Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL8

[dexvd]

Was messaging with Specialized Canada today about Tarmac availability, they said the 2023 spec Tarmacs will be released in the next month, they didn't say if it would be SL7 or SL8 but said the Expert would be Rival AXS, the Comp will be 105 Di2. No Ultegra model. Which was dissapointing news for me... Maybe would either look at the Pro level which I assume would be Force or the 105 Di2 but my preference was for Ultegra.

[K4m1k4z3]

Regarding the new unreleased aero bar+stem combo: I'm currently on a 120mm S-Works stem + 38 cm Shallow Bend bar. Have had the Rapide handlebar in 38cm on backorder since June '21 (yeah I know...). The Rapide handlebar 'SHOULD' arrive in the first half of May, roughly a month from now. I'm pondering cancelling the Rapide bar order and waiting for the new aero combo. I'm assuming it's going to be backwards compatible with the SL7 judging from the social media leaks.

The main (+) I find with the Rapide handlebar is that you can adjust the angle
The main (+) I find with the aero combo is weight savings (seems to be in the region of around 60 g depending on length/width)
I reckon the aerodynamic benefit of the integrated aero combo will be miniscule once a head unit is mounted out front

Of course, we don't know anything about the availability and dimensions of the new aero combo.

What would you do?

[K4m1k4z3]

Was messaging with Specialized Canada today about Tarmac availability, they said the 2023 spec Tarmacs will be released in the next month, they didn't say if it would be SL7 or SL8 but said the Expert would be Rival AXS, the Comp will be 105 Di2. No Ultegra model. Which was dissapointing news for me... Maybe would either look at the Pro level which I assume would be Force or the 105 Di2 but my preference was for Ultegra.

2023 UDi2 Expert models are the same as 2022's - Tropical Teal, Maroon and the Black/Forest Green one. Don't know about availability though. I think there might be an UDi2 Pro version but probably either region-dependent or they cancelled it at the last minute. The spec didn't make sense imo - the SRAM Force Pro was spec'd with a PM but the UDi2 Pro wasn't. So just UDi2, Rapide CL II and Rapide bar. Not that the Shimano PM is anything to rave about but still... The Expert UDi2 is still better value imo - upgrade the wheels and the handlebar/stem and you're still well below the Pro price.

[jadedaid]

... Have had the Rapide handlebar in 38cm on backorder since June '21 (yeah I know...). The Rapide handlebar 'SHOULD' arrive in the first half of May, roughly a month from now.

I've had my 40cm on backorder since nov 21 in two places. Gave up and got an Enve bar this week because my faith in Roval delivering the one piece this year was low. But my choice would be the new aero combo if I could source it. The one piece just looks great.

[dudemanppl]

FYI for everyone with super long backorders, I ordered from Jenson 1/22 with no ETA on backorder and recieved it at my door a month later. It seems they are currently slated for arrival a few weeks out on their website: https://www.jensonusa.com/Roval-Rapide-Handlebar

No affiliation, just crazy you guys have been waiting this long!

[jadedaid]

Ive had one order with jenson from Nov 2021 cancelled around Feb 2022 and another has been pending since then. I dont think they're serious about fulfilling it, at this point I've kept it open for laughs.

[Minirac]

They must make wider bars with shorter stem - 440/90.. That narrow bar/long stem trend is a gimmick and will just chronically tighten your wrists, elbows and shoulders/neck over time.

[TobinHatesYou]

They must make wider bars with shorter stem - 440/90.. That narrow bar/long stem trend is a gimmick and will just chronically tighten your wrists, elbows and shoulders/neck over time.

As it turns out, not all people are the same size/shape and/or have different degrees of flexibility and/or have different priorities.

[Hexsense]

They must make wider bars with shorter stem - 440/90.. That narrow bar/long stem trend is a gimmick and will just chronically tighten your wrists, elbows and shoulders/neck over time.

huh?
I just put 36cm bar on my gravel bike because the 40cm one I had on that bike is just too wide that my wrist angle outward to hold the shifter from straight arm. 36cm allow straight arm with inward bend wrist to hold mid/outside of the shifter which is a lot more comfortable.

If anything, I wish 33-34cm bar is available on my road bike...

[pmprego]

I think they should just do N*N combinations. Easy.

In a more serious note: if someone is not on the average of the bell curve, just don't go for integrated cockpits. It's that simple. Brands will cater for the majority of people. And they are not wrong in doing so.

[Knightyboy27]

Regarding the new unreleased aero bar+stem combo: I'm currently on a 120mm S-Works stem + 38 cm Shallow Bend bar.

Given what other big brands have released, I wouldn't be wholly surprised if they didn't release a 120x380mm option so you may be best with separates.

[K4m1k4z3]

Regarding the new unreleased aero bar+stem combo: I'm currently on a 120mm S-Works stem + 38 cm Shallow Bend bar.

Given what other big brands have released, I wouldn't be wholly surprised if they didn't release a 120x380mm option so you may be best with separates.

True. But looking at Cannondale at their recently released SSE4 they list 38x120 as an option.

[Lina]

They must make wider bars with shorter stem - 440/90.. That narrow bar/long stem trend is a gimmick and will just chronically tighten your wrists, elbows and shoulders/neck over time.

How ever do TT and triathlon guys ride for days on end with their elbows and hands practically touching each other. Maybe it's because it takes like a week max to get used to riding like that. But I won't stop you from riding with wide bars, in fact I'd be extremely happy if everyone else shows up to the start line on 44 cm bars.

[TobinHatesYou]

Still lolling at this because the relative lack of 36cm options has me on 38cm Coefficient RRs while my shoulders are 37cm acromion-to-acromion.

And I'm fairly average height as well at 178cm. Plus there's a rumor going around that smaller individuals use handlebars too.

[CAAD8FRED]

Still lolling at this because the relative lack of 36cm options has me on 38cm Coefficient RRs while my shoulders are 37cm acromion-to-acromion.

And I'm fairly average height as well at 178cm. Plus there's a rumor going around that smaller individuals use handlebars too.

No, they don't.