The next generation Specialized Tarmac is here. And as you might expect, the new bike is lighter, faster, and more comfortable thanks to a number of Improvements. Starting with lessons learned from past bike development like the Aethos and Venge, Specialized states that they created an all-new development process called Front-Loading Development.
Front-Loading Development
Calling it a “loop between virtual carbon modeling and a virtual FEA and CFD test lab using ply-by-ply numerical models,” Front-Loading Development allowed Specialized to start with a number of design targets while creating a virtual testing world where they can examine up to 500 different layers. These layers can then be modified and tested in hours rather than days or weeks, which allowed Specialized to rapidly develop the new frame.
They claim to have started with the carbon layup from the Specialized Aethos, and then worked their way up, increasing stiffness where it was needed. After 54 iterations, the Tarmac SL8 hit all of their performance targets making it 16.6 seconds faster over a 40km course, 15% lighter, 33% better stiffness-to-weight ratio, and 6% more compliant than the outgoing Tarmac SL7.
Lightest Bike in the Peloton?
That 685g frame weight for a 56cm has led Specialized to claim that it is the lightest bike on Tour. That weight is for the 12r Carbon frames, but the 10r Carbon frames aren’t far behind – adding just 100g per frame. Fork weights are also low with a 358g 12r fork with 240mm steerer, or a 371g 10r fork. The end goal was to create a race-ready bike at 6.8kg including things like a power meter, water bottle cages, computer mount, etc. Specialized seems to have met that goal with a claimed complete weight of 6806g for a 56cm bike. Compare that to the Tarmac SL7 at 7055g, and the Venge at 7300g.
Complete bike weights are claimed to be roughly:
- S-Works Di2 – 6.6kg
- S-Works eTap – 6.8kg
- Pro eTap – 7.4kg
- Pro Di2 – 7.2kg
- Expert eTap – 7.7kg
Even the paint has been obsessed over when it comes to weight, with the Specialized design team testing multiple finish options to deliver the most color with the fewest grams.
Specialized’ Most Aerodynamic Bike Yet
More important than just being lighter, the new SL8 is more aerodynamic as well – to the point that Specialized is calling it their most aero bike ever. That all starts with the amusingly-named Speed Sniffer, essentially a pointed head tube. By pushing the steerer tube back in the head tube, Specialized could make the leading edge pointier, with a profile they’re calling the Speed Sniffer.
While the head tube has a more aero profile, the downtube of the bike looks decidedly less-aero. According to Specialized, they’re putting “aero where it matters,” which means that the aero seat tube and downtube may not look more aero, but in the real world the dirty air that surrounds them makes it less of an advantage. And when you factor in the reduced comfort from the larger tube profiles, they claim the smaller tubes make for an overall faster ride in the real world
Along those lines, the seat tube is also substantially smaller with the seatpost of the SL7 the same size as the seat tube on the SL8. Available in seven sizes, the SL8 continues the Rider-First Engineered philosophy with each frame size optimized for the size and weight of the rider on board.
Geometry
When it comes to geometry, Specialized took an if-it-isn’t-broke-don’t-fix-it mentality. That means the SL8 features the same geometry as the outgoing SL7. Specialized also points out that there are no “women’s” versions of the new SL8, and that “creating male or female bikes is arbitrary and outdated.” As such, any rider will use whatever SL8 frame size fits them the best.
Frame Details
The frame itself features tire clearance for up to 700c x 32mm, it’s Di2 compatible with a battery mount in the seat tube, and it has a removable front derailleur mount if you want to run it 1x. Notably, the Tarmac SL8 is only compatible with electronic drivetrains and hydraulic disc brakes – no mechanical cable routing options here. Additional frame specs include a 68mm BSA threaded BB, 142 x 12mm rear and 100 x 12mm front thru-axles, and Shimano Flat Mount disc brake standard for 140/160mm rotors in the rear. The front brake is only compatible with 160mm flat-mount brakes.
Models & Pricing
Initially, the SL8 Tarmac will be offered in five different builds with two S-Works models, two Pro models, and one Expert. As mentioned above, all models will have an electronic drivetrain because that’s all the frames will accept. Pricing starts at $6,500 for the Expert, and tops out at $14,000 for the S-Works Tarmac SL8. According to Specialized, these will all be available online and in-store starting today!
S-WORKS TARMAC SL8 – SRAM RED ETAP AXS – $14,000
S-WORKS TARMAC SL8 – SHIMANO DURA-ACE DI2 – $14,000
TARMAC SL8 PRO – ULTEGRA DI2 – $8,500
TARMAC SL8 PRO – SRAM FORCE ETAP AXS – $8,500
TARMAC SL8 EXPERT – $6,500
S-WORKS TARMAC SL8 (12r) FRAMESET – $5,500
