Nothing surpasses the speed of the Specialized Tarmac SL8 Road Bike, thanks to its exceptional blend of aerodynamics, lightweight design, and superior ride quality, previously deemed unattainable. After eight generations and over two decades of innovation, it’s not just the fastest Tarmac ever, it’s the world’s fastest race bike.
Specialized focus on aerodynamics where it counts, the leading edge, not just where it looks good. This approach has resulted in their most aerodynamic road bike to date. It is even more aerodynamic than the Venge. The Tarmac’s new nose cone, the Speed Sniffer, optimises clean air for maximum advantage. By moving the steer tube back, the leading edge of the head tube can be sharper, reducing drag. Utilising new UCI rules, the Tarmac SL8 features Specialized's narrowest, most aero seat post ever, ensuring that fast-moving, dirty air around the legs flows back more cleanly.
Drawing insights from the Aethos, the Tarmac SL8 is designed to meet the UCI weight limit with a full aero setup. The result is a mind-blowing, 685g frame, 15% lighter than the Tarmac SL7 and the lightest on the World Tour*. Prioritising lightweight design in the down tube, seat tube, and rear of the bike, the frame’s efficient load-carrying shape eliminates the need for extra carbon stiffness layers. *Unless you count the time Kasper Asgreen raced with the 585g Aethos frame during a Tour stage.
With a 33% improvement in stiffness-to-weight ratio over the SL7, the Tarmac SL8 elevates legendary handling, aggressive responsiveness, and World Championship-proven geometry. The bike is stiffer at the pedals, more precise at the bars, and offers a compliant ride in the saddle, setting a new benchmark for race bike comfort. Rider-First Engineering ensures that every rider, regardless of size, experiences the same unparalleled ride quality and handling. The Tarmac SL8 offers 6% more compliance, gliding over rough roads with a supple feel unique in the world of race bikes. The proven geometry and 32mm tyre clearance are identical to the SL7, ensuring easy adaptation and the flexibility to run higher volume tyres when needed.
There can be more variation between two male cyclists than between a male and a female cyclist. Gender alone doesn’t provide enough data for specialisation, making gender-specific bikes arbitrary and outdated. Every rider can benefit from the advanced features of the Tarmac SL8.
The S-Works Tarmac SL8 is equipped with top-tier components. A full SRAM RED AXS groupset with power meter (the lightest electronic groupset ever) and a Roval Rapide CLX II tubeless-ready wheelset complement the world’s fastest frame perfectly. All S-Works Tarmac SL8 models come with a Roval Rapide cockpit to save weight and ensure the fastest possible leading edge.
SRAM Red AXS.
Seamless Performance. Unmatched Precision. You demand that your performance reflects the full effort you put in, and that's why SRAM RED AXS was created. Every component has been meticulously engineered to deliver an effortless ride. More than just the lightest electronic groupset ever, SRAM have redesigned the controls for smooth, low-effort braking and ergonomic comfort that accommodates a wide range of hand sizes.
This generation of RED offers faster and more precise front shifting, fully wireless connectivity, and expanded gearing options to suit a variety of riding styles and needs. From precise and dependable power measurement to new shift points, every detail is crafted to ensure your energy is fully dedicated to your ride.