The new Specialized Tarmac SL8 Was it worth the wait?

Product news: Cycling fans all over the world had been waiting longingly for the new road bike from the US manufacturer Specialized. The new all-rounder of the brand, the Specialized Tarmac SL8, was presented at the World Cycling Championships in Glasgow. According to the manufacturer, thanks to various improvements, it should be “the fastest racing bike in the world”.

The first generation of the Specialized Tarmac came onto the market back in 2005, at that time still in the form of the S-Works E5. Over the years, the bike has not only been continuously developed, but has also been able to celebrate successes like no other racing bike in the professional peloton. Thanks to its holistic approach, the SL7 was already one of the most driven models because it is made for every terrain. However, the new Specialized Tarmac SL8 wants to step up its game in the key areas of weight, aerodynamics, comfort and stiffness and thus have the "fastest bike in the world" in its own ranks.

The weight comparison between SL8 and SL7

Similar to the predecessor, the US manufacturer is also focusing on the SL8 as an all-rounder and, in this context, on a complete revision in the decisive areas. However, corrections are only made where it is really necessary.

17 seconds over 40 kilometers, 128 seconds at Milan-San Remo and 20 seconds at the Col du Tourmalet - these are some of the numbers that the US manufacturer quotes in connection with its new Specialized Tarmac SL8, because these are exactly the values the new racing model is supposed to compare save for the SL7. The main reason for this is certainly the improvements in the areas of weight and aerodynamics.

The new S-Works frame in size 56 weighs an impressive 685 grams, which is almost 170 grams less than the already light predecessor. The "cheaper" Fact 10r carbon frame is also surprisingly light at just 100 grams more and thus 780 grams and can therefore keep up well with some top models from other manufacturers. According to the manufacturer, the top model should have a total weight of less than 6,6 kilos.

In addition to the weight, an increased focus was again placed on the aerodynamics. On the one hand, the new Roval Aero Cockpit plays an important role here, on the other hand, a so-called “Nose Cone” is used on the new SL8. This rocket tip is said to be primarily responsible for the improved aero values, because the bulge on the front of the racer is intended to direct the airflow more effectively around the frame and driver.

However, in order not to negatively affect the ride quality through all the improvements on paper, the stiffness-to-weight factor has also been improved by more than 30 percent, which should ensure better power transmission. According to Specialized, a comfort of 6% is said to have been made possible by the newly designed aero seat post.

The new Specialized Tarmac SL8 – the models at a glance

Compared to the SL7 lineup, there are also some changes in the new model range. On the one hand, the Comp entry-level models have been dropped, and there will no longer be a Shimano Ultegra Di2 variant among the Expert models. All models are equipped with a power meter from 4iiii or Quarq. The maximum tire clearance is officially 32 millimeters, while the models are each supplied with 26mm tires from the company.