This article compares and contrasts the Specialized Tarmac SL7 and the Specialized Roubaix, highlighting their key features and differences to help you decide on the best type of road bike for your riding preference and style.
The comparison below is based on thorough primary research, including personal riding experience, information from the Specialized website, and input from Specialized local dealers to ensure the information is accurate, up-to-date, and relevant for you.
Key takeaways
- Specialized Tarmac SL7 is a well-rounded race bike that balances agility, speed, and comfort. It’s responsive, handles well, and has a racing posture for efficient power transfer. Its lightweight design makes climbing easier and comfortable enough for long rides.
- Specialized Roubaix is designed for endurance, offering a smooth and comfortable ride over various terrains and long distances. It has a relaxed upright position, reducing strain on your body, and a suspension system that absorbs road vibrations. While focused on comfort, it still delivers speed and control.
Specialized Tarmac SL7 and Roubaix models
Specialized has simplified the model names for the Tarmac SL7 and Roubaix as follows;
| Model | Groupset |
|---|---|
| S-Works | Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 or SRAM Red AXS |
| Pro | SRAM Force AXS |
| Expert | Shimano Ultegra Di2 |
| Comp | Shimano 105 Di2 or SRAM Rival AXS |
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 Specialized 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 models are the type of groupset and components used.
More reading : Specialized Tarmac SL7 vs Roubaix vs Aethos
Specialized Tarmac SL7
Designed to provide a perfect balance of aerodynamics, lightweight, and ride quality, the Specialized Tarmac SL7 is optimized for speed. According to Specialized’s wind tunnel testing, the Tarmac SL7 is 45 seconds faster over a 40km time trial than the Specialized Tarmac SL6.
The cockpit is user-friendly, designed for simple integration, and improved routing to make it easy for bike mechanics to work on and travel with. With its superior performance and handling, the SpecializedTarmac 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
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 following 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 has a good balance between stiffness and weight for cyclists who want a high-performance bike without sacrificing comfort.
- FACT 11r is a higher-grade carbon fiber in some of Specialized’s top-end road bikes. It has a higher stiffness-to-weight ratio than FACT 10r for cyclists 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 has the highest stiffness and the lightest weight, ideal for professional cyclists 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 Specialized 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).
The table below compares the carbon fiber materials used in all Specialized Tarmac SL7 and Roubaix models.
| Model | Specialized Tarmac SL7 | Specialized Roubaix |
|---|---|---|
| S-Works | FACT 12r | FACT 11r |
| Pro | FACT 10r | FACT 10r |
| Expert | FACT 10r | FACT 10r |
| Comp | FACT 10r | FACT 10r |
Rider First Engineered
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 in 2014.
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 cyclists 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) tall.
It’s important to consider your height and inseam measurements to determine the right frame size. Specialized provides a size chart on its website, listing 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 correct 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 initiating turns and changing direction easier.
- Shorter chainstay results in a more responsive and agile bike, with quicker acceleration and sharper handling.
The Specialized Roubaix has a more relaxed geometry, providing a comfortable and upright riding position.
Here’s an example of a comparison for size 54, the most popular frameset size.
| Measurements | Specialized Tarmac SL7 (mm) | Specialized Roubaix (mm) |
|---|---|---|
| Reach | 387 | 376 |
| Stack | 534 | 585 |
| Top tube (effective) | 541 | 545 |
| Seat tube C-T | 475 | 465 |
| Head angle | 73° | 72.75° |
| Seat angle | 74° | 74° |
| Head tube | 131 | 125 |
| Chainstay | 410 | 415 |
| Wheelbase | 978 | 988 |
| Front centre | 579 | 585 |
| Standover | 768 | 762 |
| BB drop | 72 | 76 |
| BB height | 268 | 266 |
| Fork Rake / offset | 44 | 44 |
| Trail | 58 | 61 |
| Fork length | 366 | 370 |
More reading : Specialized Tarmac SL7 Frame Geometry Specialized Roubaix Frame Geometry
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).
| Model | Specialized Tarmac SL7 | Specialized Roubaix |
|---|---|---|
| S-Works | Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 (R9200) SRAM Red eTap AXS | Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 (R9200) |
| Pro | SRAM Force eTAP AXS | SRAM Force eTAP AXS |
| Expert | Shimano Ultegra Di2 (R8100) | Shimano Ultegra Di2 (R8100) |
| Comp | SRAM Rival eTap AXS | SRAM Rival eTap AXS |
More reading : SRAM Red eTap AXS vs Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 (12-speed) Shimano Ultegra Di2 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.
The Specialized Tarmac SL7 Expert and Comp use an alloy handlebar with slightly exposed brake hoses.
| Specialized Tarmac SL7 model | Handlebar model | Material | Brake hoses visibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| S-Works | Roval Rapide | Carbon | Hidden |
| Pro | Roval Rapide | Carbon | Hidden |
| Expert | Specialized Expert | Alloy | Slightly exposed |
| Comp | Specialized Comp | Alloy | Slightly exposed |
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.
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 model | Handlebar model | Material | Brake hoses visibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| S-Works | S-Works Hover | Carbon | Visible |
| Pro | S-Works Hover | Carbon | Visible |
| Expert | Specialized Hover Expert | Alloy | Visible |
| Comp | Specialized Comp Expert | Alloy | Visible |
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.
| Model | Seatpost length (300mm) | Seatpost length (380mm) | Seatpost length (450mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Specialized Tarmac SL7 | Frame size 44, 49, 52 | Frame size 54, 56, 58, 61 | |
| Specialized Roubaix | Frame size 44, 49, 52, 54, 56 | Frame size 58, 61 |
Saddles
Specialized’s most popular saddle, the Power saddle, 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, 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).
Depending on the frame size, 155mm (frame size 44, 49, 52) or 143mm (frame size 54, 56, 68, 61) are used.
| Specialized Tarmac SL7 | Saddle model | Saddle shell | Saddle rail |
|---|---|---|---|
| S-Works | S-Works Power | Carbon | Carbon |
| Pro | Specialized Power Pro | Carbon | Titanium |
| Expert | Specialized Power Expert | Carbon reinforced | Titanium |
| Comp | Specialized Power Sport | Carbon reinforced | Steel |
| Specialized Roubaix | Saddle model | Saddle shell | Saddle rail |
|---|---|---|---|
| S-Works | S-Works Power | Carbon | Carbon |
| Pro | Specialized Power Pro | Carbon | Titanium |
| Expert | Specialized Power Expert | Carbon reinforced | Titanium |
| Comp | Specialized Power Comp | Carbon reinforced | Steel |
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
The Roval Rapide wheelsets are optimized for aerodynamics, weight, and stiffness, featuring carbon fiber rims engineered for low drag and high crosswind stability.
The rims have a wide profile, allowing for lower tire pressure and improved traction while increasing the air volume within the tire, resulting in a smoother ride.
The Roval Rapide wheelsets come in various models, including the CLX, CL, and C models. Each model has a different rim depth and weight and 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
The Roval Alpinist wheelsets are lightweight, high-performance bike wheels designed for road cycling.
The Roval 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 Specialized Roubaix comes 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 SL7 | Tire model | Tire width | Tire type |
|---|---|---|---|
| S-Works | S-Works Turbo Rapidair | 26mm | Tubeless |
| Pro | S-Works Turbo | 26mm | Clincher |
| Expert | S-Works Turbo | 26mm | Clincher |
| Comp | Specialized Turbo Pro | 26mm | Clincher |
| Specialized Roubaix | Tire model | Tire width | Tire type |
|---|---|---|---|
| S-Works | Specialized Turbo Cotton | 28mm | Clincher |
| Pro | Specialized Turbo Pro | 30mm | Clincher |
| Expert | Specialized Turbo Pro | 30mm | Clincher |
| Comp | Specialized Turbo Pro | 30mm | Clincher |
More reading : How Tubeless Tires Work
Retail price and where to buy
The Specialized Tarmac SL7 and Roubaix are available at all Specialized local retailers. Find your local Specialized retailer here.
| Specialized Tarmac SL7 | USD | Euro | 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 Roubaix | USD | Euro | 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 |
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.