Search
shop

Pro Bike: Flora Duffy’s Specialized Tarmac SL7

Could Flora Duffy become Bermuda's first ever Olympic Gold medal winner this summer? This is the Specialized Tarmac SL7 that could be part of that story
Last updated -
Advertisement

The Specialized Tarmac SL7 of Flora Duffy

If we played triathlon Top Trumps, Flora Duffy would undoubtedly be one the most sought after cards in the pack.

The Bermudian is renowned as one of the strongest cyclists on the ITU circuit, often putting that prowess to good use, with a palmarès the envy of many. That’s not a surprise when you consider the strength of her swim and run disciplines too:

  • 2x ITU World Champion (2016 and 2017)
  • 2x ITU World Cross Triathlon Champion (2015 and 2016)
  • 5x XTERRA World Championship (2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019)
  • Commonwealth Games Gold medallist in 2018
  • Two-time Olympian
Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL7 / Flora Duffy

For 2021 her bike of choice is the Specialized Tarmac SL7. Johan Badenhorst, Specialized Global Triathlon Program Manager, recently explained what it means to be a Specialized sponsored athlete, and now we have Duffy providing a close-up with her 2021 race bike.

Aero and/or Lightweight?

Specialized launched the Tarmac SL7 with noticeable fanfare, along the lines of saying why should you have to choose between aero and lightweight? Duffy was a fan of the previous Tarmac incarnation, but says she is more than taken with her new steed:

“I love the Tarmac SL7! I was very happy with the previous Tarmac but in true Specialized fashion they managed to make an already great product even better. I really like that the bike is aero yet still light. As a small rider, having a light, responsive bike makes a massive difference to my performance.” 

Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL7 / Flora Duffy

As noted by Duffy she is not the tallest. At 162.5cm tall she opts for a size 49cm frame, but extolls the benefits and importance of a bike fit:

“Every time I get a new bike, I have a bike fit on it. I have used the same fitter (Ryan Ignatz at CMS in Boulder, CO) for the last few years.“

Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL7 / Flora Duffy

Even on a road bike when racing in ITU short-course races, aerodynamics is a crucial consideration, particularly when you often spend time at the front in breakaways. As you might expect from one of the most prominent cyclists in short-course triathlon, Duffy has tweaked her position to make as many gains as possible:

Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL7 / Flora Duffy

“I have changed the front end of my bike quite a bit from the stock Tarmac SL7. From the outside the changes look fairly straight forward but a lot of details have been considered to optimize my aero position. I ride 38cm-width handlebars and the bolt on aero bars have been pieced together to create the best fit for me.” 

As Duffy mentioned, she uses stubby aero bars to help her get the most efficient position, a particularly good idea if you are planning to get away from the main bunch, and if you look closely you can see the SRAM ‘blips’ to allow her to change gear without having to return to the hoods.

Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL7 / Flora Duffy

Comfort on the bike is fundamental and Duffy’s saddle of choice is the Specialized Women’s Power Pro with MIMIC technology, width 143mm. “The power saddle range absolutely changed my riding experience,” she said.

Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL7 / Flora Duffy

SRAM Components

The bike is equipped with SRAM’s range-topping Red eTap AXS wireless (and 12-speed cassette) groupset. Duffy opts for SRAM components throughout, with no customisation.

Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL7 / Flora Duffy

Flora uses 165mm cranks, having moved from 170mm several years ago at Ignatz’s suggestion, and her preferred gearing is 48/35t and 10-33t cassette – making the most of the 12-speed cassette. “I have really enjoyed the range [of gear options] SRAM offers. So versatile. Great for training and racing,” she explained

Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL7 / Flora Duffy

Talking of training and racing, Duffy (like many athletes) uses a power meter and Duffy’s Specialized Tarmac SL7 is fitted with a Quarq SRAM Red AXS power meter. As you might expect, for Duffy power numbers are a real focus when training but on race day it is more about feel:

“A lot of my training sessions are prescribed by power, so I spend a lot of time staring at my power numbers! In racing, I use it more as a guide.”

To disc or not to disc?

The topic of disc-brakes remains divisive, but Duffy’s mind is made up: “…I love disc brakes. I could not imagine switching back to rim brakes! Why do I like them? because it is really nice to be able to stop!”

Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL7 / Flora Duffy

At the moment when training Duffy pairs Roval Aplinist hoops with Specialized Roubaix 25mm clinchers. However, when it comes to race day she combines Roval Rapide wheels with S-Works Turbo Cotton 26mm clinchers, and Duffy speaks highly of the wheelset:

“For racing, I use the Roval Rapide. They are amazing. The wheels were released last year and after the first ride I knew they were a game changer. It is the fastest rolling wheel that I have ever used. I noticed a big difference on the descents. I mostly ride with guys and often get dropped going downhill – but not when I have the Rapides on my bike!”

Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL7 / Flora Duffy

For many the idea of having to set up your bike/turbo before an indoor session can be one challenge too many, and result in remaining on the couch rather than completing a session. Duffy is a frequent Zwifter and has solved this problem with her Specialized Venge dedicated to the trainer.

“I am one of the lucky ones that has a spare bike set up on the trainer… I ride Zwift often so having a bike set up ready to jump on makes life so much easier. The Venge is a very similar set up to my SL7.” 

We look forward to seeing Flora on her Specialized Tarmac SL7 at the pointy end of races, in particular at the Tokyo Olympics.

Click here for more information on the Specialized Tarmac SL7.

Written by
Chris Hovenden
Discover more
Challenge Family Kaiserwinkle-Walchsee triathlon bike
The ultimate triathlon bike courses to ride before you die
TRI247 Wahoo KICKR RUN treadmill review
Wahoo KICKR RUN treadmill review – can Wahoo do for treadmill running what they did for indoor cycling?
Challenge Cesenatico 2024 debut - image credit Jose Luis Hourcade / Challenge Family
5 ways to improve your FTP – Expert tips to level up your cycling
Challenge The Championship Marjolaine Pieree
How to qualify for Challenge The Championship – and why it should be on your triathlon bucket list
sumarpo triathlon swimming wetsuit
Wetsuit buying guide – How to choose the best wetsuit for triathlon, open water swimming, SwimRun and cold water
latest News
Germany mixed team relay wtcs abu dhabi 2025 Selina Klamt Jan Dienar Tanja Neubert Henry Graf photo credit World Triathlon
WTCS Abu Dhabi results 2025: Germany go from last to first in crash-hit, drama-packed Mixed Team Relay
Hayden Wilde Alex Yee Olympic Games Triathlon Paris 2024
Hayden Wilde ends Abu Dhabi jinx – and says he’s “rooting” for great rival Alex Yee at London Marathon
Hayden Wilde wins WTCS Abu Dhabi 2025 photo credit World Triathlon
WTCS Abu Dhabi men’s results 2025: Hayden Wilde starts year in style with thrilling win
Lisa Tertsch wins WTCS Abu Dhabi 2025 photo credit World Triathlon
WTCS Abu Dhabi women’s results 2025: Lisa Tertsch leads INCREDIBLE German clean sweep
WTCS Abu Dhabi individual podiums 2025 Photo credit World Triathlon
WATCH AGAIN: WTCS Abu Dhabi 2025 – statement starts from Germany and Wilde
triathlon on your terms
Never miss out with our triathlon alerts & digest. Get a dose of adventure & inspiration with Boundless.
The 247 Group

The home of endurance sports

Share to...