Felt NEXAR 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 differ enough to matter. Compare the geometry below, then use your measurements to identify the safer size and setup.

Compare them for meCompare geometry and sizes

In one look

Felt NEXAR: race geometry. Specialized Tarmac SL9: race geometry.

  • Across matched sizes, the frame front of Felt NEXAR is about 10 mm higher than Specialized Tarmac SL9. This can support a more upright starting position, while stem and spacers still affect the handlebar.
  • The frame front of Specialized Tarmac SL9 is slightly longer, by about 7 mm.

The frame standards line up and we hold no sourced weight or performance claim that separates them. What is left to decide is your size and setup on each frame.

  • Price

    Specialized Tarmac SL9 is the dearer of the two, going by the cheapest build you can buy of each; Felt NEXAR starts lower.

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.

2026 • race geometry
Felt NEXAR
Size guide and geometry for the Felt NEXAR
2026 • race geometry
Specialized Tarmac SL9
Size guide and geometry for the Specialized Tarmac SL9

Fit and size differences

Geometry can separate these bikes: matched sizes create a meaningfully different position.

Typical difference across matched sizes: frame front height 10 mm, forward length 7 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 Felt NEXAR and Specialized Tarmac SL9 sizes compare?

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

Felt NEXAR
44
Stack 515, Reach 350
Specialized Tarmac SL9
49
Stack 514, Reach 375

Stack: practically identical

Reach: 25 mm longer

Felt NEXAR
49
Stack 522, Reach 365
Specialized Tarmac SL9
49
Stack 514, Reach 375

Stack: 8 mm lower

Reach: 10 mm longer

Felt NEXAR
52
Stack 537, Reach 370
Specialized Tarmac SL9
52
Stack 527, Reach 380

Stack: 10 mm lower

Reach: 10 mm longer

Felt NEXAR
54
Stack 558, Reach 380
Specialized Tarmac SL9
54
Stack 544, Reach 384

Stack: 14 mm lower

Reach: 4 mm longer

Felt NEXAR
56
Stack 576, Reach 390
Specialized Tarmac SL9
56
Stack 565, Reach 395

Stack: 11 mm lower

Reach: 5 mm longer

Felt NEXAR
58
Stack 600, Reach 395
Specialized Tarmac SL9
58
Stack 591, Reach 402

Stack: 9 mm lower

Reach: 7 mm longer

Felt NEXAR
61
Stack 631, Reach 405
Specialized Tarmac SL9
61
Stack 612, Reach 408

Stack: 19 mm lower

Reach: 3 mm longer

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: Felt NEXAR or Specialized Tarmac SL9?
Across matched sizes, the frame front of Felt NEXAR is about 10 mm higher than Specialized Tarmac SL9. This can support a more upright starting position, while stem and spacers still affect the handlebar.

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