Specialized Tarmac: the evolution of an icon
It's 20-year-plus history has made this road bike a favourite of pros and amateurs, and an icon in its own right
Tom Boonen, a Belgian cycling superstar, was not pleased with the Specialized Tarmac SL bike when he visited their California headquarters in 2006. The bike was too flexible for his sprinting needs and couldn't generate the power he required. Specialized's Ben Capron recounts how Boonen's dissatisfaction led to significant changes in the Tarmac's design.
After testing various stiffness and weight options, they developed a new rear end and a new testing method, resulting in the SL2 model. This bike was a game-changer for Boonen, who claimed it was the best bike he had ever ridden. The Tarmac, now on its 10th iteration, has evolved from a stiff and uncomfortable machine to a comfortable and formidable racing bike.
Its journey from a "blank canvas" to the best-selling road bike in the world is a testament to Specialized's commitment to innovation and performance.
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