- Specialized Tarmac SL9
- 44
- Stack 501, Reach 366
- TIME Alpe d'Huez Disc
- XS
- Stack 514, Reach 372
Stack: 13 mm taller
Reach: 6 mm longer
Specialized Tarmac SL9 vs TIME Alpe d'Huez Disc: 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.
In one look
Specialized Tarmac SL9: race geometry. TIME Alpe d'Huez Disc: race geometry.
- Across matched sizes, the frame fronts of Specialized Tarmac SL9 and TIME Alpe d'Huez Disc differ by only a few millimetres. Stem and spacer choices will have more effect on handlebar position.
- The frame front of TIME Alpe d'Huez Disc is slightly shorter, by about 5 mm.
These two split on bottom bracket, 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.
- Specialized Tarmac SL9
- Threaded
- TIME Alpe d'Huez Disc
- Press fit
A threaded bottom bracket is simpler to service and less prone to creaking; press fit saves weight and allows a wider shell.
- Specialized Tarmac SL9
- 32 mm
- TIME Alpe d'Huez Disc
- 28 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; TIME Alpe d'Huez Disc 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
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 0 mm, forward length 5 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 Specialized Tarmac SL9 and TIME Alpe d'Huez Disc sizes compare?
See the closest size matches and the differences in stack, reach, and riding position.
- Specialized Tarmac SL9
- 49
- Stack 514, Reach 375
- TIME Alpe d'Huez Disc
- XS
- Stack 514, Reach 372
Stack: practically identical
Reach: 3 mm shorter
- Specialized Tarmac SL9
- 52
- Stack 527, Reach 380
- TIME Alpe d'Huez Disc
- S
- Stack 538, Reach 377
Stack: 11 mm taller
Reach: 3 mm shorter
- Specialized Tarmac SL9
- 54
- Stack 544, Reach 384
- TIME Alpe d'Huez Disc
- S
- Stack 538, Reach 377
Stack: 6 mm lower
Reach: 7 mm shorter
- Specialized Tarmac SL9
- 56
- Stack 565, Reach 395
- TIME Alpe d'Huez Disc
- M
- Stack 562, Reach 383
Stack: 3 mm lower
Reach: 12 mm shorter
- Specialized Tarmac SL9
- 58
- Stack 591, Reach 402
- TIME Alpe d'Huez Disc
- XL
- Stack 601, Reach 397
Stack: 10 mm taller
Reach: 5 mm shorter
- Specialized Tarmac SL9
- 61
- Stack 612, Reach 408
- TIME Alpe d'Huez Disc
- XL
- Stack 601, Reach 397
Stack: 11 mm lower
Reach: 11 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: Specialized Tarmac SL9 or TIME Alpe d'Huez Disc?
- Across matched sizes, the frame fronts of Specialized Tarmac SL9 and TIME Alpe d'Huez Disc differ by only a few millimetres. Stem and spacer choices will have more effect on handlebar position.
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