Specialized Tarmac SL9 S-Level, Expert and Comp in the UAE

The Specialized Tarmac SL9 lineup now gives UAE road cyclists three ways to ride the latest Tarmac race platform: S-Level, Expert, and Comp. Each model uses a FACT 10r carbon frame, FACT 12r carbon fork, the same Rider-First Engineered race geometry, and the aerodynamic shaping developed for the Tarmac SL9 platform. The key differences are the electronic groupset, wheels, cockpit, standard power meter, weight, and price.

At The Cycle Hub, the authorised Specialized dealer, the Tarmac SL9 Comp is priced at AED 20,000, Expert at AED 31,000, and S-Level at AED 46,500. The S-Works Tarmac SL9 at AED 63,000 is included below only as a flagship reference point, helping riders understand where the three new SL9 models sit within the complete range.

The Tarmac SL9 lineup explained

The Tarmac name has always represented Specialized’s all-round race bike: built for climbing, sprinting, fast group rides, and demanding race days. The latest SL9 continues that approach with a platform intended to reduce drag while retaining low weight and responsive handling.

The three new models (S-Level, Expert, and Comp) bring the current SL9 design to a wider range of specifications. Rather than changing the core bike, Specialized scales the build kit around the same race-focused platform.

All three models feature:

• FACT 10r carbon Tarmac SL9 frame
• FACT 12r carbon fork
• Rider-First Engineered geometry across sizes 44 to 61
• Electronic drivetrain compatibility only
• Flat-mount disc brakes and 12 mm thru-axles
• Threaded BSA bottom bracket
• UDH-compatible dropout
• 700×30 tyres as standard
• Clearance for tyres up to 32 mm

The FACT 10r frame is claimed at 822 g. S-Works remains the comparison benchmark because it uses Specialized’s lighter FACT 12r frame, claimed at 687 g, but the S-Level, Expert, and Comp retain the same SL9 form, geometry, and FACT 12r fork.

Do the S-Level, Expert, and Comp have S-Works aerodynamics?

They use the same SL9 aerodynamic design language. Specialized highlights the Speed Sniffer head tube, Flow Fork, dropped down tube, and Win Fin seat-tube junction as central parts of the Tarmac SL9’s aero package. The brand says the SL9 saves approximately 4 watts at 45 km/h compared with the previous Tarmac SL8.

For buyers in Dubai and across the UAE, this means the decision is primarily about build level, not whether you are buying into an older or less race-focused frame shape.

UAE price and model comparison

The table below answers the main commercial question directly: What is the difference between Specialized Tarmac SL9 S-Level, Expert, and Comp models in the UAE?

Model	UAE price	Frame / fork	Electronic groupset options	Wheelset	Power meter	Claimed weight, size 56
S-Works (reference only)	AED 63,000	FACT 12r / FACT 12r	Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 or SRAM RED AXS	Roval Rapide CLX III	Dual-sided	6.6 kg
Tarmac SL9 S-Level	AED 46,500	FACT 10r / FACT 12r	Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 or SRAM RED AXS	Roval Rapide CL III	Dual-sided	7.1 kg
Tarmac SL9 Expert	AED 31,000	FACT 10r / FACT 12r	Shimano Ultegra Di2 or SRAM Force AXS	Roval C38 carbon	Not included	7.53 to 7.55 kg
Tarmac SL9 Comp	AED 20,000	FACT 10r / FACT 12r	Shimano 105 Di2 or SRAM Rival AXS	DT Swiss R470 alloy	Not included	8.14 to 8.21 kg

The price gaps reflect tangible component changes:

• S-Level to Expert: AED 15,500 separates top-tier Dura-Ace or RED, a power meter, integrated cockpit, and Rapide CL III wheels from the Expert’s Ultegra or Force build with C38 wheels.
• Expert to Comp: AED 11,000 separates a carbon-wheel specification from a DT Swiss alloy-wheel build, alongside the change from Ultegra/Force to 105 Di2/Rival AXS.
• S-Level to S-Works: AED 16,500 separates the FACT 10r S-Level from the flagship FACT 12r chassis and S-Works-level finishing components.

S-Level, Expert, or Comp?

Tarmac SL9 S-Level: for riders wanting the highest-level build

The Tarmac SL9 S-Level is the nearest of the three to the flagship specification. It is available with Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 or SRAM RED AXS E1, and both versions include a dual-sided power meter as standard.

The Shimano configuration uses a 52/36 chainset with an 11-34 cassette and a 4iiii Precision Pro power meter. The SRAM build uses a 50/37 chainset, 10-36 cassette, and Quarq power meter. Both use Roval Rapide CL III carbon wheels with DT Swiss 350 hubs, a one-piece Roval Rapide cockpit, Cotton TLR 700×30 tyres, and a Power Pro Mirror saddle.

Choose S-Level if you want:

• Dura-Ace Di2 or RED AXS
• A standard dual-sided power meter
• Roval Rapide CL III carbon wheels
• A one-piece Roval Rapide cockpit
• A 7.1 kg claimed size-56 complete bike

It is the strongest choice for racers and performance-focused riders who want a premium electronic drivetrain and aerodynamic integrated cockpit as part of the original build.

Tarmac SL9 Expert: carbon wheels with adaptable fit

The Tarmac SL9 Expert provides a balanced race-bike specification. It has the same FACT 10r frame and FACT 12r fork as S-Level and Comp, but moves to Roval C38 carbon wheels and either Shimano Ultegra Di2 or SRAM Force AXS E1.

The Ultegra Di2 version uses a 52/36 crankset and 11-34 cassette. The Force AXS option uses 48/35 chainrings with a 10-36 cassette. Both models use S-Works Turbo 700×30 tyres and a Body Geometry Power Expert saddle.

One important difference is the cockpit. Expert uses a Roval Rapide alloy stem with a Specialized Expert Shallow Drop alloy handlebar rather than a one-piece bar/stem. That makes it easier to adjust stem length and handlebar width during a professional bike fit.

Choose Expert if you want:

• Ultegra Di2 or Force AXS electronic shifting
• Carbon wheels as standard
• More straightforward cockpit adjustment
• A race-ready SL9 for fast group rides, events, and local competition
• A practical middle point in the UAE lineup

Tarmac SL9 Comp: the direct route into the SL9 platform

The Tarmac SL9 Comp keeps the frame, fork, geometry, tyre clearance, and electronic-shifting approach of the models above. Its changes are focused on the drivetrain, wheelset, cockpit, and finishing kit.

The Shimano option uses 105 Di2 with 52/36 chainrings and an 11-34 cassette. The SRAM option uses Rival AXS E1 with 48/35 chainrings and a 10-36 cassette. Both come with DT Swiss R470 tubeless-ready alloy wheels, S-Works Turbo 700×30 tyres, and a two-piece alloy cockpit.

At AED 20,000, Comp is for riders who want the latest Tarmac SL9 frame and race geometry, then prefer to personalise components over time. A future wheel upgrade, for example, can make a meaningful change to ride feel and acceleration while preserving the core SL9 chassis.

Choose Comp if you want:

• Shimano 105 Di2 or SRAM Rival AXS electronic shifting
• The same FACT 10r frame and FACT 12r fork as Expert and S-Level
• A durable alloy wheelset for training and everyday riding
• Flexibility to upgrade wheels, cockpit, or power measurement later
• A clear entry into the current SL9 platform

Buy a Tarmac SL9 in the UAE

The Cycle Hub is the authorised Specialized dealer in Dubai and the GCC. Buying through an authorised retailer gives you access to genuine Specialized products, correct size guidance, professional assembly, electronic drivetrain setup, disc-brake preparation, and warranty support.

Before selecting a model, focus on these four decisions:

1. Fit first: The Tarmac SL9 is a race bike, so stack, reach, bar width, and stem length matter. A pre-purchase fit can help establish the right frame size and cockpit setup.
2. Shimano or SRAM: Shimano Di2 uses a semi-wireless setup with familiar two-button shift control. SRAM AXS is fully wireless and uses paddle-based shifting. The better choice is usually the system you already know or the one that feels most intuitive during a test ride.
3. Wheel priority: S-Level and Expert arrive with carbon wheels. Comp begins with alloy DT Swiss wheels, offering a logical upgrade path if carbon wheels become a priority later.
4. Power data: S-Level includes a dual-sided power meter. Expert and Comp do not, so riders who train to power should factor that into the overall build plan.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

For a race-ready Tarmac SL9, visit The Cycle Hub to compare the S-Level, Expert, and Comp in person, finalise your fit, and select the build that best suits your training, racing, and upgrade plans.