500 Miles on the NEW Tarmac SL8: Is it Venge? Aethos? SL7?

500 miles on the new Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL8. Is it like the Venge? Like the Aethos? Or Like the SL7? Or a mix of them all. Does it live up to the hype and remain the industry leader?

Gear I’m Riding and Into (updated 10/2023):
*Some of these are affiliate links

Instagram: @outdoorbros_

[maxMax-nspg]

Honestly the only YouTuber I feel qualified to give a real opinion on the SL8

[PhotoColin]

I always appreciate how you structure your videos. So well planned and packing a ton in ~10 min.. Keep it up!

[HugoArraiolos-rvwm]

Amazing review, refreshing to see a objective unbiased review. Keep doing it! Tired of all these channels doing “reviews” by simply reading a script from the brands

[orlandostuart]

No stone left unturned. Thanks for an excellent review. NOBODY (really), nobody does it better!

[tomsjz]

I saw all the reviews for this bike, I waited for yours before I pulled the trigger on buying one . Great vid thank you!

[BOSKASAURUS]

Literally so refreshing to have an honest review without the marketing spiel others are doing right now. I’m undecided between and aethos and sl8 and this has helped a lot

[richardkeiser]

Great to have a review from someone with so much experience with the Specialized line-up. Thank you!

[pjohns]

Continue to enjoy your thoughts, keep them coming.

[anthonyagee]

My SL8 experience mirrors yours. My SW Aethos has sat in the garage untouched since I got my SL8. It literally does everything my Aethos does but better with the sole exception of comfort. This is saying a lot because the Aethos was formerly the best bike I've ever ridden. I do think the Roval cockpit is the star of the show.

[YtseHWSW]

I run the Rapide barstem on my bike (not a Specialized) since it was introduced a couple of months ago. It has totally transformed how it rides, handles and feels. I think you shoud compare the SL8 and SL7 with the same bar/stem combo to get a clear(er) picture.

[kennedystuart]

Excellent review as always. Truly love the honesty and unbiased review. Keep up the great work.

[jbaairways]

Best Un Biased review in the bike industry hands down. Thanks for touching on statics, I know the SL7 looks much better than the SL8.

[choebo]

These reviews are awesome. Thanks for sharing your perspective. Looking forward to seeing it the next time I’m in the OC and see you on the coffee crew ride!

[chrismccannIRL]

So I was on the fence on the SL8. Was weighing up an S Works 2023 SL8 at £10.5k (instead of £12k) and an S Works Aethos at £10k (instead of £12k). I wanted something different so was moving towards the Aethos… it then dropped to £8k as the new SRAM Red launched so I just had to order it. Arrives tomorrow with the savings enabling me to get a nice set of 45mm lightweight aero wheels (Vision Metron 45SL) and aero bar for the Aethos. Coming from an SL6 I’ll be curious to see the difference on a sprint or flat / rolling road but overall I’m looking forward to the hopefully comfortable 100km plus rides. Thanks for the content as always

[marcosav]

it gives it a lot of credibility and respect you do pay for your stuff and own it as we all do, instead of traditional 8 hours babbling reviews. Thanks.

[Veloworthy]

Can't wait to get my hands on this bike! Great video.

[SAnderson]

Picked my build up today but the great British weather let me down 🌧️. Out on it tomorrow and yes it looks better in the flesh. I did not get to see the frame before the bike was built and I am not disappointed at all.
Have a weight weenie build myself coming in at 6kgs on a 54cm frame with a set of 50/60 wheels.
Super excited to get on it Sunday

[byrontheduke]

Thanks a lot Chris for all your great content. Much appreciated buddy 🤙

[LOGICAL-JAY]

Im glad im not the only one that likes the esthetics of the SL7 more than the SL8..I like the SL8 but i prefer the SL7's seat stays, seat post, top and bottom tubes..they look more aero...i can't lie I do like the new SL8 roval one piece handlebar..but the fact that the SL8 is lighter and some what faster im sold..lol..i love my s-works SL7 so im in no rush to switch over..maybe next year when more colors come out..but its still a big "MAYBE"..LOL..

[kentao]

The way you explain things is exactly how I think. I appreciate your perspective.

I have been going back and forth on saving a bit on sl7 deals and just going to sl8. $500 difference between the sl7 and sl8 pro doesn’t seem like enough to go sl7.

Now, I need to decide whether I want Shimano or SRAM.