Yeah, just for fun I priced out building an Tarmac SL7 Expert. For the same parts I could put it together for about $1500 less than Specialized is charging (and that was getting everything but the frame through one store rather than shopping around). Plus I would get to pick my handlebar width which would be nice
1 Like
I did the same with my SL6. Buying the frame and then building it up is almost always cheaper, but most people who can afford nice things don’t like the hassle.
I bought an SL7 Comp Rival AXS for $4800 in July 2021. Not sure how much the frame cost in 2021, right now that frame is $3300. Really doubt I could have built it up for less. I’ve repeatedly done that exercise on Trek Domane and Madone, ando way I could build up a frame for less.
1 Like
It would be REALLY nice if Specialized would offer custom handlebar width and stem length this time around.
1 Like
That should be for all brands IMO
2 Likes
I’ve never had to pay extra for a custom handlebar. However, I’ve mostly bought framesets (although some come with fixed stem sizes).
It depends a little bit on what model we are talking about. That bike now costs $5500, eyeballing it I think you could build it up with the exact same spec for less starting with a frame. Though there seems to be less sales on SRAM parts than Shimano parts at this current moment in time.
1 Like
in July 2021 there were no sales on SRAM parts. However lets say the frame was $2600 back then, I would have needed to procure all the parts (wheels, tires, chain, seat post, seat, crank, AXS groupset, cassette, seat, handlebars, etc.) for $2200 and then assemble everything myself.
It’ll be interesting to see those frames in “real life.” I kind of like the pink…but the green lettering is a bit of a contrast. And while a satin blue will probably look nice…I wonder if the lettering will be hard to see.
Frame weight seems pretty good (a tiny bit less than an SL7 Sworks I think). Headtube bulge doesn’t seem overly intrusive in those pics.
1 Like
I just want to know if it’ll take my Dura Ace mech groupset
I can’t find anywhere that says what the SL7 frameset weighed (with fork, stem, seatpost as that sl8).
A couple more finds:
https://mpl.specialized.com/media/pdf/s … _en_a4.pdf
https://mpl.specialized.com/media/pdf/s … _en_a4.pdf
https://mpl.specialized.com/media/pdf/s … _en_a4.pdf
https://mpl.specialized.com/media/pdf/s … _en_a4.pdf
https://mpl.specialized.com/media/pdf/s … _en_a4.pdf
1 Like
With a slammed stem, the nose is slightly less noticeable. Doesn’t look as horrible as the spy shots. Or maybe I’m rationalizing it to buy one. Those weights are super impressive.
3 Likes
Nice to see low weights are back again. Still a little short of “UCI illegal” once pedals, cages and mounts are added but light bikes do feel incredible to ride.
1 Like
Have just been invited to the release party of the SL8 this weekend by the LBS. No official bike before that.
3 Likes
Been taken down hehe
Yeah, honestly, I think it looks really good! At least with slammed stem, the Roval Cockpit etc.
But once there are a few spacers, regular stem, I am not 100% sure…
2 Likes
I agree…for all the hate it seems to be getting, looks good to me. I still think you made the right choice with the new Supersix though!!
1 Like