Just bought a SL-8, first ride impression,the bike really accelerates, when I speed up, notice I'm a couple mph faster than my Scott Foil. Never rode an SL-7, so can't compare to that. But, ride, handling, comfort, all I can say is wow, wow, and WOW. Best investment I've made in a bike.
@@MitchOnTwoWheels Thank you. Have to give a shout out to Mel my mechanic. Very performance oriented, knows some tricks in lubricating, and putting bikes, wheels together for maximum speed! Have to go riding now, thanks for the reply.
New sub. I’m a collector at this point SL7, Crux, Aethos and I appreciate the differences enough to be thinking about SL8. The subtle details you’ve walked us through are really helpful. I’ll be going into the archives for other reviews.
I have a SL 6 I absolutely love it. That was my first bike I bought. I would definitely buy a SL8. I agree with the review you gave to pay attention to cross wind but you learn to handle it. Thank you for the great review. Nicole
Taking my first step with the Specialized brand and going the SL8. This is a great review. I really appreciate the thoroughness in which you've gone into. All things being equal bikes and riding experiences are a subjective thing, but I'm looking forward to SL8 experience. Thanks
Please keep me posted with your thoughts on it, and if the video addressed all points. It helps me improve things for next time. Enjoy it, you're going to love it!
@@benjaminwolf9801 exactly...your too damn old. Look bro, you will never use what the bike is capable of..FACT. Me, i am 19 and am a killer on the bike. It is more for folks my age.
Great review. Thank you. I already bought a frame and taking it out for the first time tomorrow. I had the aethos and sold it last week. I think that I got rid of it is the right statement. The bike was comfortable but had a racing geometry and was super hard to hold the speed even within the peloton
Fair enough. It’s a different bike… almost something in its own category. A comfortable race bike, or a coffee shop rocket? Either way, it’s great for what it is. But the SL8 is all race, all the time.
@@MitchOnTwoWheels the only challenge is with the aethos price point. And for a rider that like group rides, the bike falls behind. Like literary you feel the push back. I travelled with the bike to the alps and the bike performed well. I sold it with no regrets. I was actually very happy to get rid of.
@@mohamadjamil3164 Fair enough... It served you well then. It is slower than the other two, but some people want the comfort it brings to the table. I'm glad you got yourself sorted out now!
not the bike but the rider, simple fact, all you here needing a race bike DONT race ! another fact, you are all just posers trying to look cool at the local group ride.
@@DigitalCity-sj4es and how did you conclude that we do t race? And what is the problem for getting the frame we like and would like to ride? I decided to retire my old bike a couple of years back and am very happy to be able to try new frames and ride fast bikes. As for my ability to win or not, to race or not is a personal choice
Excellent review. I had the aethos and just completed a couple of rides on the sl8. I agree on everything that you say with two more additions. The bike front end is bouncy in a rigid manner when the terrain gets rough. I felt that I need to be extra careful with two hands on the bar especially over rough curvy rode. The bottom bracket is very responsive and very stiff. Would have opted for a bit smart flex to allow to attain speed if you don’t have the legs or average 200 watts. You need the legs for the bike. It holds the speed but not like an aero bike. Far from that. Felt I need to constantly work to maintain 40km. Bike looks is dope. I love it. Comfort is a bit less than aethos but much nicer feel for Sl8. Great review as usual
Thanks for the comment! I’m glad you’re digging the bike! The Aethos is truly in a class of its own- race geo, with tons of comfort built in. It’s a great bike, but definitely feels more comfortable than a true race machine.
Great review. I just bought the Sworks SL8 frame mostly for the comfort reason. I have an Aeroad and after 3 hours it's killing me mostly in the seat tube. I've tried bigger tires, different saddle, nothing really helped. So hopefully this will help.
great review and congratulations on the PR's but I can say with much confidence that your PR's are most likely because of an improvement in fitness, not the bike -- especially if your previous PR's were made on your SL7. keep up the great work!
Hi ! Thanks a lot for this review, it helps a lot. But I have a few questions, I am still hesitating between SL8 and Aethos. In a nutshell, I am a very light weight (55kg), I do not ride competition but I love climbing and long days out on the bike. The SL8 as you say seem to overlap with the Aethos, and go above and beyond it. However my concern is, I am not a rider who can ride 35-40kph average on flat (I cant push hard on the pedals with a 70 rpm cadence, I am a typical climber who averages minimum of 90 rpm). I have the feeling the SL8 would be harder to ride for me because of my riding style and morphology. I am looking for a bike for pleasure but also to progress in all areas. What do you think of that and would is your opinion on what I should choose? Thanks a lot :)
Hey! Thanks for the comment! I think between the two bikes, you could go either way... In all honesty, I would choose one that will help your weaknesses versus bolstering your strengths, since both are ultra light. So if you want to increase your flat speed, maybe look at the SL8? It will be slightly heavier (around 100grams) but provide more Aero capability, a stiffer power transfer, however, a more rougher ride compared to the Aethos. If you can demo both, its a win-win, but guessing based on what your wrote, I dont think you would be disappointed throwing a leg over the SL8 given the Geo between the two bikes are essentially identical.
Hi Mitch, If you were going to purchase a bike to do a cross country race like the USA Trans Am or the Trans Continental Race, which bike would you purchase knowing everything you know from your ride experiences? If you rode for 10 hour days, is the SL8 only slighter different regarding riding “comfort”, or significantly different? Thank you in advance!
I thought i was bad by owning two s-works sl7 tarmacs and a cervelo caledonia 5...you got me beat..lol..but i have shimano di2 12 speed on all my bikes..i used to use Sram red but now i gravitate more to shimano di2....i guess its good to switch up. I got my eyes on the trek madone 7 gen next..😅
One of the other two will find a new home at some point. But I just can’t decide! It’s all about riding the bikes you do have… so if one isn’t being ridden, she gone!
The white paint loves to attract more attention than the complete bike… it shows EVERYTHING. The video is shot after a weekend of riding, so it shows all the dirt or grease scuffs very easily.
@10:55... i honestly think the sl7 seatpost looks alot better..especially the seat post clamp up above..i always felt the sl7 has a "sharks fin" type of look to it..😅
@@MitchOnTwoWheels that’s the layup and frame. Not the weight. See you if notice the difference with half empty water bottle vs full. Or before and after taking a dump. I am sure the SL8 is great - thinking about one myself :). But let’s be real. Pick up a 7kg box, put 100g on it and see if you can feel the difference.
I have the Venge, SL6, the S-works SL8 is noticeable... feels like my Bianchi Specialissima (6.8), faster than Venge and F-12 x-lite. You have to ride it to really appreciate the SL8.
For all the haters the SL8 s-works tarmac rides totally different from my 2022 SL7 s-works..i own the SL8 now and its lighter, faster, more comfortable(especially with a 28 gp5000 in the front and a 30 in the rare)..dont hate the bike, hate the price..😅
@MitchOnTwoWheels yes indeed..the bike is so lively..I thought i would like going from a sl7 s-works tarmac to a madone SLR but the ride is totally different..aero bikes ride different..I miss the lively feeling of the tarmac so I went to the SL8 and don't regret it. The bike is superlight and nimble..
Just bought a SL-8, first ride impression,the bike really accelerates, when I speed up, notice I'm a couple mph faster than my Scott Foil. Never rode an SL-7, so can't compare to that. But, ride, handling, comfort, all I can say is wow, wow, and WOW. Best investment I've made in a bike.
Yes! Great feedback to hear. It’s not just me then! Amazing bike. Congrats on your purchase and ride it in good health. Cheers!
@@MitchOnTwoWheels
Thank you.
Have to give a shout out to Mel my mechanic. Very performance oriented, knows some tricks in lubricating, and putting bikes, wheels together for maximum speed! Have to go riding now, thanks for the reply.
@happydays8171 any time! Enjoy your new bike 😊
I have a SL6, I love it. I would not hesitate to buy a SL8.
New sub. I’m a collector at this point SL7, Crux, Aethos and I appreciate the differences enough to be thinking about SL8. The subtle details you’ve walked us through are really helpful. I’ll be going into the archives for other reviews.
Amazing! Thanks for watching
Great review! Going from SL6 standard to SL8 Sworks (when the frame I ordered is available). I'm very excited and curious to see the difference!
You’ll love it! Especially coming from an SL6.
Great breakdown and very informative commentary
Glad you liked it!
I have a SL 6 I absolutely love it. That was my first bike I bought. I would definitely buy a SL8. I agree with the review you gave to pay attention to cross wind but you learn to handle it. Thank you for the great review. Nicole
Right on!
Taking my first step with the Specialized brand and going the SL8. This is a great review. I really appreciate the thoroughness in which you've gone into. All things being equal bikes and riding experiences are a subjective thing, but I'm looking forward to SL8 experience. Thanks
Please keep me posted with your thoughts on it, and if the video addressed all points. It helps me improve things for next time. Enjoy it, you're going to love it!
if your racing good choice, if your over the age of 25 than save your money because your too old and gra a different bike as you will not be racing.
@@DigitalCity-sj4es So the SL8 is for racers that are under 25? I will have to bring that up at the next group ride haha
LOL 😂
@@benjaminwolf9801 exactly...your too damn old. Look bro, you will never use what the bike is capable of..FACT. Me, i am 19 and am a killer on the bike. It is more for folks my age.
The best bike money can buy right now all things considered
Great review. Thank you. I already bought a frame and taking it out for the first time tomorrow. I had the aethos and sold it last week. I think that I got rid of it is the right statement. The bike was comfortable but had a racing geometry and was super hard to hold the speed even within the peloton
Fair enough. It’s a different bike… almost something in its own category. A comfortable race bike, or a coffee shop rocket? Either way, it’s great for what it is. But the SL8 is all race, all the time.
@@MitchOnTwoWheels the only challenge is with the aethos price point. And for a rider that like group rides, the bike falls behind. Like literary you feel the push back. I travelled with the bike to the alps and the bike performed well. I sold it with no regrets. I was actually very happy to get rid of.
@@mohamadjamil3164 Fair enough... It served you well then. It is slower than the other two, but some people want the comfort it brings to the table. I'm glad you got yourself sorted out now!
not the bike but the rider, simple fact, all you here needing a race bike DONT race ! another fact, you are all just posers trying to look cool at the local group ride.
@@DigitalCity-sj4es and how did you conclude that we do t race? And what is the problem for getting the frame we like and would like to ride? I decided to retire my old bike a couple of years back and am very happy to be able to try new frames and ride fast bikes. As for my ability to win or not, to race or not is a personal choice
Excellent review. I had the aethos and just completed a couple of rides on the sl8. I agree on everything that you say with two more additions. The bike front end is bouncy in a rigid manner when the terrain gets rough. I felt that I need to be extra careful with two hands on the bar especially over rough curvy rode. The bottom bracket is very responsive and very stiff. Would have opted for a bit smart flex to allow to attain speed if you don’t have the legs or average 200 watts. You need the legs for the bike. It holds the speed but not like an aero bike. Far from that. Felt I need to constantly work to maintain 40km. Bike looks is dope. I love it. Comfort is a bit less than aethos but much nicer feel for Sl8. Great review as usual
Thanks for the comment! I’m glad you’re digging the bike! The Aethos is truly in a class of its own- race geo, with tons of comfort built in. It’s a great bike, but definitely feels more comfortable than a true race machine.
What aero bike do You compare to sl8 (speed mainaining wise)
Great review. I just bought the Sworks SL8 frame mostly for the comfort reason. I have an Aeroad and after 3 hours it's killing me mostly in the seat tube. I've tried bigger tires, different saddle, nothing really helped. So hopefully this will help.
Amazing!
A review of the sl8 vs the dogmaF would be fantastic
All I need is the Dogma F hmmmm…. Know anyone looking to hook one up? 😂
great review and congratulations on the PR's but I can say with much confidence that your PR's are most likely because of an improvement in fitness, not the bike -- especially if your previous PR's were made on your SL7. keep up the great work!
Thanks for your feedback! Much appreciated my friend.
Nice review.
Do you work for Specialized?
Nope.
Nice review! I have the Aethos and love it but thinking about getting the SL8. BTW, why do you have both the 4iii and the Assioma ?
Good question… Assioma from previous bike.
Hi ! Thanks a lot for this review, it helps a lot. But I have a few questions, I am still hesitating between SL8 and Aethos. In a nutshell, I am a very light weight (55kg), I do not ride competition but I love climbing and long days out on the bike. The SL8 as you say seem to overlap with the Aethos, and go above and beyond it. However my concern is, I am not a rider who can ride 35-40kph average on flat (I cant push hard on the pedals with a 70 rpm cadence, I am a typical climber who averages minimum of 90 rpm). I have the feeling the SL8 would be harder to ride for me because of my riding style and morphology. I am looking for a bike for pleasure but also to progress in all areas.
What do you think of that and would is your opinion on what I should choose? Thanks a lot :)
Hey! Thanks for the comment! I think between the two bikes, you could go either way... In all honesty, I would choose one that will help your weaknesses versus bolstering your strengths, since both are ultra light. So if you want to increase your flat speed, maybe look at the SL8? It will be slightly heavier (around 100grams) but provide more Aero capability, a stiffer power transfer, however, a more rougher ride compared to the Aethos. If you can demo both, its a win-win, but guessing based on what your wrote, I dont think you would be disappointed throwing a leg over the SL8 given the Geo between the two bikes are essentially identical.
Great review!
Thanks bruh.
Hi, from tarmac sl8 there are two pictures, one satin white and one gloss white. Which one is it? Thank you!
This would be the non-gloss :)
Hi Mitch, If you were going to purchase a bike to do a cross country race like the USA Trans Am or the Trans Continental Race, which bike would you purchase knowing everything you know from your ride experiences? If you rode for 10 hour days, is the SL8 only slighter different regarding riding “comfort”, or significantly different? Thank you in advance!
10 hour days, I would go with more relaxed geometry. Something like an endurance bike…. No need to kill your back.
I thought i was bad by owning two s-works sl7 tarmacs and a cervelo caledonia 5...you got me beat..lol..but i have shimano di2 12 speed on all my bikes..i used to use Sram red but now i gravitate more to shimano di2....i guess its good to switch up. I got my eyes on the trek madone 7 gen next..😅
One of the other two will find a new home at some point. But I just can’t decide! It’s all about riding the bikes you do have… so if one isn’t being ridden, she gone!
nice review! did you buy the bike full price or did specialize gift it to you?
I paid for the bike, just like the others :)
Great rew
How about the weight of that build ?
No idea. It’s light!
Great review thanks
No problem 👍
which garmin computer mount are you using?
Whatever the bike came with for the integrated bar.
Proper review comparison etc.. I’ve an aethos - you have to work hard on the flat with it to be fair !
Thanks buddy :)
Great review. 👍🏻
Thanks! I appreciate ya!
How bad has been to maintain the white paint ? nice review
The white paint loves to attract more attention than the complete bike… it shows EVERYTHING. The video is shot after a weekend of riding, so it shows all the dirt or grease scuffs very easily.
@10:55... i honestly think the sl7 seatpost looks alot better..especially the seat post clamp up above..i always felt the sl7 has a "sharks fin" type of look to it..😅
Fair enough... This one grows on you though... Tighter, cleaner, but basically the same proportions as before, just smaller.
How much are specialized paying you to promote there products you sound like you've been reading the literature on the sl8 too many times ,,,,
Literally $0 😂
I prefer my Aethos more confortable better for climbing and with some Roval rapide clx it is very fast 😊
That's awesome! Not to mention a great combo! Enjoy :)
I agree.
❤❤❤
Definitely all the hearts.
Usually like your reviews. But come on. No one can really notice 120grams. Try it with your water bottle.
🤣 🤣 lmao
It’s night and day between the two bikes and easily noticeable. I notice everything. 😂
@@MitchOnTwoWheels that’s the layup and frame. Not the weight. See you if notice the difference with half empty water bottle vs full. Or before and after taking a dump. I am sure the SL8 is great - thinking about one myself :). But let’s be real. Pick up a 7kg box, put 100g on it and see if you can feel the difference.
I have the Venge, SL6, the S-works SL8 is noticeable... feels like my Bianchi Specialissima (6.8), faster than Venge and F-12 x-lite. You have to ride it to really appreciate the SL8.
@marquesreyes3287 awesome feedback!
For all the haters the SL8 s-works tarmac rides totally different from my 2022 SL7 s-works..i own the SL8 now and its lighter, faster, more comfortable(especially with a 28 gp5000 in the front and a 30 in the rare)..dont hate the bike, hate the price..😅
So true man… I’m considering getting another SL8 sadly 😂
@MitchOnTwoWheels yes indeed..the bike is so lively..I thought i would like going from a sl7 s-works tarmac to a madone SLR but the ride is totally different..aero bikes ride different..I miss the lively feeling of the tarmac so I went to the SL8 and don't regret it. The bike is superlight and nimble..
Wow you weren’t kidding you rushed it out haha
Sometimes you have to strike while the iron is hot!
I bought a used SL4 S-Works with Dura Ace for $1,000! I drove 400 miles round trip to snatch that deal! No way I'm spending $10K+ on a bike, LOL.
It sounds like it! Enjoy.
smart man . this comment section is full of posers from the local bike clubs. POSERS!!!
You can get a SL7 Sport now for $2999 that gives you most of this new technology!
quick video , 23 minutes.
Sorry
Marketing bs
Nope.
Yes. Appreciate the good review but it is marketing….which is totally fine. Just saying, the differences are so minimal. But, glad you’re enjoying it.
You still ponied up for an SL8 after the shitshow that was the SL7? I hope they gave you a deep discount at least.
Ya it's a better bike. The recall was pretty minor, and not at all a big deal. Most other brands probably wouldn't have done anything.