Overall, we don't anticipate much improvement from the Tarmac SL4 in terms of absolute stiffness but it's a safe bet that the SL5 is a touch lighter. We're also expecting a boost in ride comfort, too.

But based on photos that began surfacing from the Pro Tour ranks in recent weeks, I went in expecting the new Tarmac SL5. And that’s what Specialized unveiled—sort of.

Vincenzo Nibali – then with Astana – rode a very similar Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL5 on his way to a first Tour de France title in 2014 to the one available here on eBay (Image credit ...