Quiver

2012 Specialized Tarmac SL3 Expert Mid-Compact vs 2011 Specialized Tarmac Elite

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 Elite

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 SL3 Expert Mid-Compact (540.0)The Specialized Tarmac SL3 Expert Mid-Compact frame drawn to scale.J 981

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

Geometry side by side

MeasurementSpecialized Tarmac SL3 Expert Mid-Compact 540.0Specialized Tarmac Elite 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 Elite minus the Specialized Tarmac SL3 Expert Mid-Compact. Full charts: 2012 Specialized Tarmac SL3 Expert Mid-Compact, 2011 Specialized Tarmac Elite.

Where each sits in its class

Specialized Tarmac SL3 Expert Mid-CompactSpecialized Tarmac 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 Tarmac SL3 Expert Mid-CompactExpert Mid-CompactSpecialized Tarmac EliteElite Apex
FrameSpecialized FACT 10rnot listed
ShifterShimano UltegraSRAM Apex
DerailleurShimano UltegraSRAM Apex
CassetteShimano 105SRAM Apex
ChainKMCKMC X10 CP
CranksetFSA SL-K LightSRAM S100
ChainringFSA SL-K Lightnot listed
WheelsetFulcrum Racing 4not listed
TireSpecialized Roubaix Elite ArmadilloSpecialized Turbo Comp
BrakeShimano UltegraSRAM Apex
HandlebarSpecialized Shallow Dropnot listed
StemSpecialized CompSetSpecialized Comp-Set
HeadsetSpecialized Integratednot listed
SeatpostSpecialized Compnot listed
SaddleSpecialized Ruby GelSpecialized Riva
Rimnot listedMavic CXP22

Know what is on every bike.

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

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