JS41989

Went by my LBS today to grab some cleats and they were building a 2021 Specialized Tarmac SL7 Pro in white. Though maybe not worth the $7K price tag, that is one pretty bike.

https://www.specialized.com/us/en/ta...ext=94920-1144

rubiksoval

That's my favorite color scheme, for sure.

Too bad it has SRAM. Yuck.

JS41989

I do wish they had this color scheme with some different components.

illdrag0n

Yeah i'm not big on Sram either. If i was spending that much on a spcialized (which realistically i wouldn't) - I'd be getting this one for the same dollary doos

smashndash

This is definitely the “sweetspot” for the SL7. But the conspiracy theorist in me says that part of the reason those $12k Sworks exist is to make a $7000 bike look like a good value... somehow.

Also, they have the audacity to shave $15 (again, on a $7000 bike) off the mfg cost and give you round spokes instead of bladed spokes. That alone would probably bridge the gap between the SL7 and Venge.

illdrag0n

Yeah i'd never pay the "brand tax" that the big names seem to command. Understand theres a lot of R&D that goes into them to make them "fast" (i mean, it's all numbers really) - but something like a Merida Reacto 7000-E or Scultura 7000-E feels like better value for me. I ride a Di2 Cube Litening that retailed for $5500 (i paid $4000 due to clearance) and i fail to see what the extra $2000 of the Pro SL7 would offer me as an average rider.

Talking AUD of course

JS41989

This set up in the all white colorway, I would be sold.

illdrag0n

Could always do a frame build up

lanpa8

Whats wrong with SRAM

InvertedMP 

I am having a really really hard time not going in and buying that dark red SL7 Pro. I want it so damn bad and I can't justify it in any way shape or form.

rubiksoval

Everything.

bruce19

Very pretty and I love SRAM.

TSawyerLV

What are thoughts of the SRAM 1x? Are those 12 gears useful across the range or would something be missing that a Shimano 2x setup would have? I am asking in general terms; since this is very specific to the area where you ride. Last year I rode with my brother in Chicago and didn't shift with my left hand all day (100 miles). That is rarely the case here in Las Vegas - I would have to work hard to map something out in Strava to be flat.

InvertedMP 

I wouldn’t get the 1x if I was doing any legit hills.

guadzilla

The one thing i dont get - the Fact10R frameset, ie, the Pro - is about the same weight as the Venge. Only the S-Works trim is lighter. So if you are NOT getting the S-Works, why not just buy the Venge and get that miniscule aero gain instead?

smashndash

Yeah the Venge Pro was/is $8000 and had the same frame as the Sworks. I’ve also heard that the bigger sizes of Venge were lighter than the SL6, but don’t quote me on that. It would be hilarious if someone bought a Tarmac over a venge to save weight but actually bought a heavier bike lol.

I’d say don’t try to think too hard. It’s all marketing mumbo jumbo, at the end of the day. They’re all very fast bikes with very slightly different design choices that will almost never matter in the real world.

I believe the Venge Pro would still be 150g heavier than the Tarmac Pro (size 56) because of the fork, seatpost and stem. 150g vs 2.5W at 40kph or whatever. I honestly would not sweat it. Aesthetics, price and little things like threaded BBs matter a lot more.

rubiksoval

You'd be missing out on a few choice gears and good performance and reliability.

Silver lining would be that there's no SRAM front derailleur to deal with...

rubiksoval

I think Specialized already beat you to that punch by discontinuing the Venge altogether for the time being. Buy what THEY want...

scott967

Check out the 2021 Sagan Collection Tarmac SL7. That's one hot looking bike.

scott s.
.

JS41989

Much agree.

NoWhammies

Gotta admit, that is a nice looking bike. I'm a Shimano fan-boy, so unless I can do a complete build up though, I'd take pass on this one.

rubiksoval

But it's glittery...

v70cat

Yes but what justifies the $1,000 additional cost?

rubiksoval

The glitter.

Mattyb13

100% agree. Killing me.