Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL9 SRAM RED AXS: the no-compromise road bike

The Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL9 SRAM RED AXS represents the pinnacle of the Tarmac range and is built to deliver absolute performance in road racing. It is a road bike designed to combine lightweight, aerodynamics, stiffness, responsiveness, and handling precision in one single system.

Specialized has developed the Tarmac SL9 with one precise goal: to transform as many of the cyclist's watts as possible into real speed, on race courses, terrains, and in real-world riding conditions.

The FACT 12r carbon frame, the 12-speed SRAM RED AXS electronic groupset, the Roval Rapide CLX III carbon wheels, and the Roval Rapide integrated cockpit make the S-Works Tarmac SL9 an extremely complete race bike.

One Bike To Rule Them All

The S-Works Tarmac SL9 was designed to bring together the fundamental characteristics of a modern road bike into a single bicycle.

It is not just a question of weight or aerodynamics: the Tarmac SL9 combines lightness, aerodynamic efficiency, and handling to offer high performance in every phase of the race.

The frame is developed using the Rider-First Engineered concept, which allows for consistent ride characteristics and balanced performance across different sizes.

The Win Tunnel Engineered technology, meanwhile, contributes to the aerodynamic optimization of the frame and its components.

FACT 12r Frame: lightweight and performance

The heart of the S-Works Tarmac SL9 is the FACT 12r carbon fiber frame, with a claimed weight of just 687 grams.

The FACT 12r construction represents one of the most advanced carbon solutions used by Specialized, designed to combine an extremely low weight with stiffness and responsiveness to pedaling input.

The frame also features:

• Rider-First Engineered technology;

• Win Tunnel Engineered aerodynamic development;

• CeramicSpeed SLT headset bearings;

• threaded bottom bracket;

• 12x142 mm rear thru-axle;

• Flat Mount disc brake mount;

• UDH compatibility.

S-Works FACT 12r Carbon Fork

The S-Works FACT 12r Carbon fork completes the frame with high-performance carbon fiber construction.

It features:

• 12x100 mm thru-axle;

• Flat Mount disc brake attachment.

The fork contributes to front-end precision and the Tarmac SL9's ability to maintain stable and responsive handling in corners and during descents.

12-speed SRAM RED AXS electronic drivetrain

The Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL9 is equipped with the 12-speed SRAM RED AXS E1 electronic groupset, a drivetrain designed to provide fast and precise gear shifting.

The setup includes a SRAM RED AXS E1 50/37 crankset with Quarq power meter, paired with a 10-36 tooth cassette.

The inclusion of the Quarq Power Meter allows you to monitor the power developed while pedaling, providing essential data for training, effort management, and race performance.

Drivetrain components

• Bottom bracket: Ceramic Speed BB Alpha, BSA DUB

• Chain: SRAM RED E1

• Crankset: SRAM RED AXS E1 with Quarq power meter, 50/37

• Rear derailleur: SRAM RED AXS E1, 12-speed

• Front derailleur: SRAM RED AXS E1, braze-on

• Shifters: SRAM RED AXS E1, hydraulic disc brake

• Cassette: SRAM RED XG-1290 E1, 12-speed, 10-36 tooth

SRAM RED hydraulic disc brakes

The S-Works Tarmac SL9 uses a SRAM RED E1 hydraulic disc braking system, both front and rear.

• Front brake: SRAM RED E1, hydraulic disc

• Rear brake: SRAM RED E1, hydraulic disc

Hydraulic disc technology offers powerful and modulated braking, allowing for precise speed management during descents, corners, and race situations.

Roval Rapide CLX III carbon wheels

The S-Works Tarmac SL9 is equipped with the new Roval Rapide CLX III wheelset, developed to offer a balance of aerodynamics, weight, and performance.

The wheels are Tubeless Ready and use carbon rims with an internal width of 21 mm.

Front wheel

The Roval Rapide CLX III front wheel features:

• carbon rim;

• 21 mm internal width;

• 51 mm rim depth;

• Win Tunnel Engineered technology;

• Roval LF18F hub, 18 holes;

• Sinc ceramic bearings;

• Roval by ARRIS aerodynamic composite spokes;

• titanium nipples;

• Tubeless configuration.

Rear wheel

The Roval Rapide CLX III rear wheel features:

• carbon rim;

• 21 mm internal width;

• 48.5 mm rim depth;

• Win Tunnel Engineered technology;

• Roval LF19-R hub, 24 holes;

• Sinc ceramic bearings;

• Roval by ARRIS aerodynamic composite spokes;

titanium end caps;

• Tubeless configuration.

700x30 Cotton TLR tires

The Tarmac SL9 is equipped with 700x30 Cotton TLR tires, designed to provide a balance of rolling speed, grip, and comfort.

• Front tire: Cotton TLR, 700x30

• Rear tire: Cotton TLR, 700x30

• Inner tubes: 700x25-35 mm, 65 mm Presta valve, TPU tube

Roval Rapide integrated cockpit

One of the standout features of the S-Works Tarmac SL9 is the Roval Rapide Cockpit, an integrated system that combines the handlebar and stem.

This integrated solution helps optimize aerodynamics at the front of the bike, while maintaining high stiffness and steering precision.

Cockpit components

• Handlebar: Roval Rapide Cockpit, integrated handlebar/stem

• Saddle: S-Works Power with Mirror

• Seatpost: S-Works Rapide Post, FACT carbon, 15 mm offset

• Handlebar tape: Supacaz Super Sticky Kush

• Seat clamp: Tarmac integrated wedge

S-Works Power with Mirror saddle

The S-Works Tarmac SL9 features the S-Works Power with Mirror, a high-performance saddle designed to provide support and comfort during the most demanding rides.

S-Works Rapide Post seatpost

The S-Works Rapide Post is made of FACT carbon and features a 15 mm offset.

The carbon construction helps reduce overall weight and integrate aerodynamically with the frame.

Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL9 SRAM RED AXS technical specifications

Usage

• Category: road bike

• Usage: road racing

Frame

• Frame: S-Works Tarmac SL9 FACT 12r Carbon, Rider First Engineered, Win Tunnel Engineered, Ceramic Speed SLT headset bearings, threaded bottom bracket, 12x142 mm thru-axle, flat mount disc brake, UDH derailleur hanger

• Claimed frame weight: 687 g

Suspension

• Fork: S-Works FACT 12r Carbon, 12x100 mm thru-axle, flat mount disc brake

Brakes

• Front brake: SRAM RED E1, hydraulic disc

• Rear brake: SRAM RED E1, hydraulic disc

Drivetrain

• Bottom bracket: Ceramic Speed BB Alpha, BSA DUB

• Chain: SRAM RED E1

• Crankset: SRAM RED AXS E1 with Quarq power meter, 50/37

• Rear derailleur: SRAM RED AXS E1, 12-speed

• Front derailleur: SRAM RED AXS E1, braze-on

• Shifters: SRAM RED AXS E1, hydraulic disc brake

• Cassette: SRAM RED XG-1290 E1, 12-speed, 10-36 teeth

Wheels and tires

• Inner tube: 700x25-35 mm, 65 mm Presta valve, TPU tube

• Front tire: Cotton TLR, 700x30

• Rear tire: Cotton TLR, 700x30

• Front wheel: Roval Rapide CLX III, Tubeless, carbon rim, 21 mm internal width, 51 mm depth, Win Tunnel Engineered, Roval LF18F 18H hub with Sinc ceramic bearings, Roval by ARRIS aerodynamic composite spokes with titanium nipples

• Rear wheel: Roval Rapide CLX III, Tubeless, carbon rim, 21 mm internal width, 48.5 mm depth, Win Tunnel Engineered, Roval LF19-R 24H hub with Sinc ceramic bearings, Roval by ARRIS aerodynamic composite spokes with titanium nipples

Cockpit

• Handlebar: Roval Rapide Cockpit, integrated handlebar/stem

• Saddle: S-Works Power with Mirror

• Seatpost: S-Works Rapide Post, FACT carbon, 15 mm offset

• Handlebar tape: Supacaz Super Sticky Kush

• Seat binder: Tarmac integrated wedge

Product details

• ID: 293533

Weight

• Weight: 6.6 kg (14 lb, 8.8 oz)

• Size weighed: 56

Note

Technical specifications may be subject to change without notice based on component availability.
Product images are for illustrative purposes only and may not exactly reflect the described features.

Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL9 SRAM RED AXS: ultimate road performance

The Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL9 SRAM RED AXS is a racing bike designed to turn every watt into speed. The 687-gram FACT 12r frame, SRAM RED AXS E1 12-speed electronic groupset, Quarq power meter, Roval Rapide CLX III carbon wheels, and the integrated Roval Rapide cockpit create a complete system built for competition.

With a declared total weight of just 6.6 kg, the S-Works Tarmac SL9 combines lightness, aerodynamics, and handling precision in one of the most advanced configurations in the Specialized range.

One bike. No compromises. Pure speed.

Do you want to receive your bike ready for use? Don't forget to add the bike assembly service at the time of purchase! Discover all the details here: Francesconi bike assembly

A Complete Guide to Bike Sizes

Foreword: Not all bike sizes are the same

Each type of bike has a specific frame and often uses a different size scale. For example, a road bike with a 54cm frame might be considered a medium size by one brand, but a large by another.

Bicycle adjustment margins

Some types of bikes, like gravel bikes, offer a wide range of adjustments, adapting to different body types. Other models, however, have limitations in this regard. This is an important aspect to consider.

How to use size charts

We've created a simple guide to help you find the right bike size:

1. Check out our size charts for each bike type.
2. Learn more with specific tips to help you make the right choice.

Size Charts: Find Your Perfect Bike

Gravel and road bikes

Sizes are based on the length of the top tube (in cm), which determines the reach of the bike.

For gravel, measurements may vary slightly due to different geometries, but remain similar.

Mountain bike

MTBs are measured in inches, based on the seat tube.

Sizes also vary depending on the type of MTB: full-suspension , hardtail or fat bike .

Children's bikes

The size depends on the size of the wheels, often associated with age:

What to do with half measures?

If you are between two sizes:

• Comfort : Choose the larger size.
• Performance : Go for the smaller size.

Final tips for choosing

1. Consult the manufacturer's instructions : Always check the brand's guidelines.
2. Ask an expert : a specialized workshop can help you choose based on your height, ideal reach and goals.
3. Test the bike : If possible, test the model you intend to purchase.