The NEW Tarmac SL8 vs SL7 | A Frame Shape Comparison 👀

For this video I wanted to have a direct comparison of the frame shapes and to see what has changed from the Specialized Tarmac SL7 - SL8.
I am of course interested in your thoughts on the new bike compared to the old one.
Special thanks to Surrey Hills Cycleworks in leathered for letting me film at their shop and directly compare these two bikes.

[@fede1275]

The SL8 really surprised me, it seems that, apart from the lovely aero bars, the rest of the bike is much closer to a traditional lightweight frame. Nothing wrong with that, I just don't get the aero claims and how far it has now gone off from the Venge.

[@saracen888]

Great comparison, great video. Cheers

[@joelfr023]

Nice simple review

[@user-fb4lw1pd7n]

glad you made frame comparison. wanted too see whee the aero gains came from

[@cyclingunboxed]

I think I needed this one for myself too 😂

[@argoperdana6823]

That red color is a beauty 😍

[@cyclingunboxed]

It really is. I normally don’t like red but would have that paint job

[@user-nu5fx6en9h]

I went to the bike store today, I actually couldn’t differentiate sl7 and sl8 until I looked really close to it 😂

[@LOGICAL-JAY]

Yep..so true..Same here..I just left the bike shop and compared it to my 2022 SL7 s-works..looks very similar.

[@francescocriscuolo8733]

Sono un felice possessore di una Aethos S-Works e noto molte similitudini ingegneristiche con la SL8 nella parte del carro posteriore, nel movimento centrale e nelle sezioni dei tubi. La differenza tra la SL7 e la SL8, sostanzialmente è in un maggior rinforzo meccanico nella sezione sterzo-forcella e di conseguenza con un look più aggressivo rispetto alla SL7. In sostanza la SL8 dà l’impressione di essere più cattiva, rigida, reattiva e nello stesso tempo comoda. In sostanza il marketing richiede novità ed innovazione e clienti disposti a spendere soldi per acquistare la Specialized dei propri sogni. Io intanto rimango fedele alla mia Aethos “per sempre”.❤

[@universe-juice]

Ill take the red one please! That bike is absolutely beautiful!

[@cyclingunboxed]

It’s a very cool paint job. I don’t personally like red for my own bikes. The same effect in blue or green would be 👌

[@universe-juice]

@@cyclingunboxed 👍

[@LOGICAL-JAY]

I just left Roy's in Brooklyn and I compared the SL8 to my 2022 SL7...I honestly like my SL7 slightly more in the looks department..I don't like the new seat stays and the new seat post on the SL8...but I do like the new roval cockpit aero bars that come on the SL8..I plan to swap out my ENVE ses aero bars out for the new roval aero cockpit bars..the SL8 looks like a mix of my older SL6 with my SL7..maybe a year from now I'll swap frames but for now I'm happy w the SL7..time will tell..ill wait for the feedback on the SL8 before I decide to switch over..

[@cyclingunboxed]

I agree with every word. Sl7 as a bike is more attractive. Also very tempted just to get the Roval cockpit on it too.

[@LOGICAL-JAY]

@chrisbloodknot2380 well, everyone has their own opinion..no need to complain if you're not interested in buying one..like I said b4, I think most people(not all) secretly love the SL7/SL8 but hate the price tag..so they rather hate on the product because they can't afford it..maybe you don't like the looks but others do..if these bikes were garbage bikers wouldn't buy them at a high rate..it is what it is..some folks buy for the performance and some buy for the esthetics..I've owned and road bikes in the same tier like trek, cervelo, cannondale, pinarello, giant, etc and nothing moves as lively and fast as the SL7 and SL8..

[@LOGICAL-JAY]

@chrisbloodknot2380 let's be honest most of the bikes in the same tier look almost the same. Cannondale supersix lab71, BMC, cervelo soloist, etc..the list goes on..they all look similar but have thru own touch of minor differences..

[@hmcdonnell23]

I had been patiently waiting on the release of the SL8, but the SL7 is a better looking bike. If I can find an SL7 in my size, I'll go with that one and with a slight discount.

[@LOGICAL-JAY]

@hmcdonnell23 either one is a great bike..once you ride one you'll see how nimble and fast they are..

[@beepover]

I still have my tarmac comp bought in 2006.

[@brentcollins9727]

Is the paint already flaking off the top of the fork at 1:20? Or is that grease?

[@cyclingunboxed]

Imagine! No it’s grease. Must have come out a bit as it’s been ridden in the rain a few times

[@brentcollins9727]

@@cyclingunboxed ok cool. That’s such an awesome bike and a fantastic presentation. Well done!

[@mdforhad-wk1zo]

Sl7 or sl8 or dogma f or giant propel Which one is the best for speed and comfort and suitable for a new rider shifted from mtb? Plz suggest one of these 4

[@cyclingunboxed]

I wish I could say that I have had the chance to ride all of those bikes however I haven’t. Therefore I could only speculate. With that being said, every top end road bike is so good now days. If I were you, I would just go for the one you like the look of most. Aero differences between the bikes is so close it doesn’t make any difference. If you want lighter weight then the sl8 would be my choice. For looks I like the pinarello the most. In terms of comfort I think that the sl7 and sl8 are probably going to be your best bet. Just judging from going from my sl7 to other bikes. The Roval wheels are also superior on the specialized bikes allowing for wider tyres = more comfort. This is because the shape of the wheels allowes for better airflow with these wider tyres. I run 28mm gp5000s which measure at 30mm wide on my Rovals. The wheels that come with the other 2 brands are mediocre at best. I hope that helps with some decisions!

[@RB-xv4si]

It’s just weird for me. The bottom bracket area just looks so small. It feels like Specialized is reverting back to the old days of narrow tubes/junctions. It’s hard to imagine that it’s very stiff. Maybe the more rounded (less aero) tube profiles help to offset their small diameter.

[@cyclingunboxed]

Not ridden the bike myself unfortunately but it does seem anecdotally most can feel the increased stiffness.

[@993mike]

As a bigger rider at 6’2” and 200lbs. I’m starting to get nervously about the thickness and strength of these new frames, as I think sacrificing durability to save 50 grams on the frame for us mere mortal riders is not a great trade off. To be honest I think I’ll keep my SL7 Tarmac S-Works and get the new Roval 1pc cockpit for it and call it a day

[@RB-xv4si]

@@993mike a lot of reviewers are saying the biggest aero gain with the new SL8 was the new one-piece cockpit anyway. I think that’s the meat and potatoes of what will actually help you be faster. The weight savings is cool but in reality isn’t going to help you go much faster.

[@PrimalBikeShop]

I just want to know where you got that scale?

[@cyclingunboxed]

It’s an Amazon job. A normal suitcase scale

[@lukewalker1051]

Your SL7 is more classically beautiful than the more fugly SL8. Yes, Specialized reduced section thickness and tube thickness reduction in localized areas of the SL8 to lighten it 120g but I would never own it because a race bike should be fast AND beautiful which the SL7 is and SL8 isn't. Too many good looking road bikes available from other manufacturers for even less money. Be sure to check your headset from time to time on the SL7 as the cable routing is a stress concentration and too many who have owned the SL7 have ended up on their head...the SL8 is redesigned to reduce stress due to cable routing through the head tube. I am sure you are aware of this and hopefully keep an eye on it. With that kind of saddle to bar drop on your SL7 and size 58, you are a seriously tall dude and no doubt you are very fast on that bike. Best comparison I have seen and thank you for that. PS. SL8 Integrated handlebars are a pure money grab by Specialized. Nobody cares one saves 4 watts at 30 mph if its even true. What people do are about is you can't adjust the bar angle and you have to replace the entire $850 handlebar/stem if you need a 10mm stem length change which riders often do....not to mention contending with the brake house routing nightmare. Specialized count on consumers spending that money for profit. Can't understand why anybody who doesn't race professionally would ever buy a SL7 or SL8 with the prices they now want. Ducati money. Stupid money unless you have 150 rear horsepower and 180mm wide rear tire and 4 pot disc brakes.

[@cyclingunboxed]

I agree. The sl7 is a more attractive bike visually. Which makes it a more attractive bike to buy. The cockpit I quite like. I think it makes a clean bike look even cleaner.

[@louis1904]

SL8 is lighter than SL7. End of discussion.

[@luismedeiros7139]

Just thinking how the wheel is wider than the tire....have fun scracthing those wheels.

[@cyclingunboxed]

You just have to think about how you place the bike really. For me I do t find it too hard

[@Dustydayzz]

Bro im overall shorter than you. 6"1-ish but my inseam is 95cm 😢. If u don't mind me asking, what's your inseam? I'm almost buying a size 58 but im afraid to make an expensive mistake. You will be super helpful.

[@cyclingunboxed]

How have you measured your inseam? This way we can make sure it’s an accurate comparison

[@Dustydayzz]

@cyclingunboxed I used a plumb line and tape measure. The book method, I felt like I couldn't be level either in the back or front. I was tilting it .Plus I had a bike fit which determined my saddle height to be 84.5 cm from bb center.( on my mtb)

[@cyclingunboxed]

I am away at the moment but will measure when I get home tomorrow for you

[@Dustydayzz]

@@cyclingunboxed appreciate you

[@cyclingunboxed]

192cm tall 93.5cm inseam the way you have measured. If you have any more questions, feel free to ask!

[@piglegluckson9156]

I will start saving up to buy SL11 in Dec 2033 & ... Colnago C69 in 2037

[@lucaswilliam5007]

Essa sl8 seria um bom tamanho pra vc?

[@cyclingunboxed]

This one is far too small for me. The blue one is my bike which is a 58. The sl8 is only a 54

[@M3GRSD]

Great video, without the side-by-side look, it's hard to differentiate them.

[@ashleyhouse9690]

A very interesting an informative video. One of the things I hate about most of the SL8 test videos I have seen on KZbin is how they bang on about how similar the geometry is with the SL7. However, your video obviously shows that not to be the case. Another thing that gets me as well is how so many people just dismiss the SL8 as an evolution rather than innovation but I think they are missing the point. We're not in iPhone territory here where owners of the SL7 or even SL6 will suddenly rush out and just have to upgrade to the SL8. I think most people attracted to the SL8 will be people who are in the market for a new bike (such as myself) and will be persuaded that this really is the best race bike on the market. I just think everything about the new SL8 spells class and that Specialized have really taken everything they have learnt over the years from the TarmacVenge/Aethos and incorporated the best features of each into the one bike. That red bike looks fantastic but I also really love the white one that the testers have been touting. 👍👍👍

[@cyclingunboxed]

I agree, no need to jump up from the sl7. It is definitely more if you have an older bike and looking for an upgrade. It has got a lot of stick that I do t think it deserves.

[@th24gg19]

Well his bike is a 58 while the sl8 is a 54

[@DanTuber]

500 gram difference between 2 bike sizes is pretty good.

[@junricamago]

4:10 SL6?

[@vandjen]

common people will choose sl7 because it looks better design. in my opinion the seatstay sl8 design is a throwback, i guess 3 years later it will back to sl7 seatstay design again, because its look like sl6 seatstay LOL

[@504yaj]

Would have been more accurate with a larger SL8 compared to the SL7, theres actually a slight variation in shapes between different sizes of the same frame

[@cyclingunboxed]

Of course, but unfortunately these are the bikes I could get my hands on.

[@dereknovaes4217]

Just bought an SL7 with the huge price jump… and I dont feel like its a downgrade at all!

[@jons78733]

Same here

[@josiahlomas2111]

What kind of tires

[@cyclingunboxed]

For which bike are you referring to?

[@josiahlomas2111]

@@cyclingunboxed both...

[@cyclingunboxed]

On the blue one, standard gp5000 with cream side walls (not transparent) On the red, Vittoria corsa pro Both in 28mm width

[@YourVeganFoodExplorer]

‘The lightest’ at 7.55kg for a top end S-works I think an Sl1-SL6 with sram red rim would disagree🤔🤔

[@MarlonJosephdelaCruz]

What's your height mate?

[@cyclingunboxed]

192cm 6ft 4

[@dblock8829]

You’re riding a 58 frame. How tall are you?

[@cyclingunboxed]

192cm with a 93 inseam as canyon would measure it

[@marcusfistarol8270]

It should be black wirhn reflective graphics

[@cyclingunboxed]

Personally not mad about black bikes. They look good but I like a bit of colour on my own bikes.

[@gokaygs]

“Much of a muchness..” they said

[@cortexvelo]

The only difference between the 7 and the 8 is ONE. Mathematics never lie

[@jonathanhowson6420]

The bike should always be the last thing to upgrade if you already have a reasonable bike. I have an SL2 with original Ultegra 10 speed, but I regually drop guys on S Works SL7, Pinarello F12s etc because I look after my self and im flexible enough to get into a very aero riding position and sustain it. Priorities should be rider weight, power and fitness (if you have moobs and a belly then a Alley with 105 is the bike for you) then rider position and clothing, then wheels and tyres, then after that think about frame and bars etc. Always remember, bike shops make their money from selling bikes so they will always sell the benefits of a new bike when there is often much lower hanging fruit. Saying that there are a lot of middleage fat men driving supercars, so its probably similar thing with top end road bikes like this. Its all for show.

[@LOGICAL-JAY]

Lol..i agree on the fitness tip..im in great shape in my 40s because i stayed working out since my teens...but don't hate on these folks..if you don't like the bike, just don't buy it..its just that simple..why complain when you have no interest in buying the SL8..for some its a hobby, sport, fitness, or they may just like the look of it and want to seem cool..lol..I like the idea of the SL8 but I already own a S-works SL7 and a Venge pro..if you drop guys on the SL7 that's great for you but let these newbie and Vets enjoy the feeling of the SL8...

[@bluemystic7501]

If you had time to notice what they were riding, you didn't really drop them, lol.

[@LOGICAL-JAY]

@@bluemystic7501 🤣 🤣 🤣 🤣 lmao

[@karl8805]

I think i am losing the battle of resisting a sl8... Never had an s-Works but just fancy ine..arghhhh

[@cyclingunboxed]

They are very fine bicycles!

[@user-cs5ug5dj7x]

So a £12000 S-Works with Sram RED weighs more than my Trek Emonda SLR with Di2 Ultegra @7.05kg but with roval Alpinist CLX-II rims instead of the Bontager rims it came with. And that cost me less than half the price of the SL8. As a non pro I doubt the supposed extra aero benefits would bother me. But I cant say that its worth twice the price of my Emonda.

[@arthurreyes2632]

Revisit this 3 years from now when the Sl9 comes out and they’ll talk about how much stiffer the new bike is compared to this one. Xx% stiffer, lighter more aero blah blah blah.

[@psnSupergrobi10]

SL8 the lightest? My SL6 Rim Brakes chuckles at this comment

[@cyclingunboxed]

Do you have a figure out of interest? Definitely easier to make a rim brake bike lighter but would personally never go back. Disk brakes are far superior in my eyes. Especially during alpine decents and emergency brakes when cars pull out in front of you in the uk.

[@LOGICAL-JAY]

Lol..😅 that rim brake SL6 was so light back then..it seems like just the other day when we 1st saw the release of the light weight SL6..the Sl6, SL7 and SL8 frames all look similar to each other..

[@psnSupergrobi10]

I prefer rim brakes for my riding in north germany where I have maybe 100meters of elevation in 100K. My size 56 Tarmac SL6 with an upgrated cockpit (extralite hyperstem, Mcfk Aero Handlebar) and Lightweight Meilenstein Tubular is exactly 6,00kg. The frame alone is supposed to weigh just 733grams. The SL8 frame alone may be lighter but I personally hate setting up the disc brakes on my Canyon Speedmax CF SLX after every wet ride. I just hate that the industry is trying to force something onto the consumer. Disc brakes and hookless rims for example. @@cyclingunboxed

[@louis1904]

My SL6 Ultralight is in 6 kg...

[@LOGICAL-JAY]

@@cyclingunboxed 💯 agree

[@atlastrade1496]

Venge Best

[@tp23232]

You have already scratched the new handlebar with the brake lever from the sl7 😂

[@mauriziob5461]

Credo che più che il peso la vera differenza che c’è tra i due telai è quella che la Sl8 è più reattiva, aerodinamica e soprattutto più confortevole della Sl7

[@cyclingunboxed]

Yea, all the people that have ridden it seem to say this as well

[@alvaroodeh4794]

The SL7 and SL8 seem very similar bikes until you try them

[@cyclingunboxed]

Have you had the chance to try them both? Unfortunately still not ridden the sl8

[@alvaroodeh4794]

Yes, and also tried the new sram red which is 🔥 eyes peeled for the tour lots of bits coming 👍🏻

[@atlastrade1496]

Next step another venge))))

[@lcisso8584]

When they are out of ideas…which they are. Wonder how SL9 will look like.

[@cyclingunboxed]

What would you do next to progress this bike?

[@lcisso8584]

@@cyclingunboxed technology is not fast enough for them to improve the frame, all they can do is redesign a very small part of the frame or totally redesign the whole frame. IPhone is a very good example, every year is the same design and all they can do is to change a little bit or material. Road bikes can't escape carbon fiber.

[@cyclingunboxed]

Agreed on that. For me I think of it as you don’t need to upgrade every year. If you change for every new model then no, not much difference. But after 3 generations then there is a noticeable difference. So someone on the sl6 or sl5 looking to upgrade would be worth going to the 8. Does that make sense?

[@lcisso8584]

@@cyclingunboxed yes indeed, skipping a few generations before the next upgrade does make sense. Just curious on how far can the frame evolve into before it hits the wall when launching new gen yearly.

[@cyclingunboxed]

I do think we are nearing that limit. Only a rule change in the uci would help it progress further I think.

[@diegoeleazar9154]

That beluga headtube is a turn off 😞

[@littlevo9]

Sl7 better design clearly

[@benfinesilver2250]

Most “other” Chinese bikes hace the same features

[@superstrada6847]

The SL8 visually looks awkward, the geometry is unappealing to the eye compared to the beautiful, clean lines of the SL7. The aero gains of the SL8 are more marketing than real (you won't be any faster). I believe the SL7 will become a sought after classic. Thanks.

[@cyclingunboxed]

I agree, it’s not visually very attractive. I do believe they think it’s about the same speed and any gains made are all from the one piece aero cockpit

[@vitskr1]

s-works owned by non-dentist. now that's rare

[@joshuabuilds3051]

Confirmed bought a lightly used stumpy from a dentist. Not a joke.

[@tonyg3091]

SL7 looks much better. They put the fork on the SL8 backwards.😂

[@rmm7585]

No more innovation to a bike frame, full stop.

[@cyclingunboxed]

Where do you think the industry can go from here with the bike frame?

[@cokebottles6919]

Prefer the look of the SL7 for sure. The SL8 looks more old school, but not in a good way… All these bikes are just too expensive for me anyway.

[@phigio1319]

il pèse un vélo taille 52 et un taille 60😅😅😅

[@Southerncyclist]

SL anything is snake oil. Where's the Vinge bro.

[@cyclingunboxed]

The venge is a very good looking bike!

[@squashguy74]

How many times is this guy going to call the SL8 an SL6?!!!

[@cyclingunboxed]

Easy enough mistake to make

[@junricamago]

Not much difference to be spending so much.

[@ronm7114]

Dont they both suck and overpriced af?

[@sylvainbernaers]

same stupid price for a chinese frame of 500 euros. only fools throw away their money.

[@cyclingunboxed]

I would like to try to do a video in the future comparing a Chinese frame to a big brand one. I can say for now though there is a noticeable difference in compliance even between the canyon Aeroad and the sl7. I could spend many more hours on the sl7 than the Aeroad. Great bike but the frame is noticeably less comfortable for more a lot more weight and I think probably not that much more aero. I would think the Chinese frames are this but to a much further extreme.

[@MRDTBOSS]

Sure Jan

[@atlastrade1496]

Sl7 very poor design

[@brentlopez-yg4yw]

JUNK

[@Tarmaccyclocross]

Both heavy crap

[@cyclingunboxed]

Have you ridden both them? If so I would I would love to hear your opinion on how they compare to each other and how they feel compared to other bikes.

[@Tarmaccyclocross]

@@cyclingunboxed I have ridden the both of them flexy frames heavy disc brakes very similar to some of the Treks in that they ride like tanks and as for the handlebars I want to be able to adjust them. Why would I spend that amount of money on a bike that’s weighs more than bikes from 10 years ago. I am no beginner I raced in Belgium and the Netherlands in the 70s and 80s on a lot of different bikes which were reliable not like this junk

[@Questioneverything72]

Sorry for mean but honest comment. When I see a overweight rider with belly on such a high end light bike, I think to myself what a waste.

[@taxi9554]

Well, in this case only professionals would be allowed to ride top end material. Same you want to apply to sport cars etc? This is just how capitalism works 😊

[@Questioneverything72]

@@taxi9554 obviously you are not a cyclist. Otherwise you would understand to appreciate a high end bicycle weight/aero improvement you have to be at certain level of fitness. Doesn’t have to be a pro rider just a bit fitter. Because 16 seconds gain on SL8 and over weight rider loses minutes with that belly. So what is the purpose of having $14k bicycle with that belly other than just show off. Your capitalism comment is just off topic so I don’t get into it.

[@taxi9554]

@@Questioneverything72 you are wrong with your assumption that I am not a cyclist. I just do not judge someone wanting to buy expensive stuff just because they have some extra kilos. They might just enjoy the latest technology. And still be faster compared to their old bike. And when do you put a rider into which category to buy a certain bike? Guess you also do not like people wearing outfits from professional teams. These people do not hurt anyone riding expensive bikes. Just be a little bit more tolerant…they might pay taxes that allow us to ride on good roads

[@darrenjones7776]

Your comment is way off the mark as on this occasion looks are very deceiving. I have ridden several times with Dave. He races at a high level in his age category. I guarantee he would kick your arse.

[@Questioneverything72]

@@taxi9554 yeah exactly! using technology. The technology which allows that marginal gain of 16 second is wasted once someone has a lot more to gain by losing weight. Anyone can buy and do as they please. But to me that bicycle is wasted when the rider can get intended advantage out of it. And no i don’t mind rider’s who wear team jersey. it only shows their support or favorite team , not that they are a pro like them.