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Specialized's New Tarmac SL9 Predicted to Trim 14 Seconds

7/1/2026

Summary

Specialized Launches Fastest

Specialized unveiled the S-Works Tarmac SL9 in the United Kingdom, calling it the fastest road bike.
Simulation predicts the SL9 will beat the SL8 by 14 seconds on a Tour de France Femmes Alpe d’Huez stage.
Tests at 45 km/h show the SL9 saves 0.5 watts of drag and weighs 687 grams.
A slimmer headtube cuts frontal area 10 percent, while the 54 cm model gains a 47 mm offset and 72.5-degree head-tube angle.

Summary

Specialized Pricing

The SL9 costs £11,999 / $14,000 / €13,999 for SRAM Red AXS and Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 builds, with the Shimano version $500 cheaper in the United States.
The builds use a 50/37-tooth chainset, a 10-33-tooth cassette, a power meter, and Roval parts like Rapide CLX III wheels, Rapide cockpit, Ceramic Speed bearings, and an S-Works Power with Mirror saddle.
A frameset-only option costs £5,249 / $5,800, with Specialized hinting at new S-Level and Expert Tarmac variants arriving soon.

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Specialized Launches Fastest

Specialized unveiled the S-Works Tarmac SL9 in the United Kingdom, calling it the fastest road bike.
Simulation predicts the SL9 will beat the SL8 by 14 seconds on a Tour de France Femmes Alpe d’Huez stage.
Tests at 45 km/h show the SL9 saves 0.5 watts of drag and weighs 687 grams.
A slimmer headtube cuts frontal area 10 percent, while the 54 cm model gains a 47 mm offset and 72.5-degree head-tube angle.

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