Ive decided im going with a Tarmac for my next build. Im debating on a few frames right now and could use some input from the ST community. My current options are a SL3 S-works, a SL4 expert, and an SL4 pro. The sworks sl3 and the sl4 expert are the same price, while the sl4 pro is around 400 more. Any help and advice is appreciated.
Which one is lighter?
What year on each frame? If you have the option of getting a newer SL4 go with that, I owned an SL3 a couple of years ago and the ride was horrible compared to the newer SL4, which I absolutely love. As for what model, I’m almost positive the SL4 frame on the Expert and Pro are the exact same for 2013 (except for the colors), so go with the expert.
Ride all of them if you can. I had a tarmac comp a few back; it was a good entry level carbon frame, no complaints. I upgraded to a s-works sl3 and it made a big difference. The difference was significant enough to make it feel like an entirely different bike despite having exactly the same geometry as the comp. I think it is the carbon layup that makes a big difference - at least for me, I would get a s-works sl3 in a second before I looked at a non s-works sl4 based on my experience. However, maybe enough changes were made from the sl3 to sl4 to make a difference - go ride them and see if you like one more than the other. I was surprised there was such a significant difference on the sl3 comp vs. s-works.
The s works sl3 is a 2010, and both the sl4 I believe are 2012.
And I’m away on business and don’t have the opportunity to ride them first, which is why I’m trusting your opinions.
The s works sl3 is a 2010, and both the sl4 I believe are 2012.
And I’m away on business and don’t have the opportunity to ride them first, which is why I’m trusting your opinions.
I ride a 2011 S-works SL3 and absolutely LOVE it, and I believe the 2012 SL4 Pro is the same frame rolled down from the S-works line 2011… so I would go with the 2012 SL4 Pro. Not sure if the Expert is the same carbon layout or not. Just my 2 cents… Have fun buying!
The SL4 will have much better ride quality. The SL3 is very stiff - maybe overly stiff - platform. I did a bunch of research and test riding earlier this year and seriously looked at an SL4. It’s a really great bike.
Thats very helpful. Thanks
I think the new SL3/SL4 frames will be released this month (per LBS). I would wait and get a deal on last years S-Works SL4.
How did you come to know that? That sounds like a hell of a plan
I asked about getting a deal on a floor SWorks SL4 frame at my local bike shop, and they said possibly after new frames were released later in July.
SL4 is awesome, I have the SL3 as well and it’s SL4 every time for me.