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Specialized, one of the best bike brands, has some series with high demand. Yes, these series indeed offer great features as the improvements to the series released previously. 2 of those series from Specialized are Tarmac and Roubaix. In addition, they are series released most recently, Tarmac was released in 2020 while Roubaix was in 2019.

Well, if you plan to buy a new bike from Specialized anytime soon, those 2 series should be considered. Make sure to learn about the pros and cons of each of them. Then, decide also which one of them is the most suitable for you.

Specialized Tarmac

Specialized Tarmac, known also for its complete name, Specialized Tarmac SL7, was officially launched in July 2020. For some people who waited for the series, some specs of the bike may not be too special since there had been some leaks before.

The developers of the series made some innovations in this series. They eliminated the Venge feature, previously added to other Aero series. Specialized had a reason why the feature was removed as was stated by the manager, Cameron Piper.

Piper said that it was really old-fashioned if someone must have some bikes with different purposes, such as using this bike for climbing and using that one for racing. If you can unify all those functions into one product, why not? And, that’s why Tarmac was designed and marketed.

Specs and Features

To make the series completely all-rounded, Specialized emphasizes some ultimate features to have by Tarmac. What are they?

1. Tarmac is a combination of the superbike with the all-rounder characteristics and the aero bike’s aerodynamics. It makes the bike more Multifunctional and you can use it for any purpose.
2. In this series, Specialized also uses a new carbon type, Fact 12R. The replacement of the carbon type is to make the multifunctional characteristic to be really realized.
3. The new carbon type is stiff enough. Therefore, there is no need to apply multiple carbon layers just to make it stiffer. The application of carbon also makes the bike don't need to use too much resin.
4. As a consequence of using only a few carbon layers, the frame of the bike is also lighter. Imagine, the Tarmac series is only 800 grams for size 56. Or, the total weight of the full bike is only 6-7 kilograms.
5. Tarmac also features the bottom bracket system that is no longer using press-fit. Again, it also contributes to the lighter weight. Besides, the system also eases the mechanics in repairing and assembling the bike.
6. The bottom bracket system supports the installation of cranks and spindles widely available in the market. In case the default crank or spindle is damaged, you can simply buy it in the store.
7. The aerodynamics system is designed well to make it sophisticated seen from any aspect. For example, there are tools like the airfoil-model Seatpost, a large wheelset, and more.

Pros and Cons

Pros

1. A multifunctional bike for road, off-road, and racing,
2. Lightweight,
3. It doesn’t need to use too much resin,
4. Easy to assemble,
5. Great aerodynamics system.

Cons

1. The seat-tube mount is too low,
2. There is no size for women.

Specialized Roubaix

Specialized roubaix bikes  was launched a year before Tarmac. Being older is often assumed as being worse also as there must be some new features in the newer product. Is that true? Well, let’s discuss the specs, features, pros, and cons of this series.

Specs and Features

1. It is an aero bike. The producer even claimed Roubaix to be more aero than most aero products. One of the features to support this claim is the application of shock absorbers in the front and rear areas of the bike.
2. The series is also very lightweight. Compared with the classic Tarmac series, Roubaix is indeed lighter. But when you compare it with Tarmac SL7, it seems that Tarmac SL7 will win.
3. The design is lovable. It adapts the minimalist look from Venge and it is a good decision.
4. Roubaix is outstanding for crossing rough terrains. You can ride it off-road and it feels very comfortable.
5. The new Roubaix series uses a classic suspension with some great changes and improvements. There is the feature of future shock in the head tube area to help the biker to absorb vibrations in the front area, particularly on hands.
6. The seat post is made to be more aerodynamic with a new feature namely Pave.
7. The Roubaix series is available in 11 sizes and they are all designed well for both men and women.

Pros and Cons

Pros

1. It is definitely a great aero bike,
2. Lightweight,
3. A cool design,
4. More suitable for off-road
5. Available in many sizes for men and women.

Cons

1. Lack in the aerodynamic system,
2. The assembly is a little complicated.

Which is Better, Specialized Tarmac or Roubaix?

Generally, Specialized Tarmac is better than Roubaix for some reasons. Particularly, in terms of performance, Tarmac SL7 is better as it indeed has some more new features. Those features are also improvements from the older ones, applied in older series. Mainly when talking about the aerodynamic system, Tarmac is the best.

But other than that, each of the series has its own pros and cons. Tarmac is designed for multiple purposes while Roubaix is “only” an aero bike. On the other hand, Roubaix had a cooler design; it is subjective, and friendlier for women. Finally, you should choose one of them that meets your needs the most.

Any option should be consider correctly. M3 Bikeshop will help you decide it, we are authorized distributors of specialized bike. Available online type roubaix and tarmac bike, you can order it now without visiting bike shop. Your order will be proceed profesionally by our team.

Not only, but also M3 Bikeshop offers giant tcr road bike as third option. In case you want more road bikes choices, contact us we have detailed catalogue and specs that you need.