The Specialized Tarmac SL8. I tried to find flaws, But...

So, I went in to this review a bit skeptical about a lot of the hype surrounding the Specialized Tarmac SL8. After putting it through my normal bike evaluation, I came out with some definitive conclusions.
Is the hype deserved? Is it as good as it is said to be? Or is it just a bunch of window dressing? We find out!
#speialized #tarmac #sl8

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[SolomanzRdEyE]

Very thoughtful review. I own the SL8 Tarmac and for my money, I think it to be everything I could want in a do-it-all bike. Happy to hear you enjoyed your time in the saddle. I’m a climber more than a sprinter (blessed to live in coastal Southern California) and enjoy speed and performance on the flats as well in the twisty’s. The SL8 Tarmac inspires me to ride as often as possible. Everyone should invest in owning their dream bike, it will keep you young and fit, taking you as far on an adventure as your legs can handle.✌️

[KJ-sdne]

Luis!

I can’t justify another bike! You were supposed to say the SL8 was terrible; lol!

Solid review and I always enjoy the content. Stay safe and keep the wheel side down.

[dwaynerandolph]

Fantastic review @luis scott ! I’m a Cannondale guy & every machine I’ve ever owned are by this manufacturer. I just purchased my Cannondale Synapse with Smartsense Technology and I haven’t ridden it as of yet. I’m Just waiting to get an aye ok from my Doctor. If you can, I would love to get your perspective of this bike and riding it. You’re absolutely right with everyone following the trend of having the same machine. I’d say 90% of my cycling buddies own the SL7 or the SL8.

[addictcyclist]

Coming off my factor ostro, and have owned system six, madone, 2023 s5, I’m impressed with my sl8. Good review.

[bebopman]

While I haven't ridden the SL7 or SL8, I do own a '22 Allez Sprint, which is the aluminum clone of the SL7. The difference in materials is definitely a factor, but that bike is stiff (in good ways and bad) as all getout with no hesitation on holding speed. It did take a little bit extra effort to accelerate, but I chalk that up to the weight. Though Specialized can be gimmicky with their marketing, they know how to make bangers. I do wish the all-out aero Venge was still around, but I digress. Great vid as always

[savagepro]

5:38 In the Caribbean we that swaying from left to right . . . Dallying! It's for both kids and adults

[paulduggins]

Let me start by saying Great Vid!!!! Someone else commented and said SL8 doesnt hold speed like their Pinarello. Funny, because I got my SL8 frameset from a friend who rode it for a month but decided to go back to a Pinarello Dogma F for the same reason., so I got a killer deal on an almost new frameset. He said bike was fantastic but preferred the feel of a Pinarello. Now that I have it built, and have about 400mi on it, I absolutely love it, and coming from my Madone Gen 6 SLR9 I can completely agree, SL8 acceleration is snappy, its a hill climbing monster, probably because even as a 58cm bike, my build with pedals, cages, mounts, etc is only 16.5lbs. A full 3lbs lighter than my Madone. BUT when in the Peloton and the group is cookin' I have to work harder to maintain speed. SL8 has aero features but its not a full aero bike, and I can feel it. loving it, but my full aero Madone definitely stays in the line-up.

[silvercat]

All S-works; sl5, still got, sl6 rim, 2019 venge, sl7 (raced 2 seasons). Just wrapped my season on sl8 (1st cat). Best bike I’ve had; light, aero, more comfortable than the others, handling is sublime. 🥂

[terrillford]

Luis dropping 🔥 again. I'm going custom for my next build

[rk]

Honestly, I HAVE ventured away from Specialized only to find myself going back after dozens of other high-end ones. After owning an SL6 and SL7 I was very curious on what I was missing out on. Combined with mid-life crisis and some spare cash, I kinda went on a shopping spree. Think I've swapped 12 frames or so in 2023. In May 2024, I finally got an SL8 and put a little over 4k miles on it. Gotta say I don't know why I was even curious about anything else.

[muttmotel]

Luis, I just received my SL 8 expert yesterday, I also have an SL7 as well as an SL 5 Tarmac S-Works.
I absolutely love my SL 5 S-Works!!!!
I like it better than the SL 7.
I did have a very short ride on my new SL 8 last night and I must say it is quickly becoming my will tell.

[declan]

Nice review, Luis, thanks. I do have an SL8, pretty similar build as the one you tested, minus the OSPW. I would agree, the total package is what makes the bike work for me and perform. P.S. I missed you in Atlanta at the One Love ride, hopefully we can connect next year if you are there.

[Grant-bunj]

Luis great review
Keep up the great work 👍🏽

[VendetaBrown]

Would love to see you test a Melee, Luis!

[lexington]

Now you're talking about smaller brands, my gravel/cyclocross bike is a Salsa Journeyer with GRX 600. This was my first purpose-built gravel bike, and I really like it. Swapping between 650b and 700c wheels, really changes the ride characteristics on the bike not as much as I originally thought when buying it. When I have the 700c wheels on it, that's light just wants to go straight, and it's pretty quick. Then you put the 650b wheels on it for a cyclocross race, oh man that bike handles like my SL6... You could almost race a crit on that thing with 650bs.

[klpinvestments]

I think some of these big brands tend to generate immense brand loyalty.

I'm riding a Giant Contend aluminum road bike because it was the best bike that I could afford when I decided to come back into cycling after many years away.

I love my Contend so much that I'm already thinking upgrading to some higher end parts and groupset. But also thinking about the next Giant I will get some day such as a Defy or TCR.

I think that is what is happening with these brands such as Trek, Giant, Specialized, and even Cannondale to some degree. Also, Canyon is rising up into that exclusive group as well.

[npdf]

Great unbiased review Luis :) always good to be open to new stuff.. I still love my steel bikes but also own a new Cannondale SSE 2 with Ultegra Di2 12 speed and I have to say it is amazing to ride :) Pete

[vincefava]

Great video, well done! I'm a Colnago guy too (C60 rim) and its ride is sublime. The SL8 I am sure is sweet.

[matt_kj]

Great video, Luis. Thank you. I have a SL7 Specialized (not the s-works) with the CLX Rapid wheels and original aero bars. I have ridden friends s-works SL7 and SL8 bikes and couldn’t feel any significant difference. I believe the Specialized frame with the CLX Rapide wheels and bars is the best value for money. Less than 200 grams heavier with all the aero advantage of the s-works bike, but for thousands of $ less. Have owned Cannondale, Trek and Bianchi. The Specialized is definitely the best of these brands, combining quality, handling, comfort (compliance) and performance (aero) unmatched in one bike by the others. Thanks again for the video. Cheers

[murcielago]

I had a recent oportunity to ride several top end bikes, incluing Dogma F, Colnago C68, Scott foil, Madone Gen 7 and Tarmac SL8. The Specialized is a nice bike overall but I did not impress me. As you mentioned, it is fast, nimble, tracks well but I felt every bump on the road amplified, it also felt a little "nervous" in long descends here in the local mountains near Los Angeles area compare to the other bikes. So, it is not a bike for me but it seams to attract young racers.