Should you buy a Specialized Tarmac SL8?

I’ve got my hands on the brand new Specialized Tarmac SL8 for review but before I get stuck into riding and reviewing it here’s a quick first look and first impressions straight from the bike. Does it do enough to justify its price tag on first inspection?

Content
00:00 Intro
1:12 That head tube…
3:19 Skinny backend…
5:39 Tyre size gripe
6:36 Price and equipment
8:56 Weight
9:49 Freehub sound check
10:00 Summary

Supported by Saddleback

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[shepshape]

If you're a millionaire, you should buy whatever you want. If you're not, why would you spend $8, 000 on the Ultegra version and $14, 000 on the Dura Ace model? People, you can't buy speed. Not for $10k, not for any price. Above about $2, 000 there is a law of diminishing returns that takes full effect. There are three things you can do FOR FREE that will make you faster, or, at least as fast as you're going to be: Train properly, work on your position on the bike, sleep and eat well. That's it. If you get dropped on your local ride, this bike isn't going to change that. No bike will. Save your money for cycling vacations and buy a really nice entry level bike and ride the hell out of it. I've seen the Canyon Endurace lately for $2, 000. Carbon frame, Ultegra group set, disc brakes. Laugh at it if you want, but if I put the fastest guy in your group ride on it, and put you on this Specialized wallet drainer...you're getting smoked.

[spilot]

If you're a fool, yes. It's heavier and slower than the SL6 - last good S-Works. Also, have fun dealing with the hydro brake lines!

[Mattytube]

I have a 3T Strada 1X. I almost jumped into a cervelo S5 this yr. I put new tires on my Strada and realized I didn’t need a new ride.

[zerocharlie]

I’ve been a Tarmac rider for a long time. I have an S Works SL6, but I just couldn’t go with this bike because I think it’s a marginal upgrade and too much of the price goes to marketing (at least that’s the conclusion I’ve come to). I bought a Cervelo R5 instead.

[maximilian]

I got the S-Works built up with the new Force and the lower tier wheels to save a few bucks. Expensive as hell, but this bike is unbelievably fun.

I was coming from a Cannondale SuperSix Evo from 2014 with 105 10-speed. I am flabbergasted by how much difference there is between the two.

No regrets.

[Niggoification]

Absolutely amazing when it comes to engineering and making it both aero and lightweight, but let‘s be honest: the SL7 is the better looking bike

[petec]

There are some absolutely killer deals out there on SL7s - I got an Ultegra DI2 12s Expert variant for £4600 down from £7250 as it would have been prior to the SL8 launch.

I’d wager the marginal performance improvements advertised for the SL8 will make little to no difference to the majority of weekend riders as let’s face it the bike is probably not what’s holding most of us back.

If you’ve got the cash burning a hole and cafe bragging rights is life for you then do it but I’d suggest saving £2000+ and buying an SL7 on sale is the smart choice.

[pakelly]

The light quality in this. Ambient, british winter sky and that frame, actually the entire mise en scene is beautiful. Watching from Taiwan, I don’t miss the temperature, but the visuals this time of year there are something special. Some of the best sunrise / sunsets you’ll see anywhere in your life.
Watch out for black ice riding on this. ⚠️

[timowen]

David - it would be good to have some proper opinions on ride “feel” - long rides, comfort and power - up hill, down hill - with contrast against each top end bike frame eg Colnago C68, V4Rs, trek Edmonda, giant TCR, Pin Dogma F etc
No one on YouTube has yet provided any real contrast because they simply do not have access to the range of bikes. I think you’re possibly the only person who does (?!)

[tonyg]

Outrageous price aside this is a very very nice bike.

[mikehhhhhhh]

I was in the why upgrade from SL7 camp until I crashed my sl7 and insurance replaced it with the sl8.

Don’t notice the headtube at all but it is a noticeable improvement. I am, on average, riding a bit faster for a given power, rear is more compliant, bb flexes less, although this is more noticeable on the trainer than the road for me. My gripe is the frontend feels stiffer, which can be really felt through the hands, but then the old one used to suffer from disc rub out the saddle so you can’t please them all.

I wouldn’t pay to upgrade from the SL7 but it is a nice upgrade nonetheless.

Also, 7.2kg in Ultegra/pro guise is a nice improvement over my sram/pro sl7 which was 7.7.

[Thestig]

I went from a 2021 Giant TCR to a SL8 and there is a huge difference. Definitely more aggressive and less comfortable but somehow more fun. Feels like an F1 car handling vs the TCR.

[darrenthomas]

I've got the tarmac sl8 pro, love it

[kingzoloo]

When they dump prices by 30-35% maybe. There are better alternatives for the price.

[Flyingbikes]

The SL8 with Ultegra Di2 is 2k USD more than my new Trek Madone SL7 Gen7. What does Specialized offer that's 2k better? I just dont see it.

[RichardSun-plkd]

The head tube of Madone/Emonda/Dogma F all have the similar "nose" design for years, just not aggressive as SL8's "Speed Sniffer". Indeed good marketing :)

[Eirikkinserdal]

Most of the aero gains is the handlebar. But the lighter frame is welcome

[marky]

It would be good to see some reviews of relatively affordable bikes like the Cube Agree..for the mere mortals among us! Thanks

[damienbayle]

This bike is crazy. It sure looks like the SL7 but when you're on it it's absolutely not the same bike. And I compare two identically equipped FACT10 frames. It is lively, it jumps even when you raise hard, it is faster, and above all much more comfortable. Less “clumsy” than the SL7. At high speed downhill it is even a little hot to handle. But what comfort! So yes I don't have a SWORKS but the FACT10 is largely adapted to my level of amateur who has fun and above all it is more "affordable" even if this word is still not too suitable given the budget we reach...😢😢

[kippen]

Not my cup of tea but I always enjoy your reviews.