disc, front and rear |
| Weight | 6.6 kg (14 lb, 8.8 oz) in size 56 |
What these specs mean
Shimano road groupsets
- Claris
- Sora
- Tiagra
- 105Also offered
- Ultegra
- Dura-AceAlso offered
11 or 12-speed, mechanical or Di2. The sweet spot for most riders
A groupset is the shifters, derailleurs, brakes, crankset and cassette. Higher tiers are lighter, shift more crisply and have more gears; most riders stop noticing a difference above 105.
SRAM road groupsets
- Apex
- Rival AXSAlso offered
- Force AXSAlso offered
- Red AXSThis one
12-speed wireless. Top race level
SRAM’s road groups, lowest to highest. AXS means wireless electronic shifting.
- Di2
- Shimano’s electronic shifting: a small motor moves the chain at the press of a button. Crisper shifts and no cable stretch; you charge it every few hundred miles, and it usually adds several hundred dollars.
- AXS
- SRAM’s wireless electronic shifting. No cables to adjust; each part has a battery you charge.
- Hydraulic disc brakes
- Strong, consistent braking in the wet with light lever effort. Standard on most road bikes now.
About this item
- Delivers the lowest real-world time to finish of any road bike, validated across race courses and terrain.
- S-Works Tarmac SL9 FACT 12R carbon frame enables lightweight strength for superior acceleration and climbing
- SRAM RED AXS integrated drivetrain provides precise shifting and reliable braking for race-winning control
- Roval Rapide CLX III wheels with tubeless-ready tires ensure fast, stable, and efficient rolling
- Ceramic Speed SLT headset bearings and threaded bottom bracket maximize speed and durability
- Integrated Roval Rapide cockpit and carbon aero spokes reduce drag for optimal aerodynamic performance
Why it scores 6.0: Mixed, from 6 sources. See the breakdown
Every store selling it
8 listings at 11 stores, lowest first. Shipping is set by each store at checkout.
| Store | Option | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bike Mart Lowest new | Shimano 105 Di2 Comp | $4,200.00 | View |
| Orange County Cyclery | Shimano 105 Di2 Comp · preowned | $4,499.00 | View |
| Strictly Bicycles | SRAM Rival AXS Comp | $4,499.99 | View |
| swannyscycles | SRAM Force AXS Expert | $6,999.99 | View |
| Incycle Bicycles | SRAM Force AXS Expert | $6,999.99 | View |
| Bike Mart | Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 | $9,999.99 | View |
| swannyscycles | SRAM Red AXS · Red | $10,499.99 | View |
| Cycle Sport Viewing | SRAM Red AXS | $13,999.99 | This one |
How it scores
Mixed · likely 5.2 to 6.8 · medium confidence
From 6 expert reviews.
Your score
What matters to you? Tap to weight the score. Tap again for more weight.
Quick picks:
By what matters
Ride comfortnot enough reviews yet–
Speed & weightnot enough reviews yet–
Componentsnot enough reviews yet–
Tire room & versatilitynot enough reviews yet–
Reliabilitynot enough reviews yet–
Value for moneyprice against similar products4.1
By source
Video reviews6 sources · 84% of the score6.0
Out of 10. Each source is weighted by how reliable it is, how much data it has and how recent it is; sponsored videos count half, and the brand’s own videos don’t count. How the score works
Reviews and videos
David Arthur - Just Ride BikesExpert review
6.0/10
Initial ride impressions of the new SL9 compared against the SL8, covering design changes and pricing.
Read the reviewBikeRadarExpert review
5.5/10
Titled 'Brilliant But Underwhelming'; claims 4W more aero than SL8, first-ride impressions, questions the enormous price.
Read the reviewoutdoorbrosExpert reviewSponsored by the brand
8.0/10
Asks if SL9 is a 9/10; reviewer has ridden a Cadence-built SRAM Red AXS build, positive first impressions, full review pending.
Read the reviewroad.ccExpert reviewSponsored by the brand
6.0/10
Compares SL9 to SL8 covering what's new, ride impressions, weight and price; asks if it's worth buying.
Read the reviewLAP BikesExpert reviewSponsored by the brand
5.0/10
LAP Bikes retailer review of SL9 tested on Swiss roads; page content is mostly promotional with little substance shown.
Read the reviewSources we checked
- Shopify Global Catalogchecked, nothing yet
- Hacker Newschecked, nothing yet
- Redditnot connected yet
- YouTube reviews6 found
- Xnot connected yet
- Expert reviews (web)not connected yet
- Browsing agent (computer use)not connected yet
Compare with similar items
| This item2027 Specialized Tarmac SL9 |  AD9 |  XDS X-LAB RT9 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Customer rating | |||
| Price | $13,999.99 | $7,999.00 Lowest price | $9,150.00 |
| Doorprice Score | 6.0Doorprice Score | 7.5Doorprice Score Best score | 6.1Doorprice Score |
| Sold by | Cycle Sport | X-LAB | Contender Bicycles |
| See details | See details | See details |
Other sellers
Product description
The all-new S-Works Tarmac SL9 is the fastest road bike ever made. Not just because it’s the lightest. Not just because it’s our most aero. Not because it handles better than anything else on the road. But because it delivers the lowest real-world Time to Finish of any road bike ever made. Tarmac SL9 turns more of your effort into pure speed—validated for real race courses, real terrain, real riders. When the goal is to cross the line first, no road bike gets you there faster. Use - Road Racing Frame - FACT 12r Carbon - 687 grams Wheels - Roval Rapide CLX III Cockpit - Roval Rapide Integrated Drivetrain - SRAM RED AXS Weight - 6.6 kg
From the seller’s listing.
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