Would anyone consider the S-works SL (not SL2) very stiff bike or do you think otherwise. I only ask because I always thought it was very stiff and then they come out with the SL2 because the SL wasn't stiff enough for T.Boonen. Is this true and what do you guys think of the SL as a race bike.

Cheers.

tom boonen is always going to find the newest specialized better than the old, or else why would they promote a brand new frame if their most popular rider wasnt on one? both bikes are stiff enough to race on, the sl2 is just the latest and greatest

I always had a suspicion that the S-Works Tarmac SL was not as stiff as the normal S-Works Tarmac.

I don't care what they built it out of, the cross section of the seat stays were very spindly compared to the non SL Tarmac.

Not sure how the chain stays compared but the top tube seat junction also looked spindly in comparison.

People loved the ride of the standard S-Works and several people who have riden both say the SL was even more comfortable.

With teh 'SL' I think that they may have sacrificed stiffness in the rush to have the lightest bike on the market. The SL2 is possibly a step back in the right direction.

I did the old stand next to the bike 'hold-the-seat-and-bars' and 'push-with-your-foot-on- the-Bottom-Bracket' test comparison between the old standard S-Works Tarmac and the latest Trek Madone. The Trek Madone is a noodle in comparison.

My '07 Tarmac Pro is really stiff enough that I can not flex it really. Though I am not putting out the type power Boonen is. The Tarmac SL probably is plenty stiff for most of us and the peleton, but those sprinters are killing that bottom bracket. So the SL2 was most likely in response to that.

Again though, I could not tell the difference in stiffness between the '07 Tarmac Pro and the SL during my test rides. I have also seen plenty of the other riders this past year on SLs and not the SL2s. Now where is that magazine with the photos...hum...

Thanks guys. I wasn't sure what to expect with the stiffness side of the SL. I have received an SL at a great price (too good to let it pass) and wasn't sure if I should build it up or sell it as a brand new frame/fork on e-bay. I own a System-6 and love the way that rides and the idea of having another nice looking bike especially the way I got it would be great. But I don't want to build it if it won't be as stiff and responsive as the System-6. Two different bikes I'm sure but just want to make sure I get other peoples opinion before I commit to building it as I don't want to sell as a used bike if I'm disappointed with it. I would test ride one if I could find a dealer who still has them but hard to locate near by.

Thanks.