Looks like it will be officially unveiled tomorrow. 250 bikes, each bike is made to order after getting a body geometry fit, name badge etc. Says 9-11% savings in weight (even if this is true, looks no where near to the new Trek). Comes with a pair of S-works shoes and prevail helmet. No word on price. Also says you will basically have to sign up through a given website, to get your name on the list or chance of getting one. Not sure about the aesthetics on this one…but here’s the first pic…
and a link…
http://bikemagazin.info/…-McLaren-Tarmac/2022
Only 250 better get your order in quick! At least you get a new helmet and shoes with your super bike…
http://velonews.competitor.com/2014/07/tour-de-france/specialized-unveils-mclaren-tarmac_333989
There has been a lot of inflation since the $15K Emonda came out earlier this week. When will the Colnogo or Pina $50K bike come out. Pair that with a gold plated bike rack for your Lambo and you are set!
with all the sarcastic replies aside, I think this is a major fail. And that is coming from a huge S-Works fanboy. What is this bike really offering to the potential customer? The fact that is being finished and painted at McLaren Special Operations facility is definitely nice. I am sure the carbon layup is great, but only saving 10% is about 100 grams. It would have been a lot more attractive if it was more groundbreaking like the new Trek weight. The wheels have been trimmed down to save 90 grams, and the stem/bar another 25 grams or so. You get a custom fit (although from what I have read this does not mean a complete custom geometry, just fit to size on a standard sz 56 for example, matching shoes, matching helmet, and a name badge? That doesn’t seem to be an attractive enough package for a 20k bike cost. As I mentioned I would have liked to see something like the new Trek where you have a 10-11 lb bike offering some technological justification for the huge price tag. And that small S-Works logo on the down tube looks way out of place.
It’s not a ‘new’ bike as such, McLaren has done this before, a limited edition run with some ‘tech’ that their regular production bikes don’t have, cant really compare it to a new bike launch (and they’ll sell them all).
It will be interesting to see if Contador or Vinni Nibbles rides one at the tour.
The Velonews review of the new bikes stated that they really couldn’t feel a difference between the SL4 and the new bike. I wonder if the MacClaren will be different enough to feel. I have had both the regular and S-works Venge and I don’t think I could tell the difference, though I am not very picky about bike “feel”.
The Trek Emonda is not light because of the frame - a couple of frames with the same claimed frame weight - but because of the components spec’d on the bike. Tune hubs/wheels, one piece carbon stem/bar combo, etc. All of which you can do with any other super light frame.
That said. I havent seen a new claimed weight of the McLaren Sworks Tarmac. Did I miss it?
They claim 9-11% based on size. So guessing frames will be around 800-820 grams or so if as advertised.
It will be interesting to see if Contador or Vinni Nibbles rides one at the tour.
The Velonews review of the new bikes stated that they really couldn’t feel a difference between the SL4 and the new bike. I wonder if the MacClaren will be different enough to feel. I have had both the regular and S-works Venge and I don’t think I could tell the difference, though I am not very picky about bike “feel”.
Doesn’t look like it according to the velonews article…
Specialized athletes Jacob Fuglsang of Astana, and Nicholas Roche of Tinkoff-Saxo will race the McLaren Tarmac at the Tour this year.
690 grams isn’t light? It’s close to the lightest, like very very close; and 100 grams less than this frame most likely.
Interesting. I dont see where I said that. Of course 690 grams is light. My point being its not ground breaking. Its not the first. Trek just decided to spec the bike with ridiculously light components too. Its a sum of its parts. You could build a '15 McLaren Tarmac to within grams of it I’m sure.
I do think it’s cool McLaren has also helped optimize the crank, the handlebar, the wheels, etc. But again, we are talking 150 grams maybe over a normal S-Works?
Theres only 100 grams difference between an sworks tarmac and a tarmac pro frameset. Logic says that the sworks frame is money wasted. You of all people should know that McLaren type frames defy logical spending.
“250 bikes, each bike is made to order after getting a body geometry fit”
it would be better if they used their premium fit system for this chance to be fitted properly aboard their premium bike.
Theres only 100 grams difference between an sworks tarmac and a tarmac pro frameset. Logic says that the sworks frame is money wasted. You of all people should know that McLaren type frames defy logical spending.
I don’t know if the term “logical spending” applies to ANY bike purchase I ever made. 
Well. In those cases. I create my own logic. Like, “hmmm, i dont have a sub 15 lb road bike for all of those mountain tours I do yet. And no, I can’t use my S5 in the mountains. Or my Allez E5. I need an actual climbing bike.” #logic
I thought the Trek was expensive but dang! $20k is a little rich
You do get 2 sets of wheels for 20k 
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I’m lucky enough to get one of the 10 coming to the UK, had my BG but now but will have to wait until Jan/Feb to collect.
I’m just a McLarenS-Works fan.