Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL4

A 2012 frame, rebuilt from new parts and spares from the shelf. It weighs 6.6 kg with pedals and tyres with tubes.

Finished Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL4 road bike, side view
Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL4 with red bar tape against a brick wall

Why this bike

My latest project is a rebuild of an older bike. I got hold of a Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL4 frame from around 2012, and in my opinion it's one of the coolest S-Works bikes ever made.

It has won everything from the Tour de France to the classics, with riders like Alberto Contador, Peter Sagan and Tom Boonen on top.

I built it with a mix of new parts and bits I had lying around. They're all standard components, nothing exotic or ultra-light, so I'm quite proud that it ends up at 6.6 kg, including pedals and tyres with tubes.

Parts list

  • FrameSpecialized S-Works Tarmac SL4 Carbon 52 cm
  • ForkSpecialized S-Works Carbon
  • SeatpostSpecialized S-Works Carbon
  • StemSpecialized S-Works 9 cm (new)
  • HandlebarsFSA SL-K Carbon 42 cm
  • Bar tapeLizard Skins Black/Red (new)
  • SaddleSelle Italia SLR Carbon
  • Bottom bracketCeramicSpeed (new)
  • CranksetSpecialized S-Works Carbon 53-39
  • GroupsetSRAM Red Mechanical 22 speed (brakes used) (new)
  • ChainShimano Ultegra Waxed (new)
  • CassetteDura Ace 12-28
  • WheelsetCampagnolo Shamal Ultra, carbon hubs, ceramic bearings, tubeless ready (new)
  • TyresContinental GP 4000 Mk II (new)
  • TubesButyl and TPU (new)
  • CablesWhite brake cables and black gear cables (new)

More images

Handlebar and S-Works stem close-up on the Tarmac SL4 Bottom bracket area and crankset on the S-Works Tarmac SL4 Close-up of the rear derailleur and cassette on the Tarmac SL4 Red bar tape and SRAM Red shifter on the S-Works Tarmac SL4 Campagnolo Shamal Ultra rear wheel with cassette on the Tarmac SL4 Selle Italia SLR saddle on the S-Works carbon seatpost 53-39 S-Works carbon crankset on the Tarmac SL4 Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL4 seen from the front at an angle Rear wheel, cassette and derailleur on the S-Works Tarmac SL4 Crankset and down tube of the S-Works Tarmac SL4 Handlebar with red tape and SRAM Red shifters on the S-Works Tarmac SL4 Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL4 seen from a distance on a brick-paved yard
Ole's ElvesFalath Pro with Ultegra Di2.Mathias' ElvesThe same frame, built together.