Quiver

2017 Specialized Tarmac vs 2016 Specialized Allez DSW Elite

The Specialized Allez DSW Elite size closest to your 54 is the 54.0. Compare the 54.0 instead

What changes on the Specialized Allez DSW Elite

Compared with the Specialized Tarmac in 54, the Specialized Allez DSW Elite in 52.0 places the top of the head tube 17 mm lower and about as far forward, relative to the bottom bracket. Its wheelbase is 6 mm shorter, which can contribute to quicker direction changes.

Frame stack
−17 mm
Lower front end
Frame reach
±0 mm
About the same reach
Wheelbase
−6 mm
Shorter: quicker to change direction
Head angle
±0.0°
About the same head angle
Chainstays
±0 mm
About the same

The two frames

2017 Specialized Tarmac (54) and 2016 Specialized Allez DSW Elite (52.0), lined up at the bottom bracketBoth frames drawn to scale. The Specialized Tarmac is drawn in full with its measurements, and the Specialized Allez DSW Elite is the colored outline on top.J 978

Specialized Tarmac, 54Specialized Allez DSW Elite, 52.0Drawn to scale and lined up at the bottom bracket.

Geometry side by side

MeasurementSpecialized Tarmac 54Specialized Allez DSW Elite 52.0Difference
Reach387mm387±0 mm
Stack543mm526−17 mm
Head tube angle73°73±0.0°
Seat tube angle73.5°74+0.5°
Effective top tube548mm538−10 mm
Chainstay length405mm405±0 mm
Wheelbase978mm972−6 mm
BB drop69mm72+3 mm
BB height272.5mm271−2 mm
Standover775mmnot listed
Seat tube length481mm480−1 mm
Fork length368mm368±0 mm
Head tube length140mm120−20 mm

Differences are the Specialized Allez DSW Elite minus the Specialized Tarmac. Full charts: 2017 Specialized Tarmac, 2016 Specialized Allez DSW Elite.

Where each sits in its class

Specialized TarmacSpecialized Allez DSW Elite

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 TarmacSpecialized Allez DSW EliteDSW Elite
Forknot listedSpecialized FACT carbon
Shifternot listedShimano Tiagra
Derailleurnot listedShimano Tiagra
Cassettenot listedShimano Tiagra
Chainnot listedKMC X-10
Cranksetnot listedShimano Tiagra
Wheelsetnot listedSpecialized AXIS Classic
Tirenot listedSpecialized Espoir Sport
Brakenot listedSpecialized Axis 1.0
Handlebarnot listedSpecialized Shallow Drop
Stemnot listedSpecialized 3D-Forged Alloy
Bar tapenot listedSpecialized S-Wrap
Seatpostnot listedSpecialized Sport
Saddlenot listedSpecialized Toupé Sport

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