- LOOK 765 Optimum
- XS
- Stack 534, Reach 358
- Specialized Tarmac SL9
- 52
- Stack 527, Reach 380
Stack: 7 mm lower
Reach: 22 mm longer
LOOK 765 Optimum 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.
In one look
LOOK 765 Optimum: endurance geometry. Specialized Tarmac SL9: race geometry.
- The frame front of LOOK 765 Optimum is slightly higher, by about 7 mm. That difference alone does not settle your position.
- The frame front of Specialized Tarmac SL9 is about 19 mm longer. Handlebar position also depends on the stem and spacers.
These two split on cockpit, maximum tyre clearance; the sourced values are below. What each difference means for your size, your setup and the riding you describe is in the full comparison.
- LOOK 765 Optimum
- Separate bar and stem
- Specialized Tarmac SL9
- One-piece integrated bar and stem
A one-piece cockpit is cleaner and faster, but changing bar width or stem length means buying a whole new unit.
- LOOK 765 Optimum
- 34 mm
- Specialized Tarmac SL9
- 32 mm
Tyre width decides which surfaces stay comfortable. A few millimetres is the difference between staying on tarmac and being able to drop onto gravel without a second bike.
- Price
Specialized Tarmac SL9 is the dearer of the two, going by the cheapest build you can buy of each; LOOK 765 Optimum 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.
What do you need from this comparison?
Start with the decision you are making. We will ask only for the details needed to answer it.
Step 1/1
What are you trying to understand?
Your answer decides which questions follow and what the result focuses on.
Fit and size differences
Geometry can separate these bikes: matched sizes create a meaningfully different position.
Typical difference across matched sizes: frame front height 7 mm, forward length 19 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 LOOK 765 Optimum and Specialized Tarmac SL9 sizes compare?
See the closest size matches and the differences in stack, reach, and riding position.
- LOOK 765 Optimum
- S
- Stack 558, Reach 368
- Specialized Tarmac SL9
- 54
- Stack 544, Reach 384
Stack: 14 mm lower
Reach: 16 mm longer
- LOOK 765 Optimum
- M
- Stack 582, Reach 379
- Specialized Tarmac SL9
- 58
- Stack 591, Reach 402
Stack: 9 mm taller
Reach: 23 mm longer
- LOOK 765 Optimum
- L
- Stack 606, Reach 389
- Specialized Tarmac SL9
- 61
- Stack 612, Reach 408
Stack: 6 mm taller
Reach: 19 mm longer
- LOOK 765 Optimum
- XL
- Stack 630, Reach 399
- Specialized Tarmac SL9
- 61
- Stack 612, Reach 408
Stack: 18 mm lower
Reach: 9 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: LOOK 765 Optimum or Specialized Tarmac SL9?
- The frame front of LOOK 765 Optimum is slightly higher, by about 7 mm. That difference alone does not settle your position.
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