No bike is as fast as the Tarmac SL8 thanks to a combination of aerodynamics, lightness and ride quality previously thought impossible. After eight generations and over two decades of development, it’s not just the fastest Tarmac ever: it’s the fastest racing bike in the world. Are your legs ready?
Aerodynamics or lightness alone do not win the races: what counts is speed. To achieve this speed, it is necessary to create a combination of aerodynamics, lightness, stiffness and stress absorption without compromise. Thanks to complex simulations using real data, our Ride Science Team has verified that the Tarmac SL8 is the fastest racing bike on any route: - 16.6 seconds over 40 km of plain, 128 seconds faster on the Milano-CorsaSanremo, 20 seconds faster on the ascent of the Tourmalet.
AERODYNAMICS: We use aerodynamics where it’s most needed, and in the process we’ve created our fastest road bike ever - yes, more aerodynamics than the Venge. The front has been optimized to get the maximum advantage. The fork rail is positioned at the rear of the front of the steering tube to provide much lower drag. Thanks to the new UCI rules, we were able to use the narrowest and most aerodynamic seat post we have ever made for the SL8, to ensure that turbulent air in the leg area can flow more easily towards the rear of the bike.
LIGHTNESS: To create the Tarmac SL8 and make the most aerodynamic bike, respecting the minimum weight requirements imposed by UCI we were inspired by what we learned with the Aethos. The team has created a 685 gram frame, 15% lighter than the Tarmac SL7 and lighter than any other bike on the World Tour*. Focusing on maximum lightness in the area of the slanting tube, the seat tube and the rear of the bike, we have adopted the lessons learned from the Aethos project. The frame shapes respond so efficiently to stresses that it has been possible to reduce the thickness of the material, eliminating the superfluous. *Except for the time when Kasper Asgreen ran our 585 gram Aethos chassis during one stage of the Tour.
DRIVING QUALITY: The stiffness-weight ratio of the Tarmac SL8 is 33% better than the SL7. The Tarmac SL8 sets a new benchmark for handling: it is precise in the most demanding situations and responds immediately and efficiently to inputs on the pedal. While the areas that ensure power transfer and driving precision are stiffer than ever, riding the Tarmac SL8 is more comfortable, filtering 6% more of the stresses coming from the ground and allowing to attack the curves with a feeling of agility and balance unique in the world of racing bikes. The new Tarmac SL8 maintains the proven geometry of the SL7, with the same generous 32 mm tyre space so you can use a larger tread when needed.
BEYOND GENDER: In reality there can be much more differences between two male cyclists than between a man and a woman. We design based on the individual and our philosophy is simple: Do not create differences where there are none. Every cyclist, male or female, can take advantage of the benefits of the Tarmac SL8. It’s time to go further.
The Tarmac SL8 Expert is equipped with the SRAM Rival eTap AXS powermeter, tubeless carbon ready wheels C38, a SL7 handlebar with Specialized Expert alloy for an overall great price/performance ratio.
Transmission
Chain
SRAM Rival 12 speed
Pack Pignoni
SRAM Rival, 12 speeds, 10-36
Movement of the People
SRAM DUB BSA 68
Gear shift controls
SRAM Rival eTap AXS
Rear gear box
SRAM Rival eTap AXS, 12-speed
Crankset
SRAM Rival with power meter
Front derailleur
SRAM Rival eTAP AXS, brazing
Gears
48/35T
Frame
Frame
Tarmac SL8 FACT 10r Carbon, Rider First Engineered TM, Win Tunnel Engineered, Clean Routing, BB threaded, 12x142mm through, flat mounting disc
Suspensions
Fork
Tarmac SL8 FACT 10r Carbon, 12x100mm through-axle, flat-mount disc
Brakes
Front brake
SRAM Rival eTap AXS, hydraulic disc
Rear brake
SRAM Rival eTap AXS, hydraulic disc
Wheels and tyres
Air chambers
Ultra-light turbo, 48 mm Presta valve
Front wheel
Roval C38, 21mm width inner carbon rim
Rear wheel
Roval C38, 21mm width inner carbon rim
Front tyre
S-Works Turbo, folding bead, 700x26mm
Rear tyre
S-Works Turbo, folding bead, 700x26mm
Cockpit
Saddle
Body Geometry Power Expert
Seat post
S-Works Tarmac SL8 Carbon seat post, FACT Carbon, offset 15mm
Handlebar curve
Specialized Expert Shallow drop, alloy, 125mm drop x 75mm reach
Tape Handlebar
Supacaz Super Sticky Kush
Handlebar Attachment
Integrated tarmac attack, 6 degrees
Collarino Sella
Integrated wedge for asphalt
Accessories
Pedal
PEDALS, TEST RIDE PEDALS SUPPLIED BY SPECIALIZED
Accessories
KIT OF SPACERS FOR SL7 HEADPHONE AND ROVAL QUICK FOR USE IN THE COCKPIT
Identification
Identification
221538
Weight
Measure weighed
56cm
Weight
7.77 kg (17 lbs, 2.1 oz)