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The Specialized Tarmac Expert Compact offers most of the performance of the full-blown Tarmac SL2 but at a much more attainable price point.(Image credit: James Huang)
The Tarmac is a race bike through and through with quick handling and sharp reflexes.(Image credit: James Huang)
Among the improvements from the previous version is a newly oversized and tapered front end that deliver excellent handling precision and stability under hard braking.(Image credit: James Huang)
Paired to the tapered head tube is a tapered all-carbon fork.(Image credit: James Huang)
Of course, there is plenty of material around the bottom bracket and Specialized has also given the Tarmac giant chain stays.(Image credit: James Huang)
The down tube, seat tube, and chain stays make good use of the available real estate.(Image credit: James Huang)
The seat tube transitions from a round profile up top to a wider rectangular one down by the bottom bracket.(Image credit: James Huang)
The chunky chain stays are matched to slim seat stays.(Image credit: James Huang)
A slender wishbone is used up top - and provides designers with yet another spot to put a Specialized logo.(Image credit: James Huang)
The chain stays are decidedly tall and thick.(Image credit: James Huang)
A small plate behind the chainrings protect against damage in the event of a dropped chain or chainsuck.(Image credit: James Huang)
The beefy chain stays and slim seat staysmake for a stiff rear end that is still quite comfortable for a race machine.(Image credit: James Huang)
The top tube flows straight into the seat stays.(Image credit: James Huang)
Specialized is openly against the idea of integrated seatposts.(Image credit: James Huang)
The tall aluminum collar offers a solid hold on the conventional seatpost.(Image credit: James Huang)
Registered graphics offer a nicely integrated look to the frame and fork.(Image credit: James Huang)
We continue to be impressed by the performance value offered up by Shimano's Ultegra SL package - it's the next best thing to last year's Dura-Ace but at a much cheaper price.(Image credit: James Huang)
The compact gearing comes in handy for early season climbs but the 50-12T top gear left us wanting a bit more on descents.(Image credit: James Huang)
Even with the wide 12-27T spread the Shimano Ultegra cassette shifts impeccably smoothly.(Image credit: James Huang)
The 'ice grey' finish on Ultegra SL lends a high-end look.(Image credit: James Huang)
The braze-on front derailleur is clamped to a stoutly affixed mount that squelches unwanted flex for good front shifting.(Image credit: James Huang)
Cornering on the Specialized Mondo Pro tires takes some getting used on account of their non-round profile.(Image credit: James Huang)
The included Ultegra wheelset is a good mid-level choice if a bit heavy and slow to accelerate.(Image credit: James Huang)
Hub-located nipples are also harder to deal with when it comes time to true.(Image credit: James Huang)
We were at odds with the handlebar bend until we moved the levers down to a more reasonable position.(Image credit: James Huang)
The Specialized Pro-Set stem affords multiple angles without having to resort to bulky and heavy hinges.(Image credit: James Huang)
Even the graphics on the stem and top cap are coordinated.(Image credit: James Huang)
Mid-range bikes offer more
Just as the law of diminishing returns predicts, the Specialized Tarmac
The SL2 is still a noticeably higher-performing package
Ride & handling: Refined, razor-sharp handling, yet still reasonably stable at speed
Markedly shorter, steeper and lower than its Roubaix brethren, the
The handling may be quick but the gigantic front end at least makes it predictably quick. In
As a side benefit, the tapered front end also squelches fore-aft flex
The Tarmac Expert’s cheaper ingredients and construction simply can’t
Bottom bracket and front triangle torsional stiffness are both slightly
On the plus side, Specialized’s frame designers have done a
As was the case with overall stiffness, ride quality also isn’t quite
Frame: Pro-level looks at a bargain price, but not particularly lively
At US$3,700, the Specialized Tarmac Expert Compact is $6,200 less expensive than the top-end S-Works Tarmac SL2
Indeed, the Tarmac Expert Compact includes the same tapered and
However, a lesser carbon fibre content and
Equipment: Versatile gearing range, but wheels are weighty and cockpit needs tweaking
Shimano continue to impress us with their mid-range Ultegra SL package and its near-Dura-Ace 7800 overall performance. Shifts are equally crisp and precise, the
Our compact test version (the Tarmac Expert is also offered with a
Specialized complete the ensemble with a pair of matching Shimano
The Moto GP-like casing shape may yield a faster roll in a straight
The STI Dual Control levers were mounted unusually high on the
Though the Bar Phat adds comfort, it detracts from road
We have nothing but praise for the Specialized Toupé saddle. Novices will take issue with the minimal
