What are the key differences between the Canyon Aeroad and the Specialized Tarmac SLS?

Question

What would be useful is if you could outline a couple of the fundamental differences between Canyon Aeroad and the Specialized Tarmac SLS in respect to ride quality and their geometry.

Answer 1

The Canyon Aeroad and the Specialized Tarmac SLS have notable differences with one perfect example being geometry. The Aeroad has a much lower head tube which affects what cockpit heights can be achievable and this makes it possible for aggressive race positions. Tarmac SLS on the other hand is arms and a bit more relaxed while providing an overall better all-around package that is optimal for a broader range of riders. The Aeroad is more rigid and perhaps harsher in feel on the roads but does very well with aerodynamic properties and sustaining speed at higher speeds. Tarmac SLS feels faster and more readily responsive to speed, as well as has more comfort in its construction.

Comments

Dave thanks I’ve been waiting for this review as was thinking of buying an Aeroad   Thanks for sharing your thoughts .
Keep up the great work

---

Loved this content, very informative, you got a new sub! I'm looking to get a first carbon bike soon (I hope) and my local bike shop got a deal on a Madone, I do not race, so it is a shallow look-based appeal on my side (think Ferrari :D) the logic would be to look at a Tarmac SL8 or even a better match for what I do an endurance bike. However, what got me back into riding is the exciting feel of a race bike, I'm a sports car fan after all! Not sure I can transpose all of what you said about the Aeroad to the Madone, but when you say that the Tarmac is almost better in most category it gives me food for thoughts. I'll have to try to find a way to test ride both before I take the plunge (hopefully this year). Cheers

---

6:40 you say the Stack (Headtube) is "much lower" on the Canyon, but when comparing the Geo tables for example in size Medium / 56 it´s only 5mm difference. This is half a spacer!

---

Interesting  watch  , out of Interest, if you change your mind about the aeroad-what size is it .

---

SL8 S-Works is the one  great review