{"id":2878,"date":"2026-07-12T19:47:17","date_gmt":"2026-07-12T18:47:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cyclingreview.nl\/?p=2878"},"modified":"2026-07-12T19:47:17","modified_gmt":"2026-07-12T18:47:17","slug":"specialized-s-works-tarmac-sl9-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cyclingreview.nl\/en\/specialized-s-works-tarmac-sl9-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL9: Not lighter, but 4 watts faster thanks to race simulations"},"content":{"rendered":"

Specialised<\/strong> launched on 30 June 2026 the S-Works Tarmac SL9<\/strong>, positioned by the brand as the fastest ever racing bike. The frame still weighs 687 grams<\/strong>, but aerodynamic adjustments deliver, according to Specialized 4 watts<\/strong> at the 45 km\/h<\/strong> compared to the outgoing Tarmac SL8<\/strong>. Specialized mainly emphasizes how it claims that speed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Finish Time<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Specialized introduces the SL9, a measurement method that \u201cTime to Finish\u201d<\/strong> calling it, by their own admission, the only metric that matters. Instead of simply using wind tunnel data or frame weight as a selling point, the brand simulates complete race outcomes. The models combine rider power, mass, clothing, wind, and air density on real courses, from Tour stages to Li\u00e8ge\u2013Bastogne\u2013Li\u00e8ge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cData without riders is precise and repeatable but ultimately meaningless,\u201d he said. Lionello Bardina<\/strong>, Lead Aerodynamicist at Specialized, at launch<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In its own benchmarks, the SL9 is 28 seconds faster than the SL8 over a 100 km Grand Tour stage. Specialized also claims to be faster than the Colnago Y1Rs<\/strong> (34 seconds slower) and the Cerv\u00e9lo S5<\/strong> (18 seconds slower). Important: these are simulations from Specialized themselves, not independent tests.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where is the profit?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The changes are subtle but targeted:<\/p>\n\n\n\n