Own a piece of cycling history with the 2014 Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL4, a bike that defined a generation of road racing. In its day, this 58cm machine was the weapon of choice for WorldTour teams like Saxo-Tinkoff, Astana, and Omega Pharma-Quick-Step, and it remains a remarkably capable and desirable platform for any serious rider . Built around the legendary SL4 FACT 11r carbon frame—hailed at launch as having Specialized’s “highest stiffness-to-weight ratio ever”—this bike offers a ride quality that is both ferociously responsive and surprisingly compliant . For the taller rider seeking a classic, no-compromise race bike with timeless aesthetics and proven performance, the S-Works Tarmac SL4 is a modern classic waiting to be ridden.

Frame and Fork

Frame: The heart of this bike is the S-Works SL4 FACT 11r carbon frame . Utilizing Specialized’s advanced FACT construction, this frame was engineered to be lighter, stiffer, and stronger than its predecessor. It features a tapered/shaped headtube for pinpoint steering precision, an OSBB (Oversized Bottom Bracket) shell for massive stiffness and power transfer, and internal cable routing for a clean aesthetic and improved aerodynamics . The compact race design geometry places the rider in an aggressive, power-efficient position that rewards every watt. The size 58cm frame has a 550mm seat tube length (center to top) and a 582mm horizontal top tube .
Fork: The matching S-Works Tarmac FACT carbon full monocoque fork is designed to be incredibly stiff and light . It features an oversized 1-3/8″ lower race that integrates seamlessly with the frame’s tapered headtube, providing exceptional front-end stability and confidence at high speeds and through corners.

Drivetrain (Typical Builds)

The 2014 S-Works Tarmac SL4 was offered with two primary groupset options, both representing the pinnacle of performance at the time.

SRAM RED 22 Build: This version featured the SRAM RED 22 11-speed groupset, known for its lightweight and precise DoubleTap shifting technology . It included SRAM RED 22 shifters, front and rear derailleurs, an 11-28T cassette, and a chain. The crankset was the proprietary S-Works FACT carbon unit with 53/39T chainrings .
Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 Build: The electronic version of the Tarmac SL4 was equipped with the groundbreaking Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 9070 11-speed groupset . This offered instantaneous, butter-smooth shifting at the push of a button. It featured Dura-Ace Di2 shifters, front and rear derailleurs, an 11-28T cassette, and a chain. Like the SRAM build, it used the S-Works FACT carbon crankset with 53/39T chainrings .
Crankset & Bottom Bracket: Regardless of the groupset, power was transferred through the S-Works FACT carbon crankset spinning in a CeramicSpeed-equipped OSBB, featuring sealed ceramic bearings for the ultimate in low friction and durability .

Cockpit and Finishing Kit

Handlebar & Stem: The cockpit is pure S-Works performance. The S-Works Tarmac Bend, FACT carbon handlebar (44cm wide for the 58cm size) features a classic 140mm drop and 85mm reach . It’s clamped by an S-Works SL, 3D forged 7050 aluminum stem with a 110mm length, providing a stiff and responsive interface .
Seatpost: A S-Works SL, FACT carbon 2-bolt seatpost (27.2mm) offers a perfect balance of lightweight support and vertical compliance to smooth out road vibrations .
Saddle: The included Body Geometry Toupé Pro saddle features hollow titanium rails and a 143mm width, designed for comfort and performance during aggressive riding .

Brakes

Stopping power is provided by the groupset-matched brakes, which are mechanical rim brakes.
SRAM RED Build: SRAM RED 22 mechanical brakes .
Dura-Ace Build: Shimano Dura-Ace 9000 mechanical brakes .
These brakes were, and remain, the gold standard for performance rim brakes, offering excellent modulation and power in a lightweight package.

Wheels and Tires

Wheelset: The Tarmac SL4 rolls on the exceptional Roval Rapide CLX 40 carbon wheelset . With a 40mm rim depth, these wheels strike a superb balance between aerodynamic efficiency and lightweight climbing performance. They are built on hubs with CeramicSpeed bearings, known for their incredibly low rolling resistance .
Tires: It is fitted with fast-rolling and grippy S-Works Turbo tires in a 700x24c size, featuring a high-thread-count (220 TPI) casing and BlackBelt flat protection .

Sizing: The “58cm” Fit

This size 58cm frame is engineered for taller riders seeking a true race bike fit.

Rider Height: Designed to fit riders approximately 178cm to 186cm (5’10” to 6’1″) tall .
Key Geometry (Size 58cm): The bike offers a classic race geometry. Key figures from the official Specialized geometry chart include a stack of 591mm and a reach of 402mm, placing the rider in a low, aerodynamic, and powerful position . The wheelbase is 1003mm, providing planted stability at speed, while the 73.5° head tube angle and 56mm of trail offer responsive and predictable handling . The standover height is 826mm .

Historical Performance Context

The 2014 S-Works Tarmac SL4 was a benchmark bike. In a contemporary test by the German magazine TOUR, the frameset set a best-in-test value for torsional stiffness (119 Nm/°/kg), highlighting its incredible power transfer and handling precision . Testers praised its “ultra-stable” ride, agility, and sporty riding position, noting good comfort at the saddle . The only noted compromise was in aerodynamics, as the frame wasn’t optimized for wind-cheating in the same way as dedicated aero bikes of the era .

Why This Bike?

The 2014 Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL4 is more than just a used bike; it’s a sought-after modern classic for discerning cyclists. It represents an era when lightweight and stiffness were the ultimate goals, resulting in a bike that feels explosively alive under power. For the rider looking at this 58cm model, you are acquiring a pro-level machine with a proven race pedigree, exceptional componentry (whether SRAM RED or Dura-Ace Di2), and a ride quality that continues to inspire decades later. It is a bike that proves great engineering is timeless.