Quiver

2012 Specialized Tarmac Mid-Compact vs 2011 Specialized Tarmac SL3

We can't match sizes for these two: one of them has no stack and reach for the sizes shown.

What changes on the Specialized Tarmac SL3

Frame stack
n/a
One of the bikes has no number for this
Frame reach
n/a
One of the bikes has no number for this
Wheelbase
−3 mm
Shorter: quicker to change direction
Head angle
±0.0°
About the same head angle
Chainstays
±0 mm
About the same

The two frames

2012 Specialized Tarmac Mid-Compact (540.0)The Specialized Tarmac Mid-Compact frame drawn to scale.J 981

Only the Specialized Tarmac Mid-Compact is drawn. The Specialized Tarmac SL3 numbers we have for size 54 are missing the reach and stack.

Geometry side by side

MeasurementSpecialized Tarmac Mid-Compact 540.0Specialized Tarmac SL3 54Difference
Reach387mmnot listed
Stack543mmnot listed
Head tube angle73°73°±0.0°
Seat tube angle73.5°73.5°±0.0°
Chainstay length405mm405mm±0 mm
Wheelbase981mm978mm−3 mm
Standover775mm777mm+2 mm
Seat tube length510mm510mm±0 mm
Head tube length145mm145mm±0 mm

Differences are the Specialized Tarmac SL3 minus the Specialized Tarmac Mid-Compact. Full charts: 2012 Specialized Tarmac Mid-Compact, 2011 Specialized Tarmac SL3.

Where each sits in its class

Specialized Tarmac Mid-CompactSpecialized Tarmac SL3

AggressivePositionUpright
CalmSteeringQuick
PlayfulBalancePlanted

Each bike is ranked against the other road bikes on Quiver, on frame geometry alone. Not your hand position or ride feel.

What each ships with

The stock build of each bike's first listed trim. Parts that match are dimmed.

PartSpecialized Tarmac Mid-CompactApex Mid-CompactSpecialized Tarmac SL3S-Works
ShifterSRAM Apex DoubleTapnot listed
DerailleurSRAM Apexnot listed
CassetteSRAM Apexnot listed
ChainKMC X10 CPnot listed
CranksetSRAM S150not listed
Bottom bracketSRAM Powernot listed
WheelsetDT Swiss Axis 2.0not listed
TireSpecialized Espoir Sportnot listed
BrakeSRAM Apexnot listed
HandlebarSpecialized Tarmacnot listed
StemSpecialized Elite-Setnot listed
SaddleSpecialized Rominnot listed
Framenot listedSpecialized S-Works SL3 FACT

Know what is on every bike.

Add your bike to Quiver. Keep its parts, setup, and service history together, then share your build.

Explore the app
A Transition Relay build sheet: frame, fork, shock and drivetrainThe Relay’s ride photo galleryThe Relay’s ride spectrum and 2D frame geometryThe garage: five bikes and 99 recorded partsA Specialized Tarmac SL8 road build sheet