Specialized has filled out the Tarmac SL9 family, and the most interesting addition is the new Tarmac SL9 S-Level. It sits directly under S-Works and replaces the old Pro level in Specializeds road lineup. Same race-bike shape, same aero work, same top-tier drivetrain options, but a slightly heavier carbon frame and a parts kit that trims the price before it gets fully silly.When the Tarmac SL9 first arrived, it was S-Works only. That meant FACT 12r carbon, Roval Rapide CLX III wheels, CeramicSpeed bearings, the S-Works Power with Mirror saddleyou get the idea. It was all the top-of-the-line kit for the top-of-the-line offering. That is still the halo version, and Specialized lists the S-Works SL9 frame at 687g, with complete builds starting at 6.5kg. We reviewed it here, and loved it. (All Photo/Specialized)Tarmac S-Level SL9The new S-Level version keeps the core SL9 performance story but uses a different carbon recipe. Instead of the S-Works FACT 12r frame and fork, the S-Level gets a FACT 10r frame with a FACT 12r fork. Specialized says FACT 10r has the same aero profile, stiffness, and compliance as FACT 12r, just with a little more weight. Whats the difference? The real difference between S-Works and S-Level is a touch more weight and ride quality, if you can feel it. S-Works is the lightest frame, lightest finishing package, CeramicSpeed bits, CLX wheels, and every top-shelf touch Specialized can throw at it. S-Level is the same SL9 platform for riders who still want RED or Dura-Ace, a one-piece Rapide cockpit, and a properly race-ready build but dont need every last gram shaved from the bike.S-Level Still Gets the Fast StuffThe S-Level is not a dressed-up mid-tier frame with a fancy name. Specialized lists the Tarmac SL9 S-Level with an 822g FACT 10r frame, Roval Rapide CL III wheels, Roval Rapide integrated cockpit, and a claimed complete weight of 7.1kg. The Shimano version gets Dura-Ace Di2, while the SRAM build gets RED AXS; no mid-tier builds.The S-Level also keeps the SL9 aero features: the narrower Speed Sniffer head tube, Win Fin at the rear, dropped downtube, and Flow Fork. Not up to date on the Specialized vernacular? WellSpecialized says the Speed Sniffer is 4mm narrower, with a 10 percent reduction in frontal area, while the twisted-blade Flow Fork smooths airflow and reduces drag.Where S-Level Gives Up GroundThe S-Level saves money by stepping down around the edges, not by gutting the build. The wheels are Roval Rapide CL III, not the S-Works Rapide CLX III wheels. The saddle is a Power Pro Mirror, not the S-Works Power with Mirror. The S-Level also uses the S-Works Tarmac SL8 carbon seatpost, while the S-Works SL9 gets the newer tapered S-Works Rapide Post. Both S-Level builds still get dual-sided power meters. The SRAM RED AXS version uses SRAMs integrated power meter, while the Dura-Ace Di2 build gets a 4iiii Precision Pro dual-sided meter on the Shimano crank.So, no, S-Level is not cheap. But it is meaningfully less painful than S-Works. So you can save around $4,000 if you dont need the S-Works logo and the CLX wheels, but its a choice that only a few can actually afford. Plus, $10,000 for a bike is still wild, but not as wild as it can be, apparently.Specialized S-Level Tarmac SL9 PricingS-Level SRAM RED AXS build: $10,500 S-Level Shimano Dura-Ace build: $9,999.99S-Works Tarmac SL9 SRAM RED AXS build: $14,000 Expert and Comp Join the SL9 PartySpecialized also added more normal-person SL9 builds, at least by modern race-bike pricing standards.The Tarmac SL9 Expert uses the same FACT 10r carbon platform, but gets a two-piece alloy bar and stem, Roval C38 carbon wheels, and the S-Works Tarmac SL8 seatpost. It comes with either SRAM Force AXS or Shimano Ultegra Di2, with no power meter included. Cyclingnews lists the claimed weight at 7.55kg for a size 56, with pricing at $7,000 for the Force AXS version.The Tarmac SL9 Comp also uses FACT 10r carbon, but drops to DT Swiss R470 alloy rims on Specialized hubs. Drivetrain choices are SRAM Rival AXS or Shimano 105 Di2. Claimed weights are 8.14kg for Rival AXS and 8.21kg for 105 Di2, both in a size 56. Pricing is listed at $4,500.What S-Level Really MeansS-Level first showed up on the Crux, and now it makes even more sense on the Tarmac. The old Pro name always needed some explaining. S-Level is clearer: not S-Works, but closer to it than Expert.For racers buying their own bikes, that matters. The S-Works SL9 is still the lightest, cleanest, most expensive version. It gets the FACT 12r frame, CLX wheels, CeramicSpeed bearings, and the full halo build. S-Level gives up some weight and a few top-shelf parts, but keeps the race shape, the top groupset, the aero cockpit, carbon race wheels, and a power meter. S-Works is the dream build, but the S-Level is more of the real racers reality. specialized.com