Tarmac SL8 Pro Review - The BEST Bike I Have EVER Ridden

[@PatrickLino]

I mentioned in a previous video how the Craft Racing Works CS5060 wheels were a bit unstable in the crosswind. Particularly the front wheel because of how light it is. This was an issue on both my Giant Propel and Tavelo Attack framesets. However, this has not been an issue on SL8. Perhaps the SL8 has in fact been engineered in a wind tunnel to account for this, or just maybe my bike position/geometry offers more stability. Who knows. But the wheel stability is much better on the SL8 than my other frames. Contact Panda Podium to order a set for yourself.

[@8rk]

Had similar issue when I was riding my supersix (latest gen) with 60mm HED Vanquish wheels. I have some gnarly winds around me up in the mountains. Gusts that push the front of the bike unpredictably. I've ridden these mountains with high winds before with 60mm wheels so I was a little confused how much I was getting blown around. Since I switched to my SL8, with same wheelset, no issue at all. Ofcourse there's some push but nowhere near as bad. I think it's mostly the headtube. It makes a huge difference. All these aero giant deep / aero headtubes actually hurt your speed and stability in cross winds IMO.

[@PatrickLino]

@@8rk I think you are right about the deep headtubes affect crosswind stability. I need to look into this further. Thanks for the breakdown.

[@HeyWattsUpCycling]

the reverse feedback strength in the steering from wind input is mostly related the the rake & trail (tip in sensitivity) all other things being equal. But total mechanical arm reach (steering leverage) and weight bias front:rear also play a huge role. the other note is carbon spokes all suck in the florida 20+mph cross winds. they really do grab the wind

[@PatrickLino]

@@HeyWattsUpCycling fantastic breakdown. Thank you kind sir!

[@ramonoslen6514]

Thanks for letting me take a block spin on this bike, 100% agree with you, this bike rides like I was rubbing my hands against finest silk...keep up the great work!!

[@PatrickLino]

HALF!!!

[@ks-vq5er]

Thanks for the introduction of Speedy Decal! I just got my same Tarmac SL8 pro with this matte blue and I was just looking for a good decal as I wanted white logo. This was perfect timing! I just purchased white color decals

[@PatrickLino]

Send a pic to my IG when you receive them!

[@PatrickLino]

Future weight weenie ideas: 1. Swap the current saddle for my 97g AliExpress fully carbon saddle 2. Change the Rival cassette to Sram Force 3. Upgrade the cockpit to an EXS Aerover system. That's about a 200 gram net savings. However, I just don't expect performance to change by doing any of this.

[@TheBassallyear100]

it's an aesthetic hit but swapping the tires for the all black GP5000 will save you ~80g. you could possibly consider the Michelin Power TT tires too if you're running TPU tubes. They only come in 25mm but will blow out to about 28mm on your CRW wheels. Also have the benefit of the fastest rolling clincher tire available and save about 150g over those cream wall GP5000's. lastly, maybe hit Joe up and see if he will let you review a Cybrei or Skypivot crankset! another 150g to be saved there :p

[@otterspacejam]

E1 Red crankarms will drop around 170g alone. From R2bike E1 Red 172.5 is 309g and D2 Force 170 is 476.2g.

[@littlevo9]

Sur mon sl7 sworks j’ai monté le pédalier cybrei version capteur de puissance et plateaux carbone/pedales look carbon ti ,200gr de moins par rapport à mon dura ace/assioma. Le vélo fait 6.96 kg avec support garmin,deux portes bidons et pedale en taille 58. J’hésite à passer sur les craft car j’ai des rapide clx2 et j’ai peur que ce soit moins bien.

[@PatrickLino]

@@TheBassallyear100 Man this is so helpful. I'm going to look into all of this, and report back later in the summer. Thank you!

[@PatrickLino]

@@otterspacejam I didn't realize the Red crankarms were THAT much lighter.

[@mrbinc0]

I watched your other vid where you bought the sl8 and now I’m looking to get my own. I was not that convinced about that blue frame though. The decals were a very nice touch! The more I look at the beauty you built the more I like it

[@PatrickLino]

The decals are a game changer.

[@thegoodwheel]

Nice job Patrick. What I like about your channel. Is the range of products you've tested and the different price points in the market. You have done a tremendous amount of legwork to catalogue this information. Everyone may not have or want to spend for western brands. The performance they can get from lesser known brands is "good enough". 👍🏾

[@PatrickLino]

I added a lot of "on the bike footage" just for you! Thank you Luis!

[@andarenbici]

Hear hear

[@seant9367]

Thanks for the video, I’m planning to ride an SL8 tomorrow. Tried the Trek SL7 Gen 8 this weekend, got the Pinarello next weekend. I wasn’t even looking at the SL8, but can’t deny all the amazing reviews I have seen on it. I’m not even on your level to even understand some of the things you have done, but it’s gonna be a fun learning journey. Appreciate your post…

[@PatrickLino]

Thanks for watching!

[@wandafool1]

So glad you got a bike you really love! Been watching a few of your bang for buck build videos. Enjoy yourself sir!

[@PatrickLino]

Thank you! It's a great bike and soooo comfortable.

[@lukewalker1051]

Great review Patrick. A beauty.

[@PatrickLino]

Thanks Luke!

[@TheBassallyear100]

beautiful build! been patiently waiting for this after seeing your pics on weight weenies!

[@PatrickLino]

Thanks for stopping by!

[@sbellidog]

I have the exact frame (mine is the stock build from Specialized with Ultegra and Roval wheels) and what you say about speed is absolutely true. In my previous bike I only engaged the maximum gear available in certain situations... with this one I find myself looking for a smaller cog very often as the bike gets and maintains speed very easily. Great bike indeed.

[@PatrickLino]

@@sbellidog it just floats over the roads!

[@benjaminwolf9801]

The Specialized Tarmac is truly the benchmark all bikes are compared to and for good reason.

[@PatrickLino]

Yup

[@rudyelizondo1935]

I own the 2014 Cervelo R3 and it is fast and light and I’m still riding it about 7,000 miles later. Best bike even with rim brakes

[@PatrickLino]

Thanks for watching!

[@Hunttherider]

Nice work, loving the 'everyman' (and woman, and.. and...) build, appeals to the techie roadie within most of us. I've been looking at anything but the SL8, wanting to be a bit different, but after this vid I think I'm gonna have to give it a go! Btw, beard looks smooth!

[@PatrickLino]

This is a very kind and well-thought out comment. Thank you! I am very flattered. Thanks for watching ❤

[@TruthSpeaker1001]

I have an SL8 Pro size 61 with, one piece Rovel cockpit, Ultegra pedals, Power mirror saddle, Hunt 50 Carbon wheels, and it weights in at 16.5lb!

[@PatrickLino]

Great stuff right there!

[@taxi9554]

Decals look great! Wow….have to keep this in mind for next bike. Just riding an sworks sl6….can imagine to switch to your sl8 frame. Sl6 is for me also the best road bike I have had until now….comfort and speed

[@PatrickLino]

The SL6 and Venge will go down in history for their looks. The SL8 will not LoL

[@logojones96]

First review to make me want this bike for real !

[@PatrickLino]

Dang, I'm flattered. Thanks!

[@RideWithGerben]

Your eye for detail is on point. Getting decals from Italy to match the originals. Nice!

[@PatrickLino]

Thanks Gerben! I'm proud of how the build turned out.

[@RideWithGerben]

@@PatrickLino It is so pretty. Agree with you on questioning the longevity of the frame, but man this thing looks good!

[@Hamsterlovers408]

Lovely video. Please consider having a video comparing SL8 vs Giant Propel. It will be interesting topic!

[@PatrickLino]

haha you already know this video needs to be made.

[@lunathedog3924]

Yes I agree

[@Tim1768-r5r]

Great vid, thx. Exactly the config I’m going for 😎. SL8 in deep purple, SRAM Force 1by, but with an 48 tooth ring (hope that the carbon-ti ring fits the 1-by, another few grams for you 😉) and an EXS cockpit. Greetings from Germany 🇩🇪.

[@PatrickLino]

Thanks for watching!

[@njm3211]

Beautiful ride. Cheers from Italy.

[@PatrickLino]

thank you!

[@alexshiver7819]

I just ordered frame and Roval decals for my green Sl8 pro! Amazing video!

[@PatrickLino]

SEND PHOTOS WHEN BUILD IS COMPLETE!

[@Pablo_Coach]

Was the SL8 tested with two bottles, like Giant tests bikes? The Giant TCR and Propel has a downtube with such parameters and dimensions that two bottles are in the aerodynamic shadow of that downtube, and probably the TCR, if it had an aero cockpit and wheels identical to the SL8, would achieve better aero with two bottles in frame.

[@PatrickLino]

Nice!

[@bike_somm]

Awesome insight and depth in your vid! Very entertaining and informative. Been absolutely loving my Tarmac SL8, first road bike since my 2017 Giant TCR and it’s astronomically better in all roadie ways.. Climbs, Flats, Descents, Corners.. All the things! Good stuff and new Sub over here 😎🤌🏼

[@PatrickLino]

Thank you for chiming in. Have a great weekend!

[@paulweber624]

Hey bike_somm I have a 2017 TCR Advanced. I love how the bikes snap and handling. How comfortable (road noise and bumps) is the SL8 ride compared to the TCR?

[@bike_somm]

@@paulweber624 yo, great question and all I can say is strikingly similar in all the best ways.. climbing, cornering, efficiency! But with all the greater benefits, Aerodynamic, Lightweight, and Compliant.. all the while allowing for 32 size tires in terms of frame clearance. All in all probably the best choice I’ve made for a new road bike considering all the other companies and options.. this is truly one bike to rule them all for my roadie needs and wants 🚴🏼💨🙌🏽😎

[@paulweber624]

@@bike_somm appreciate

[@damodamo7219]

Luv the community service you provide Patrick, could you do a comparison video btn the sl8 & propel? tossing up btn the two

[@PatrickLino]

@@damodamo7219 thanks man. I’ve been dragging my feet making that comparison video, because I know it’s going to take some work. And is a very important video. Thankfully it’s in the works!

[@RobinSanks]

Man, I always thought the SL8 looked ugly but you made it look dope with your set up. I'm gonna try and run something similar for next year.

[@PatrickLino]

The SL8 will not go down in history as the best looking bike ever. That's for sure LoL

[@Shadowboost]

Any spacer at all and it looks like crap. Saw them side by side with the SL7s and preferred the SL7 in looks. But no doubt the SL8 rides better

[@PatrickLino]

@@Shadowboost thanks for watching.

[@cornelhughes]

Patrick i ended up purchasing the sl8 frameset today. In the past my focus was on seka spear but i have to admit due to the price, sl8 is the safer better choice (more reviews , easier to purchase) However the spear in terms of looks seems more attarctive

[@PatrickLino]

The more shrewd decision. Congrats!

[@tmp1k]

lovely finish

[@MrAidanturvey]

Been waiting on this review. You said everything I felt about the bike. I’ve yet to ride a better bike

[@PatrickLino]

That co-sign is important. Thanks for watching!

[@kpizzle1985]

That build looks sharp! 👌 SL8 shares the same design philosophy as the Strada which also has really skinny seat stays. Had my Strada for 4 years now, I've have hammered the crap out of it and it's still spot on. Took a KOM of Ben Healy on it today 😎

[@PatrickLino]

@@kpizzle1985 hahah I love this comment!

[@kpizzle1985]

@@PatrickLino I think we all know this is just a roundabout way of me letting everyone know I just took a KOM off a world tour rider 😅 Seriously though, the bike looks epic, you've got me wanting an SL8 again!

[@14Xaveco]

I have the same but SL7 also riding 1by Sram Force. I love it.

[@PatrickLino]

@@14Xaveco nice! I ended up switching to 2x couple weeks ago ha

[@strangertf]

the "pause" caught me offguard 😂 goated vid btw

[@PatrickLino]

Thanks for watching hahaha

[@mmfong297]

Dang 6.8kg with a badazz color and decals.. I am glad you said that this is the best you ever ridden.. which tells me you don't have to spend the extra for the S-works. And interesting enough, you got trolls like Durainrider saying the SL4 is better than the SL8...

[@PatrickLino]

Thanks for tuning in

[@larrypower8273]

Thank you. That was a great review.

[@PatrickLino]

Thanks Larry!

[@86luisex]

Didn’t like the Matte color on the bike but those decals that u put on their just made me fall in love with the bike. i was leaning towards the black one but i think ima re consider. Beautiful bike 💪🏽

[@PatrickLino]

Let me know what you deciiiiiiiiide.

[@CycoWarriorx]

Gotta admit, I love the title… > 😎🥃

[@PatrickLino]

Hahaha thanks g

[@CycoWarriorx]

@@PatrickLino 🫡

[@Zozas_The_Cyclist]

Amazing review! I have the s works model and I've got to say the same thing: best bike I've ever ridden . There is just a minor aspect that I feel strange: do the wheel gets centered at the front fork? Mine is 1 mm closer to the DS and it looks It was by design. Does it happens the same at yours? Thanks and keep your amazing content!

[@PatrickLino]

I know folks have reported that on WW. Doesn't seem to be a problem on mine. At least aligning the front rotor was super easy too.

[@Pablo_Coach]

Durianrider showed it on his yb channel too

[@nationsnumber1chump]

a white SL7 for 3 grand with shimano 105. Intriguing. Tour magazine shows it just as fast as the sl8 if you add zipp wheelset. :D

[@PatrickLino]

INTERESTING. Gonna look into getting one LoL

[@doctor-d-rose69]

@PatrickLino...Thank you for your review. I am deciding on buying this bike. It will be bone stock, except for changing the tires to 32mm (I prefer the added comfort). You've mentioned that this is the best bike you've ever ridden. That's a powerful statement. I currently ride the new Trek Madone SLR 7 Gen 8. It's quite the machine as well. I'm debating between buying an endurance bike or getting another aero bike. Based on the reviews, the new Madone isn't as good a performer as the Tarmac. I guess my question to you is, do you feel the Tarmac can perform like an endurance bike? If there isn't much difference between this Tarmac and the new Madone, I may just go with a true endurance bike like the Roubaix or Domane. No need to have 2 similar bikes in the Madone and the Tarmac if they're both truly aero bikes. Would love your feedback. Thanks again for your video and what you do for the cycling community 😊

[@PatrickLino]

Thanks for watching! Any bike can perform like an endurance bike with the correct geometry/bike fit haha. But truthfully there are better options on the market if you're looking for a true endurance oriented frameset.

[@jean-paulschmeitz5015]

Great video, own one as well, super happy with it!

[@PatrickLino]

Thanks for tuning in!

[@saracen888]

Hi Patrick. Great video mate I may have missed it in this video, or your previous video, but what size bike is this and what are your dimensions? Looks great. Cheers

[@saracen888]

Ah 56

[@tonyg3091]

Love the silver decals, totally changed the bike.

[@danielberry1635]

Thanks for sharing, very informative. From London.

[@PatrickLino]

Thanks for watching Daniel!

[@firstname7780]

Very nice bike. I hope to get one, with dura ace to use the 54/4o. I am in 54t 36% of the time. Love the blue.

[@PatrickLino]

Thanks for watching!

[@magicmatrix9216]

Hi Patrick I wanted to know if you can do a video on the TPU tubes that you use and the problems you have had with them

[@PatrickLino]

I have not any problems with my RideNowTPUs. 12 months 10,000+ miles later, no issues.

[@magicmatrix9216]

Thank you for replying

[@EddyCat1234]

Great looking bike. I feel the SL7 probably looks more balanced tho. The ‘Aethos like’ rear triangle of the SL8 diminishes the look a faction although I’m sure it adds compliance

[@PatrickLino]

I haven't ridden the SL7 so I can't comment.

[@janemf]

i have an allez sprint that i replaced everything on and made it about the nicest allez i could own, and i have been on the fence about whether the tarmac is that much better - because they seem to have basically the same geometry? so your comparisons between the two are very interesting. thank you for this.

[@PatrickLino]

Thanks for watching! The lightweight of the SL8 cannot be overstated, compared to my Allez Sprint. It’s very tangible out on the road.

[@DevChannelVideos]

The bike looks so much better with that decals, it's insane.

[@PatrickLino]

@@DevChannelVideos night and day. Specialized should have offered this from the factory

[@maximilianscholz685]

Thx Patrick, is the decal color olografico? Regards from Germany

[@PatrickLino]

@@maximilianscholz685 yup 👍🏾

[@baconegggandcheese]

Cleaaaaaannn setup bro !

[@PatrickLino]

Thank youuuu!

[@danielpichkar]

Great video! How does it compare to the Allez Sprint. I’m trying to understand if it’s worth making the jump from Alloy to Carbon. Is the ride feel / aero worth it?

[@PatrickLino]

It's worth it if you value weight, very comfortable road manners, agility, and just simply having the latest and greatest tech haha.

[@Louisa_lvr]

Damnn, finally 👏👏👏. You make me get a propel bro. Hope im not changin to a tarmac because of this 😂. Btw any tips for the propel steerer? So i can avoid what you experienced. Thanks

[@PatrickLino]

Have a local bike shop build it haha

[@jrasero23]

Patty rank them. Tarmac SL 8, Giant Propel, Winspace T1500 series, Yoeleo R12, Allez Sprint. If I had to guess the Tarmac is #1 but what are the rest? Also in your opinion is the SL 8 Fact 10r frame worth $3500?

[@PatrickLino]

The SL8 Fact 10r is worth it if you value the aforementioned things in the video. To be light, stiff, yet comfortable and fast is a very difficult thing to do. The Chinese brands can usually get 2 or 3 of these things correct. But not all four. So the price of the SL8 is justified from that perspective.

[@jrasero23]

@@PatrickLino I think you have some of best content out there and thanks for the quick replies and honest reviews. I mentioned before I had a T1500 and now have a T1550 but also have a MY22 Scott Foil RC and I would agree that for my bikes the T1550 rear with those Zero SL bars are just super stiff, granted I was able to get even a mid tier Force D2 build with pedals and cages at 16.34lbs so IMO weight has never been the problem for the T1500. I think the rear stiffness borderlines on Cannondale SystemSix territory where for some people the comfort is prohibitive. Even my last gen MY22 Foil RC has a vastly more comfortable rear end compared to the T1500 series so I can't imagine the SL 8s comfort level. I have dulled down the rear feedback by going tubeless and changing the saddle to a super comfortable yet beefy SWORKS mirror saddle but that has pushed the weight with pedals and such to 17.11lbs. Any plans on doing some of the newer WInspace frames or you pivoting to more big brand Western brands now and focusing on ride content or just other direct to consumer Chinese parts that are non frame related?

[@PatrickLino]

@@jrasero23 I just dropped an unboxing video on the new Winspace SLC 3.0 frame. Go take a look! The bike has already been built, and can be seen on my IG. Full review of that coming soon.

[@RubenRakow]

Can you comment on your weight and height? Would be nice to know for size comparisons.. Cheers!

[@PatrickLino]

@@RubenRakow 6 feet tall

[@RubenRakow]

@@PatrickLino I am 6'1 would you still recommend the 56? or did you have ever tried the 58 version?

[@PatrickLino]

@@RubenRakow I would recommend comparing both the 56 and 58 to your current bike. Everyone has different needs and flexibility. A professional bike fitter is also a fantastic idea 👍🏾

[@matthewhan2232]

Nice build! This is a frameset that you built from the ground up? S-works worth the price for 100 grams of savings?

[@PatrickLino]

Subjectively speaking if 100g savings and having the S-Works logo inspires one to ride their bike more often, then it's probably worth it. Neither of those I find value in personally because performance benefits will be undetectable.

[@FT__Bicycling_____-sc7yv]

Of course - it should be better than the others.. I guess the more difficult question is -- are the improvements worth the additional money? What does an SL8 frameset cost? $3,500? It's a lot but still comparable various others. I just saw - the older SL7 is on sale. q full bike with 105 Mechanical and aluminum wheels is $3,000. That seems like a great price for a Specialized and I'd buy that over a lot of other options That said, I am a bit surprised that you say most all of the other frames you have don't even compare. I have a TCR and also have a really cheap gravel frame (like a $400 frameset) and with the same wheels doing the same road riding, the cheapo frame compares quite well (including doing timed tests up a long climb at similar power)

[@PatrickLino]

I was surprised too. I was not expecting the SL8 to feel that differently from my other bikes (regardless of price) but it's tangible. My Giant Propel is also very fast, but handles speed differently than the SL8. Perceived comfort is better on the SL8. Perceived stiffness is better on the Propel.

[@FT__Bicycling_____-sc7yv]

@@PatrickLino And the SL8 is way better than the Tavelo attack? I would have thought they should be very similar performance-wise

[@lunathedog3924]

​@PatrickLico comfort is better because tarmac has less agressiv stack to reach parameter

[@PatrickLino]

@@lunathedog3924 The angle of the top tube allows for more seatpost to be exposed. Which allows for more seatpost deflection.

[@lunathedog3924]

@@PatrickLino ye, like giant tcr but tcr has same stack to reach. If you do divine stac reach you get around 4,08 in gisnt tcr/propel but in sl8 you get 4.16.

[@WALee8282]

Can I ask what the brand of the disc rotors U using? Possible to send the link?

[@PatrickLino]

@@WALee8282 Galfer Wave 👍🏾

[@jamesshields1969]

That kit is fire 🔥

[@PatrickLino]

Monton's latest premium line: Valore ❤️

[@jamesshields1969]

@@PatrickLino so damn clean

[@tmp1k]

i wonder why i haven't been able to get along with TPU tubes yet. had a few ride now ones that I went through pretty quickly. just haven't been reliable. must be installation issues. I suspect the tube is getting twisted up. just ordered some more from wheel science for another go at tpu.

[@PatrickLino]

Report back with your findings.

[@DM-tg8es]

Really to make sure you are blowing up the tpu tube with your mouth before installing it. Be careful and check the edge all the way around on both sides of the tire to make sure you don't see the tube. Then inflate the tire.

[@Mabbsg]

Hi. Will there be a long term review soon? I am concerned about the lightness of this frame (it must be really thin in some places) and how does that affect its longevity? I would like to buy this bike but with the intention of using it for more than 5 years. I also read on the forums about a problem with the front fork (there is also at least one video on YT). Has anything like this happened to you?

[@PatrickLino]

Thanks for watching. No issues with my front fork. A super lightweight (disc) frameset with the intentions of using 5+ years probably isn't a shrewd idea. While I'm sure the frame will be fine over time, there are better and more robust options on the market if durability is your priority. Which it seems to be. This is the reason why Chinese brands can't compete with Western brands in terms of weight. A heavy bike will be more durable.

[@Dustydayzz]

8:18 what is you on my guy 😄. Every time u go out for a ride u will be stretching ur arms out to take the propel while looking at the sl8.

[@PatrickLino]

English mutha luva, do you speak it!? 🤣

[@juanm6947]

@PatrickLino, what type of cranks were you able to set up 1x? I am a bit confused about the chain line to do the same. Thx

[@PatrickLino]

Sram Force D2 crank arms. Sram/Quarq spider based power meter. PassQuest 1x chainring 👍🏾

[@bevillenz]

Great review. May I ask your seat height on this setup. Thanks!

[@PatrickLino]

Around 77cm thanks!

[@bevillenz]

@@PatrickLino Thank you!

[@PatrickLino]

@@bevillenz Thanks for watching!

[@suhdud4646]

From the editors note to the 6 week ago segement, bro hasnt aged a day.

[@PatrickLino]

@@suhdud4646 no cracking around here

[@kentwong3818]

Awesome build Patrick!! I'm thinking of building one up too in the watermelon paint. How does this compare to the Allez Sprint? I know, it's carbon to alum and there's virtually no comparison but what about the fit etc? Which one feels snappier? Is it massively more comfortable than the allez? cheers

[@PatrickLino]

The SL8 is snappier if anything because of how light it is. Comfort is quite noticeable.

[@StanislavGrabchev]

What is the camera for the self filming on the bike?

[@PatrickLino]

@@StanislavGrabchev GoProooooo 9

[@reinierabelarde6435]

Have considered using a one size down frame set for sl8?

[@PatrickLino]

@@reinierabelarde6435 I would need like a 160mm stem haha

[@hlobend2111]

how tall are you, your inseam, how much clearance over top tube do you have, frame size. Thanks.

[@PatrickLino]

Hi there - let me know what specifically you are looking for with this information. Thanks!

[@stefanursulescu3664]

Hi Patrick, I just order the same frame, could you please tell me if the stem comes with a computer mount or you had to order that separately?

[@PatrickLino]

Yup comes with a mount that works with either the Roval cockpit or (included) SL7 stem.

[@stefanursulescu3664]

@@PatrickLino Thanks!

[@jdrake7039]

Great looking bike , nice 👌

[@PatrickLino]

Thank you!

[@DDGB08]

Great review

[@PatrickLino]

@@DDGB08 thanks for watching!

[@Jacob99174]

That color 😍

[@PatrickLino]

makes the decals pop even more.

[@Skywalker793]

Interesting review. Do you have experience with the Canyon Ultimate to compare it with the Tarmac?

[@PatrickLino]

@@Skywalker793 what kind of bike is the Ultimate?

[@avnishnarayan1777]

Nice video! How does this compare to your Allez sprint?

[@PatrickLino]

Snappier and better on rough pavement.

[@alexp247365]

Is it possible to ride to Rockford from Chicago by bike?

[@PatrickLino]

The 115 mile solo ride I did was Chicago to Rockford to Freeport. It's very possible and actually quite safe.

[@alexp247365]

@@PatrickLino You are now my Hero. I live in Arizona now, but was raised in Rockford/Loves Park and moved away long before I found cycling. Cheers!

[@PatrickLino]

@@alexp247365 Im a come down there. In the fall though haha

[@decoherence926]

@@alexp247365 Moving down to Tucson from Chicago. Have you ridden that Loop? Difficult to find safe road riding in chi-town

[@ckspark2]

Nice bike. Did you choose matte or gloss graphics? Do those graphics look like horizontal lines in real life like they do on the camera?

[@PatrickLino]

How they look on camera is accurate 👍🏾

[@morrisizing]

Interesting what it is that makes the Tarmacs (Sl7-SL8) rate so highly for ride quality. Obviously, most bikes are built in China, so you would presume the carbon technology used is the same and geometry should be easy to copy. So you wonder what the secret ingredient is for ride quality. Specialized had their wind tunnel, so it isn't a surprise for a lightweight bike that the aero aspect is well sorted and would be an advantage, particularly over Chinese brands.

[@PatrickLino]

My guess is 1. Actual consideration to the carbon layup 2. Frame construction consistency despite high production volume 3. They aren't using cheaper more readily available carbon like the budget brands. I'm told the price difference between (real) T1000 and T1100 is exponential. At least for now I guess.

[@morrisizing]

@PatrickLino it would be interesting to know if certain brands might not use the same volumes of the more expensive carbon in their layups. I guess saying it has the more expensive carbon doesn't mean they used the same volume. As you note, once brands like Exceed or Tavelo start to factor in the same costs as the other brands their value benefit starts to deminish.

[@PatrickLino]

@@morrisizing I'd also like to know what percentage of the retail price goes to both marketing and R&D. For major Western brands that is. If the Tarmac SL8 frame costs $3500, employees probably getting 30% discount, where does that leave the remaining $2500?

[@StellarTitan]

Ztto xdr cassette on Ali!Lighter than force.

[@PatrickLino]

Nice! How is shifting performance, how long have you been using yours, and which cassette range did you get?

[@joemendozaCAN]

What’s the weight with pedals or with complete components?

[@PatrickLino]

@@joemendozaCAN 7kg

[@Clashing0N]

Those decals look insane! What color exactly did you specify when placing the order?

[@PatrickLino]

Olografico 27

[@Clashing0N]

@@PatrickLino Thanks! Never truly loved the colour of my SL8 but with those stickers it's exactly what I'm looking for.

[@PatrickLino]

@@Clashing0N Send me pics when the swap is complete!

[@decoherence926]

Dude, sweet SL8. Ima gonna spend some money now bro. How many road bikes do you have now?

[@PatrickLino]

DO IT!

[@peerapachliewatanakorn3055]

Is the headset adapter come in sets (the lower part the spacer part) or i have to order it piece by piece

[@PatrickLino]

Only comes with the custom headset dust cover. Because the other Roval specific spacers are included with the frameset from Specialized.

[@peerapachliewatanakorn3055]

Ok got it thank you

[@DDGB08]

You have nice cycling apparel, what brand is that?

[@PatrickLino]

@@DDGB08 thanks! Monton Sports. Code: PATTY15 gets you 15% off 👍🏾

[@razorree]

bike looks amazing, but like SL7 and SL6 (just without integrated/hidden cables :/ ), no point on spending >10k on a new SL8 :/

[@PatrickLino]

@@razorree I didn’t spend anywhere near 10k 😂

[@andrewwalsh4662]

I have the same frame fully built with (cages, pedals and computer) at 15.01lbs, Im actually glad when others im riding with or racing against don't have this frame, its that good. Enjoy!.

[@PatrickLino]

Wicked! What size?

[@andrewwalsh4662]

@@PatrickLino 56, withe 54x42, 11/34 out back.

[@andrewwalsh4662]

As you mentioned stiffness - a lot of people don't realize it has the exact same stiffness and compliance as an S-works, your paying extra for the thinner tubing to cut weight. I would rather a bit more stout frame and carefully choose my components to cut weight. I even added splashes of oil slick Ti bolts to cut weight further throughout the setup.

[@PatrickLino]

@@andrewwalsh4662 Man that's a great take. Where did you buy your Ti bolts from?

[@RylHango]

@@PatrickLinosilca if I had to guess, they have many Ti accessories among their other top tier performance based products

[@dennishaughton4554]

That’s a nice looking bike

[@min867045]

我喜歡你的介紹還有你對自行車的熱情

[@PatrickLino]

thank u

[@soulsurfer8797]

Nice build! Have you been able to compare it to the S-Works model?

[@PatrickLino]

I'm poor.

[@andy4g63]

Nice bike, have exactly the same, What color are the decals. Want to order same for my bike, LMK

[@PatrickLino]

"olografico-27"

[@andy4g63]

Thanks a lot... Do you refer to olographico-27,as the olographico-27 from Speedydecal catalog, once you click for the colors and you open HOLOGRAPHICO 27 and there is the blcka SL8 SWORKS??? Am I correct? Thanks

[@marcustan5868]

How does this compares to the aetos man🎉

[@PatrickLino]

I haven’t ridden the Aethos.

[@zachvana1734]

I love your jersey! Can you drop a link to the brand?

[@PatrickLino]

My Kit: Monton Sports 15% off: FXpat15 www.montonsports.com/

[@Cycleplayer117]

I’m buying it 👍🏾

[@werb24]

Crazy that Specialized has made a second tier frame that’s is better than basically every other companies top end frame. The pro is the best value in the industry.

[@PatrickLino]

I understand now why the Tarmacs are so popular.

[@HeyWattsUpCycling]

sweet bike, I built a 6.8kg pinarello F5 to do the same kinda thing, "ultimate performance bang 4 buck bike build"

[@PatrickLino]

@@HeyWattsUpCycling wicked!!

[@JH-iz6fk]

What's your saddle height?! great vid btw!

[@PatrickLino]

77.5

[@mcgarvy7]

Wow great looking bike, can I get one built as well lol

[@PatrickLino]

Haha thanks for watching

[@mcgarvy7]

@@PatrickLino did u find it cheaper to build the bike compared to buying it at the store

[@PatrickLino]

@@mcgarvy7 Budget wasn’t a consideration. My objective was to build a very customizable bike with niche components. That and because I need 140mm stem. I got a great deal on the groupset too, so it probably came out to be both cheaper (and lighter) in the end.

[@TurnLeftNow]

Umm look at those chain stays. Under any power the thing noodles like an eel. It’s also jittery like an alloy frame.

[@PatrickLino]

What has been your personal experience riding the SL8?

[@TurnLeftNow]

Speaking from experience riding a sl8 pro, it handles well and has excellent geometry. But front end feels very vague when standing up on the pedals or turning direction under braking. power transfer is also anonymous. Lastly, frame nowhere near as smooth as say my colnago c64, even with the latter running inner tubes pumped to 70psi.

[@graemeross1998]

Is it comfy enough to 150 mile on it

[@PatrickLino]

1:24 mark...

[@joroproto]

How tall are you? Thank you

[@PatrickLino]

6 feet

[@TheCyclissimo]

Is this a Yoeleo?

[@PatrickLino]

I promise to never change, if you promise to do the same as well.