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Description

With the Tarmac SL8, Specialized has strategically incorporated aerodynamic features where they hold the greatest impact. Their meticulous approach has resulted in the development of our most aerodynamically efficient road bike to date, surpassing even the former Specialized Venge model in aerodynamic prowess. The design optimizes clean airflow with the introduction of the Tarmac's innovative front-end structure: the Speed Sniffer nose cone. By repositioning the steer tube, which dictates the width of the head tube, they have achieved a significantly sharper leading edge for the head tube, resulting in remarkably reduced aerodynamic drag. The Tarmac SL8 integrates the slimmest, most aerodynamically advanced seat post ever designed, enhancing the flow of turbulent air around the rider's legs for improved aerodynamic performance.

Drawing from the insights gained from the Aethos model, the Tarmac SL8 has been engineered for UCI-compliant assembly with a comprehensive aerodynamic configuration. The Specialized engineering team achieved a remarkable feat; an astonishingly lightweight frame weighing in at a mere 685 grams. This represents a staggering 15% reduction in weight compared to the Tarmac SL7. Implementing lessons learned from the Aethos project, Specialized prioritized weight reduction in critical areas such as the down tube, seat tube, and rear of the bike. The SL8 frame has exceptional load distribution efficiency, rendering additional carbon stiffness layers superfluous.

With a substantial enhancement in stiffness-to-weight ratio—experiencing a remarkable 33% improvement over the SL7—the Tarmac SL8 not only preserves its renowned handling characteristics and aggressive responsiveness but also elevates these attributes to an unparalleled level. The bike showcases heightened rigidity at the pedals and enhanced precision at the handlebars for excellent steering input. This performance is seamlessly amalgamated with a compliant riding experience, setting a new standard for comfort in competitive road cycling. Specialized's Rider-First Engineering approach ensures that riders of all sizes benefit from the same extraordinary ride quality and handling prowess. While seated, the Tarmac SL8 delivers a remarkable 6% increase in compliance, gliding over uneven road surfaces with an unmatched suppleness, a rare trait in the dynamic realm of race-oriented bikes. Retaining the proven geometry and accommodating 32mm tire clearance of the SL7 model, the Tarmac SL8 maintains adaptability and the flexibility to accommodate wider and higher-volume tires.

Tarmac SL8 Expert comes equipped with a complete SRAM Rival eTap AXS groupset, complete with a power meter. The C38 carbon tubeless-ready wheelset enhances performance and efficiency. Complementing the setup, the Tarmac stem paired with Specialized Expert Shallow Drop alloy handlebars ensures a combination of accessible performance and capability for any rider.

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Features

  • Tarmac SL8 10R Frameset
  • Tarmac SL8 Carbon seat post (15mm offset)
  • Specialized Expert Shallow Drop (alloy, 125x75mm reach)
  • Tarmac integrated stem (6-degree)
  • SRAM Rival AXS eTap groupset
  • Specialized Body Geometry Power Expert
  • Roval C38 Carbon Wheelset (21mm internal width)
  • Specialized S-Works Turbo Tires (26mm)
  • Supacaz Super Sticky Kush handlebar tape
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Geometry
Size 44cm 49cm 52cm 54cm 56cm 58cm 59cm 61cm
Wheel Size 700 700 700 700 700 700 700 700
Stack 491mm 504mm 517mm 534mm 555mm 581mm 568mm 602mm
Reach 369mm 378mm 383mm 387mm 398mm 405mm 413mm 411mm
Head Angle 70.5° 71.75° 72.5° 73° 73.5° 73.5° 73° 73°
Seat Angle 75.5° 75.5° 74° 74° 73.5° 73.5° 73.5° 73°
Top Tube Length 496mm 509mm 531mm 541mm 563mm 577mm 587mm 595mm
Head Tube Length 93mm 102mm 113mm 131mm 151mm 178mm 163mm 198mm
Standover 723mm 735mm 746mm 768mm 786mm 808mm 809mm 834mm
Fork Trail 71mm 63mm 58mm 58mm 55mm 55mm 55mm 52mm
Fork Offset 47mm 47mm 47mm 44mm 44mm 44mm 44mm 44mm
Bottom Bracket Drop 74mm 74mm 74mm 72mm 72mm 72mm 72mm 72mm
Front Center 572mm 574mm 577mm 579mm 592mm 606mm 610mm 613mm
Wheelbase 970mm 973mm 975mm 978mm 991mm 1006mm 1009mm 1013mm
Chainstay Length 410mm 410mm 410mm 410mm 410mm 410mm 410mm 410mm
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