Hey folks, I'm hoping someone here can help me unravel the mysterious nature of this frame.
So I picked up a Specialized Tarmac SL-3 circa 2014 on marketplace but have noticed that some details aren't adding up.
The colorway is odd: The paint job appears to be an Alberto Contador edition for la Vuelta. It's red yellow and white. Online this only ever appears on SL-4 frames which this model is not. On top of this there is a name on the top tube (under the paint) making this highly likely to be a custom paint job.
Barcode: I contacted specialized directly and gave them the barcode on the bottom bracket shell. They didn't seem to have any information or even a match in their database.
Bottom bracket: I just got back from my LBS for a bottom bracket/crank swap (I'm hopping on the bandwagon and going shorter). The shop, who are very good with higher end road bikes, were surprised that the bike was fitted with an Italian threaded BB sleeve. This was something they said they've never really seen on specialized.
So does anyone have any insight? Was this a pro team custom or team issue model? Or a fake?
Id love to hear what y'all think.
by onetwothreefoe