Specialized Tarmac SL9 S-Level - Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 vs Trek Madone SLR 9 Gen 8
Both are race bikes at a similar price. Here is what actually separates them.
The short answer
For a typical all-round rider the Specialized Tarmac SL9 S-Level - Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 comes out ahead (75% against 73%). That is not a universal verdict — change the terrain or the priority and the order can flip.
What actually separates them
- Price
- The Specialized Tarmac SL9 S-Level - Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 is £1,251 cheaper — £8,749 against £10,000.
- Climbing gear
- The Specialized Tarmac SL9 S-Level - Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 has the easier bottom gear (29 gear inches against 32), which matters more than weight on anything genuinely steep.
Side by side
| Spec | Tarmac SL9 S-Level - Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 | Madone SLR 9 Gen 8 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £8,749 | £10,000 |
| Weight | 7.1 kg | 7.0 kg |
| Frame | carbon | carbon |
| Groupset | Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 R9200 2x12 electronic | Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 R9270 2x12 electronic |
| Stack / reach | 1.43 | 1.44 |
| Tyre clearance | 32 mm | 32 mm |
| Lowest gear | 29 in | 32 in |
| Mudguard mounts | No | No |
| Comfort | 44 | 40 |
| Speed | 83 | 84 |
| Climbing | 81 | 73 |
| Value | 0 | 0 |
Neither might be the right answer
This page assumes an average rider. Tell us how you actually ride and we will rank these two against everything else at the price.
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