Is the Specialized Tarmac SL8 REALLY Better Than the SL7?

Is the new Specialized Tarmac SL8 actually better than the SL7? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

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[bicyclestation]

Have gotten a ton of comments about the computer mount. I just tested it with a Garmin and its slightly better but still not good. Ignoring the glare factor I would still never run my bike computer at that angle and my complaint is more about the lack of adjustability then anything else.

[sharpersharpen]

that black frame color looks actually so nice than official photo, thanks for sharing :)

[JC-pttw]

My computer screen has smudges on it now but I totally felt the hand paintedness

[cranebl]

Looking forward to a comparison of two really top notch bikes. Brisk beluga vs aero bidet, battle of the titans 💪

[kennyvdh]

I was hoping for a road test, with a lots of data. Maybe I missed it.

[legslloyd]

I’m sure someone has already said that the mount is adjustable. I just fitted mine on a SL7 and had the same problem. I took the front clamp off and adjusted it.

[alocrazy]

Thank you for posting the sl8 video 🙏

[Po.]

i love the angle on the computer mount. On Garmin you don't have problems with visibility.

[guantisengkun]

I switched from an Sworks SL7 to an s works SL8, for me personally I honestly prefer the SL7.

In a size 52, the downtube of the SL8 looks very thin. So thin it basically look like an SL6 with larger head tube, making it seem disproportionate. I don’t like it.

Yes it is more comfortable then the SL7, but it is not stiffer. SL7 feels more responsive, agile and alive. Then again comfort is subjective. A guy with 28mm tubeless tire can feel more comfort on an sl7 then another with a 25mm clincher running 120psi on SL8 or aethos.

I am personally running 30mm tubeless so comfort is never an issue regardless.

Is it more aero? I honestly can’t tell the difference and I really dislike companies marketing their bike as “more aero”. Being aero is optimising your position. The rider takes 80% of the wind, followed by your wheels and ur frame.

Look, if you are on an SL7. It is not worth the upgrade (or downgrade). You are better off getting the one piece roval aero bar when specialize release a special spacer compatible with SL7. That is where the claimed watt savings came from.

If you are on aethos, sl6 or anything lower, and you want the latest tech, by all means go for it.

I manage to sell my SL8 frameset in a blink of an eye because it was the limited edition project black and went to SL7.

I personally love the SL7 now and I do not find any good reason to stick to the SL8.

Ps : coming from a Dogma F.

[andyk]

I like the way my SL7 rides (not an s-works frame) - it's very responsive and goes exactly where you point it, but it's not very is not very compliant - you feel every bump in the road, even after running tubeless 30mm tyres at lower pressures and upgrading the saddle. It's OK if you ride short 20-40 mile rides but once you get above that, it starts to take it out of you. One might be quicker over short distances but there's a strong argument that over bigger distances us mere mortals would be faster on a more compliant and comfortable bike as you won't fatigue as quickly. If the SL8 is really more complaint as a result of changes to the seat stays and seatpost, without compromising stiffness, responsiveness and speed, then I personally would replace my SL7

[rafacycle]

Everyone says the geometry is the same… it is not it is actually same as aethos. Which is few mm different in reach and 1 cm different in stack - more comfortable direction. Not a big difference but it is not exactly the same.

[NoahStephens]

It must be wonderful to ride these fantastic bikes. Looking forward to the Madone comparison. Subscribed

[wilson]

Very very good!! I love Spelicalized, i love FactCarbon 12R 11R
Sl7 Sl8, Chiseil, Epic,

[klx-y]

ill put tha handlebar on my Specialized alley sprint rim brake version

[rotikk]

Well, the alignment of the cockpit compared to that Zipp stem bizare on SL7 makes this SL8 much more beautiful bike!

[timtaylor]

You could prolly rig a spacer on the bolt threads closer to head set between the stem and mount. That should angle it enough.

[huseyinsubasi]

Amazing paintjob. Well done specialized.

[LT]

Darker colors look much better on the SL8. The speed sniffer is not attractive but this color hides it pretty well. Compared to the SL7, which was aesthetically perfect, the SL8 had big shoes to fill.

[fozfactor]

He's sad because it's not an SL6 with rim brakes.

[aaron]

Hello, I’ve got an SL8 getting built next week and was wondering for travelling/ flying with this bike. Is it easy enough to take the handlebars off but, leave the brake hoses attached with the new roval aero bar or would you recommend using the SL7 stem & handlebar step-up? The bike box doesn’t have room to keep handlebar’s on.
Cheers,
Aaron 🇬🇧