2017 Specialized Tarmac SL4 Elite

Archived: 2017 Specialized Tarmac SL4 Elite · Road · Published sizes: 49, 52, 54, 56, 58, 61

• Confirm the frame markings and seller description match this archived model. Note every component that differs from the published build.
• Record the frame serial number. It should be legible, unaltered and consistent with the seller’s ownership history.
• Find the size marking on the bicycle and confirm the fit before judging the condition or price.

Archived: Frame: FACT 9r carbon, threaded BB, full internal cable routing, internally integrated seat clamp, 130mm rear spacing · Fork: S-Works FACT carbon, full monocoque, size-specific taper · Carbon Fiber

• Inspect the frame in bright light, especially the head tube, bottom-bracket area, chainstays and clamped surfaces. Look for cracks, ripples, crushed sections or signs of impact.
• Stand behind and in front of the bicycle to look for obvious frame, fork or wheel misalignment. Ask directly about crashes, transport damage and repairs.
• Inspect the fork crown, blades, dropouts and visible steerer area. Check that it is straight, securely installed and free of cracks or impact damage.

Archived: Shifters: Shimano Ultegra 6800, 11-speed · Front derailleur: Shimano Ultegra 6800, 11-speed, braze-on · Rear derailleur: Shimano Ultegra 6800, 11-speed · Crankset: Praxis Zayante; chainrings: Praxis 7075 alloy, 50/34T · Bottom bracket: Praxis BB · Cassette: Shimano 105 5800, 11-speed, 11-28t · Chain: KMC X11, 11-speed

• Shift through every available gear under light load. Hesitation, skipping or inconsistent indexing can reflect wear, damage, poor adjustment or mismatched replacement parts.
• Measure chain wear with a compatible gauge and inspect chainring, cassette or freewheel teeth. A new chain does not rule out wear in the remaining drivetrain.
• Turn the cranks slowly, feel for rough bearings and check for side-to-side play. Inspect crank arms, chainring bolts and pedal threads for looseness or damage.

Archived: Brakes: (F) Shimano Ultegra / (R) Shimano Ultegra

• Inspect pads and braking surfaces, check the complete cable or hose path, and confirm both controls feel consistent and return cleanly.
• Before riding, test every installed brake separately at walking speed. Each should stop firmly and release cleanly without its control reaching the end of its usable travel.

Archived: Wheels: (F) Axis Elite, QR / (R) Axis Elite, QR · Front tire: Specialized Espoir Elite, 700x23mm, 60TPI · Rear tire: Specialized Espoir Elite, 700x23mm, 60TPI

• Spin both wheels and watch for side-to-side and vertical movement. Check spoke tension, rim condition and hub play.
• Inspect both tire casings for cuts, cracking, plugs, bulges or exposed threads and confirm the installed sizes are safe for the rims and available frame and fork clearance.
• Remove and reinstall or closely inspect both wheel-retention systems. Axles or quick releases should tighten correctly with undamaged threads, hardware and dropouts.

Archived: Handlebar: Specialized Shallow Drop, alloy, 125mm drop, 70mm short-reach · Stem: 3D-forged alloy, 7-degree rise · Seatpost: Specialized Comp carbon, single bolt · Saddle: Body Geometry Toupé Sport, steel rails, 143mm

• Apply the front brake and rock the bike to check for headset play or notchiness. Inspect the stem, handlebar and clamp zones, then confirm every fastener and control is secure.
• Check that the seatpost moves for adjustment and that the saddle, post and clamp hold securely without cracks, severe corrosion or damaged hardware.

• Before riding, confirm both wheels are secure, tires are safe, both brakes function, and the headset, handlebar, stem, cranks and pedals have no looseness.
• Begin at low speed. Test steering, braking and shifting progressively, then load the drivetrain and suspension only after the basic safety checks pass.
• Listen and feel for repeated knocks, grinding, skipping, brake pulsation or movement at joints. Stop the test if the bicycle cannot be controlled safely.