This post reviews Julian Alaphilippe’s 2022 Specialized Bike size as he races for Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl team. Few things changed since I reviewed Alaphilippe’s bike two years ago.
Since my last review Julian has switched from the Specialized S-Sworks Tarmac SL6 to the SL7. The Tarmac SL7 is an evolution of the SL6 and Venge into one “do it all” bike.
You might also be interested in Julian Alaphilippe’s Soudal Quick-Step Cycling Team 2023.
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The SL7 seems to be fitting Alaphilippe well since he won two World Champion titles with it.
Keep on reading to learn few specifics to Alaphilippe’s bike:
- What is Julian Alaphilippe’s 2022 Specialized Bike size?
- Did Alaphilippe’s fitting evolve?
- Nerdy Specification of Julian’s new S-Work Tarmac SL7 2022
If you made it up to here I assume you are as nerdy as I am, welcome!
What is Julian Alaphilippe’s 2022 Specialized Bike size?
Julian measures 1m73 and weights 62kg at the peak of his competition form. He is an “Explosive Climber” style of rider. This style of riding has helped him to win two World Champion title among his great victories.
He races on the S-Works Tarmac SL7 size 52cm. Specialized recommends size 52cm to riders from 1m63 to 1m70 on its site.
Despite the fact it is the same frame size as the SL6 (his previous bike), the SL7 has a shorter Head Tube than the SL6. This has the double bonus effect of strengthening the front triangle and most importantly allowing for a more aero position of the riders.
Did Alaphilippe’s fitting evolve?
Alaphilippe’s fitting on the SL7 is performed with the support of Retul Fitting. Saddle height is 710mm from Bottom Bracket (BB) center to the top of the saddle. Crankset length is 172.5mm.
The seat post has 0mm setback. From tip of the Specialized Romin EVO Carbon rails saddle to the handlebar reach is 530mm. The saddle is set to the maximum authorized forward position.
Handlebar drop compared to the top of the saddle to top of PRO handlebar is 93mm. The stem is a 100mm PRO.
Julian’s aero position is optimized as the SL7 frame features a 74mm BB drop and shorter Head Tube. This means lower center of gravity and drag. There are not much noticeable fitting change apart of the inward position of the brake/shifter levers set up. Inward brake levers seems to be a trend recently among the pro peloton. See linked here Alaphilippe brake levers inward fitting example.
Nerdy Specification of Julian’s new S-Work Tarmac SL7 2022
At last Shimano has started to deliver its new 12 speed Dura Ace group set to the World Tour teams.
Frameset: Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL7 Disc, Size 52mm: Seat Tube length 458mm / Top tube 531mm horizontal (532mm effective) / Reach 383mm / Stack 517mm / Wheelbase 975mm / Chainstays 410mm / BB drop 74mm / Seat angle 74 / Head Angle 72.5 / Head tube 113mm
Fork: S-Works FACT 12r carbon, 12x100mm thru-axle, flat-mount disc, Rake 47mm, Fork length 366mm
Front brake: Shimano Dura-Ace BR-R9270-F, hydraulic disc with 160mm disc rotor
Rear brake: Shimano Dura-Ace BR-R9270-R, hydraulic disc with 140mm disc rotor
Brake/shift levers: Shimano Dura Ace Di2 12 speeds ST-R9270 Hydraulic Disc type
Front derailleur: Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 FD-R9250, braze-on
Rear derailleur: Shimano Dura Ace Di2 RD-R9250 12-speeds
Cassette: Shimano Dura-Ace CS-R9200 11-30T, 12-speed
Chain: Shimano Dura Ace Shimano XTR CN-M9100 12-speed
Crankset: Shimano Dura Ace FC-R9200 172.5mm 54/42 with Shimano power meter
Bottom bracket: CeramicSpeed BSA 68mm type
Wheels: Roval CL38 all-rounder disc Clincher wheels 24 / 20 spokes fitted with CeramicSpeed bearings.
Axles: 12mm x 100mm front and 12mm x 142mm rear Thru axles
Tires: Specialized Turbo Cotton 26mm width / Latex inner tubes
Stem: PRO 100mm length
Handlebar: PRO 400mm width
Bar tape: Supacaz Double wrap
Pedals: Shimano Dura Ace SPD-SL SP-R9100
Saddle: Specialized Romin EVO Carbon rails
Seat post: S-Works FACT carbon Tarmac seat post, 0mm offset
Bottle cages: Tacx
Computer:Wahoo Elemnt Roam mounted on K-Edge alloy mount
Weight: Approximately 7.3kg
This post is written before the start of the racing season. Due to racing being an ongoing testing for product development it is possible some information will be different as time goes.
Do not hesitate to drop me a message on my Instagram if you have any comments regarding Julian Alaphilippe’s 2022 Specialized Bike size, or about the Tarmac SL7 bikes.