Specialized Tarmac SL7 vs Roubaix

Written by : Mr Mamil
Last updated :

The Specialized Tarmac SL7 and Specialized Roubaix are two high-performance road bikes designed for different types of riding

The Tarmac SL7 is a purebred race machine designed for speed and performance, while the Roubaix is designed for endurance and long-distance riding, focusing on comfort and stability. Both bikes feature advanced carbon fiber frames, cutting-edge components, and innovative design features that make them top choices for serious road cyclists. 

This article compares and contrasts the Specialized Tarmac SL7 and the Specialized Roubaix, highlighting their key features and differences to help you choose the best bike for your riding style and needs.

Specialized Tarmac SL7 and Roubaix models

Specialized has simplified the naming convention for the Tarmac SL7 and Roubaix as follows;

  • S-Works
  • Pro
  • Expert
  • Comp

The S-Works is the top-of-the-range and lightest model with all the best components from Specialized. The branding on the downtube is S-Works instead of Specialized to differentiate the models clearly.

The Pro, Expert and Comp models are next in line and have Specialized branding on the downtube. The main differences between the Pro, Expert and Comp are the type of components used.

More reading : Specialized Tarmac SL7 vs Roubaix vs Aethos

Specialized Tarmac SL7

S-Works Tarmac SL7 with SRAM Red eTap AXS
S-Works Tarmac SL7 with SRAM Red eTap AXS

Designed to provide a perfect blend of aerodynamics, lightweight, and ride quality, the Specialized Tarmac SL7 is optimized for speed with a 45 seconds faster over 40km frame than the previous model.

The cockpit is user-friendly, designed for simple integration, and improved routing to make it easy to work on and travel with. With its superior performance and handling, the Tarmac SL7 is a pure-bred race machine that can handle any situation, whether it be crit racing, group rides, or setting a personal best.

Specialized Roubaix

S-Works Roubaix with Shimano Dura-Ace Di2
S-Works Roubaix with Shimano Dura-Ace Di2

Designed for long-distance and endurance riding, the Specialized Roubaix is a high-performance road bike named after the grueling Paris-Roubaix race. 

The bike offers a smooth ride on rough terrain, thanks to the Future Shock suspension system that helps absorb shocks and vibrations. Its more relaxed geometry, with a taller head tube and shorter top tube, provides a comfortable and upright riding position compared to a traditional racing bike. 

The next sections will go into detail about the differences between these components.

Frameset and fork materials

Specialized’s FACT carbon is a proprietary carbon fiber material used in their high-performance bicycles. The number after FACT (10r, 11r, or 12r) indicates the carbon fiber’s stiffness and weight level.

  • FACT 10r is the mid-level carbon used in many Specialized road bikes. It offers a good balance between stiffness and weight, making it a popular choice for riders who want a high-performance bike without sacrificing too much comfort.
  • FACT 11r is a higher-grade carbon fiber used in some of Specialized’s top-end road bikes. It has a higher stiffness-to-weight ratio than FACT 10r, making it a good choice for riders who demand the highest level of performance and are willing to sacrifice some comfort for speed.
  • FACT 12r is the highest grade of carbon fiber used in the S-Works models. It offers the highest level of stiffness and the lightest weight, making it a popular choice for professional riders who need the best possible performance from their bikes. However, it is also the least forgiving in ride comfort, making it less suitable for long-distance riding.

The S-Works Tarmac SL7 uses Specialized’s most advanced and lightest carbon fiber, the FACT 12r. On the contrary, the S-Works Roubaix uses the FACT 11r carbon fiber instead of FACT 12r carbon, although it’s a top-of-the-range model. 

All the Pro, Expert, and Comp use a lower grade and slightly heavier carbon fiber, the FACT 10r used in the older Tarmac models (Tarmac SL6, Tarmac SL5).

ModelSpecialized Tarmac SL7Specialized Roubaix
S-WorksFACT 12rFACT 11r
ProFACT 10rFACT 10r
ExpertFACT 10rFACT 10r
CompFACT 10rFACT 10r
Frame and fork material for Specialized Tarmac SL7 and Roubaix

Each frameset is Rider First Engineered™, Specialized’s way of weaving the carbon fiber layup differently according to the frame size. This technology has been around since the Specialized Tarmac SL in 2014.

What is Rider First Engineered™?

The concept behind Rider First Engineered™ is that every rider has a unique combination of body geometry, weight distribution, and riding style. A bike optimized for one rider may not be ideal for another.

To address this issue, Specialized uses a combination of computer modeling and real-world testing to create a unique frame design for each size of bike they produce. This means that the geometry and layup of the carbon fiber are tailored to the specific demands of riders of different sizes, resulting in a bike that performs optimally for each rider.

Frame sizes

The Specialized Tarmac SL7 and Roubaix are available in seven frameset sizes; 44, 49, 52, 54, 56, 58, and 61. The frame sizes would cater to cyclists between 4’8” to 6’5” (142 to 196cm).

It’s important to consider your height and your inseam measurements to determine the right frame size. Specialized provides a size chart that lists the recommended frame size based on these measurements.

You can also visit a local Specialized dealer and get a professional bike fit to ensure the right frame size.

More reading : Specialized Bike Size vs Height Guide

Frame geometry

The frame geometry is the biggest difference between the Specialized Tarmac SL7 and Roubaix.

The Specialized Tarmac SL7 is a purebred race machine with a frame geometry optimized for performance and aerodynamics. The bike is responsive and agile, with quick acceleration and sharp handling, making it a popular choice for competitive road racing.

Compared to the Specialized Roubaix, the Specialized Tarmac SL7 has;

  • Longer reach and lower stack put the rider in a lower for better aerodynamics. However, this position is less comfortable and puts much stress on the back. 
  • Steeper head tube angle shifts the weight distribution towards the front wheel, making it easier to initiate turns and change direction quickly.
  • Shorter chainstay results in a bike that is more responsive and agile, with quicker acceleration and sharper handling. 

The Specialized Roubaix has a more relaxed geometry that provides a comfortable and upright riding position.

Here’s an example of a comparison for size 54, the most popular frameset size.

Specialized Tarmac SL7 vs Roubaix frame geometry (size 54)
MeasurementsSpecialized Tarmac SL7 (mm)Specialized Roubaix (mm)
Reach387376
Stack534585
Top Tube (effective)541545
Seat Tube C-T475465
Head Angle73°72.75°
Seat Angle74°74°
Head Tube131125
Chainstay410415
Wheelbase978988
Front Centre579585
Standover768762
BB Drop7276
BB Height268266
Fork Rake / Offset4444
Trail5861
Fork Length366370
Specialized Tarmac SL7 vs Roubaix frame geometry (size 54)

Groupset and drivetrain

All Specialized Tarmac SL7 and Roubaix models come with the latest 12-speed electronic shifting and disc-brake groupset by Shimano and SRAM.

The S-Works Tarmac SL7 is available in Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 (R9200) and SRAM Red eTap AXS. On the contrary, the S-Works Roubaix is only available in Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 (R9200).

ModelSpecialized Tarmac SL7Specialized Roubaix
S-WorksShimano Dura-Ace Di2 (R9200)
SRAM Red eTap AXS
Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 (R9200)
ProSRAM Force eTAP AXSSRAM Force eTAP AXS
ExpertShimano Ultegra Di2 (R8100)Shimano Ultegra Di2 (R8100)
CompSRAM Rival eTap AXSSRAM Rival eTap AXS
Specialized Tarmac SL7 and Roubaix models vs groupsets
More reading :
Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 (R9200) vs SRAM Red eTap AXS
Shimano Ultegra Di2 (R8100) vs SRAM Force eTap AXS

Stem and handlebars

The S-Works and Specialized Tarmac SL7 Pro models use a two-piece handlebar (Roval Rapide handlebars) and carbon stem design that hides the brake hoses. The aero-shaped carbon handlebars have a 125mm drop and 75mm reach. 

S-Works Tarmac SL7 Front View
S-Works Tarmac SL7 Front View

The Specialized Tarmac SL7 Expert and Comp use an alloy handlebar with slightly exposed brake hoses. 

Specialized Tarmac SL7 modelHandlebar modelMaterial
S-WorksRoval RapideCarbon
ProRoval RapideCarbon
ExpertSpecialized ExpertAlloy
CompSpecialized CompAlloy
Specialized Tarmac SL7 handlebars

Compared to the Tarmac SL7, all S-Works and Specialized Roubaix models have non-integrated stems and handlebars. Hence, the disc brake hoses are exposed at the front end. 

Specialized Roubaix Expert Front View
Specialized Roubaix Expert Front View

The Hover handlebars have a 15mm rise for additional comfort as an endurance road bike. The S-Works and Specialized Roubaix Pro models use carbon handlebars vs. alloy for the Expert and Comp models. The handlebars have a 125mm drop and 75mm reach. 

Specialized Roubaix modelHandlebar modelMaterial
S-WorksS-Works HoverCarbon
ProS-Works HoverCarbon
ExpertSpecialized Hover ExpertAlloy
CompSpecialized Comp ExpertAlloy
Specialized Roubaix handlebars

The stem and handlebars are sized accordingly to the frame size.

More reading : 
How to Measure Handlebar Width
How to Measure Stem Length

Seatposts

All Specialized Tarmac SL7 models come with the S-Works Tarmac carbon seatpost with a 20mm offset. There is an option for a 0mm offset seatpost, but it has to be purchased separately for $250.

Depending on the frame size, the seatpost length can be either 300mm (44, 49, 52) or 380mm (54, 56, 58, 61).

The Specialized Roubaix models come with the S-Works Pave carbon seatpost with a 20mm offset. Depending on the frame size, the seatpost length can be either 380mm (44, 49, 52, 54, 56) or 450mm (58, 61). There is also an option to purchase the 0mm version separately for $225.

Saddles

Specialized’s most popular saddle, the Power, is used on all Tarmac SL7 and Roubaix models. 

It’s designed with a short, wide shape and a large cutout in the center to help reduce pressure on the soft tissue areas. The Power saddle also allows for more aggressive riding positions, making it popular among road cyclists who prefer a more aerodynamic riding posture.

These are five Specialized Power saddle variants, with the differences being the shell materials (carbon vs carbon reinforced) and saddle rails (carbon vs titanium vs steel).

Specialized Tarmac SL7Saddle modelSaddle shellSaddle rail
S-WorksS-Works PowerCarbonCarbon
ProSpecialized Power ProCarbonTitanium
ExpertSpecialized Power ExpertCarbon reinforcedTitanium
CompSpecialized Power SportCarbon reinforcedSteel
Specialized Tarmac SL7 saddle models
Specialized RoubaixSaddle modelSaddle shellSaddle rail
S-WorksS-Works PowerCarbonCarbon
ProSpecialized Power ProCarbonTitanium
ExpertSpecialized Power ExpertCarbon reinforcedTitanium
CompSpecialized Power CompCarbon reinforcedSteel
Specialized Roubaix saddle models

Depending on the frame size, either 155mm (frame size 44, 49, 52) or 143mm (frame size 54, 56, 68, 61) are used.

Wheelsets

All Specialized Tarmac SL7 and Roubaix models, except the Comp models, use Specialized’s in-house wheel brand Roval. The Comp models use the alloy wheelset from DT Swiss.

Roval Rapide CL, CLX, C38

S-Works Tarmac SL7 with SRAM Red eTap AXS
S-Works Tarmac SL7 with Roval Rapid CL wheels

The Rapide wheelsets are optimized for aerodynamics, weight, and stiffness. The Rapide wheelsets feature carbon fiber rims engineered for low drag and high stability in crosswinds. 

The rims have a wide profile, which allows for lower tire pressure and improved traction while also increasing the air volume within the tire, resulting in a smoother ride.

The Rapide wheelsets come in various models, including the CLX, CL, and C models, with each model having a different rim depth and weight and different hub and spoke configurations. The higher-end models are typically lighter and more aerodynamic, while the more affordable models offer a good balance between performance and value.

Roval Alpinist CLX, CL, C38

S-Works Roubaix with Shimano Dura-Ace Di2
S-Works Roubaix with Roval Alpinist CX wheels

The Roval Alpinist wheelsets are lightweight, high-performance bike wheels designed for road cycling. 

The Alpinist wheelsets feature a full-carbon rim construction engineered for low weight and high stiffness. 

More reading : The Best Wheelset Brands for Road Bikes

Tires

All Specialized Tarmac SL7 and Roubaix models use Specialized’s in-house tires. Only the S-Works Tarmac SL7 comes with tubeless tires, while the rest of the Tarmac SL7 and all of Specialized Roubaix come with clincher tires.

As an endurance bike, the Specialized Roubaix models come with wider tires (28 or 30mm) vs the Tarmac SL7 (26mm).

Specialized Tarmac SL7Tire modelTire widthTire type
S-WorksS-Works Turbo Rapidair26mmTubeless
ProS-Works Turbo26mmClincher
ExpertS-Works Turbo26mmClincher
CompSpecialized Turbo Pro26mmClincher
Specialized Tarmac SL7 tire models, width, and type
Specialized RoubaixTire modelTire widthTire type
S-WorksSpecialized Turbo Cotton28mmClincher
ProSpecialized Turbo Pro30mmClincher
ExpertSpecialized Turbo Pro30mmClincher
CompSpecialized Turbo Pro30mmClincher
Specialized Roubaix tire models, width, and type

Retail price and where to buy

The Specialized Tarmac SL7 and Roubaix are available at all local Specialized retailers. Find your local Specialized retailer here.

Specialized Tarmac SL7Tarmac SL7 (USD)Tarmac SL7 (Euro)Tarmac SL7 (GBP)
S-Works$14,000€14,500£13,950
Pro$9,000€9,200£8,500
Expert$8,300€7,000£7,250
Comp$5,500€5,600£5,500
Specialized Tarmac SL7 retail prices (RRP)
Specialized RoubaixRoubaix (USD)Roubaix (Euro)Roubaix (GBP)
S-Works$14,250€14,500£13,000
Pro$8,700€9,200£8,400
Expert$8,000€7,000£7,250
Comp$5,200€5,600£5,500
Specialized Roubaix retail prices (RRP)
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