Matt Stephens rides the Specialized Tarmac SL8 Road Bike | Sigma Sports

The Tarmac has been revered as one of the most capable road bikes for many years and with Specialized's latest iteration, the Tarmac SL8, the American brand has further pushed the boundaries when it comes to aerodynamics, weight and overall ride feel.

Keen to test out this exciting addition to the range, Matt Stephens headed to Glasgow to clip in and get familiar with the Specialized Tarmac SL8.

What Matt was wearing:

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[Cosmic-Rays]

Don’t worry the SL9 will be lighter stiffer more aero and more expensive!

[Liedragon]

I've been using a Specialized Secteur Sport for 10 years plus and I've done 1000's of miles on it. I remember the discomfort the day I bought it and I remember 2 weeks later it feeling not so bad and then a month later it was an extension of my body. I changed the wheels to Shimano Ultegras. The groupset remained the same. Sora. Ive often dreamed of buying lighter more expensive bikes but I always stop myself in time to realise that Specialised gifted those of us without the means to buy into the competition bikes but allowed us to thoroughly enjoy ourselves anyway.

I hope they never stop producing quality bikes that last.

[Vinch]

Why hate the SL8? embrace the evolution of the bicycle, it's beautiful! great video Matt

[robertphillips]

I own an SL7 S-WORKS, purchased last April . Then late November /early December l purchased a SL8 S-WORKS. Both have the 1st edition Roval Rapide CLX Aero Wheelsets 51/60 & l also own a 3 rd set . Hate tubeless. Seriously considering upgrading them 2 carbon fiber spokes. Save 100 grams . My SL8 all in with my own specs weighs 6.72 kilos ready 2 ride .
The SL8 in my opinion is that its 20/25 % improvement over the SL7.

Its true the SL8 Begs u 2 get fiiter & stronger & lighter .

[jackkramer]

Matt never has anything negative to say about any bike he ever rides, because every ‘test’ is simply to promote it. Mildly entertaining though these vids are, they’re pretty pointless really.

[cxbkpmf]

I'm so sick of marketing bullshitters making all sorts of claims with zero proof.

[DP-PhD]

Entertaining as usual Matt. Personal feeling is always important. The bike industry has moved on and there will be no going back. As a modern disc road bike looks like the SL8 is great. The problem is very few people believe the hype and cherry picking data to ‘prove’ a point. Loads will buy the SL8 and in todays market it is very likely right up there with the best. If that’s your bag and you can afford it, go for it

[davidatkinson-lifematters]

I have a Tarmac SL5 and a Creo. I've also owned a Venge. I like Specialized. But this company rep is spouting word salad BS.

[iann]

SL4 - SL6 mechanical with rim brakes without the stupid handlebars were perfect.

[glennchapman]

Constanly on edge with you leaving the bike unlocked outside the café, have to be honest ☺

[marklucas]

Not for ordinary cyclists for sure. You need really deep pockets to afford one. It's a bike I'd love to try, but I'd constantly worry about it being stolen without a film crew following me around! Great video though Matt. Always love your enthusiasm for cycling (and cafe stops). I would have loved to see you on the Tarmac 'giving it a nudge' in Glasgow in the old kit. Pin a number on soon 😉😉

[davidatkinson-lifematters]

I suggested also watching Durianrider's review too, you know, for balance. BOOM! My comment deleted. 😂

[justaletdown]

For the most genuine SL8 review you should watch Durianrider's reviews.

[sabbirdulal]

i have met with matt in Andy’s restaurant in Camden Town..he is very friendly…best of luck matt

[brentboost]

I imagine that Specialized rep being the guy at the gates of hell who tries to sell you on a membership

[yourdeadjack]

7:12 The SL7 seat post is also narrower than a SL7 seat tube. What’s your point mate?

[matthiaskettner]

To be honest, i will wait a few weeks until unsponsored youtubers will do a review on the bike. Matt Stephens is a super nice and funny bloke but this „test“ is pointless.

[JFomo]

Looks like a great bike. I'll get one next year.

[danielcarr]

Great video filmed in my home town of Lennoxtown with my local cafe and climb The Crow Rd 😁😁

[gregvassilakos]

The lightest bikes have frames that emulate a truss bridge. The tubes are straight, and the seat stays, top tube, and seat tube come together at a common joint. Examples include the Specialized Aethos and the Trek Emonda. To add compliance for a smoother ride, the tubes are given curvature, and the seat stays are offset from the top tube at their joint with the seat tube. This induces bending in the tubes rather than carrying the entire load axially. The bending requires extra reinforcement, so a frame with dropped seat stays inevitably is heavier.