Discover the new Specialized Tarmac SL8
The World Cycling Championships in Glasgow saw the launch of the all-new Tarmac SL8 by Specialized. Billed as lighter, more aerodynamic and more maneuverable than its predecessor, the Tarmac SL7, released three years earlier, this bike was put to the test by just five riders in the competition for the rainbow jersey: Remco Evenepoel, Kasper Asgreen, Julian Alaphilippe, Peter Sagan and Sam Bennett. Discover all the features of the new star bike in Specialized's road range here ;)
The perfect combination of lightness and aerodynamics
Although aerodynamics and lightness are crucial factors, victory depends on overall efficiency. Achieving optimum speed requires an uncompromising balance between aerodynamics, lightness, stiffness and flexibility. Guided by complex simulations based on real-world data, Specialized's Ride Science team claims that the
Tarmac SL8 has been designed to be the world's fastest racing bike in real-world conditions
.
After a decade of research in their own Win Tunnel, Specialized engineers have embraced cutting-edge technologies to reinvent the concept of aerodynamics. Unlike simple aesthetic research, the brand has placed aerodynamics where it really counts . A striking example is the new head tube, the Speed Sniffer, designed to achieve aerodynamics surpassing even those offered by the Venge, Specialized's former ultra-aero model of a few years ago.
Specialized's approach optimizes each shape for airflow to maximize aerodynamic advantage. By moving the fork pivot to the rear of the head tube, they've created a more aerodynamic edge , dramatically reducing drag. The innovative Rapide cockpit , available on S-Works models, further reduces drag by eliminating the front bolt, adding four watts of efficiency to the already powerful combination of Tarmac stem and Rapide handlebar.
A fast, ultra-light frame
Specialized has optimized the Tarmac tubes for their aerodynamic contribution. With the new UCI rules, the Tarmac SL8 seatpost is the same width as the SL7 seatpost, creating a narrow, aerodynamic seatpost for optimal airflow. This design necessitated moving the Di2 battery into the seat tube, also lowering the center of gravity. These improvements enable the Tarmac SL8 to be 16.6 seconds faster than the SL7 over 40 km , while prioritizing weight and handling.
With the Aethos, Specialized had already created an extremely lightweight frame, combining mountain performance with ease of handling. With the SL8, the aim was to offer an extremely aerodynamic bike, easily complying with UCI minimum requirements , while integrating the addition of a power sensor, pedals and other elements necessary for racing. By optimizing the aerodynamic parts of the down tube, seat tube and rear end, they were able to reduce weight while maintaining essential aerodynamic levels. The lightest version of the Tarmac S-Works SL8 weighs just 685 g, a 15% weight reduction on the SL7. The complete frame, including fork, seatpost and cockpit, is 250 g lighter than the previous model.
The Fact 10r carbon Pro version, an alternative to the S-Works Fact 12r, weighs in at 780g. Both models share the same geometry and handling . The S-Works 12r frame, with the finest materials and most advanced construction techniques, is around 100 g lighter than the 10r frame. In addition, Tarmac retains a BSA-format bottom bracket, guaranteeing reliability and durability for both Pro and S-Works models.
With this new bike, Specialized offers a qualitative marriage between lightness and aerodynamics, going even further than the feats already achieved with the Tarmac SL7 and the Aethos. There's no doubt that the Tarmac SL8 will set a new benchmark among competitive road bikes!
Discover the Specialized Tarmac SL8 on our online store! You can also store the entire range of Specialized bikes ;)
Subscribe now
and receive our latest news before anyone else!
▪️ Get 10% off your 1st online order*.
▪️ Receive our best offers every week, before anyone else
▪️ Discover our exclusive favorites
▪️ Keep up to date with news from your favorite Quilicot store
▪️ Receive our best maintenance tips for your bike