Riders on used SL6s or comparing a previous Tarmac to SL7/SL8. Check stack/reach — sizes did not stay still.
The 2018–2020 Tarmac: disc-era race geometry before SL7's aero integration. Still a low, racy fit; cockpit is more conventional than SL7/SL8.
Riders on used SL6s or comparing a previous Tarmac to SL7/SL8. Check stack/reach — sizes did not stay still.
The 2018–2020 Tarmac: disc-era race geometry before SL7's aero integration. Still a low, racy fit; cockpit is more conventional than SL7/SL8.
Racers and fast club riders who want the modern Tarmac. If you came off an SL7, check that the stack/reach still matches your size.
The current Specialized race bike: lighter than SL7, still aero, and famously 'it just disappears' if the fit is right. Size by stack/reach — the 54/56 split is where a lot of riders hop.
Racers who want a climbing Orbea. Orca Aero is the wind-cheating sibling.
Orbea's lightweight race bike, OMX carbon on high kits, and a fit that is race-low without S5 drama. OMX vs OMR changes weight more than geometry.
| Measurement |  SpecializedTarmac SL6 2019 |  SpecializedTarmac SL6 2018 |  SpecializedTarmac SL8 2024 |  OrbeaOrca 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stackmm | 565 | 565 | 544−21 | 552−13 |
| Reachmm | 391 | 391 | 384−7 | 385−6 |
| Head tube angle° | 73.5 | 73.5 | 73.0−0.5 | 72.8−0.7 |
| Seat tube angle° | 73.5 | 73.5 | 74.0+0.5 | 73.5 |
| Chainstaymm | 405 | 405 | 410+5 | 408+3 |
| Wheelbasemm | 991 | 991 | 978−13 | 981−10 |
| BB dropmm | 72 | 72 | 72 | 70−2 |
| BB heightmm | — | — | 268 | — |
| Standovermm | — | — | 768 | — |
| Part | Tarmac SL6 56 | Tarmac SL6 56 | Tarmac SL8 54 | Orca 53 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stem | 100 mm | 100 mm | 100 mm | 90 mm |
| Bar | 420 mm | 420 mm | 420 mm | 400 mm |
| Crank | 172.5 mm | 172.5 mm | 172.5 mm | 170 mm |
Specialized S-works Tarmac SL8: how does it stack up 12 months on? · +. Under 7kg ready to ride · +. Fast, decisive handling · +. Compliant enough for long rides.
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