Colnago V5Rs vs Specialized Tarmac SL9: which bike is right for you?

Compare ride character, intended rider, geometry, and fit. Add your measurements to see which bike suits you better and which size to choose on each.

Fit verdict: the frame positions are close, a few millimetres apart. The frame alone will not decide this; use your measurements to see which size and setup gets nearer to your position on each bike.

Compare them for meCompare geometry and sizes

In one look

Colnago V5Rs: race geometry. Specialized Tarmac SL9: race geometry.

  • The frame front of Specialized Tarmac SL9 is slightly higher, by about 4 mm. That difference alone does not settle your position.
  • The forward length of the frame is nearly the same across matched sizes.

The frame standards line up, but we hold sourced weights and manufacturer performance claims for both - including which claim was actually measured against the other bike.

  • Price

    Both start at a similar price level, going by the cheapest build you can buy of each.

Subjective findings from independent tests on stock or near-stock builds. Tyres, pressure and size change how a frame feels.

We compare differences at frame and model level. Components, current price, and availability depend on the exact build and seller.

2025 • race geometry
Colnago V5Rs
Full size guide
2026 • race geometry
Specialized Tarmac SL9
Full size guide

Fit and size differences

The matched frame measurements differ by only a few millimetres, so stem and spacer choices can matter more than the frame.

Typical difference across matched sizes: frame front height 4 mm, forward length 0 mm.

For a personal answer, the fit-and-size path uses your measurements to show only the relevant frame sizes. The full chart remains available as a reference.

View geometry for every size

How do Colnago V5Rs and Specialized Tarmac SL9 sizes compare?

See the closest size matches and the differences in stack, reach, and riding position.

Colnago V5Rs
420
Stack 509, Reach 371
Specialized Tarmac SL9
49
Stack 514, Reach 375

Stack: 5 mm taller

Reach: 4 mm longer

Colnago V5Rs
455
Stack 523, Reach 377
Specialized Tarmac SL9
52
Stack 527, Reach 380

Stack: 4 mm taller

Reach: 3 mm longer

Colnago V5Rs
485
Stack 539, Reach 384
Specialized Tarmac SL9
54
Stack 544, Reach 384

Stack: 5 mm taller

Reach: practically identical

Colnago V5Rs
510
Stack 557, Reach 390
Specialized Tarmac SL9
56
Stack 565, Reach 395

Stack: 8 mm taller

Reach: 5 mm longer

Colnago V5Rs
530
Stack 575, Reach 397
Specialized Tarmac SL9
56
Stack 565, Reach 395

Stack: 10 mm lower

Reach: practically identical

Colnago V5Rs
550
Stack 593, Reach 404
Specialized Tarmac SL9
58
Stack 591, Reach 402

Stack: practically identical

Reach: practically identical

Colnago V5Rs
570
Stack 612, Reach 411
Specialized Tarmac SL9
61
Stack 612, Reach 408

Stack: practically identical

Reach: 3 mm shorter

The same size label can create a different position on each frame. Stack and reach are one part of the decision; the personalized comparison connects them to your body and each bike’s ride character.

FAQ

Can the same rider take different sizes on these two bikes?
Yes. Frame labels are not standardized, so the same rider may need different sizes. This comparison deliberately avoids a generic matched-size answer and hands your measurements to Bike Fit instead.
Which frame has the higher front: Colnago V5Rs or Specialized Tarmac SL9?
The frame front of Specialized Tarmac SL9 is slightly higher, by about 4 mm. That difference alone does not settle your position.

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