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    Specialized Tarmac vs Roubaix: how to decide between the two

    Tom Owen
    Tom Owen
    Oct 30, 2024 10 min
    Specialized Tarmac vs Roubaix: how to decide between the two

    Stiff, light race machine or long-distance kilometre crusher? When it comes to Specialized’s road bikes, the choice between the race-winning Tarmac and endurance-focused Roubaix can be a tricky one for everyday riders. With half a century of heritage, Specialized is one of the most reputable bike brands out there, but how do you choose between their two most popular road bikes?

    If you’re torn between these two models, you’re in the right place. Let’s deep dive!

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    Specialized Tarmac vs Roubaix compared

    The easiest way to compare these two road bikes is to line them up side by side. We’ve compared them in the table below.

    Tarmac vs Roubaix comparison table


    Tarmac SL8

    Roubaix SL8

    Weight

    6.8 kg*

    7.3 kg*

    Geometry

    Race

    Endurance

    Price range (RRP)

    £5,500-£14,500

    £2,500-£12,000

    Models

    5

    7

    Frameset only option

    Yes

    Yes

    Sizes

    44-61

    44-64

    Tyre clearance

    32 mm

    40 mm

    *top-end models, size 56

    The SL8 is the latest release of both the Tarmac and Roubaix, however you might find an older model with everything you need at a cheaper price point, especially at buycycle.

    Shop Specialized's bikes

    A third contender: Specialized Roubaix vs Tarmac vs Aethos?

    The Tarmac and Roubaix aren’t the only carbon fibre road bikes currently offered by Specialized. The newest addition to the family is the Aethos, a lightweight, minimalist all-round road bike. It sits somewhere between the Tarmac and Roubaix marrying the benefits of comfortable all-day riding with the benefits of a lightweight setup. 

    Specialized Tarmac overview

    Remco Evenepoel. Lotte Kopecky. Peter Sagan. Julian Alaphilippe. These riders have one thing in common: they all raced the Specialized Tarmac to victory. You can see it everywhere from the Belgian cobbles to the mountains of the Tour de France. So, what makes this medal magnet so special?

    The question of which road bike to buy from ‘Big S’ used to be a three-way discussion. You had the Specialized Venge vs Tarmac vs Roubaix, but the Tarmac has, to all intents and purposes, succeeded the Venge after it was retired in 2020. The idea at the time was to add all the aero benefits from the Venge to the Tarmac. Based on the WorldTour success of this bike, they might just have achieved it.

    Features at a glance

    • Dedicated race bike
    • Aggressive geometry to aid aerodynamics
    • Aero tube shapes
    • 32 mm tyre clearance on new models (28 mm on older models)
    Shop Specialized Tarmac on buycycle

    Specialized Roubaix overview

    The Roubaix has many similar features to the Tarmac adapted for everyday riders. The clue is in the name: riders need extra comfort when racing the likes of Paris Roubaix, so the design team relaxed the geometry and added one unique innovation to the setup.

    Features at a glance

    • Endurance geometry
    • Future Shock suspension headset
    • Extra mounts for mudguards, top tube bag and a third bottle cage on the downtube
    • 40 mm tyre clearance for extra comfort and grip
    Shop Specialized Roubaix on buycycle

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    The nitty gritty: getting into the details of Specialized Roubaix vs Tarmac

    There’s no denying both the Tarmac and Roubaix are beautiful, capable bikes. But the major differences lie in the weight, comfort and geometry, all of which are linked.

    Tarmac vs Roubaix weight – which is lighter?

    The lighter bike is the Specialized Tarmac weighing in at a smidge over the UCI’s weight limit of 6.3 kg. All things equal, the lighter bike will be the faster bike. In reality, there are many external factors that affect speed such as road surface, wind direction and of course your own strength and fitness. For most people, a kilo here and there will make no difference to your day-to-day cycling.

    While both bikes use the same top grade carbon (FACT 10r), the Tarmac is available in an even more premium grade (FACT 12r) allowing for the bigger reduction in weight.

    The comfort question: is the Roubaix or Tarmac better long-distance?

    The Specialized Roubaix focuses on comfort and has an integrated Future Shock headset for when the roads get rough. This innovative component provides 20mm of travel to smooth out rough roads and reduce fatigue. Naturally, the addition of this suspension headset adds weight to the bike but when it offers exponential returns in comfort, we think it’s worth it.

    Tarmac vs Roubaix: geometry

    Closely related to comfort is geometry and these two bikes are poles apart. The Roubaix features a lower bottom bracket, shorter reach and longer wheelbase. This results in a more planted riding experience with a more upright riding position for improved comfort. By comparison, the Tarmac’s shorter wheelbase, lower stack and longer reach gives it a competitive edge in tight corners and in race situations when aerodynamics make all the difference.

    Explore our range of road bikes on buycycle now!

    Specialized Tarmac vs Roubaix: components and sizing

    A bike isn’t all about the frame. Yes, it’s the showstopper of a bike, but without the supporting components, it’s going nowhere.

    Tarmac vs Roubaix: groupsets

    There are two main manufacturers when it comes to road bike groupsets: Shimano and SRAM. Both the Tarmac and Roubaix bikes have models with both brands. Unsurprisingly, the more you pay, the more premium the groupset.

    You get what you pay for with groupsets: higher price means higher quality and lower weight. There’s also the temptation of electric groupsets too (denoted as Shimano Di2 and SRAM AXS) on the higher specced bikes.

    Both the Tarmac and Roubaix offer a choice between SRAM Red AXS and Shimano Dura Ace Di2 on their top end bikes.

    At the more affordable end, we see a real difference in the offerings. The Specialized Roubaix has maximised value by speccing higher quality components where it counts. The most budget-friendly of the range mixes 10-speed Shimano Tiagra and Shimano 105 parts. For commuters and occasional cyclists, this setup will deliver smiles for miles. And the best thing: parts are generally readily available at this price point.

    The cheapest Tarmac is at such a price point that Specialized still offers an electronic groupset: Shimano Ultegra Di2 and SRAM Rival eTap AXS.

    Go to buycycle's groupsets shop
    Everything you need to know about the Shimano Di2 | buycyle US
    How do I set up the Shimano 12-speed Di2? How do I check the battery status, and what is the Shimano E-Tube app? We provide the answers here!
    buycycle BlogSophia Willmes

    Tarmac vs Roubaix: wheels

    Further reinforcing the comfort focus, the Roubaix is specced with wheels suitable for both road and light gravel. This is also reflected in the tyre clearance.

    The Tarmac is an out-and-out road racing bike, easily spotted by the deep section carbon rims specced on a lot of the models.

    On the higher priced models of both bikes you’ll find carbon wheels that boast stiffness and lighter weight. At the other end you can choose between lower spec carbon or alloy wheels.

    Go to buycycle's bike parts shop

    Specialized Tarmac vs Roubaix: sizing and availability

    Specialized is a brand known for offering a wide size curve and these two models are no exception. You can find both bikes in a variety of sizes from 44cm, 49cm, 52cm, 54cm, 56cm, 58cm, 61cm and 64cm. Bear in mind not every model is available in every size. We recommend using our bike size guide to avoid disappointment.

    Road bike size chart | buycycle blog USA
    Looking to find the right road bike size? Check out our road bike size chart. We cover measurements, provide charts, and discuss sizing adjustments.
    buycycle BlogRobert Ferri

    Which bike is best for you?

    The best road bike for you is the one that suits the kind of riding you do already. If you’re looking to fill your trophy cabinet or get some PBs on some of your favourite road rides, the Tarmac is the tool for the job.

    The Specialized Tarmac is best suited to…

    If you want a race-ready bike who can be found on the smoothest asphalt roads then look no further than the Tarmac. If your top priorities are stiffness and aerodynamics, and you’re comfortable with a more aggressive riding position, the Tarmac offers all this and it looks great at the same time.

    Shop Specialized Tarmac on buycycle

    The Specialized Roubaix is best suited to…

    The Specialized Roubaix sings out for riders wanting variety in their riding. You’re happy to sacrifice on weight if it means increased comfort and the ability to explore further.

    How to find your dream Specialized Tarmac or Roubaix

    You can always shop directly from the manufacturer or your local bike shop but often the best value can be found on the second hand market. Usually, this presents all kinds of what ifs and concerns around quality and potential issues. This is where buycycle comes in.

    We have a huge range of both models at incredible prices, so your dream Tarmac or Roubaix is just a few clicks away. You can buy in confidence knowing you’re getting a great deal. And if it doesn’t work out, you can easily return it to us for a refund. If you can’t find what you’re looking for straight away, make sure you create a saved search and we’ll alert you when a new bike is listed.

    Go to buycycle

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