Specialized Tarmac SL8 Expert – Unprecedented aerodynamics, lightness, and control

The Specialized Tarmac SL8 Expert is designed to be the fastest racing bike in the world. After eight generations and over twenty years of engineering research, Specialized has created a model that combines extreme aerodynamics, optimized stiffness, and absolute lightness. The result is a level of performance that until yesterday seemed impossible.

Thanks to advanced simulations based on real data, the Ride Science Team has proven that the Tarmac SL8 is the fastest bike on any route:

• 16.6 seconds faster over 40 km on flat terrain

• 128 seconds faster on the Milano–Sanremo route

• 20 seconds gained on the Tourmalet climb

It’s the bike designed for those who want to turn every watt into pure speed.

Aerodynamics – Faster than the Venge

Specialized applies aerodynamics wherever it generates real advantages:

• New optimized front area for maximum air penetration.

• Fork steerer setback compared to the head tube to reduce aerodynamic drag.

• Narrower and more aerodynamic seatpost ever created, made possible by the new UCI rules.

The turbulent air produced by leg movements flows more smoothly towards the rear of the bike, ensuring greater efficiency.

Lightness – FACT 10r frame: 15% lighter than the Tarmac SL7

To meet the UCI minimum weight limit without compromising aerodynamics, Specialized transferred the experience gained with the Aethos:

• Frame at 685 grams, the lightest ever made for a Tarmac

• Material reduced where possible thanks to more efficient shapes

• Lighter than any World Tour bike*
  (*excluding the famous 585 g Aethos used by Asgreen in a Tour stage)

Ride quality – 33% stiffer, 6% more comfortable

The Tarmac SL8 sets a new standard in handling:

• 33% improved stiffness-to-weight ratio compared to the SL7

• Immediate response to pedaling inputs

• More comfort thanks to 6% more vibration absorption

• Proven SL7 geometry

• Clearance for tires up to 32 mm

Agility, stability, and control at the highest levels.

Beyond gender differences

Specialized designs for the individual, not for the gender.
Every cyclist — man or woman — can fully exploit the performance of the Tarmac SL8. A philosophy that values real biomechanics, not stereotypes.

Expert build – High performance at the best price

The Expert version is equipped with:

• SRAM Rival eTap AXS groupset with powermeter

• Roval C38 tubeless ready carbon wheels

• SL7 handlebar cockpit with Specialized Expert alloy bend

A setup designed to offer race performance with the best quality/price ratio.

Technical Specifications

Frame

• Tarmac SL8 FACT 10r carbon

• Rider First Engineered

• Internal cable routing

• Standard 12x142mm

Fork

• FACT carbon

• 12x100mm

• Flat-mount disc brake mount

Cockpit

• Handlebar: Specialized Expert shallow

• Stem: Tarmac 6°

• Tape: Supacaz Super Sticky Kush

Saddle and seatpost

• Saddle: Body Geometry Power Expert, titanium rails, composite shell

• Seatpost: S-Works Tarmac carbon, 15 mm setback

• Collar: Integrated Tarmac

Brakes

• Front: SRAM Rival1 disc

• Rear: SRAM Rival1 disc

Shifters & Transmission

• Shifters: SRAM Rival1 disc

• Front derailleur: SRAM Rival eTap AXS welded

• Rear derailleur: SRAM Rival eTap AXS 12v

• Cassette: SRAM Rival XG1250 10–36

• Crankset: SRAM Rival AXS with power meter

• Gears: 48/35 – 12 speed

• Bottom bracket: SRAM Dub BSA 68 mm

• Chain: SRAM Rival 12v

Wheels and Tires

• Front wheel: Roval C38 Disc, 21 mm internal width

• Rear wheel: Roval C38 Disc, 21 mm internal width

• Front tire: Turbo S-Works 700x26 mm

• Rear tire: Turbo S-Works 700x26 mm

• Inner tubes: Turbo ultralight, Presta valve 48 mm

Note Well

Technical specifications may change without notice depending on component availability.
Product images are purely indicative and may not exactly reflect the described features.

The Tarmac SL8 Expert is the ultimate choice for those who want a fast, lightweight, and incredibly precise racing bike, with a setup designed to maximize the quality/price ratio.