2014 Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL4 Di2 Review

Photo Credit: Bicycling.com

The 2014 S-Works Tarmac SL4 is a Pure Unbridled Race Machine

It climbs effortlessly, descends confidently, and sprints ferociously. It's the lightest, stiffest frame Specialized makes and it shows as soon as you push on the pedals.

The SL4 FACT 11r frame offers amazing full-frame torsional rigidity with a tapered headtube, OSBB, and FACT full monocoque carbon fork with tapered steerer, translating to amazing handling.

BikeRadar says, "Handling in general is awesomely precise and when combined with the bike's appropriately racer-steep angles, you'd better mean it when you move the bars because you can be assured the bike will react in kind."

The frame's geometry was only slightly modified from the SL3: the wheelbase is a few millimeters shorter, depending on frame size, and, distinguishing itself from a trend toward taller head tubes on race bikes, the SL4's head tube is shorter than the SL3's by as much as 20mm on the largest size.
The Ultra-light Rovale Rapide CLX 40 carbon clincher wheelset with CeramicSpeed bearings, paired with new S-Works Turbo 24c 220TPI tire for a fast and light setup. Extremely low rolling resistance and superior cornering traction lets you climb easily, descend faster, and corner harder.

The down tube tapers from 55mm across at the bottom bracket to an insane 66mm across up front while the top tube hits its maximum 62mm width just behind the stem, partially wrapping around the head tube and lending more support to that critical area. If the numbers on paper aren't impressive enough, consider that the fork crown measures barely broader at 85mm — or just compare these figures with your current machine.

The one-piece BB/chainstay optimizes weight and stiffness in one of the most critical and highest-stress areas of the frame for superior acceleration, efficiency, and handling. The bonding together of the bottom bracket and the chainstay results in a super strong and stiff unit: seamless from the BB to the dropouts, eliminating potentially weak junctions. This design resists deflection under extreme pedal loads for improved power transfer.


Shimano's ever-impressive Dura-Ace Di2 electronic group has impeccably precise, accurate, and smooth rear shifts, and the front shifting is exceptional is well. Braking performance is superb, with a firm and communicative lever that has very good modulation.

The carbon railed Romin Pro saddle is lightweight yet suprememly comfortable, and the semi-anatomic carbon handlebar complements the frame stiffness well and boasts a versatile bend. The forged aluminum stem is stout and is conveniently adjustable for angle via Specialized trick offset shim system.

Of course, the 2014 S-Works Tarmac SL4 Di2 is the flagship of the series of bikes, with lower cost versions specced with Dura-Ace without Di2, Shimano Ultegra groupset (Expert model) all the way down to a Shimano 105/Tiagra Group (Tarmac SL4 Sport)

2014 S-Works Tarmac SL4 Dura-Ace

2014 Tarmac SL4 Sport

The only way to truly understand how incredible this bike is to see one for yourself. Come down to Bicycle Sports in Beaumont, Texas today to see the great bikes we have to offer from Specialized and more!

Bicycle Sports
2770 Interstate 10 E
Beaumont, TX 77703
(409) 860-5959
www.bicyclesports.com