S-Works Tarmac SL9 SRAM RED AXS FAQs
What is the S-Works Tarmac SL9 SRAM RED AXS?
The S-Works Tarmac SL9 SRAM RED AXS is a premium carbon road racing bike designed for riders who want an extremely lightweight, aerodynamic and responsive race bike.
What carbon does the S-Works Tarmac SL9 use?
It uses S-Works FACT 12r Carbon, Specialized's highest-level carbon construction for the Tarmac platform.
What groupset does the S-Works Tarmac SL9 SRAM RED AXS use?
It comes with the SRAM RED AXS 12-speed electronic wireless groupset.
Is SRAM RED AXS electronic?
Yes. SRAM RED AXS is an electronic wireless shifting system. The shifters communicate wirelessly with the derailleurs, while the derailleurs use rechargeable batteries.
Does the SRAM RED AXS version have a power meter?
Yes. The SRAM RED AXS build is equipped with a SRAM RED AXS power-meter crankset, allowing riders to monitor cycling power during training and racing.
Is the S-Works Tarmac SL9 a racing bike?
Yes. The Tarmac SL9 is designed primarily as a high-performance road racing bike, suitable for criteriums, road races, climbing and fast group riding.
Is the Tarmac SL9 good for climbing?
Yes. Its lightweight FACT 12r Carbon construction makes it particularly well suited to climbing while retaining aerodynamic performance for faster sections.
Is the Tarmac SL9 aerodynamic?
Yes. The SL9 uses Win Tunnel Engineered aerodynamics and aerodynamic features developed to reduce drag while maintaining the low weight and handling characteristics expected from a Tarmac.
What is Rider-First Engineered™ technology?
Rider-First Engineered™ is Specialized's frame-development approach designed to provide consistent handling, stiffness and ride characteristics across different frame sizes.
Is the Tarmac SL9 suitable for long rides?
Yes. Although it is primarily a race bike, the Tarmac SL9 is suitable for long-distance road rides, endurance training, fast group rides and climbing.
Does the S-Works Tarmac SL9 use disc brakes?
Yes. It uses hydraulic disc brakes with flat-mount compatibility, providing strong and consistent braking performance.
Does the Tarmac SL9 have internal cable routing?
Yes. The SL9 features integrated internal cable routing, giving the bike a clean appearance and helping with aerodynamic integration.
What wheels does the S-Works Tarmac SL9 SRAM RED AXS use?
The SRAM RED AXS version is equipped with premium Roval carbon road wheels, designed to provide a combination of low weight, aerodynamic efficiency and race performance.
Is the Tarmac SL9 tubeless compatible?
Yes. The wheel and tyre setup is designed around tubeless-ready technology, allowing riders to run a compatible tubeless tyre setup.
What type of rider is the S-Works Tarmac SL9 SRAM RED AXS suitable for?
It is best suited to serious road cyclists, racers, competitive riders and enthusiasts looking for a premium race bike with top-level SRAM electronic equipment.
Is SRAM RED AXS better than Shimano Dura-Ace Di2?
Both are top-level professional racing groupsets. The choice largely comes down to rider preference.
- SRAM RED AXS: Wireless shifting, 12-speed drivetrain, AXS electronic ecosystem, power-meter options and easy electronic setup and customization.
- Shimano Dura-Ace Di2: Highly refined electronic shifting, Shimano's Di2 ecosystem, excellent shifting performance and an integrated electronic system.
There is no universal winner. Both are suitable for professional-level road racing.
Can the S-Works Tarmac SL9 be used for everyday cycling?
Yes. Despite its race-focused design, it can be used for daily road cycling, training, long rides and fast group rides. However, its aggressive performance characteristics are best appreciated by riders looking for speed.
Is the S-Works Tarmac SL9 UCI approved?
The Tarmac SL9 is designed as a professional road-racing platform around UCI racing requirements. For sanctioned competition, the complete bicycle and its configuration should comply with the current UCI regulations.
What makes the S-Works Tarmac SL9 different from the standard Tarmac?
The S-Works version uses the FACT 12r Carbon frame and premium components. The SRAM RED AXS build combines this high-end frame with one of SRAM's highest-level electronic road groupsets.
Is the S-Works Tarmac SL9 SRAM RED AXS suitable for professional racing?
Yes. It is designed around the requirements of high-level road racing and is suitable for competitive riders who want a lightweight, aerodynamic and highly responsive race bike.
Does the S-Works Tarmac SL9 SRAM RED AXS come with a warranty?
Yes, warranty coverage is subject to Specialized's applicable warranty terms and the warranty provided with the purchase in India. Customers should refer to the warranty documentation supplied with the bicycle for the applicable coverage.
Who should buy the S-Works Tarmac SL9 SRAM RED AXS?
It is ideal for riders who want a top-end S-Works race bike with SRAM RED AXS electronic shifting, especially competitive cyclists, racers and enthusiasts looking for a premium performance road bike.