{"id":54049,"date":"2023-09-06T17:00:08","date_gmt":"2023-09-06T15:00:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/?p=745387"},"modified":"2023-09-06T17:35:43","modified_gmt":"2023-09-06T15:35:43","slug":"bike-of-the-week-up-close-with-the-specialized-tarmac-sl8s-go-faster-nose","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/rss_feed\/bike-of-the-week-up-close-with-the-specialized-tarmac-sl8s-go-faster-nose\/","title":{"rendered":"Bike of the Week | Up close with the Specialized Tarmac SL8\u2019s go-faster nose"},"content":{"rendered":"

Specialized’s ‘fastest ever’ S-Works Tarmac SL8 frame weighs just 685g <\/p>

By Oscar Huckle\n \t\t<\/p>

Published: Wednesday, 06 September 2023 at 15:00 PM<\/p>

\n\n

The hotly anticipated Specialized Tarmac SL8 focuses on low weight, compliance, stiffness and speed to make it the \u201cfastest bike [it has] ever produced\u201d.<\/p>\n

Specialized has largely stuck with the winning ingredients of the Tarmac SL7<\/a> but set out to increase compliance and improve aerodynamics, primarily through the use of its elongated Speed Sniffer head tube and a new integrated bar-stem.<\/p>\n

The brand has also trimmed the fat, resulting in a feathery 685g claimed frame weight for a size 56cm.<\/p>\n

The second-tier FACT 10r frames have undergone a revamp too, with a 780g claimed frame weight (also in a size 56cm), 20g lighter than the SL7.<\/p>\n

Tarmac SL7 meets Aethos?<\/h2>\n
\"Specialized\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>
Only the best carbon for an S-Works.<\/span><\/figcaption> Scott Windsor \/ Our Media <\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

The Specialized Tarmac SL8<\/a> is the latest iteration of the brand\u2019s all-rounder race bike.<\/p>\n

The S-Works Tarmac SL8 continues to be constructed from what Specialized calls its FACT 12r carbon fibre.<\/p>\n

Specialized says it has overhauled the bike\u2019s \u2018leading edges\u2019, with the brand claiming the SL8 is 16.6 seconds faster than the third-generation Venge<\/a> aero bike at 45km\/h.<\/p>\n

The SL8\u2019s tube profiles are marginally rounder and more svelte than the SL7\u2019s, which makes them lighter and enables them to bear the load of the rider more efficiently, according to Specialized.<\/p>\n

\"Specialized\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>
The tube shapes are more slender than the Tarmac SL7.<\/span><\/figcaption> Scott Windsor \/ Our Media <\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

The Aethos-inspired tube shapes are said to improve compliance, with Specialized claiming a 6 per cent increase in comfort through the saddle over the SL7.<\/p>\n

Specialized has also stiffened up the bottom bracket, head tube and fork, claiming a 33 per cent stiffness-to-weight ratio gain.<\/p>\n

\n
\n
\"Specialized\n<\/picture><\/div>
That head tube is sure to stir debate. <\/span> <\/figcaption> Scott Windsor \/ Our Media <\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption>\n<\/figure> <\/div>
\n
\"Specialized\n<\/picture><\/div>
Not a hose in sight. <\/span> <\/figcaption> Scott Windsor \/ Our Media <\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption>\n<\/figure> <\/div>
\n
\"Roval\n<\/picture><\/div>
The Roval Rapide cockpit is designed to help you increase speed.<\/span> <\/figcaption> Scott Windsor \/ Our Media <\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption>\n<\/figure> <\/div> <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>

The head tube, dubbed the Speed Sniffer, is said to improve aerodynamics thanks to its pronounced leading edge that almost hangs over the fork.<\/p>\n

Also claimed to improve aerodynamics is the revised seat tube, which sports a narrower profile and houses a new proprietary seatpost.<\/p>\n

\"BSA\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>
The threaded bottom bracket of the SL7 ports over to the SL8.<\/span><\/figcaption> Scott Windsor \/ Our Media <\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Tyre clearance remains at 32mm and the bike uses a BSA threaded bottom bracket standard<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Specialized says it has preserved the geometry and handling<\/a> characteristics of the Tarmac SL7 for the new race bike, but with the stack increased by 10mm to account for the new Roval Rapide cockpit.<\/p>\n

\n
\"Roval\n<\/picture><\/div>
The front-end of the bike is seriously clean. <\/span> <\/figcaption> Scott Windsor \/ Our Media <\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption>\n<\/figure> <\/div>
\n
\"Roval\n<\/picture><\/div>
Specialized includes a computer mount. <\/span> <\/figcaption> Scott Windsor \/ Our Media <\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption>\n<\/figure> <\/div>
\n
\"Roval\n<\/picture><\/div>
The hydraulic hoses are funnelled underneath. <\/span> <\/figcaption> Scott Windsor \/ Our Media <\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption>\n<\/figure> <\/div> <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>

The Roval Rapide integrated bar-stem replaces the two-piece setup of the SL7. Specialized claims the new design saves 4 watts. There are 15 options to choose from, with bar widths ranging from 38cm to 44cm and stem lengths of 75mm to 135mm.<\/p>\n

What is Bike of the Week?<\/h3>\n

Every fortnight, we\u2019ll bring you a detailed first look at one of the latest bikes (or framesets) to arrive at BikeRadar HQ \u2013 from road to commuting, gravel to enduro, and anything in between.<\/p>\n

This is our chance to introduce the bike and everything that makes it unique before hitting the road or trails.<\/p>\n

Head to our\u00a0Bike of the Week hub<\/a> for previous editions.<\/p>\n

<\/p><\/div> <\/section>

A heady spec for a heady price<\/h2>\n
\"Specialized\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>
We\u2019ve been sent the top-of-the-range Dura-Ace Di2 model.<\/span><\/figcaption> Scott Windsor \/ Our Media <\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

We\u2019ve got the all-bells-and-whistles S-Works Tarmac SL8 Dura-Ace Di2 in for testing, which retails for \u00a312,000\/$14,000\/\u20ac14,000\/AU$19,900.<\/p>\n

There\u2019s also a SRAM Red eTap AXS<\/a> equivalent build for the same price.<\/p>\n

An S-Works frameset retails for \u00a34,750\/$5,500\/\u20ac5,500\/AU$8,900, while the FACT 10r carbon variant will set you back \u00a33,000\/$3,500\/\u20ac4,000\/AU$5,600.<\/p>\n

The model we have features a Satin Fog Tint\/Green Ghost Pearl\/Red Ghost Pearl Fade paintjob \u2013 essentially a pearlescent matt white that glimmers in the sun.<\/p>\n

\n
\"Specialized\n<\/picture><\/div>
The gear ratios are slanted more towards racing. <\/span> <\/figcaption> Scott Windsor \/ Our Media <\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption>\n<\/figure> <\/div>
\n
\"Shimano\n<\/picture><\/div>
Shimano increased the front shifting speed on the R9200.<\/span> <\/figcaption> Scott Windsor \/ Our Media <\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption>\n<\/figure> <\/div>
\n
\"Shimano\n<\/picture><\/div>
The Dura-Ace shifters are a comfortable perch for your hands. <\/span> <\/figcaption> Scott Windsor \/ Our Media <\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption>\n<\/figure> <\/div>
\n
\"Shimano\n<\/picture><\/div>
Dura-Ace hydraulic disc brakes round out the groupset. <\/span> <\/figcaption> Scott Windsor \/ Our Media <\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption>\n<\/figure> <\/div>
\n
\"4iii\n<\/picture><\/div>
Specialized includes a 4iii power meter. <\/span> <\/figcaption> Scott Windsor \/ Our Media <\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption>\n<\/figure> <\/div> <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>

As the model name suggests, our test bike comes with Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 R9200<\/a>. The electronic groupset<\/a> pairs a race-oriented 52\/36t chainring with an 11-30t cassette<\/a> and also includes a 4iii Precision Pro dual-sided power meter<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"Roval\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>
Roval\u2019s Rapide CLX II wheels are a fitting choice.<\/span><\/figcaption> Scott Windsor \/ Our Media <\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Specialized\u2019s in-house components brand Roval provides the Rapide CLX II<\/a> wheelset. These 60mm-deep hooked carbon rims have a 21mm internal rim width<\/a>, and the front and rear wheels have distinctly different shapes to reduce drag and increase stability, according to Specialized.<\/p>\n

The AeroFlange hubs feature ceramic bearings<\/a> and DT Swiss Ratchet EXP freehub internals, laced to the rim with DT Swiss Aerolite spokes.<\/p>\n

\"Specialized\u2019s\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>
Fast tyres only, please!<\/span><\/figcaption> Scott Windsor \/ Our Media <\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Specialized\u2019s S-Works Turbo RapidAir 2BR tyres are installed onto the rims in a rather narrow 26mm width.<\/p>\n

Elsewhere, an S-Works Power saddle with carbon rails is fitted to the proprietary 15mm-offset seatpost.<\/p>\n

\"Specialized\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>
A 3D-printed Mirror saddle could be a worthwhile upgrade.<\/span><\/figcaption> Scott Windsor \/ Our Media <\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

The Roval Rapide cockpit is wrapped in Supacaz Super Sticky Kush handlebar tape<\/a>.<\/p>\n

On the BikeRadar scales, our size 56cm Tarmac SL8 weighs in at 6.76kg, without pedals. That\u2019s a smidgen under the UCI weight limit, however once fitted with a set of the best road bike pedals<\/a> and two bottle cages<\/a>, it will likely hover around the 7kg mark.<\/p>\n

Senior technical editor Ashley Quinlan took a first ride<\/a> on the bike in Glasgow, Scotland and will be bringing you his full verdict after further testing.<\/p> <\/body><\/html>\n

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