The best bike I have ever ridden!
One of our top customers and cycling enthusiasts, Jason G has owned most top-end bikes… After riding a Venge and becoming a fan, he decided to invest in a new Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL7. And what a bike! Let’s find out more below on his rider experience with one of the best bikes in the world.
A dedicated cyclist and bike tester
Last week I took delivery of a new Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL7 as my all-new race bike. I have been very fortunate enough to have ridden the best of the best over the last 8 years and enjoyed the evolution of the aero bike along with the introduction of discs to the road. Like many cyclists, I love the sport but also enjoy the kit and have spent hours dream spec’ing custom bike builds. Some came to fruition and others were just dream builds in my imagination. But the point is that most cyclists love and appreciate their kit and that is part of what makes us who we are.
As a race team, we have been riding and racing Specialized bikes for some years now. We took this decision based on their no-holds-barred approach to innovation. I already had the Tarmac SL6 and the latest Venge and both these bikes have been amazing to own and ride. The Venge was always my go-to crit racing bike but the latest generation felt comfortable for an 80 miler without any issue at all.
The Tarmac SL6, on the other hand, took a little longer for me to love…. The funny thing is it wasn’t due to its capability. This was more that I personally love the more aggressive look of the Venge, the clean lines, and the cable free design. As time has gone on the bike I ride more than any other has become the Tarmac SL6. This Specialized bike has shown such a huge depth of ability that it has been my go-to bike for the last couple of years. The Specialized Tarmac is fast, stiff but brings compliance and comfort that really puts it in a league of its own.
The start of a beautiful bond
‘So why did you need another bike if you were so happy with your current stable’ I hear you say? Like many, we are always intrigued by new bikes and the new Specialized S-Works SL7 really caught my eye. Could a bike bring all the riding characteristics I love about my current Tarmac? As well as merging this with the modern and clean design and looks I associated with my Venge?
Well, yesterday was my first ride on my new beast and it left quite the impression. The first thing is the bike is a true sight to behold with clean lines and is brought bang up to date with an aero cable-free design. BUT importantly an aero design that does not dominate the appearance of the bike like some. The Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL7 looks aero but not in an imposing and shouty way. More so in a way that is more graceful but still very purposeful. It looks spot on and the revised rear stays, seat post, and front end look absolutely stunning!
Putting the Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL7 to the test
The first thing I noticed with the Specialized S-Works SL7 was how secure the bike felt on the road. There is an instant feeling of responsiveness but with a level of comfort unheard of on a bike, in particular, one with this level of performance. I love the new wider Rapide Rovals and I spec’d 28mm tyres which not only looked fantastic but gave a quality of ride I am just not used to on a superbike! I felt at home almost immediately and felt a big smile creeping across my face as I turned the pedals…. Today was going to be a great day!
I did a 3-hour loop taking in the scenes of Bulbarrow and had a good mixture of climbing with a decent downhill blast through Cowgrove on the way home. What a machine! I can say hand on heart that this Specialized bike is comfortably the best bike I have ever ridden. Without a doubt, at every point of my rider experience, it shone. The speed was effortless and the bike responded to inputs in such a compliant and instant way that. Riding the Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL7 was a real pleasure. I am a sprinter so I need a bike that I can force the watts through and have a couple of bursts. But wow the speed of the Specialized S-Works SL7 was astonishing! It climbs well, descends beautifully and at all times gave a level of comfort that gave me the urge to ride all day.
The final verdict
If I sound excited, that is because I am! Be in no doubt this Specialized bike is the real deal and I am in awe of how far bikes have come in the last few years. All I can say is the clocks have changed, the sun is shining and my SL7 is calling. – JG
The bike experts you can count on
At Primera Sports we have been building top-end bikes for almost 30 years. We’ve noticed a lot of buzz from excited riders about their experience with the Specialized S Works SL7. As one of the leading UK dealers for Specialized bikes, we stock this awe-inspiring model and you can test and buy it at one of our bike shops in Dorset, located in Poole and Bournemouth.
To find out availability or for more guidance on this model, contact us today. Call our bike shop in Bournemouth on 01202 775588 or our Poole store on 01202 749674. We offer 0% finance solutions and a first bike fitting for free! Not to mention, the Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL7 frameset and forks also come with a lifetime warranty which covers any manufacturing issues. Get your dream bike from Primera Sports today!
