8 Things You Should Know About The Specialized Tarmac SL8

We've pestered some Specialized engineers to talk us through the lesser-seen details of the new 2023 Tarmac SL8. If you've been wondering why there are 3 bottle cage bolts, how robust that 680g S-Works frame is or where the Di2 battery lives then you've come to the right place!

For our first ride impressions check out our 2023 Specialized Tarmac SL8 review follow the link below:

NEW Specialized Tarmac SL8 First Ride Review & All The Tech Details - The Road Bike To BEAT In 2023?

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⚫️ In this video

0:00 Introduction
0:34 Over 500 pieces in an S-Works SL8 frame
1:31 Is the Tarmac SL8 fragile?
2:05 Lighter bits!
2:31 SL8 seatpost stuff!
3:26 Roval bar flare
4:17 Why is there 3 bottle cage bolts?
5:06 What size tyres are fastest?
5:56 Tarmac SL8 Flo viz paint
6:50 Outro

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[roadcc]

What interesting facts about the SL8 have you learnt? Let us know below!

[surfbumb]

I learned this is the best marketed bike in recent history.

[marcinstyle]

In 2017 i bought brand new Kawasaki ninja 300cc(my first motor bike) for $5000 plus bought as well road bike giant propel full ultegra for $3000 and was very happy with both, Present day Ninja cost $6000 (400cc now ) price increased $1000 which is not to bad compared what happened in push bike world, road bike with similar specification now cost $6000-7000 not only price increased by at least 50% but now is even more expensive then motor bike which is insane !

[marcinstyle]

I heard sl9 will be lighter, stiffer, more aero, fastest on the planet and even more expensive , cant wait ...

[RyonBeachner]

I learned the bars were developed without lever hoods based on the paint. However I wouldn’t blame them for testing that way as there’s now way to say what hoods will be mounted, and the last thing Specialized would want to do is have to make a claim that one of their two largest vendors products is better than another.

[roypeterka]

Not surprised that they made the rear end more compliant. The SL7 lost the comfort found in the SL6. They can go a couple more steps in that direction, and then come out with the new Venge now that supply chain issues shouldn't be as big of a problem as they were during the pandemic.

[Olimorveu]

Thank you for asking about the flow vis. Seeing your prior video on this bike, I wasn't too happy about seeing the flow vis patterns clearly reflect no spinning wheels nor rider model.

[Circletakesthejake]

@ 2:44 Doggo comes out "Hey guys"

[jaybikes]

Right, get the Alan keys I’m moving my bottle cage 😂

[Riyanable]

That is actually SL7 with bigger headset, rounder frame inspired by aethos and SL6 seatstays.

[podktv]

Will the 3 bolt on the bottle cage mount make it compatible with the Road SWAT that came out a few years ago?

[therazor]

I may actually retire my daily steel frame 1987 Fuso FR1 hand built by UK's own Dave Moulton for the new SL8. 🇬🇧 Group ride modern bikes are still in some cases only marginally better than my real steel beauty!

[NeoPayneHK]

05:15 and jonas still want to race on tubulars which is a lighter system for uphill...

[tombola]

Creating good content for the sponsors, Mr Specialized will be pleased 😆

[duffyrides]

Is the regular SL8 frame really as stiff and snappy as the S-works ? Did specialize confirm that ? It seems to be a common question.

[ruisantos]

There are not many super bikes do-it-all kind out there. For most brands you have to choose aero or lightweight climbing bike. Had a sl7 and I had to sell it. If I ever buy a superbike again, I think I’ll go for the dogmaF

[Paggino]

Rumour has it the SL9 is going to shat all over the SL8, its gonna have a kitchen sink n all kinds of stuff the 8 n every other version before it doesnt have ... Worth the wait people

[eikm]

is the stack of the sl8 higher than sl7 ? according to the fact sheet they have the same geometry but when you go to details the sl8 has higher stack.

[XxxxTxTxxxX]

Specialized has been working with every single content creator to sell this bike. Sl8 this and that, yes we get it. Move on ffs.

[cxbkpmf]

I see a new SL8 in your future! 😀👍 You don't get this detailed with a bike unless you really like it.