Specialized Tarmac SL8 S-Works Sram Red Axs 12S

No bike is as fast as the Tarmac SL8 thanks to a combination of aerodynamics, lightness and ride quality previously thought impossible. After eight generations and over two decades of development, it's not just the fastest Tarmac ever: it's the fastest road bike in the world. Are your legs ready?

Speed
Aerodynamics or lightness alone do not win races: what matters is speed. Achieving this speed requires an uncompromising combination of aerodynamics, lightness, stiffness and stress absorption. Thanks to complex simulations using real data, our Ride Science Team has verified that the Tarmac SL8 is the fastest road bike on any route: - 16.6 seconds on 40km flat, 128 seconds faster on the Milan-San Remo route, 20 seconds faster on the Tourmalet climb. Now the fastest bike on any road is available with the new SRAM RED AXS groupset with power meter - the lightest electronic groupset - mounted with Roval Rapide CLX II tubeless ready wheels and Roval Rapide Cockpit handlebars.

Aerodynamics
Specialized uses aerodynamics where it's needed most, and in the process Specialized created the fastest road bike ever - yes, more aerodynamic than even the Venge. The front end has been optimised for maximum benefit. The fork steerer tube is positioned to the rear of the front of the frame head tube to offer much lower aerodynamic drag. Due to new UCI rules, Specialized used the narrowest and most aerodynamic seatpost ever made for the SL8 to ensure that turbulent air in the leg area can flow more easily to the rear of the bike.

Lightness
To create the Tarmac SL8 and build the most aerodynamic bike while meeting UCI's minimum weight requirements, Specialized drew inspiration from what it learned with the Aethos. The team created a 685 gram frame, 15% lighter than the Tarmac SL7 and lighter than any other World Tour bike*. Focusing on maximum possible lightness in the down tube, seat tube and rear of the bike, Specialized adopted the lessons learned in the Aethos project. The frame shapes respond so efficiently to stresses that it was possible to reduce the thickness of the material, eliminating the superfluous. *Except for the time when Kasper Asgreen raced with the 585 gram Aethos frame during a stage of the Tour.

Ride quality
The stiffness-to-weight ratio of the Tarmac SL8 is 33% better than that of the SL7. The Tarmac SL8 sets a new benchmark in handling: it is precise in the most demanding situations and responds immediately and efficiently to pedal inputs. While the areas that ensure power transfer and steering precision are stiffer than ever, in the saddle the Tarmac SL8 is more comfortable, filtering 6% more stress from the terrain and allowing you to attack corners with a feeling of agility and balance unique in the world of road bikes. The new Tarmac SL8 retains the tried and tested geometry of the SL7 model, with the same generous 32mm tyre clearance so that more volume can be used when needed.

Beyond gender differences
In reality, there can be many more differences between two male cyclists than between a man and a woman. Specialized designs according to the individual and the philosophy is simple: Don't create differences where there are none. Every cyclist, male or female, can benefit from the advantages of the Tarmac SL8. It's time to go further. The S-Works Tarmac SL8 is fitted with the SRAM Red eTap AXS groupset with power meter, tubeless-ready Roval Rapide CLX II wheels and integrated Roval Rapide cockpit handlebars.

Technical Specifications

Frame

• Frame: S-Works Tarmac SL8 FACT 12r Carbon, Rider First Engineered™, Win Tunnel Engineered, Clean Routing, threaded BB, 12x142mm through-bolt, flat-mount disc

Suspension

• Fork: S-Works FACT 12r Carbon, through-bolt 12x100mm, flat-mount disc

Cockpit

• Handlebar: Roval Rapide Cockpit, integrated handlebar/rail
• Handlebar stem: Roval Rapide Cockpit, integrated handlebar/rail
• Handlebar Tape: Supacaz Super Sticky Kush
• Saddle: S-Works Power with mirror
• Seatpost: S-Works Tarmac SL8 Carbon seatpost, FACT Carbon, 15mm offset
• Saddle clamp: Tarmac integrated wedge

Brakes

• Rear brake: NEW SRAM RED AXS, hydraulic disc
• Front brake: NEW SRAM RED AXS, hydraulic disc

Transmission

• Shifting mechanism: NEW SRAM RED AXS, hydraulic disc
• Front derailleur: NEW SRAM RED AXS, hand brake
• Rear derailleur: NEW SRAM RED AXS, 12-speed
• Sprocket set: NEW SRAM RED XG-1290, 12-speed, 10-33t
• Crankset: NEW SRAM RED AXS power meter
• Chainrings: 48/35
• Bottom Bracket: SRAM DUB BSA 68
• Chain: NEW SRAM RED 12-speed

Wheels & Tyres

• Front wheel: Roval Rapide CLX II, Tubeless, 21mm internal width carbon rim, 51mm depth, Win Tunnel Engineered, Roval AFD hub, 18h, DT Swiss Aerolite spokes
• Rear wheel: Roval Rapide CLX II, Tubeless, 21mm internal width carbon rim, 60mm depth, Win Tunnel Engineered, Roval AFD hub, 24h, DT Swiss Aerolite spokes
• Front tyre: S-works Turbo Rapidair 2BR, 700x26mm
• Rear tyre: S-works Turbo Rapidair 2BR, 700x26mm
• Inner tubes: Turbo Ultralight, 60mm Front, 80mm Rear, Presta valve.

Weight

• Manufacturer's weight: 6.66 kg (14 lb, 10.9 oz)
• Weighed measurement: 56.

Note: Weights based on production painted frames as shown. Actual weights will vary based on colour, frame size and component variation. Specifications are subject to change without notice.

Please note: Images are for illustration purposes only. Anything not specified in the description is not included.