2024 Specialized Tarmac SL7 vs Cannondale SuperSix Evo

In this article, our bike expert Alex Lee breaks down the differences between the Specialized Tarmac SL7 and Cannondale SuperSix Evo, comparing the models, features, technologies and pricing.

Founder, Mr. Mamil
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In this article, I’ll guide you through a comparison between the Specialized Tarmac SL7 and Cannondale Supersix EVO; both popular road bikes among cyclists.

I’ll walk through the Specialized Tarmac SL7 and Cannondale Supersix EVO models lineup, their specifications, and retail pricing (USD). I’ll explain the carbon fiber technology used (Specialized FACT vs Cannondale BallisTec), and unique frameset features for each bike.

The goal is to help you get a better understanding before you make your final purchasing decision.

Specialized Tarmac SL7Cannondale Supersix EVO
Type of bikeAll-rounderLightweight, all-rounder
Frame materialFACT 12r carbon
FACT 10r carbon
LAB71 carbon
BallisTec Hi-Mod carbon
BallisTec carbon
Frame sizes44, 49, 52, 54, 56, 58, 6144, 48, 51, 54, 56, 58, 61
GroupsetShimano, SRAM (12-speed)Shimano, SRAM (12-speed)
BrakesHydraulic discHydraulic disc
Price (USD)$5,500 to $14,250$4,500 to $15,000
Overview of Specialized Tarmac SL7 and Cannondale Supersix EVO

Specialized Tarmac SL7

S-Works Tarmac SL7 Shimano Dura-Ace Di2
S-Works Tarmac SL7. Photo : Specialized

The Specialized Tarmac SL7 is the complete race bike. It’s without a doubt the most popular model among all Specialized bikes.

Now in its seventh iteration (SL7), the Specialized Tarmac combines an aerodynamic, lightweight, and disc-only road bike for all terrains. Light enough to climb the steepest mountain passes in Tour de France, fast and aero for the sprints on Champs Elysees.

The S-Works frame uses the lighter and stiffer FACT 12r carbon, while all other Specialized frame uses the FACT 10r carbon. The difference lies in the choice of groupset, wheels, and components.

There are six models in the Specialized Tarmac SL7 lineup based on its groupset setup. All models are electronic shifting only. It’s also available in frameset only for Specialized and S-Works editions.

ModelFrame materialGroupsetWheelsetRetail price (USD)
S-Works Tarmac SL7FACT 12r carbonShimano Dura-Ace Di2 (R9200)Roval Alpinist CLX$14,250
S-Works Tarmac SL7FACT 12r carbonSRAM Red eTap AXSRoval Alpinist CLX$14,000
Specialized Tarmac SL7 ProFACT 10r carbonSRAM Force eTap AXSRoval Rapide CL$9,000
Specialized Tarmac SL7 ExpertFACT 10r carbonShimano Ultegra Di2 (R8100)Roval C38$8,300
Specialized Tarmac SL7 ExpertFACT 10r carbonSRAM Rival eTap AXSRoval C38$6,500
Specialized Tarmac SL7 CompFACT 10r carbonShimano 105 Di2 (R7100)DT Swiss R470$5,500
Specialized Tarmac SL7 models lineup

Cannondale Supersix EVO

Cannondale SuperSix EVO LAB71
Cannondale SuperSix EVO LAB71. Photo : Cannondale

The Cannondale SuperSix EVO is an all-rounder race bike.

For years, the Cannondale SuperSix EVO been known for being light, fast, and stiff on the climbs. At one point, many weight weenies were building sub-6kg bikes with the Cannondale SuperSix EVO.

In 2023, Cannondale launched the ultra-premium LAB71 version featuring their latest Series 0 (LAB71) carbon, taking over from the Hi-MOD version as the top-of-the-line offering. Three carbon grades are now used for the SuperSix EVO; BallisTec LAB71, BallisTec Hi-MOD, and BallisTec.

All Cannondale SuperSix EVO models are now electronic shifting and disc brake only. The flagship LAB71 models are equipped with Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 only.

ModelFrame materialGroupsetWheelsetRetail price (USD)
Cannondale SuperSix EVO LAB71LAB71 (Series 0) carbonShimano Dura-Ace Di2 (R9200)HollowGram R-SL 50$15,000
Cannondale SuperSix EVO Hi-MOD 1Hi-MOD carbonSRAM Red eTap AXSHollowGram R-SL 50$13,050
Cannondale SuperSix EVO Hi-MOD 2Hi-MOD carbonShimano Ultegra Di2 (R8100)HollowGram R-SL 50$8,300
Cannondale SuperSix EVO 1CarbonSRAM Force eTap AXSHollowGram R-S 50$6,500
Cannondale SuperSix EVO 2CarbonShimano Ultegra Di2 (R8100)HollowGram R 45$5,500
Cannondale SuperSix EVO 3CarbonShimano 105 Di2 (R7100)DT Swiss R470$4,500
Cannondale SuperSix EVO models lineup

Specialized vs Cannondale carbon fiber

Specialized FACT Carbon

Specialized FACT (Functional Advanced Composite Technology) is an advanced carbon fiber technology used in high-performance Specialized bicycles. It offers a lightweight yet strong frame construction with precise carbon layup, resulting in optimal strength-to-weight ratio and improved ride quality. 

FACT carbon frames are engineered to efficiently transfer power, absorb road vibrations, and provide a comfortable riding experience. With continuous innovation and refinement, FACT Carbon demonstrates Specialized’s commitment to delivering top-notch performance and enhancing the overall cycling experience.

The carbon is available in three grades. The choice between FACT 12r, 11r, or 10r carbon depends on the bike model, your preferences, riding style, and budget.

  1. Specialized FACT 12r Carbon is the highest-grade carbon used by Specialized. Bikes (S-Works models) with frames made from FACT 12r carbon are the lightest and stiffest in the Specialized line-up. These frames are manufactured using the most advanced techniques and materials.
  2. Specialized FACT 11r Carbon used to be the highest-grade carbon until the S-Works Tarmac (SL5). Today, it’s the highest-grade carbon for the S-Works Roubaix.
  3. Specialized FACT 10r Carbon is two steps below 12r in the Specialized carbon hierarchy. While it doesn’t provide quite the same level of weight savings and stiffness as 12r, 10r frames are still very light and stiff, providing a high level of performance. FACT 10r carbon is used in all non S-Works models and is ideal for riders who want a balance of performance and value.

Cannondale BallisTec Carbon

Cannondale BallisTec is a proprietary carbon fiber construction technique used to manufacture Cannondale bicycle frames.

The BallisTec carbon technology utilizes advanced engineering and construction methods to create frames that balance strength, stiffness, and weight. It involves the precise layering and placement of carbon fiber sheets, which are impregnated with epoxy resin and then molded under high pressure and temperature.

The BallisTec carbon is available in three grades.

  • BallisTec LAB71 is Cannondale’s latest advancement in carbon construction. Also known as the Series 0 carbon, LAB71 is designed to be the lightest and most advanced, taking over from the Hi-MOD carbon. LAB71 frameset delivers exceptional performance, weight reduction, and overall ride quality.
  • BallisTec Hi-MOD stands for High-Modulus, which refers to using high-modulus carbon fibers in the frame. This results in a stiffer and lighter structure, providing enhanced power transfer and a more responsive ride feel. Hi-MOD carbon frames are designed for riders who prioritize performance, stiffness, and weight savings.
  • BallisTec is the standard carbon in Cannondale’s frames, which offers a balance of weight, stiffness, and durability at more affordable prices.

Frameset technologies and innovations

Specialized Tarmac SL7 and Cannondale Supersix EVO framesets incorporate advanced technologies to enhance their bikes’ performance and ride characteristics.

Here’s an overview of the technologies used in each bike model.

Specialized Tarmac SL7

NameDescription
FACT carbonFunctional Advanced Composite Technology (FACT). A carbon fiber construction method that balances lightweight, stiffness, and compliance in Specialized bike frames. 

Available in two carbon grades; FACT 12r and 10r. A higher number indicates a higher grade of carbon.

S-Works models use the FACT 12r carbon and Specialized Pro and Expert models use the FACT 10r carbon.
Rider-First Engineered™Rider-First Engineered™ is a design philosophy used by Specialized that ensures every frame size delivers the same predictable and responsive ride characteristics. This concept was first introduced with the 2015 Tarmac, and the idea has been incorporated into all models since.

Instead of simply scaling frame sizes, Specialized takes into account that riders of different sizes have different weights, which are distributed differently. This means that each frame size experiences different forces. Therefore, each frame size is engineered independently with different carbon layups and tube dimensions, ensuring the optimal balance of rigidity, weight, and responsiveness for each size.

In short, no matter what the frame size is, the ride quality and performance remain consistently excellent.
Win TunnelSpecialized utilizes advanced tools and technologies to pursue aerodynamic excellence, such as the Win Tunnel, FreeFoil Shape Library, Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), and Data Acquisition (DAQ) system.

The goal is to optimize aerodynamic performance by conducting wind tunnel tests, developing new airfoil shapes, simulating fluid flow, and collecting real-world data to improve rider position and enhance overall performance.
Specialized Tarmac SL7’s frameset features and technologies

Cannondale Supersix EVO

NameDescription
BallisTec carbon constructionA proprietary manufacturing technology that uses meticulously woven carbon fiber material to create strong and lightweight bike frames. The goal is to maximize the stiffness-to-weight ratio, providing riders with a responsive and efficient ride experience.

Available in three grades; BallisTec LAB71, BallisTec Hi-MOD, and BallisTec.
Delta steererA unique steerer tube design for seamless cable integration to, reduce frontal area and drag.
Bottle integrationIntegrated bottle cages and bottles designed for improved aerodynamics and streamlining.
Cannondale Supersix EVO’s frameset features and technologies

Where to buy

Specialized shops

  • Specialized online shops. Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Poland, Portugal, Singapore, Slovakia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, United Kingdom, United States
  • Specialized retailers. Use this tool to find your nearest Specialized retailers.

Cannondale retailers

Alex Lee at Mr.Mamil

Alex Lee is the founder and editor-at-large of Mr. Mamil. Coming from a professional engineering background, he breaks down technical cycling nuances into an easy-to-understand and digestible format here.

He has been riding road bikes actively for the past 12 years and started racing competitively in the senior category during the summer recently.