Which Road Bike Reigns Supreme: Tarmac SL8 or SL7? 5000 Mile Test

After 5,000+ miles on the Tarmac SL8 and nearly 15,000 miles on the Tarmac SL7, I can't help but ask myself which one is the champion. After all, they're nearly indistinguishable and one (the SL7) can now be purchased for nearly half the price of the SL8.

Instagram: @outdoorbros_

Gear I’m Riding and Into (updated 5/2024) ↓↓↓
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0:00 Intro
0:28 SL7 vs SL8: 5,000 Miles Later
0:52 Main Questions
1:23 Weight
1:47 Aerodynamics
2:01 Ride Quality
2:35 Budget and Value
3:16 Operator is Greater than Machine
3:30 Should You Upgrade from the SL7?
4:09 More Questions? Drop them Below

[outdoorbros_]

Maybe we peaked at the last gen Venge🔪🔪🔪

[JonathanLee]

This sort of succinct, practical, and still detailed video is exactly what we need more of. Chapeau! 👏👏👏

[DanaBlack]

My buddy went ->S-Works SL6 -> SL7 Pro -> S-Works SL8 and ended up selling the SL8 this winter after only a few months. Said he really regretted buying it and still loved and missed his SL7. Currently he's riding a Crux with 2 wheelsets since he only has room for 1 bike.

I bought a used S-Works SL7 a few months ago because it ended up being a few thousand cheaper than a SL8 Pro with better components and a set of Princeton CarbonWorks wheels.

[TheCyclingCardio]

As an SL7 owner, an SL8 upgrade only justified when age has finally caught up with the old frame…the SL7 is already everything we could ever need..light, aero, comfortable, looks great…the SL7 is the benchmark…I come from the Giant TCR SL, so SL7 is plenty comfortable for me

[jesseladd]

Great video. Still not sure how you don’t have hundreds of thousands of subs and more attention to your channel. Love the work bro

[andrewwalsh]

The non s-works SL8 frameset in way more worth it than an s-works SL7. The s-works SL8 is if you want to splurge, but the non s-works SL8 frameset is a gem for the value. If you know, you know. Currently I have mine built up to 15.01lbs or 6.8kg. Only a Cat2 racer but I'm satisfied.

[carlosb]

This came at the perfect time for me. Was considering the upgrade but will have to take a step back now.

Also, love the analogy at 4:05. I know you’ve said it in other ways before and appreciate you taking the feedback to use this version of the analogy instead.

Keep up the content my guy!!!

[joshschrader]

Let’s be honest here - most SWorks buyers won’t bat an eye about paying a few extra grand for some marginal gains - yeah, the SL7 is the value play BUT the SL8 is a better bike- full stop

[ramsden]

They’re both just stunning dream bikes 90% of us can’t afford. Dreaming is still allowed!

[ShannonCampbell]

Excited for part 2 of the Fray Build! I should have my Salt 56cm next week!

[simonwarmer]

I’ve crashed my SW SL6, waiting for the insurance I’ve built a SW SL7 DA with new Enve 4.5 wheels coming under 7.0 kg’s with pedals computermount and bottlecages for less than halve the price of a new SL8 speedsniffer. Rides like a dream.

[rg]

I just built up an SL7, coming from a Colnago C60. If you ride crappy roads, then the SL8 is what you want. The SL7 is tolerable on crappy roads, but no one would call it comfortable, and comfort matters.

[osp]

As a former Sworks sl7 owner, the sl8 Sworks was a worthy upgrade. Comfy like an aethos and quick like a race bike. If you hunt around, able to pickup used sl8 for really good prices. My Sworks sl8 cost me $8k

[nicholastopley]

I have both, and they feel different (although that could be Dura Ace vs RED), performace as you say exactly the same. I ride the Venge as well and that remains a brilliant bike that surprises me how great it is every time I get it out. As you say its the operator that determines performance.

[budinsudin]

hi there i really enjoy your video. please review the pinarello dogma f compare to your SL8.please please please…..im torn between this 2 superbikes

[christianemeiners]

Never owned a Specialized before my SL8; I was a Canyon fan girl. The SL8 is a phenomenal bike which I would never trade in for anything else. I suppose it really comes down to budget, ambition, and motivation.

[gustavomiguens]

Thanks these videos are always welcome. No one says something direct about buying SL8 if you DO NOT have the SL7. For instance I have an SL6 with carbon wheels and aero carbon handlebar and I am going to buy the SL8, is that the right move? My take, it seems, here in Argentina the full build of the SL7 sworks is around 12.5usd and the sworks SL8 is 14k... so if Sl8 is the SL7 but a bit better why not right?

[MasteringGrappling]

Hello. I enjoy your channel. Have you ever considered doing a test on a Chinese frame like a Tavelo or Elves? Just curious. I figured since you always ride top end bikes you could give a good perspective on the differences between the Chinese brands and the western brands.

[chriscawley]

just traded an SL7 for an SL8 bc I wanted different crank length, bar/stem dimensions, and wheels. HAven't recieved it yet.

[garygbur]

How would you compare the SL7 with 32mm tires to a Roubaix for 10 hour days in the saddle? Any experience or differences in your opinion? Thanks