No bike is as fast as the Tarmac SL8 thanks to a combination of aerodynamics, lightness and riding quality previously deemed 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 races: what matters is speed. To achieve this speed it is necessary to create an uncompromising combination of aerodynamics, lightness, rigidity and stress absorption. 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 on 40 km of plain, 128 seconds faster on the route of Milan-Sanremo, 20 seconds faster on the ascent of the Tourmalet.
AERODYNAMICS: We use aerodynamics where it’s needed most, and in the process we created our fastest road bike ever - yes, more aerodynamic than the Venge. The front has been optimized for maximum benefit. The fork tube is positioned behind the front of the frame’s steering tube to offer much lower aerodynamic resistance. Thanks to the new UCI rules, for the SL8 we could use the narrowest and most aerodynamic seat post we have ever made, to ensure that the turbulent air in the leg area can flow more easily to the rear of the bike.
LIGHTNESS: To create the Tarmac SL8 and create the most aerodynamic bicycle, respecting the minimum weight requirements imposed by UCI we were inspired by what we learned with the Aethos. The team has built a 685 gram frame, 15% lighter than the Tarmac SL7 and lighter than any other World Tour* bike. Focusing on the maximum possible lightness in the area of the oblique tube, the saddle tube and the rear of the bicycle, we adopted the lessons learned in the project of the Aethos. The frame shapes respond so efficiently to the stresses that it was possible to reduce the thickness of the material, eliminating the unnecessary. *Except for the time when Kasper Asgreen raced with our 585 gram Aethos chassis during a 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 in handling: it is precise in the most challenging situations and responds to input on the pedal quickly and efficiently. While the areas that ensure power transfer and driving accuracy are stiffer than ever, riding the Tarmac SL8 is more comfortable, filtering 6% more of the stresses coming from the ground and allowing you to attack the curves with a feeling of agility and balance unique in the world of racing bikes. The new Tarmac SL8 retains the tried-and-tested geometry of the SL7, with the same generous 32 mm tyre space, so you can use more volume coverage when needed.
BEYOND GENDER DIFFERENCES: In reality there can be much more differences between two male cyclists than between a man and a woman. We design according to the individual and our philosophy is simple: Don’t create differences where there are none. Every cyclist, man or woman, can take advantage of the advantages of the Tarmac SL8. It’s time to go further.
The Tarmac SL8 Pro features the SRAM Force etap AXS groupset with powermeter, Roval Rapide CL II tubeless ready wheels, an SL7 handlebar stem with Roval Rapide handlebars: race ready.
Technical Specifications
Weight
Weight
7.44 kg (16 lb, 6.4 oz)
Weighting
56cm
Cockpit
Handlebar bend
Roval Rapide Handlebar, carbon
Stem Handlebar
Tarmac stem integrated, 6 degrees
Nastro Handlebar
Supacaz Super Sticky Kush
Saddle
Body Geometry Power Pro, hollow titanium guides
Seat post
S-Works Tarmac SL8 Carbon seat post, FACT Carbon, offset 15mm
Collarino Sella
Wedge integrated in asphalt
Wheels & Tyres
Front wheel
Roval Rapide CL II, carbon rim internal width 21mm tubeless ready, Win Tunnel Engineered, DT for Roval 350 hub, DT Swiss Revolution spokes, depth 51mm
Rear wheel
Roval Rapide CL II, carbon rim internal width 21mm tubeless ready, Win Tunnel Engineered, DT for Roval 350 hub, DT Swiss Revolution spokes, depth 60mm
Front tyre
S-Works Turbo, 2BR, 700x26mm
Rear tyre
S-Works Turbo, 2BR, 700x26mm
Inner tubes
Turbo Ultralight, front 60mm, rear 80mm, Presta valve
Suspension
Fork
Tarmac SL8 FACT 10r Carbon, through axle 12x100mm, flat disc
Frame
Frame
Tarmac SL8 FACT 10r Carbon, Rider First Engineered, Win Tunnel Engineered, Clean Routing, BB Threaded, 12x142mm thru-axle, flat disc
Transmission
Gearbox controls
SRAM Force Etap AXS
Front derailleur
SRAM Force Etap AXS, brazing
Rear change
SRAM Force Etap AXS, 12 speeds
Pacco Pignoni
SRAM Force, 12 speeds, 10-33t
Crankset
SRAM Force DUB, power meter
Cog
48-35t
Movimento Centrale
SRAM DUB BSA 68
Chain
SRAM Force 12 speeds
Brakes
Rear brake
SRAM Force Etap AXS, hydraulic disc
Front brake
SRAM Force Etap AXS, hydraulic disc
* Weights Based on Painted Production Frames as shown. Actual Weights will vary according to Color, Frame Size and Component variation. Specifications are subject to change without notice.