David Arthur - Just Ride BikesExpert review
6.0/10
First-impressions ride of the SL9 compared against the SL8; design changes and pricing covered.
Read the review2027 Specialized Tarmac SL9
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2027 Specialized Tarmac SL9
Est. tax $504.00 for 43215 (US average) · Shipping set by swannyscycles at checkout · 8 listings at 11 stores
Build: SRAM Force AXS Expert
Frame size: 49 cm
| Frame | 10R carbon |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain | SRAM Force AXS |
| Weight | 7.55 kg |
| Cockpit | Rapid stem, alloy bar |
| Gearing Type | Chain |
| Wheels | Roval C38 |
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 AXSThis one
- Red AXSAlso offered
12-speed wireless. Comparable to Ultegra
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.
About this item
- Delivers the fastest real-world time to finish on any road bike, validated for race courses and terrain.
- Ultra-lightweight carbon frame maximizes speed and reduces fatigue
- Maximum aero profile reduces drag for faster acceleration and climbing
- SRAM Force AXS drivetrain ensures precise, reliable shifting for race conditions
- Rapid stem and alloy bar provide responsive handling and control
- Roval C38 cockpit offers ergonomic comfort during long rides
Why it scores 6.2: 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 Viewing | SRAM Force AXS Expert | $6,999.99 | This one |
| 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 | SRAM Red AXS | $13,999.99 | View |
How it scores
Mixed · likely 5.3 to 7.1 · medium confidence
From 5 expert reviews, 1 store ratings.
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 products5.9
By source
Video reviews5 sources · 79% of the score6.2
Retailer star ratings1% of the score9.7
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
BikeRadarExpert review
5.5/10
Brilliant but underwhelming; same bike as SL8 with 4W aero gain, enormous price tag questioned.
Read the reviewoutdoorbrosExpert reviewSponsored by the brand
8.0/10
Initial impressions of the SL9 build; reviewer calls it a 9/10 question, full review pending.
Read the reviewSam Rates BikesExpert reviewSponsored by the brand
7.0/10
First ride of the S-Works SL9: 4W improvement, redesigned rear end and new fork; positive first impressions.
Read the reviewCycling WeeklyExpert reviewSponsored by the brand
6.5/10
Looks very similar to SL8; asks whether it's enough to be among best race bikes.
Read the reviewswannyscycles reviews
5.0 from 1 ratings
Store star ratings run high (most products average above 4.3), so they count less than written reviews.
Sources we checked
- Shopify Global Catalog1 found
- 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 | Highest rated | ||
| Price | $6,999.99 Lowest price | $7,999.00 | $9,150.00 |
| Doorprice Score | 6.2Doorprice Score | 7.5Doorprice Score Best score | 6.1Doorprice Score |
| Sold by | swannyscycles | X-LAB | Contender Bicycles |
| See details | See details | See details |
Other sellers
| Seller | Price | Est. tax | Condition | Policies | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| swannyscycles Color: Gloss Silver Dust / Powder Lime, Frame size: 49 cm Lowest price | $6,999.99 | $504.00 | new | Returns · Shipping | Buy |
| Epic Cycles Color: Gloss Silver Dust / Powder Lime, Frame size: 49 cm | $6,999.99 | $504.00 | new | Returns | Buy |
| Pro Bike Supply Color: Gloss Silver Dust / Powder Lime, Frame size: 49 cm | $6,999.99 | $504.00 | new | Returns · Shipping | Buy |
| Cycle Sport Color: Gloss Silver Dust / Powder Lime, Frame size: 49 cm | $6,999.99 | $504.00 | new | Returns · Shipping | Buy |
| Mack Cycle & Fitness Color: Gloss Silver Dust / Powder Lime, Frame size: 49 cm | $7,000.00 | $504.00 | new | Returns · Shipping | Buy |
Product description
The Tarmac SL9 was born from 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 10r Carbon Wheels - Roval C38 Cockpit - Rapide Stem/Alloy Bar Drivetrain - SRAM Force AXS Weight - 7.55 kg
From the seller’s listing.