When we developed the new S-Works Tarmac Disc, we didn't just want it
to be fast. No, we wanted it to be fast everywhere. Long climbs, windy
flats, Grand Tour stages, local fondosâwe built a race bike to be the
most complete out there. And now with disc brakes, we've managed to make
it, well, even more complete.
For the construction, we utilized advanced aerospace composite
optimization software to revolutionize the construction and layup of our
new FACT 12r carbon. It's the most advanced material, and schedule,
we've ever made and this allowed us to shed nearly 200 grams. That's
right, a 20% reduction in frame weightâthe perfect recipe for your next
hill climb PR.
We also took major steps to improving our Rider-First Engineeredâ¢
technology to ensure that the new Tarmac is stiff and compliant in
exactly the right places, all while shedding some serious weight. From
different layup schedules and materials, to visibly different forks, we
scrutinized every single aspect of the new Tarmac to ensure you're
getting the perfect ride. With this revamp, we also updated the
geometry, basing it on countless RetÃŒl data points and professional
rider input. This enabled us to develop a Performance Road Geometry that
perfects the combination of a responsive front-end and short wheelbase,
which delivers instantaneous response and optimal power transfer.
And while stiffness aids in the aforementioned, compliance must also
be utilized for an optimal ride quality. That's why we designed a
seatpost that builds compliance into the upper 120mm where clamping
doesn't happen, dropped the seatstays, and altered the seat tube shape.
We also added tire clearance up to 30mm, which translates to a 28mm
Turbo Cotton on a Roval CLX 50 Disc wheel. This allows lower pressures
for decreased rolling resistance, increased traction, and more comfort.
Altogether, these additions still have the Tarmac riding like a true
race-machine, but it also takes a bit of the sting out of road
imperfections. You'll thank us on your next long ride.
But why disc brakes? The real question is "why not?" They offer
superior braking power and modulation, work exceptionally well in wet
weather, and offer a very, very minor weight addition. All this means
that you have more control and can go faster with more confidence.
We also know, however, that aerodynamic improvements are the most
important thing we can do to make you faster. Our Bora-Hansgrohe and
Quick-Step Floors Pro Tour riders, after all, are demanding aero
improvements on every bike. With this, the aero goal was to discover
where we could essentially "add aero for free," by not taking anything
away from the hallmarks of the Tarmac design. During the six-month
iterative process, three areas were discovered where we could do thisâa
new fork shape, dropped seatstays with aero tubes, and a D-shaped
seatpost and seat tube. The result? A bike that's approximately 45
seconds faster over 40km compared to other lightweight bikes in the same
category.