Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL8 Red AXS Road Bike 2024 (2024)

FAQs

Is the Tarmac SL8 comfortable? ›

From owners and from reviewers. YMMV but I've found the SL8 to be more comfortable than my previous SL7 with the same build, otherwise they feel pretty similar. I have a matte finished SL8 and I give the frame a quick wipe after each ride which doesn't take more than 30 seconds.

The new design does results in an unconventional look, but it sure does its job. Because together with the new seat tube and the Rival Rapide co*ckpit, this speed sniffer ensures that the SL 8 is a whole 16.6 seconds faster than the SL 7 over 40 km.

The headline-grabbing figure is the time-saved and Specialized claims a significant 16.6 seconds on a flat 40km course when riding at 45kmh. That number makes the Tarmac SL8 faster even than the late lamented Venge aero bike to which everyone compares the Tarmac.

Both the regular Tarmac and the S-Works version have the same geometry. But that's where the similarity ends. The carbon fiber materials and carbon layup are different and that leads to some very important performance differences.

While the Tarmac is an all-out race bike, the Roubaix is endurance-oriented, with a range of features to add ride comfort and a more stability-focussed geometry. The latest Roubaix stretches into the all-road category, allowing you to head onto light gravel too.

The Specialized Tarmac SL8 launched at the 2023 World Championships – bagging a gold in the women's Road Race under Belgium's Lotte Kopecky in the process – accompanied by a raft of claimed performance advantages over the popular SL7.

Early Verdict

Despite a seven-year stint in which it shared the top spot with the aero Venge, Tarmac has always been the brand's best road bike. That became even more definitive when in 2020, the brand killed off the Venge, saying the Tarmac SL7 was the 'one bike to rule them all. '

This is the most popular version of this rifle on the US market. Originally discontinued on July 28, 2010, Heckler & Koch announced August 2, 2021 that the rifle would be making a return.

The Specialized is the optimum bike for serious racers and those who don't see the high price of the S-Works on their downtube as a hurdle. 3. The Cannondale, which despite its limitations, could be made a whole lot better and still without getting close to the price of the Specialized.

S-Works Tarmac SL8 FACT 12r Carbon, Rider First Engineered™, Win Tunnel Engineered, Clean Routing, Threaded BB, 12x142mm thru-axle, flat-mount disc. 685g frame.

Does the Tarmac SL8 come with a power meter? ›

Both builds have a power meter (4iiii Precision Pro on the Dura-Ace build and Quarq Dzero on the Red model) and come with Roval Rapide CLX II wheels, Roval Rapide co*ckpit integrated carbon bar/stem, and a carbon-railed Specialized Power saddle. The SL8 Pro with Shimano Ultegra Di2.

State of Speed

Since the Tarmac SL8 is more aerodynamic than the Venge, it'd be easy to say “aero is everything” and call it a day. But we also know that weight is a crucial factor, and that there are plenty of courses with HC climbs, screaming fast descents, and flat sprint finishes.

Specialized's highest tier of bikes and equipment, the S-Works logo indicates that a product has been designed for professional-level performance. S-Works bikes are the best in their class – outfitted with the top components on the market and optimized with the latest technologies.

For racing and riding fast on all terrain and in all conditions, you'd be hard pressed to find a better option than the Tarmac SL8. It's a big investment, but it's certainly the only bike you'd need for road riding in your collection.

Whether on tarmac or off-road, Specialized's S-Works tyres offer fantastic, range-topping rolling resistance, weight and grip. They bring together modern technologies, materials and manufacturing techniques to ensure that they provide the very best performance possible.

You will be in a more upright position on the Aethos because of the higher stack and shorter reach which can make you a bit slower but definitely more comfortable than the Tarmac.

Specialized uses this variant as the basis for its 685-gram (56cm) claimed weights and pairs it with a 358-gram fork. Pro and Expert models feature the 10r carbon frame and matching fork.

Complete bikes weigh in at as low as 14.55 lbs (6.6 kg).

Conclusion. A clear Best in Test! The Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL7 is the fastest race bike of the 2021 season and shines with maximum efficiency and outstanding handling.