Is the Specialized Tarmac SL8 REALLY Better Than the SL7?

[@bicyclestation]

Have gotten a ton of comments about the computer mount. I just tested it with a Garmin and its slightly better but still not good. Ignoring the glare factor I would still never run my bike computer at that angle and my complaint is more about the lack of adjustability then anything else.

[@Robert-mn8gc]

Send a complaint in2 Specialized & see what they say or see if u can get one printed in Carbon Fibre & start selling them .

[@bicyclestation]

I did. They said they we’re gonna look into it.

[@simonwarmer8777]

Hi, what kind of saddle is that on the SL7? I’ve crashed my bike and it’s hard to find a replacement for my s-works toupe saddle. It’s discontinued as you know. This one looks like it.

[@JC-pt2tw]

My computer screen has smudges on it now but I totally felt the hand paintedness

[@sharpersharpen3876]

that black frame color looks actually so nice than official photo, thanks for sharing :)

[@crane1bl]

Looking forward to a comparison of two really top notch bikes. Brisk beluga vs aero bidet, battle of the titans 💪

[@bicyclestation]

Me to. I keep wanting to spill the beans on my thoughts but I want Trey to ride the tarmac and be in the video because he’s actually a good road racer. I don’t feel confident in being an authority in road racing.

[@kennyvdh]

I was hoping for a road test, with a lots of data. Maybe I missed it.

[@Po.2013]

i love the angle on the computer mount. On Garmin you don't have problems with visibility.

[@legslloyd6701]

I’m sure someone has already said that the mount is adjustable. I just fitted mine on a SL7 and had the same problem. I took the front clamp off and adjusted it.

[@andyk1615]

I like the way my SL7 rides (not an s-works frame) - it's very responsive and goes exactly where you point it, but it's not very is not very compliant - you feel every bump in the road, even after running tubeless 30mm tyres at lower pressures and upgrading the saddle. It's OK if you ride short 20-40 mile rides but once you get above that, it starts to take it out of you. One might be quicker over short distances but there's a strong argument that over bigger distances us mere mortals would be faster on a more compliant and comfortable bike as you won't fatigue as quickly. If the SL8 is really more complaint as a result of changes to the seat stays and seatpost, without compromising stiffness, responsiveness and speed, then I personally would replace my SL7

[@LOGICAL-JAY]

I totally agree 💯...i do 30 to 40 miles 3xs out the week and after 20miles i feel it..the bike literally beats me up..lol..i have to take breaks, drink cittrilline, beet juice and espresso to regain my energy..im currently looking into buying a trek madone SLR (frame and wheel swap) just to enjoy longer rides..😢

[@saltlake6577]

LOL 😂

[@saltlake6577]

Get a Charisma with wheels

[@rafacycle]

Everyone says the geometry is the same… it is not it is actually same as aethos. Which is few mm different in reach and 1 cm different in stack - more comfortable direction. Not a big difference but it is not exactly the same.

[@LOGICAL-JAY]

Yep..so true..the SL8 is slightly less aggressive than the SL7..I even feel less stretched out and slightly more comfortable on my SL8

[@wilson68876]

Very very good!! I love Spelicalized, i love FactCarbon 12R 11R Sl7 Sl8, Chiseil, Epic, Etc......

[@alocrazy458]

Thank you for posting the sl8 video 🙏

[@NoahStephens]

It must be wonderful to ride these fantastic bikes. Looking forward to the Madone comparison. Subscribed

[@klx-y]

ill put tha handlebar on my Specialized alley sprint rim brake version

[@guantisengkun4342]

I switched from an Sworks SL7 to an s works SL8, for me personally I honestly prefer the SL7. In a size 52, the downtube of the SL8 looks very thin. So thin it basically look like an SL6 with larger head tube, making it seem disproportionate. I don’t like it. Yes it is more comfortable then the SL7, but it is not stiffer. SL7 feels more responsive, agile and alive. Then again comfort is subjective. A guy with 28mm tubeless tire can feel more comfort on an sl7 then another with a 25mm clincher running 120psi on SL8 or aethos. I am personally running 30mm tubeless so comfort is never an issue regardless. Is it more aero? I honestly can’t tell the difference and I really dislike companies marketing their bike as “more aero”. Being aero is optimising your position. The rider takes 80% of the wind, followed by your wheels and ur frame. Look, if you are on an SL7. It is not worth the upgrade (or downgrade). You are better off getting the one piece roval aero bar when specialize release a special spacer compatible with SL7. That is where the claimed watt savings came from. If you are on aethos, sl6 or anything lower , and you want the latest tech, by all means go for it. I manage to sell my SL8 frameset in a blink of an eye because it was the limited edition project black and went to SL7. I personally love the SL7 now and I do not find any good reason to stick to the SL8. Ps : coming from a Dogma F.

[@bicyclestation]

I road them back to back and the SL8 is definitely stiffer. And I don’t think specialized was claiming it was significantly faster then the old bike. It was super marginal in their data. The bar on the SL7 probably would be the same as the SL8. What’s super clear and easy to measure is the weight. The new bike is lighter.

[@ciw8688]

Did you buy the swork sl8 or the lower tier one?

[@guantisengkun4342]

@@ciw8688 s-works

[@sangbangerz]

@@bicyclestation Yup, it's pretty much an SL7 that is noticeably stiffer and lighter - with the latter being objectively measurable. For many, that's enough of a difference to sell and upgrade.

[@bicyclestation]

If you’ve had a sl7 for the last three years and a looking for something new but familiar I’d say it’s a no brainer.

[@rotikk]

Well, the alignment of the cockpit compared to that Zipp stem bizare on SL7 makes this SL8 much more beautiful bike!

[@tonylo6013]

Fair review.

[@bicyclestation]

Thanks! Honestly the bike is a refinement on a all ready great bike. Nothing crazy complicated haha.

[@huseyinsubasi7]

Amazing paintjob. Well done specialized.

[@455LT1]

Darker colors look much better on the SL8. The speed sniffer is not attractive but this color hides it pretty well. Compared to the SL7, which was aesthetically perfect, the SL8 had big shoes to fill.

[@cyclingseth4580]

SL6 is the best

[@aaron8987]

Hello, I’ve got an SL8 getting built next week and was wondering for travelling/ flying with this bike. Is it easy enough to take the handlebars off but, leave the brake hoses attached with the new roval aero bar or would you recommend using the SL7 stem & handlebar step-up? The bike box doesn’t have room to keep handlebar’s on. Cheers, Aaron 🇬🇧

[@bicyclestation]

It’s actually easier to take it on and off then the tarmac stem. Just make sure you cut the hoses super long to make it easier

[@aaron8987]

Oh, great! Thank you.

[@holderbert9368]

Sorry if i missed but what size Frame is the SL8 you are riding in the Video?

[@bicyclestation]

56

[@asa226]

Waiting for the madone vs SL8 !!

[@fozfactor]

He's sad because it's not an SL6 with rim brakes.

[@timtaylor9590]

You could prolly rig a spacer on the bolt threads closer to head set between the stem and mount. That should angle it enough.

[@bicyclestation]

I’d rather call specialized and tell them to fix.

[@mikeoleary340]

@@bicyclestation I think you put the SL7 computer mount on vs. the SL8. I just purchased the Roval Cockpit for my SL7. It comes with a computer mount that has an upward angle on it. The SL7 mount is straight thus the negative angle when you installed on cockpit. My Garmin will be visible just like it is on the SL7 Roval Rapide handlbar.

[@bicyclestation]

@@mikeoleary340 The mount in this video was the one supplied in the Roval Rapide box. Can you send me a pic of what you have? I really think theres some error with mine hahaha.

[@mikeoleary340]

@@bicyclestation I just dropped off my bike and cockpit to my LBS for install. Once I have it back I can post a pic of the setup.

[@bicyclestation]

Rad!

[@txcolnago]

very nice video thank you

[@bicyclestation]

Glad you liked it!

[@czts4778]

Which color do you recommend?

[@Thieb25]

Hi, thanks a lot for this review ! I am looking to purchase a new bike but I am still hesitating between Aethos and SL8. What would you recommend? I love climbing so I thought Aethos was for me, but the performances of the SL8 in climbing seems amazing as well, with the aero benefits that the Aethos does not have! What would you recommend ?

[@CarlosGonzalez-jg3kr]

If you like climbing definitely aethos.

[@sinankececi4041]

İs it possible to put that plastic cable routing part on sl8 to sl7 ?

[@ivanpiacentino4589]

Hi, what bar tape are u using in the vid? Looks nice! Thx

[@bicyclestation]

burgh.cc

[@Grant-bu4nj]

What’s the build spec of your SL8 Looking forward to long-term review

[@LOGICAL-JAY]

I dont know if its because youre using a Garmin computer but i see fine using my wahoo..i see my wahoo element's screen perfectly clear..🤔🤔🤔

[@tnxuan]

What bike computer do you have on it that you cant see the screen? I ask because i have wahoo and it has an anti glare whereas i dont think garmin does. Would like to know.

[@bicyclestation]

Hammerhead Karoo two. I admit we didn’t try another computer but I’ve never had an issue with glare with the Karoo. The angel on the mount is pointed so far down I assumed that was the cause.

[@tnxuan]

@@bicyclestation thanks. Are you able to update? Would be good to know. Great video content btw.

[@bicyclestation]

I’ll give it a go with a wahoo and a Garmin tomorrow. Will post and update here

[@Robert-mn8gc]

My SL7 S-WORKS 54CM TARMAC IS 6.755 kilos . U guys build is 2 heavy . So Heaven knows what u guys are doing. That's complete with Pedals, Carbon Bottle Cages & Computer Mount. S-WORKS Printed Power Saddle. Worked out the build specs myself. Shimano Dura Ace Di2 12 Groupset. Roval Rapide CLX Aero Wheelsets 1st edition 1400 grams Would never use Sram .

[@civilian36vf]

What is the eta on the SL8 vs Madone video. Trying to choose between both myself and looking for a perspective from someone who has ridden both. Subscribed, cheers.

[@bicyclestation]

What’s your goal with the bike. What can help

[@civilian36vf]

@bicyclestation goal is an all round upgrade to my 2015 S3 focusing on road races and crits in Cat 1/2. Heard some complaints about trek build quality and flex in the bars while sprinting, while specialized build quality seems good. Other than shat basically seems like the sl8 is lighter while the madone might be a little more aero, but hard to put a finger on that. Sprinting and descending/cornering is what I enjoy most when riding.

[@bicyclestation]

I think the tarmac is more lively feeling. The Madone goes fast in a straight line

[@RubenRakow]

Quick question, you are riding a 56 - how tall are you in cm? Thanks!

[@AntonioCarlos-ii6yw]

Tarmac SL7 for me

[@robertphillips3078]

My SL7 S-WORKS 54CM Weighs 6.83 kilos ride away . So l dont know where u come up with a kilo heavier . There's a few tricks 2 getting it that low . Did my home work

[@bicyclestation]

I weighed my SL7 and then build the SL8 with the same parts then weighed it on the same scale. Can’t argue against that.

[@Dustydayzz]

That Zipp stem is super visually intrusive 😂. Looks like a hand axe

[@bicyclestation]

Haha I know. I love it for being so bizarre

[@JFomo]

I now wish I had bought the Zipp 454s over the 353s.

[@bicyclestation]

They are both rad. But I think the 353s are better as off-road wheels

[@JFomo]

@@bicyclestation yeh thats what I've been telling myself. If I get around to building a gravel bike I'll move those wheels over.

[@bicyclestation]

They are amazing. I have way more miles in the 353s but really love them for gravel. Honestly should give them a go on the road. It wasn’t that long ago that we were mtb with 25 internal rim lol.

[@jorgebarbosa7406]

Does anyone know if the internal seat post clamp is the same as the sl8??

[@bicyclestation]

I don’t think it is. The posts are totally different shapes

[@kimwarner6050]

I've joined the darkside . I never thought i would buy a specialized bike. But the SL8 seems to have everything i want in a bike, plus the pink color is amazing. Unfortunately cant build mine until my wheels show up.

[@bicyclestation]

Call the company and get them to ship your wheels faster lol. But yea I think pretty much anyone will enjoy this bike.

[@zeuszuki6698]

How does it compare to a specialized Sworks SL6 Ultralight ?

[@bicyclestation]

I never had that bike so I can’t speak on it

[@louis1904]

Sworks SL6 Ultralight edition was the Last rim brake Specialized made. I own it and is in 6.1 kg with powermeter, pedals and bottle cages. I have tried SL7 but SL6 is more responsive and light by far... I own another top bikes and the SL6 is the perfect bike!!!

[@simonwarmer8777]

@@louis1904same here, sl6 rb light fast bike 👍

[@rg807]

You can probably have a mount 3D printed for $100-$200. I know Specialized needs to fix it, but if they don't, that's an option.

[@bendardania]

What’s up with zipp stem on sl7? Looks very diff…. I didn’t say ugly. :)

[@bicyclestation]

Haha naw your good. We do a ton of business with Zipp so I try and rep their stuff. It’s an acquired taste for sure. That bike was a full zipp theme.

[@bendardania]

@@bicyclestation understood, I am in the same situation with the brands I work with. Cheers mate, I can’t wait for the sl8 ride review. Enjoy

[@littlevo9]

❤sl7

[@DanTuber]

How does sl8 compare to the aethos?

[@bicyclestation]

Honestly with the new sl8 and the crux in the line up I don’t think the atheos really makes sense to me. The tarmac is so close to that bike now and the tarmac is significantly faster. The crux is the same bike with more versatility. The atheos will go down as a really important bike for specialized in the sense that they took that carbon layup and made all of their other bikes way better. But I think it’s kinda out classed by the Tarmac now.

[@stevocanuck]

sl7/8 or factor ostro? Help me decide!!!!

[@bicyclestation]

I cant comment on the ostro but it does look like a good bike. The only definitive thing I know is that the Tarmac is gonna have better resale value. The SL7 frame in this video sold in less then 2 days.

[@Ghostina1]

The worst routing is by far the TREK SLR Handlbar, followed by the F12 Most Talon..

[@tarpontime7562]

What saddle do you have?

[@bicyclestation]

Bontrager Aeolus rsl 145

[@peterkulczycki6244]

Short answer "No, but the marketing is."

[@bicyclestation]

How far back do you have to go to find one that was actually better then the old one in your opinion then. Was it the jump between the sl3 to sl4? Or did the bike become good when they went to sl5?

[@TheBarts27]

The headtube of the SL8 is not special because Pinarello is doing this for years with the Dogma. :-)

[@RevelCris]

my madone is 16 lbs and i actively have to brake in a paceline, it goes too fast lol

[@bicyclestation]

Don’t spoil my video lol

[@sleepdeprived9181]

That head tube is definitely off-putting. You took my words out of my mouth, Beluga whale is an accurate description. It looks like as if Cervelo R5 and S5 made a child, but the child only inherited the ugly head tube of the S5.

[@LawyerinMotion]

what size is it?

[@bicyclestation]

56

[@ryantyler2657]

tarmac sl8 or the emonda ?

[@bicyclestation]

I think the tarmac sits pretty much right in between the Emonda and Madone. I think it’s really close but I’d prefer this tarmac over the emonda I had when that bike first came out.

[@rd_rae]

Fyi, build ready at 11:50 😉

[@Numeriwar]

It's a sworks SL6 with some marketing BS

[@bicyclestation]

It looks different to me.

[@Numeriwar]

@@bicyclestation the only difference is the bulge on the headtube

[@karl8805]

Get yourself a garmin.. no issue reading a garmin at that angle 👍

[@bicyclestation]

Just tested it, its still not good.

[@robertphillips3078]

The way 2 get an SL8 LIGHTER is not to get sucked in2 the 51/60 Roval Rapide CLX 2 Aero Wheelsets. 1520 grams tubeless . The 1st Generation were 1400 grams . I have ×2 pairs . And know they aren't 4 sale .

[@bicyclestation]

No one was asking if they were for sale?

[@Robert-mn8gc]

@@bicyclestation Gee u took the bait. I personally don't like Tubeless setups . Messy and have 2 be re done ( Goop ) internal every 4/6 months . Hope u enjoy Ur SL8 SWORKS TARMAC. 2 Ways 2 get the weight down . Use Time Xpro 15 pedals 184 grams & Carbon Ti Rotors. With my 2nd set of Roval Rapide CLX Aero Wheelset l have the Carbon Ti Rotors. Bike weight is 6.755 kilos. If l chose 2 build up an SL8 SWORKS TARMAC l could build a ride away weight of 6.55 kilos complete using my 2nd set of Roval Rapide CLX Aero Wheelsets .

[@bicyclestation]

Why do you have two accounts

[@Robert-mn8gc]

@@bicyclestation Heaven knows why. Didn't know about this . Will have 2 check ✔️ ✅️ them out . Honestly don't know how this has come about . Thx 4 letting me know. Appreciate it. Thanks

[@mannie8735]

Hahaha this message exchange is hilarious 😂

[@lorenzodestefano4043]

Americans cannot really do good bikes... it is all marketing... a De Rosa, a Pinarello, a Bianchi or a Colnago top of the range bike will be always better and more beautiful than american ones.

[@theadventuregamer6693]

Wahoo doesn’t have this problem

[@iloveNgany]

Riding an 07 Roubaix, and none of this tempts me. So expensive for zero performance gains that I can see.

[@bicyclestation]

Your right they should have quit making new ones after that 07 Roubaix launched.

[@davidatkinson-lifematters4826]

@@bicyclestationI think the point @iloveNgany is making is that there's nothing wrong with designing new bikes, but to market them as performance upgrades is pretty laughable. I say this as an owner of a Roubaix, a Tarmac SL5, a Creo, and until recently, a Venge.

[@MarcraM82]

Get a wahoo.. much better contrast

[@patrickbrown1665]

How is this a comparison between the two bikes? You building over components to then do a weight test? Why not just weigh the frame sets? Secondly you should be comparing the complete S-Works sl7 Di2 dura ace vs the equivalent SL8 Complete bikes, bot building over non-sworks components

[@mochno1]

i want to know stiffness

[@bicyclestation]

It’s better then the old bike. We couldn’t flex the bb at all.

[@roddas26]

So they put the perfect "hump" on the front that could have taken all the cables, without running them throught the bloody headset. And they didnt use it? WTF.

[@Penalist]

No need for a steerer block with Specialized’s setup.

[@bicyclestation]

I don’t understand why anyone really cares about cables running through headsets. It’s really not that big of a deal.

[@roddas26]

@@bicyclestation so when replacing the top bearing you having to bleed the rear brake and feed all the cables back through the top bearing is normal now? I get its not that bad. Unnecessary maybe?

[@bicyclestation]

For a professional bike shop context it’s just completely normal everyday at this point.

[@roddas26]

@@bicyclestation just because something has become "normal now" doesn't make it sensible. That's all I'm saying.

[@king1203M]

Test vs bmw ss. Price is almost the same

[@alexgeith1740]

I can read my computer perfect on the new cockpit. Don‘t get your problem. Perhaps your computer display is not the best

[@bicyclestation]

I tested it with a Garmin also. It’s still pointed down do far

[@andrewwalsh4662]

Is that split ring compatible with the SL6 fork?

[@bicyclestation]

I doubt it is. I don’t know what bearing the sl6 uses but they would have to be the same as the sl8 for the split ring to fit. If it is the same bearing then actually yes it would work. The only caveat being that I don’t know if the headset top piece would fit or not.

[@andrewwalsh4662]

@@bicyclestation Not too concerned about the headset cover. 3D printing solutions for that. But thanks, i'll do a little research.

[@StopTheRot]

The weight differences can’t be true. A 1lb difference? Can’t be. I can’t see how a frameset and stem/bars can be 1lb.

[@andrewlabat9963]

More of the same.. No one is willing to call marketing bs, might grt cut-off. If peole are that gullible so be it. Not that it isn't one seeet bike, but so has any top tier bike the past five years..

[@bicyclestation]

No one has to buy it. But people like buying bikes so I’m sure selling them won’t be an issue. Idk why you’d call people gullible for participating in a hobby.

[@tekesbur]

SL8 looks sick when slammed.

[@shanewiseman5729]

The SL8 will be a flex fest. Less stiff than SL7

[@bicyclestation]

Can you quantify why?

[@treyshepard1717]

First

[@bicyclestation]

naw

[@metatron-007]

It is a Team Replica. It is a Team Replica. It is a Team Replica. It is a Team Replica. It is a Team Replica. It is a Team Replica. It is a Team Replica.

[@bicyclestation]

What?

[@supocarta74]

Jesus you have to spend half your life building....and wait until the maintenance comes around.....no thanks I like to beable build and maintain my bike in minutes not hours/days...

[@bicyclestation]

Just practice your skills and maybe you can become more proficient with time.

[@14Xaveco]

No its not and if just train more ffs.

[@openwheelracing88]

You got the glare cause your computer sucks. It’s at a perfect angle for Garmin and Wahoo.

[@auricschiller]

The computer is pointed further down than flat. That's not normal and I've never seen that on other mounts, If anything they point up a bit.

[@bicyclestation]

Have you tested it? The angle is off for all computers. It’s physically tilted downward

[@bicyclestation]

Honestly just making it adjustable like most brands would be the solution. Regardless of the glare I would never run my computer at that angle like you said.

[@Tarmaccyclocross]

Both heavy junk