Riding My New TARMAC SL8 For The 1st Time. Real World First Impressions For The Everyday Rider!
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- Опубліковано 31 бер 2024
- New bike day!!
After months of waiting, I finally get to ride my new S-Works Tarmac SL8.
2 rides in 2 days, from the cafe run to the chain gang.
Real testing, in the real world without the gimmicks!
Amazing bike, but is it any better than the SL7? Watch on, to find out what I think.
Link to Infinity Cycles website 👉👉👉 www.infinitycycles.co.uk
"Ride what you like"
Spot on Dave, balls to what anyone else thinks 👏👏👏
Exactly mate 💯.
Thanks for watching 👍
Congratulations Dave on your new purchase! I’m sure you’ll be very happy and wish you many happy roadmiles on the spesh s- works you lucky devil. Keep up the good work 👍🏽
Thanks mate 👍
Love the candor about the differences… I’ll keep (and enjoy) my SL7… 🍻
The SL7 is definitely a great bike 👍👏
Great win on the Saturday Worlds mate😉👍
Thanks mate. Gotta take them where you can at our age 😂
Solid honest review that, nice one
Thanks mate 👍
Yo Dave! Good breakdown. I have a 6, 7 and 8 Sworks di2, am a 53 year old racer with an ftp of 310 and I could not agree more with your comments. Going from the 6 to the 7 was a revolution and the 7 to the 8 more of a mini-evolution. I do think I feel a bit more stiffness from the 8 and many of my regular segments show it to be slightly faster but by and large the 7/8 are 95% comparable. Paired with 30mm Conti’s, I have never felt as comfortable and stable on a bike but much of this is down to tires I suspect. Keep up the good work friend.
Hey Josh, thanks for the message. Good to hear from a fellow Tarmac fan 😎...
I guess I'll get a better feel for the SL8 over the summer and may be able to appreciate the subtle improvements a little more... Either way, it's still an incredible bike to ride ( as was the SL7 😁.. )
Thanks for watching and the support 👍
@@daveridesagainSl7 and 8 have theeaded BB so it’s poor solution for bikes. Giant TCR is way way better quality bike. Don’t listen marketing BS 👍
@Pablo_Coach I've ridden them all. TCR is a great bike no doubt about it, but I prefer my Tarmac 👍...
Thanks for watching 😎
@@daveridesagain ok, but can You tell me why? Because of comfort wise?
@Pablo_Coach hard to pin point... I've ridden a couple of TCRs ( last was 2019 ). Great bike but the Tarmac just feels the better / faster bike ( to me ) . Both great bikes and comes down to personal choice at the end of the day.. Most riders wouldn't be disappointed with either.
Nice one, Dave! Looks stunning mate. As a Sunderland lad, I also gravitated towards Infinity Cycles to get my hands on a Roubaix 👍🏻 think I’m also turning into a Specialized fanboy
Happy days mate. The Roubaix is a great piece of kit. Enjoy & thanks for watching 👍
Great video I’ve been spesh fan boy for life born with S-WORKS Birthmark 😝 Had S Works Venge Disc S Works Sl6 Team Edition S Works Crux S Works Epic Full Roadie Now Well Runner/Wannabe Cyclist Currently Riding Kikr Bike 😂 And S-Works SL7 Thanks Again Love Your Videos ps at last an unbiased video from a fan boy like me love it Dave
🤣🤣🤣🤣....
Nice one mate, you have good taste in bikes 👍
Thanks for watching 😊
Dave it’s a stunning piece of kit
Well done 👏
Thanks mate 👍
Great review thanks
Thanks for watching!
Greatly appreciate your thoughts and comments regarding both models! Love my SL7, exact same frame as yours! In time I’ll consider a replacement as we all do, but not now! Enjoy all the miles ahead!
Thank you. 😊
Likewise, hope you have a great year on the SL7 👍
My SL8 being built by Rhino workshop this week exactly same build as yours (but quickstep frame), picking up on Friday, cant wait
Quickstep frame, wow 🤩.... I love the colour of that one mate. You've done well to get your hands on it 👏👏👏
You'll love the bike mate, it's awesome 🔥🔥🔥
@@daveridesagain yeah he said that he imported it from Europe, had to pay a bit more due to duty tax, but love the colour and will be more unique - yours looks great, enjoy your rides and subscribed :)
Nothing beats that White SL7 ❤.. simple as that.😀 ..Great video Dave 👍
It's the one bike, I'll never sell 🔥
loving the honestly on the comparison, have you thought of using a drone to film yourself riding? should make for some pretty dynamic footage 👍
Thanks Tony,
Yeah I have mate, maybe one for the future 👍
Great review 👍🏻I have the Venge disc and am considering an SL8, i think the difference should be very noticeable
I was never lucky enough to own a Venge, but yeah I’d expect the ride quality on the SL8 to be very different, given the difference in frame design/ weight etc.
You’ll not be disappointed with the SL8. It’s an incredible bike 👌
Nice! ..Enjoyed that, ty
Thanks mate
Nice one mate,I have just brought the exact bike in size 54 but in the Satin Fog (White) version,she's a real thoroughbred is'nt she?.....Glad to see you've also got the Dura Ace groupset on yours too,the way to go IMHO for what it's worth.
Awesome mate, was looking at that exact colourway just yesterday in the store... Beautiful looking frame 😍
Enjoy the new bike and thanks for watching 👊
Hi Dave, only recently found your channel and was looking through the previous videos when I learned about your old shop. As I’d not heard of Infinity Cycles before, I went and had a look and ended up buying a Tarmac SL7 Di2 which is being delivered tomorrow 👍
I also wondered what you would recommend for wheels Zipp 303s or Roval C38 ?
Hey Daryl, thanks for the message.
Awesome that you found Infinity through my content and even better that you got hooked up with a new bike.... You'll love the bike mate, it's fantastic...
Both wheelsets are pretty closely matched, I'd personally go with Roval as it nicely finishes the overall "package"......
If budget allowed, I'd also have a look at the Rapide CLs. They're another step up to both wheelsets you're looking at and still decent value.... I've got Rapide CL and a pair of the Rapide CLX 2 which are a grand more and can barely notice a difference...
The guys in the store will look after you.... 👍
Thanks for watching 👊
100 miles on today for me, longest ride I have ever done! I actually prefer the look of that SL7 you have, but that's not to say the SL8 is anything shy of beautiful - I would love either bike tbh!
Awesome mate 👊... tough day weather wise for a big ride.
The custom paint on my white SL7 is a showstopper 🔥... The SL8 is definitely more stealthy and understated 👍
@@daveridesagain deffo is mate, it’s absolutely gorgeous. Yeah weather was ropey as fuck, started cold, went warm, rain, wind, hail, sun again and then biblical rain for the last 20km. 163km with 1750m climbing, pretty chuffed in all.
@@LeeWright Great ride mate. Well done 👏👏👏
Great honsst review of the SL8 vs SL7.
Thank you for watching 😊👍
Great vid fella. Let's face it the differences are usually paint colour related 😂
All about the bling 😍😁
Another great vid Dave and just what I was wanting riding an SL7 the urge is always there to pull the trigger, but I think you have scratched that itch (for now…)
Noticed a few on the chainy not in RR kit, can anyone attend or is it RR only? RR attended a few of ours round Peterlee over the years.
Thanks mate, SL7 is an incredible bike.. 👌
Not sure on the chain gang, I'm a new member and don't get involved with the politics 😉... Drop John Davo a message mate, he calls the shots 😁
Another class video. Interested in how these both rate against the MVDP Canyon Aeroad?
Canyon update coming soon.
Thanks for watching 👍
Bike looks sweet Dave
Thanks mate 🤩
After all we're only humans... Greedy for new and shiny things ... but we all deserve for some pleasure in our life. And a new bike could be one of these pleasures - even if can't make a real use of it. Enjoy!
I do my best 😁
Thanks for watching 👍
Tip from a fellow UA-cam cyclist , don’t turn your reviews into vlogs. Just keep it those and to the point. Lovely bikes !!
Noted mate, thanks for watching.
Certainly not the market I shop in. Both lovely bikes.
I’ll stick to my price range, but still good video 👍👌🏻
Ride what you like and what you enjoy mate... as long as you're riding, happy days 😊
Thanks for watching 👍
Love my SL6, wish my accountant (you know who) would approve a SL8 upgrade 😉.
🤣🤣🤣
Great vids Dave. What size is this SL8?
Thanks mate.
56cm, I'm 175cm. Set up and fit is spot on 👌
Looks matter a lot to me. Waited two years for Canyon to release a color I liked. Bought an endurance that’s racing green.
Yeah, I'm with you.. Colours are important! I hope the Canyon was worth the wait and is living upto your expectations.
Thanks for watching. :-)
Bloody love this
What's the music?
Any track in particular mate?
Thanks for watching 👍
Hi Dave,
A quick question, and I know you will give your honest opinion.
I am a fairly average rider 290 ftp.
I have the option to buy a Tarmac SL7 expert build (rival) or an aethos pro (ultegra di2).
I don’t ride competitively. What bike would you recommend?
They are at the same price. I do endurance races/challenges 200+ miles.
Would aero even matter over the comfort of the aethos?
Cheers, love the content!
Thanks for the message.
I'm fortunate to have ridden both. I sold the Aethos in a month and kept the Tarmac. They were both identical specs.
Aero is pretty irrelevant at our level, mate, but to me, the Tarmac just felt that bit faster and more responsive... The geo is identical, so there is no difference in position....
If the bikes were like for like spec, I'd say go with the Tarmac, all day every day... BUT given the significant spec difference on the bikes you're looking at, I'd probably go Aethos... I also personally prefer Shimano over SRAM....
If you can, maybe test ride both to see what you think.
Hope this helps and enjoy your new bike, whichever way you end up going.... and let me know what you think 👍
Thanks for watching 😊
Thank you very much for the quick reply Dave!
I have the aethos as a loaner bike from a mate at the moment, but with the old 11 speed ultegra di2. I find the aethos to be the most comfortable bike I have ever ridden so far. Super quick and responsive, yet very comfortable.
And I don’t have the option to try the Tarmac yet, but I figured the geo was the same and the main difference would be the aero gains. But because you mentioned in this video that the aero gains probably don’t matter much for an average rider like me 😅
I think the spec bump will do it for me due to the value of the group set.
Thank you for the elaborate reply!
Cheers Dave!
@@KasperPers you're welcome. 👍
Complètement d’accord,mon magasin avait des sl8 sworks en stock j’ai quand même pris un sl7 sworks ,il pèse tout complet avec les porte bidon, rapide clx2 support garmin pedales 6,9kg en xl …(j’ai un pédalier carbone cybrei très léger et les pedale look carbon ti et full dura ace) donc pour 100gr je ne prendrai pas le sl8 qui est tres moche en taille 58 contrairement au sl7 . Le sl8 me fait beaucoup penser au sl6 et pourrait être une version moderne du sl6 là où le sl7 pour moi est un venge plus facile à vivre et donc une évolution de ce dernier.
Le sl8 est très bon et joli jusque la taille 56,au dessus la douille de direction ressemble à l’avant du titanic😂
Hi Dave
What's happened to the Canyin CF SLX?
Tom
Still got it mate. I'm going to do an update video on it soon 👍
What’s the chunkiest gravel wheel and tyre combo you can fit in this?
I’m not sure, I’ve never tried. Maybe 32mm but that would be a guess
RE-VENGE!!
Bring it on.... We all want it.
Will Specialized deliver🤔
Where did you get the decals for frame? Thank you
Decals for the SL8? The bike comes like this from stock in the UK mate. 👍
So update from an SL6 to an SL7 is or SL8? Could get a used SL7 sworks frame…
Depends on what your priorities are. If you’re on a budget, want bang for buck and find an SL7 frame for say a couple of grand, I’d go with that. If you can afford it , want the lightest and appreciate the suttle differences, buy an SL8. I’ve ridden mine quite a bit more since this update and can confirm, it’s incredible 🔥
Thanks for watching 👍
Enjoyed this video! I’m torn. Basically a newbie cyclist but wanting a new bike. Had my eyes on the SL8 Pro which is £8000 but realised I want to keep my current wheel set and could get the frame/groupset of a SW-SL8 for ~6500.
The tart in me likes the colours of the SW more or should I be sensible and get a regular SL8. I’m not going to be able to treat myself often and it’s one of those perfect storms in life where it’s lined up that I could treat myself to the S-Works model but I’d look like a right tit cause I’m so slow 😂
You won't notice a huge difference in performance, between S-Works and the tier down, but if it puts a bigger smile on your face when you ride it, you'll probably ride it more. Whatever you end up with mate, you won't be disappointed. Happy riding!
Hi Dave, first time on your channel, good and honest review. Bought an SL7 expert last week but i am now unsure about exchanging it for an SL8 expert. The difference in price is €500. What would you recommend? Keep up the good work.
Welcome and thanks for watching 👍...
Although there isnt much real world difference in performance between the SL7 and 8, as there isn't a huge difference in the price, if the budget allowed I'd probably suggest going for the SL8, providing the spec on the SL8 stacks up. Ie, is at least on a par with the SL7....
They're both great bikes though and you'll not be disappointed with either.. 👍
@@daveridesagain Hi Dave, that's the issue. The specs are the same, same groupset (Sram Rival), same roval wheels etc.. Is it worth the money to chance to the SL8. The only difference is that de SL7 is from 2023 and the SL8 from 2024. Hope that you can help me in mine decision.
@leenvandertoorn4996 haha, it's your call to make mate. If they're identical in spec and you were to ride both blind folded, I doubt you'd be able to tell the difference. I go for the SL8 only because its the newer model, it'll hold its value slightly better and the price difference isn't massive.... Had there been a grand difference, I'd have said keep the SL7, but for £500 🤔🤔🤔
Your money and your call 👍
Hope this helps.
@@daveridesagain hahaha, I was afraid of this answer. Would indeed take the SL8 because it is a newer model. Think about it carefully over the next few days.
Thanks for your help and keep making good videos.
@@leenvandertoorn4996As an economist I would say this comes down to the resale value.
opinion on s works aethos too > ? or a complete gimmick?
I had an Aethos for a short while, preferred the Tarmac, so kept the Tarmac and sold the Aethos...
Tarmac felt a bit stiffer, more responsive and all round just a bit faster...
IMO the Aethos is pretty much redundant now with the weight reduction on the new SL8...
What would you reccomend for someone who is getting there second bike... Basically best carbon frame for around 2-4k second hand
You should get a nice 2nd hand Tarmac SL7 for 4k... There isn't tons around but if you find an Expert or Pro level bike within your budget, it'd defo be worth a look.
@@daveridesagain what’s difference with s works SL7 will I notice a huge difference as oppose to SL7 expert or pro
S-Works uses a different carbon layup, so a bit lighter and stiffer.... In terms of real world performance gains for the everyday rider, there's little difference between S-Works and the tier below ( which are still great bikes..... ) 👍
What are you using it for?
@@korsveien not racing or anything. Just casual but I do like to beat my times
the green Merida bike seems fast enough and looks canny, whats the riders thought on that particiular bike?
or and the SLs look spot on, could be a good time to pick up an SL7
Its new to him, but I think he's pretty impressed. Its a good value bike too, great spec for the price. Definitely a good time to pick up a good 2nd hand SL7, if you can find one that fits in a colour you like.
Thanks for watching.
Cheers and hopefully we'll see some more vlogs from the NE👍
I ride a a entry level Canyon Endurace with upgraded Shimano carbon wheels at 8,2 kilos. Would I pay 10000 to lose an extra kilo on the bike? No I rather use that money on other things, but people are different. I’ve been noticing that more people are biking again and most of the newcomers are riding 10-15 years old rim brake bikes.
TBH I don't mind what people ride, that's upto the individual... As long as more people are cycling and enjoying it, then happy days 😊
Thanks for the comment and for watching 👍
Where is the white Aeroad??
I'm going to do an update on that bike soon mate... I've still got it. 👍
Be great to have an Aeroad vs SL8 vid given their respective differences
Sorry to say that I didn't witness any rider that swap to SL8 going faster.
It's the rider that counts
Visual engineering in the SL8 at best
The frame is lighter for sure, but little difference in real world performance gains for the average rider. Still love the bike though.
Evey user, cyclist and tester says a different story. Bikes are bikes, traditional carbon layup, and the same geometry in 99.9%. Whats new? Nothing.
Yep, everyone's entitled to an opinion and that's just the way it should be. Ride whatever you want 👍...
High disagree. When it has 1/3 fewer plies than some other frames, how can it feel the same?
@@Shadowboost , agreed 👍
Totally disagree…frames look similar because the computers and wind tunnels are steering the engineering similar ways (data-driven design convergence). However, there’s a wider range of riding/handling dynamics. As someone who test rode bikes for 10 months before deciding on a new one recently, I felt the differences in how the bikes handled was pretty glaring.
@OnThePeriphery I agree mate 👍
I guess you're happy with your purchase, but to me ... what a waist of time and money !! Your SL7 was great with a special paint job.
I am thanks 😊.
Thanks for watching 👍
@@daveridesagain Thanks for making your video. Enjoy your future rides on that beast SL8.
Life's to short to ride shitty bikes, 😎 Hats off to the SL8, its a great looking Bike! Love the Roval cockpit on your stack height, *Clean!
#RobbArmstrong
😂😂😂
Thank you 👊
SL7 is better looking than SL8
Six and two threes IMO, mostly comes down to the paint finish as the decider 😁
first honest opinion ! good job! i prefer the looks of the sl7 better. the sl8 seems 2 bikes put together with some glue 😊
Thanks mate. 👍