So much negativity in the comments haha. To be fair to David, he is clear the price is ludicrous BUT that doesn’t mean it’s not an incredible bike! You can’t justify the price, but if you have the money and want an incredible bike then go it it. Alternatively if you don’t think it’s worth it have a look at a different brand or bike. I can’t afford a Ferrari but love watching videos about them. I do own the SL8 Pro. It’s by far the best bike I have ever ridden, the comfort is incredible for a proper race bike. Just a stunning machine. Loads of great details and lots of thought in to the design. Remember folks, David is just reviewing a bike, you don’t have to buy it. Just enjoy the content 😊
I agree with you but the thing is that you should provide information that is actually helpful for your audience and help them to make the best decision possible. I can totally understand the people who don't want to hear about bikes that they never will buy. The second problem i see with the situation is that these bikes are getting way to much attention from different UA-camrs. That's exactly what the brands wants.
One thing I do not understand is reviewers like your self all said 5 years ago said lightness made a difference. Then disks came about they all said the weight does not matter as much aero matters more. Now disk brake bikes are getting light again suddenly bikes being light weight makes a difference again ? I do not understand is how they say how it counts as aero as the venge. The frame has hardly any of the classic aero features such as deeper forks, deeper seat tube thicker bottom tube. Apart from a slightly deeper head tube and some bars that's it?
My guess is that there is a difference between how it looks and how it actually performs (as with many things in life). To me I still can't understand whether I like this or is my SL7 still the prettiest racebike out there...
@@fizzybubbelech the visual test is enough deeper or wider tubes are faster. That's why tt bikes have such thick downtubes and seat tubes what practically rub on the back wheel. This bike has none of that
@@Penalist the venge had integrated cockpits on the rim brake bike and disk. More aerodynamic hidden brakes and deep forks. Only thing missing is the slightly narrow headtube
I have the SL8 pro version with Ultegra Di2. More than enough bike for me David and at half the price with single sided 4iii power meter. Absolutely love it!
David, I totally agree with your comments, the bike is superb. I have been riding for decades and always on the old well trusted mechanical systems (nothing wrong with them), but this is on another level. I decided to ride on 28mm tubeless tyres with the 3D printed saddle and man, another step up in comfort. Greetings from Gibraltar, all the best.
I too use to hate specialized like many of you. But then I had a Tarmac SL8 built up. I love this bike, and bought the cheapest components to keep the price down. My bike weighs 13 pounds, and flys like a rocket. The hype is real, but I still love all my other bikes. A bike isn't like your wife. It's okay to love more than one, and lust after another one
@@robertsamuel1994 I'm not an expert or an even an average cylist :D Just a rookie in this sport. I'm really interested in the test of someone who tried a lot of different bikes !
@@liviucolceriu I didn't try the pro version but the basic one is pretty comfortable and... I'm coming from a canyon endurace so I was really comfortable! Moreover I don't switch to tubeless yet! Stiff but not too much, just the perfect balance from my point of view!
Thank you for this David. I’ve been waiting for this video for weeks and I’m so glad the SL8 reviewed as well as it has. I genuinely hoped it lived up to the hype, and it seems it does. Awesome! I, like many, can’t afford the £12k price tag, and probably not the £8k pro model either, but I want to see is how other manufacturers respond to this new benchmark. I’m hoping the recently leaked TCR images mean the likes of Giant are now upping their game, and possibly rival this with something a little more affordable. Let’s see!!!
I have a SWORKS SL4 and an SL7. They're awesome. SL4 feels lighter and solid even after all these years. I took it to ride Tour de Boerne a while ago, and it never felt more alive out in the Texas Hillcountry. I fell in love with it all over again. SL7 is a bit different but still does the same. It's just maybe a tad scarier going downhill because it will hit the descent a bit quicker than you will expect. It's odd, but it'd be hard to let these go if I ever wanted a new bike.
Thorough review David. I have a 6, 7 and 8. The 7 was better than the 6 for me and after 2 longs rides on the 8, I think it'll be better than the 7 but too soon to say for sure. Let's face it though- all bikes in this range are expensive- you're not going to find a $5,000 bike these days to compare with some of these bikes you mention in your review. It sucks but the days of an inexpensive racing bike are done.
Maybe that's because most of the buyers are relatively wealthy vain men. I've seen idiots riding SL7s to work, said idiots will be riding these to work soon too!
Love the Tarmac but am hoping you could do a comparison with a mid level Specialized Tarmac. Apart from the obvious weight (and price) difference I’d like to know what the performance is like?
I've looked at the prices Specialized list the Tarmac SL8 Pro and SWorks models for in Australia (my local market), UK, USA and Europe (Germany). The UK get shafted on pricing. The SL8 Pro model is over £2000 more expensive in the UK compared to Australia. Having said that, there isn't any stock of this model in Australia, so availability is an issue.
How does the bottom bracket stiffness and comfort compare to a full aero bike like the Aeroad? At 5 watts faster the Canyon is still the better buy imo since the top range CFR isn't much heavier than the equivalent SL8 but is much cheaper. The only thing that would make me prefer the SL8 is the often praised BB stiffness while also being comfortable.
Before I watched the video I bet myself that he'd be giving it a glowing review, I wasn't wrong. Of course it lives up to the hype otherwise they wouldn't have given you the thing to advertise in the first place!
Been keenly waiting for this one, so tempted! Unfortunately, it’s just so difficult to convince myself, that for the price, I just have to have one need one.
Specialized put a lot of money in to R&D, pro teams, quality finishing, it all costs money and if the product was a bag of nails, then fair enough it would be a rip. But Specialized does deliver as good a quality end product as anyone else, even others at these sky-high prices. An SL8 Expert will give most people what they need for half the price, but us Specialized “fans” love S-Works on the down tube!
David thanks for this review! I would like to know what the difference in features is between the S-WORKS and the PRO frames and forks other than price and weight. It's a shame Tour-magazine didn't do this comparison. If there is such a comparison somewhere on the web, please write it here. Thanks.
I really want to try and make that happen! I don't ask to review the S-Works model, it's just the demo bike they have available after the launch last year
Really helpfull review!! Thanks!!! When comparing with other aeros (German Magazine) they are comparing with the Supersix or Supersix EVO?? It would be great to see a review of the Pro version. That's the one than me, and I guess more people will be after (can't afford the S-Works)😓
Thank you for your review. I'm wondering if the 6.5k weight you came up with included the pedals; I would guess it doesn't. Seems inaccurate to weigh a bike without the pedals, certianly can't be ridden that way. Dura Ace pedals would add .23k and be more representive.
No, that weight is without pedals, bottle cages etc - it makes more sense to weigh without pedals you then add the weight of your pedals. Otherwise, do I weigh cheap or expensive pedals, Shimano, look, speedplay, time?? That's so much variance in pedal weight it would skew the ready to ride weight
I have a size 54cm painted SW SL8 with Burk Lupina padded saddle, Cadex Ultra 50 wheels wrapped with 28mm GP5000STR tyres with sealant, and Look Keo Blade pedals, two bottle cages and front Garmin mount, rear seat post light mount. The bike weighs 7.01kg all up.
Surely you will get a lot of negativity about this review, but I ride one and cannot confirm more what you told here. Love the bike, may have drunken the cool aid, but why not if I do not hurt anybody by doing this. I enjoy it and that’s most important to me 😊
Hey Gang. I am a short middle age xs rider. I have a pinarello paris, but it's always having trouble with the electronic shifters and batteries . So naturally I need a 2nd bike to ride while it gets fixed. I've always wanted a specialized. I rode one in arizona mountains was great on the climb. The Paris was 6k so the 2nd bike needs to be 1/2 of that at least . which Specialized cld I pick up for less. love speed and climbing.
I have ridden the SL8 and the review is Spot On. fantastic bike and the price is actually on par with all other high end bikes, The frame is $4800 and the components costs same for everyone, after watching the video with the Colnago gravel frame this is a bargain .
uhhff the nerve i hit... well you are wrong, no bikes are worth this amount, there is no value here, end of story, it's so much money actually. and historically the prices are getting absurd @@LivoniaLimo
Fully agree David , the price does smart a bit but is it that much better than my 2020 Supersix in order to justify it 🤔 ? It will probably have to be an emotional purchase 😊
The best bike on the market, but with looks only a mother could love. For 12 large I'd want a more stunning paintjob to divert from the mildly awkward tube shapes and bulbous protuberance.
I am amazed at how many people are extremely focused on a tiny portion of the bike (the front "cone") and don't see the bike as a whole. If one is not focusing on that and just looking at the side profile, it likes like most other aero all-around bikes. The looks are fine. And the bike is fantastic.
@@Matt-fb5xe I don't see aesthetic cohesion, I see a cut and shut of three bikes put together, which is essentially what it is. I don't mind this as such if the performance overrides it, which on all accounts it does... but when one compares the finish to other options with perhaps intricate visible carbon work, or natty detailed high finish paintjobs then I'd feel a bit shortchanged here. Take away the logos and theres not much here visually to differentiate the 12k bike to a 4k bike. Some of the other paint options may well resolve this, for 12k I want atleast sparkles, epic colour fade at a minimum.
@@Lenser On the combined metrics of stiffness/ lightness/ comfort/ aero, this one has more of all of that - whereas most contenders maybe match 2 or 3 of those areas but not all at once. This is what makes the difference, same as it ever was... very few amateur riders really need this level of performance of course, for them it's more about ego and appearances, same as it ever was.
I own one. The paint is a mix of magenta and hints of blue but it’s very subtle. You can see it when the light catches it just right. It shimmers. It’s not just a white bike.
To know the bike is good or not, put a 28teeth cassette on it and climb Avg 8% gradient climb. You'll find out the bike give the you the responsive you want or not. Many modern bike quality has drop drastically. What they compensate back to the ride that the bike industry offered you a 12speed groupset that have 32-34 cassette. Try it on a good bike, running on 28teeth is like you having a 32 teeth cassette. That's what i called a good bike!!! Not the marketing BS.
@@davidarthur yes, it’s a toughie. Sometimes made harder if the main road gate is closed & you have to cross over onto a really rough patch to get around. Back wheel slipping on mid-teen gradients isn’t nice 😄
The weight of the SL8 would probably be the clincher for me, and also while it's a small niggle I dislike the plastic cap over the stem on the Evo although the rest of the handlebar is fine
Because I don't need to spend $10,000, $14,000 dollars to have a great bike. Those bikes belong to professionals and anyone with a lot of money. Don't get me wrong, it's an amazing bike, there's no doubt about it. For the 99.9% of cycling fans, we ride bicycles with an average price between $3000 and $6000 dollars and that is a lot of money. 👍🏾
I am currently building up my Bora Tarmac SL8. Have the Dura Ace groupset and frame in hand. Trying to decide which wheelset to go with at the moment as i wait for the integrated cockpit to get back in stock
That is just for Tour magazine standardized testing (just bike and that legs without torso), so yeah you are not going to ride 45km/h on 209watts on roads :).
@@martinkroutil Exactly. And David repeated them without any comment. Germans thrown some numbers which is difficult to interpret. And even more difficult project to on-the-road real-life conditions. So this difference between best and worst tested bike could be nothing in these realistic conditional.
@@Jarek. I get you, but it is not possible to test that many bikes in real world with controlled setting and even thou wind tunes tests are not 1:1 as riding on road, there is strong posibility that when bike test good in wind tunel that it will be probably good in real world and when bike test slow in wind tunel that it will probably slow in real world.
@@eddeking123 I work at a Specialized shop and David is spot on with the geometry. Most Spesh shops offer a sizing and talk about customisation in advance, so if you need a different cockpit it's definitely possible. Or grab a cheaper model and get the clean cockpit installed is also an option. 🙌🏻
Weight didn’t matter back in 2019 , but due to a shift in the earth’s natural orbit in 2023, weight is now once again a significant factor! Reviewers can once again ‘feel’ that difference in their reviews. Scientists are unsure when or if the earth will shift back into its previous orbit, where ‘aero trumps weight’.
The thing with this SL8, it shows that all aero bikes have reached largely the same point in aerodynamic performance, so while there's not a lot of aero on the table without UCI changes, attention can turn back to weight and bringing that down after disc brakes, electronics, deep section wheels etc pushed weight up over the last 10 years. As with most things in life we go through phases and trends and some things become the bigger focus whilst other aspects fade into the background, but never disappear. It's all part of the incremental development. But anyway here's a bike that people have been asking for, it's fast and not heavy yet some people aren't happy haha!
OK its a good race bike but cost is an is an issue 😂 if you wanted a club bike for summers not racing would you get aesthos and not a SL8 David ??? Same geormatary just move comfortable for those who think a ride can be fun below 20mph ? After all have a TT bike for out and out speed 😁
I ride an Enve Melee as I replaced a damaged Canyon Ultimate earlier in 2023 and the SL8 wasn't revealed at that time. It makes me wonder, though. If Enve are "carbon experts", what must Specialized be to make an even lighter, more aero bike than the Melee? While the Melee is the most comfortable bike I've ever ridden and less expensive than the Specialized, it's heavier. Specialized engineers must design and have access to lighter and stronger carbon fiber than even their larger competitors like Giant and Cannondale.
People think this is an SL7 with a nose, but it isn't, it's much more than that. Now the question for David is. If you could only choose 1: Sworks sl8 or Giant TCR ?
Good question, might wait and see what a new TCR looks like before answering that - I have no inside info on the TCR by the way I'm just betting they have a new one soon based on how old the current one is
Les autres vélos top de gamme coûtent au moins autant je ne comprends pas cette critique. Le trek est plus cher le cannondale au même prix seul le canyon coûte moins cher …
I know it’s a great machine but if it came down to parting with my cash it wouldn’t be this. I’d rather have something a bit heavier and less efficient that captures my imagination and has more style, like a Wilier, Colnago, De Rosa etc
To expensive £12000 is nuts for a bike. Ive got a 2023 TCR with Sram red etap it weighs just over 7 kg and cost £6500 with intergrated bars with items bought from ebay and marketplace. Dont know anyone who could justify that price.
Specialized continues to make the best bikes in the world. Tarmac, Roubaix, Crux, Epic, Epic Evo, Diverge, Levo, etc. All class leading with the best build quality and engineering in the business.
@@departurexx1520 Huh? No man, having the best bike in a group doesn’t automatically make you the fastest rider. That’s obvious right? Doesn’t mean it’s not the best bike
@@allison81082 What is the best then? Expectation are different from each rider, for me SL8 is a race bike...it should ride fast with really good efficiency. Many has been riding the old bike and swap to SL8, their performance didn't improved at all. Worst case they spend so much on the bike. Lots of BS on this paid marketing. Witness yourself in ur own group. If a weak rider in ur group out of sudden he's performing after having the SL8 than is a good bike.
Worth reading about their testing protocol here which I didn't have time to explain in the video, but they use dummy legs www.tour-magazin.de/kaufberatung/komponenten/so-testet-tour/so-testet-tour-aero-rennrad-test-im-windkanal/
@@davidarthur so it seems that these figures are for the dummy legs ONLY. They calculate that a torso will require an extra 50% (to the cda or power, I don’t remember). I think that the comparisons between bikes are ok but the raw data is very misleading - for example pushing 200w on my ‘non-aero’ bike gets me to just above 30kph in good conditions so being led to believe that an SL9 will magically take me to 45kph is disingenuous. Thanks for linking the article 👍
Other than 100g weight saving over the S-works SL7, is there really any difference in ride feeling? Let’s not mention the expander plug recall 🙄 great review by the way, tho sounds like an ad …. Joke
we give you a 12000 pound bike for riding, reviewing if you call it a benchmark and best tarmac ever?!?!?!? this review isnt in correlation with lets say durianriders review of it.
![Lp. Сердце Вселенной #60 РОЖДЕНИЕ ЛОЛОЛОШКИ [Финал] • Майнкрафт](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/YoR0pAV9FVQ/mqdefault.jpg)
So much negativity in the comments haha.
To be fair to David, he is clear the price is ludicrous BUT that doesn’t mean it’s not an incredible bike! You can’t justify the price, but if you have the money and want an incredible bike then go it it. Alternatively if you don’t think it’s worth it have a look at a different brand or bike. I can’t afford a Ferrari but love watching videos about them.
I do own the SL8 Pro. It’s by far the best bike I have ever ridden, the comfort is incredible for a proper race bike. Just a stunning machine. Loads of great details and lots of thought in to the design. Remember folks, David is just reviewing a bike, you don’t have to buy it. Just enjoy the content 😊
I agree with you but the thing is that you should provide information that is actually helpful for your audience and help them to make the best decision possible. I can totally understand the people who don't want to hear about bikes that they never will buy. The second problem i see with the situation is that these bikes are getting way to much attention from different UA-camrs. That's exactly what the brands wants.
It's not faster or more aero than the SL7 though.
One thing I do not understand is reviewers like your self all said 5 years ago said lightness made a difference. Then disks came about they all said the weight does not matter as much aero matters more. Now disk brake bikes are getting light again suddenly bikes being light weight makes a difference again ?
I do not understand is how they say how it counts as aero as the venge. The frame has hardly any of the classic aero features such as deeper forks, deeper seat tube thicker bottom tube. Apart from a slightly deeper head tube and some bars that's it?
My guess is that there is a difference between how it looks and how it actually performs (as with many things in life).
To me I still can't understand whether I like this or is my SL7 still the prettiest racebike out there...
@@fizzybubbelech the visual test is enough deeper or wider tubes are faster. That's why tt bikes have such thick downtubes and seat tubes what practically rub on the back wheel. This bike has none of that
@@tomrachellesfirstdance7843 I do see your point and it seems sorta logical, but...the numbers tell a different story
@@Penalist the venge had integrated cockpits on the rim brake bike and disk. More aerodynamic hidden brakes and deep forks. Only thing missing is the slightly narrow headtube
Because these guys are shills drinking whatever marketing bs is being pushed at them by brands like specilaized
I have the SL8 pro version with Ultegra Di2. More than enough bike for me David and at half the price with single sided 4iii power meter. Absolutely love it!
David, I totally agree with your comments, the bike is superb. I have been riding for decades and always on the old well trusted mechanical systems (nothing wrong with them), but this is on another level. I decided to ride on 28mm tubeless tyres with the 3D printed saddle and man, another step up in comfort. Greetings from Gibraltar, all the best.
I too use to hate specialized like many of you. But then I had a Tarmac SL8 built up. I love this bike, and bought the cheapest components to keep the price down. My bike weighs 13 pounds, and flys like a rocket. The hype is real, but I still love all my other bikes. A bike isn't like your wife. It's okay to love more than one, and lust after another one
Thanks for this review ! A good dream bike ... Maybe you could test the new Van Rysel RCR soon ? I just got it and it's an amazing bike !
I'm really interested how sl8 and the RCR compare
You do it!
@@robertsamuel1994 I'm not an expert or an even an average cylist :D Just a rookie in this sport.
I'm really interested in the test of someone who tried a lot of different bikes !
I have an rcr on order too. How is the comfort? I'm worried it would be stiff...
@@liviucolceriu I didn't try the pro version but the basic one is pretty comfortable and... I'm coming from a canyon endurace so I was really comfortable! Moreover I don't switch to tubeless yet!
Stiff but not too much, just the perfect balance from my point of view!
i live by the 4iii office. its crazy seeing a small town Canadian company get their power-meters on big bigs all over the world.
How does this compare to the Colnago C68?
Thank you for this David. I’ve been waiting for this video for weeks and I’m so glad the SL8 reviewed as well as it has. I genuinely hoped it lived up to the hype, and it seems it does. Awesome! I, like many, can’t afford the £12k price tag, and probably not the £8k pro model either, but I want to see is how other manufacturers respond to this new benchmark. I’m hoping the recently leaked TCR images mean the likes of Giant are now upping their game, and possibly rival this with something a little more affordable. Let’s see!!!
One just sold on ebay for 5.5k today with ultegra groupset
I have a SWORKS SL4 and an SL7. They're awesome.
SL4 feels lighter and solid even after all these years. I took it to ride Tour de Boerne a while ago, and it never felt more alive out in the Texas Hillcountry. I fell in love with it all over again.
SL7 is a bit different but still does the same. It's just maybe a tad scarier going downhill because it will hit the descent a bit quicker than you will expect. It's odd, but it'd be hard to let these go if I ever wanted a new bike.
“Why buy anything else”? I have 18,000 Canadian reasons to buy SOMETHING else…
why buy anything else? because all else is better for starters
No you don't, or you would buy this bike.
😂
Why get anything else? would be better, and then the answer would be price, of course
Why buy anything else.. Because there is much better value out there. Instead of giving our hard earned money to Sworks marketing and advertising..
I had and loved an earlier model S-Works Tarmac but now have switched to an S-Works Diverge and love it even more.
yea truly universal bike for everyday joe
Thorough review David. I have a 6, 7 and 8. The 7 was better than the 6 for me and after 2 longs rides on the 8, I think it'll be better than the 7 but too soon to say for sure. Let's face it though- all bikes in this range are expensive- you're not going to find a $5,000 bike these days to compare with some of these bikes you mention in your review. It sucks but the days of an inexpensive racing bike are done.
Maybe that's because most of the buyers are relatively wealthy vain men. I've seen idiots riding SL7s to work, said idiots will be riding these to work soon too!
Glad that you had the opportunity to ride such an excellent bike.
Beautiful machine. Mine came last week. Custom build it. Now i just need spring to arrive :D
Enjoy it
Love the Tarmac but am hoping you could do a comparison with a mid level Specialized Tarmac. Apart from the obvious weight (and price) difference I’d like to know what the performance is like?
Best part of the SL8? I could finally afford a used SL7 S-Works when people upgraded 😂
Same here 😂
Hi David
Great video as usual. Super light weight bike with a super high price tag to match 🚴♂️👍
I've looked at the prices Specialized list the Tarmac SL8 Pro and SWorks models for in Australia (my local market), UK, USA and Europe (Germany). The UK get shafted on pricing. The SL8 Pro model is over £2000 more expensive in the UK compared to Australia. Having said that, there isn't any stock of this model in Australia, so availability is an issue.
Yup we're paying through the nose for everything thanks to political decisions the last few years :(
If you buy everything separate and build it starting with the frame you can get the same bike for @ $2,000 less.
If you juggle the letters around in “S-WORKS TARMAC” it spells out “TAKING THE PISS” give or take a few letters🤔
😂😂😂
What has a stiffer bottom bracket feel, this or Scott Addict RC?
How does the bottom bracket stiffness and comfort compare to a full aero bike like the Aeroad? At 5 watts faster the Canyon is still the better buy imo since the top range CFR isn't much heavier than the equivalent SL8 but is much cheaper. The only thing that would make me prefer the SL8 is the often praised BB stiffness while also being comfortable.
Before I watched the video I bet myself that he'd be giving it a glowing review, I wasn't wrong. Of course it lives up to the hype otherwise they wouldn't have given you the thing to advertise in the first place!
Been keenly waiting for this one, so tempted! Unfortunately, it’s just so difficult to convince myself, that for the price, I just have to have one need one.
You recently said the new defy is best, now a week later it's the tarmac?
Best endurance bike no? Think he means tarmac is the best race bike
@royanderson3478 obviously not, since they continue to sell. Their value is what people are willing to pay...and they keep on buying.
Specialized put a lot of money in to R&D, pro teams, quality finishing, it all costs money and if the product was a bag of nails, then fair enough it would be a rip. But Specialized does deliver as good a quality end product as anyone else, even others at these sky-high prices. An SL8 Expert will give most people what they need for half the price, but us Specialized “fans” love S-Works on the down tube!
David thanks for this review!
I would like to know what the difference in features is between the S-WORKS and the PRO frames and forks other than price and weight.
It's a shame Tour-magazine didn't do this comparison.
If there is such a comparison somewhere on the web, please write it here. Thanks.
It is enough, that the rider is "s-works", the frame does not play such a role...
Hmm… I am wondering how the mid-tier of this bike compares with the Cannondale SuperSix Evo 2 2024 at $5,500 USD.
Thanks for great review. Any idea if you can review the none s-works for us mere mortals.
I really want to try and make that happen! I don't ask to review the S-Works model, it's just the demo bike they have available after the launch last year
The Tarmac SL8 Pro is an equally incredible bike. It's lighter than the SL7 S-Works...with all of the SL8 goodness.
How would you compare that to the new Giant Propel Sl-0?
Great video. Always been a fan of the tarmac fantastic race bike
Which bikes provide performance that is 90-95% of the way here… with a 25-45% discount? That’s the video we need, Dave.
I assume the same bike with Ultegra specs ;)
The new Van Rysel RCR might just be the one?
He has plenty of videos on what you are asking...you're here to whine and that's about it.
A Giant TCR.
@@charleskaneb6629TCR vs SL8 - whitch is better overall?
Really helpfull review!! Thanks!!!
When comparing with other aeros (German Magazine) they are comparing with the Supersix or Supersix EVO??
It would be great to see a review of the Pro version. That's the one than me, and I guess more people will be after (can't afford the S-Works)😓
How does this compare to Factor Ostro VAM?
Thank you for your review. I'm wondering if the 6.5k weight you came up with included the pedals; I would guess it doesn't. Seems inaccurate to weigh a bike without the pedals, certianly can't be ridden that way. Dura Ace pedals would add .23k and be more representive.
No, that weight is without pedals, bottle cages etc - it makes more sense to weigh without pedals you then add the weight of your pedals. Otherwise, do I weigh cheap or expensive pedals, Shimano, look, speedplay, time?? That's so much variance in pedal weight it would skew the ready to ride weight
I have a size 54cm painted SW SL8 with Burk Lupina padded saddle, Cadex Ultra 50 wheels wrapped with 28mm GP5000STR tyres with sealant, and Look Keo Blade pedals, two bottle cages and front Garmin mount, rear seat post light mount. The bike weighs 7.01kg all up.
I would like to se a comparison with the ultegra model, is the more money worth it?
Ultegra vs dura ace...there are a million videos on this already.
Ultegra is good stuff, DA is just for people who like to pay more to feel better.
I mean with the PRO frame
Just wondering about Tour magazine claimed of van Ryzel RCR of 207 watts but the design is the same as the sl7.
Cockpit
Great review… I thought the S8 “sniffer” was an issue (it’s not that bad in person), but in reality that price point is what’s super ugly… 😂🍻
I need a opinion propel advanced sl or sl8 stiffness and weight???
Surely you will get a lot of negativity about this review, but I ride one and cannot confirm more what you told here. Love the bike, may have drunken the cool aid, but why not if I do not hurt anybody by doing this. I enjoy it and that’s most important to me 😊
*Next year when SL9 releases*
“Stiffer and lighter.. blahblahblah” and so on…
Hey Gang. I am a short middle age xs rider. I have a pinarello paris, but it's always having trouble with the electronic shifters and batteries . So naturally I need a 2nd bike to ride while it gets fixed. I've always wanted a specialized. I rode one in arizona mountains was great on the climb. The Paris was 6k so the 2nd bike needs to be 1/2 of that at least . which Specialized cld I pick up for less. love speed and climbing.
Giant TCR
Where are the pedals though?
I here you maybe using my mate Gareth to repair one of your bikes.. I can highly recommend him and he definitely knows his stuff..👍
It's a small world! I've seen some pics of the repair and it looks amazing
I have ridden the SL8 and the review is Spot On. fantastic bike and the price is actually on par with all other high end bikes, The frame is $4800 and the components costs same for everyone, after watching the video with the Colnago gravel frame this is a bargain .
"bargain" ok mr dentist
Maybe read my entire comment, easy for you to make derogatory comments when your bias of getting the best of you.
uhhff the nerve i hit... well you are wrong, no bikes are worth this amount, there is no value here, end of story, it's so much money actually. and historically the prices are getting absurd @@LivoniaLimo
Very nice review .. thank you so much
Well reviewed 👍
Thank you 🙂
Good review as always… but I ll keep my Cannondale CAAD 13 and my bank account.
Same - 2022 Trek Emonda carbons can be had for under £2000 right now - 99% the bike for most of us
I'll throw my caad 13 in the trash bin and empty my bank account for this bike.
Fully agree David , the price does smart a bit but is it that much better than my 2020 Supersix in order to justify it 🤔 ? It will probably have to be an emotional purchase 😊
The best bike on the market, but with looks only a mother could love. For 12 large I'd want a more stunning paintjob to divert from the mildly awkward tube shapes and bulbous protuberance.
I am amazed at how many people are extremely focused on a tiny portion of the bike (the front "cone") and don't see the bike as a whole. If one is not focusing on that and just looking at the side profile, it likes like most other aero all-around bikes. The looks are fine. And the bike is fantastic.
@@Matt-fb5xe I don't see aesthetic cohesion, I see a cut and shut of three bikes put together, which is essentially what it is. I don't mind this as such if the performance overrides it, which on all accounts it does... but when one compares the finish to other options with perhaps intricate visible carbon work, or natty detailed high finish paintjobs then I'd feel a bit shortchanged here. Take away the logos and theres not much here visually to differentiate the 12k bike to a 4k bike. Some of the other paint options may well resolve this, for 12k I want atleast sparkles, epic colour fade at a minimum.
Just checked, they have me covered with the other colour option... an epic marbled red. Might go out and get one.
@@Lenser On the combined metrics of stiffness/ lightness/ comfort/ aero, this one has more of all of that - whereas most contenders maybe match 2 or 3 of those areas but not all at once. This is what makes the difference, same as it ever was... very few amateur riders really need this level of performance of course, for them it's more about ego and appearances, same as it ever was.
I own one. The paint is a mix of magenta and hints of blue but it’s very subtle. You can see it when the light catches it just right. It shimmers. It’s not just a white bike.
To know the bike is good or not, put a 28teeth cassette on it and climb Avg 8% gradient climb. You'll find out the bike give the you the responsive you want or not. Many modern bike quality has drop drastically. What they compensate back to the ride that the bike industry offered you a 12speed groupset that have 32-34 cassette. Try it on a good bike, running on 28teeth is like you having a 32 teeth cassette. That's what i called a good bike!!! Not the marketing BS.
What is good climbing (and fast on flats too) bike?
I built mine with ultegra. Very happy with the bike. I also thank that they have done a very good job with this one
Salter’s Lane is the climb. It’s a good one 👍
good as in horrible you mean? ;) The bit near the top gets me, you think you're at the top but it keeps dragging to the junction
@@davidarthur yes, it’s a toughie. Sometimes made harder if the main road gate is closed & you have to cross over onto a really rough patch to get around. Back wheel slipping on mid-teen gradients isn’t nice 😄
Great video David! Curious if you had a choice between the 2024 Tarmac SL8 and the Supersix Evo Lab71 which would you choose?
The weight of the SL8 would probably be the clincher for me, and also while it's a small niggle I dislike the plastic cap over the stem on the Evo although the rest of the handlebar is fine
Thanks!
@@davidarthurbut what You tell about compare SL8 vs Giant TCR?
What app do you use to show your stats on your videos?
The frame looks small. Still running 75.5cm saddle height?
Nice buy big dollars 💵 seems to be very cold there just curious what kit are you wearing , I see castelli Can you give a break down ? Thank you
Because I don't need to spend $10,000, $14,000 dollars to have a great bike. Those bikes belong to professionals and anyone with a lot of money. Don't get me wrong, it's an amazing bike, there's no doubt about it. For the 99.9% of cycling fans, we ride bicycles with an average price between $3000 and $6000 dollars and that is a lot of money. 👍🏾
Exactly. This industry and review structure are out of control and slowly eating themsleves alive.
I am currently building up my Bora Tarmac SL8. Have the Dura Ace groupset and frame in hand. Trying to decide which wheelset to go with at the moment as i wait for the integrated cockpit to get back in stock
Will you be doing specialissima review? When will that be? Thanks!
I hope so!
Hi David, would be testing a Seka Exceed RDC anytime soon? It's mentioned that it's very similar to all the top end bikes, but half the price for it.
Stunning. A dream!😊
Surely the latest trek Madone slr is far better value and can do it all , or is the new Madone crap on the hills ?
Thanks for great Tarmac SL8 review ~ 😄
5:50 - 209 Watts at 45 km/h. Aha, of course. Realistic AF
That is just for Tour magazine standardized testing (just bike and that legs without torso), so yeah you are not going to ride 45km/h on 209watts on roads :).
That's only for the bike without a cyclist on top.
@@martinkroutil Exactly. And David repeated them without any comment. Germans thrown some numbers which is difficult to interpret. And even more difficult project to on-the-road real-life conditions. So this difference between best and worst tested bike could be nothing in these realistic conditional.
@@Jarek. I get you, but it is not possible to test that many bikes in real world with controlled setting and even thou wind tunes tests are not 1:1 as riding on road, there is strong posibility that when bike test good in wind tunel that it will be probably good in real world and when bike test slow in wind tunel that it will probably slow in real world.
@@Jarek.He's giving you raw data, quit crying. You can interpret it however you want.
I built my SW SL8 with Sram Force (group sets that I had on my TCL SL) Man, believe me when I tell you that this SL8 is really a comfy bike.
But what do You say in comparison to TCR?
What is the stem length you got included?
100mm stem, 420mm bar with a size 56
@@jaron_fu thanks! Looked like longer in the video 😁
@@eddeking123
I work at a Specialized shop and David is spot on with the geometry. Most Spesh shops offer a sizing and talk about customisation in advance, so if you need a different cockpit it's definitely possible. Or grab a cheaper model and get the clean cockpit installed is also an option. 🙌🏻
Thanks! I ordered the size 56 framset only and with the rapide cockpit 38x115@@jaron_fu
why the hell do they spec these things with 42 cm bars
Weight didn’t matter back in 2019 , but due to a shift in the earth’s natural orbit in 2023, weight is now once again a significant factor! Reviewers can once again ‘feel’ that difference in their reviews. Scientists are unsure when or if the earth will shift back into its previous orbit, where ‘aero trumps weight’.
The thing with this SL8, it shows that all aero bikes have reached largely the same point in aerodynamic performance, so while there's not a lot of aero on the table without UCI changes, attention can turn back to weight and bringing that down after disc brakes, electronics, deep section wheels etc pushed weight up over the last 10 years. As with most things in life we go through phases and trends and some things become the bigger focus whilst other aspects fade into the background, but never disappear. It's all part of the incremental development. But anyway here's a bike that people have been asking for, it's fast and not heavy yet some people aren't happy haha!
Buenas tardes. Es talla 54 o 56? Gracias.
56
A súper six Evo next please
here you go ua-cam.com/video/RWIfD8JClys/v-deo.htmlsi=s5i0twIj6pXvCUoS
OK its a good race bike but cost is an is an issue 😂 if you wanted a club bike for summers not racing would you get aesthos and not a SL8 David ??? Same geormatary just move comfortable for those who think a ride can be fun below 20mph ? After all have a TT bike for out and out speed 😁
One of the few climbs i don't recognise! Give me a clue?
Ah, but does it do gravel?
It's not a gravel bike....zzz.
If this was really the best bike then only specialized would win the professional race…
This video just gave the global Dentist population a collective hard-on. Those 30 k cafe rides are going to be lit. Ridiculous.
Why buy anything else? I can think of 12,000 reasons.
I still prefer my colnago V4Rs
Only if you want to pay $500 per one second gain compare to second tier other brand bikes.
I personally think bikes shpuld be voming with tublar especially on a high end race bike. More people would run tublar if they tried it even once
I ride an Enve Melee as I replaced a damaged Canyon Ultimate earlier in 2023 and the SL8 wasn't revealed at that time. It makes me wonder, though. If Enve are "carbon experts", what must Specialized be to make an even lighter, more aero bike than the Melee? While the Melee is the most comfortable bike I've ever ridden and less expensive than the Specialized, it's heavier. Specialized engineers must design and have access to lighter and stronger carbon fiber than even their larger competitors like Giant and Cannondale.
I wouldn't worry about the weight I've got no doubt it will be more durable.
It's not lighter and stronger carbon, it's taking more care with the layup, less wasted epoxy, so more time taken, higher labor costs, more expense.
People think this is an SL7 with a nose, but it isn't, it's much more than that. Now the question for David is. If you could only choose 1: Sworks sl8 or Giant TCR ?
Good question, might wait and see what a new TCR looks like before answering that - I have no inside info on the TCR by the way I'm just betting they have a new one soon based on how old the current one is
Les autres vélos top de gamme coûtent au moins autant je ne comprends pas cette critique. Le trek est plus cher le cannondale au même prix seul le canyon coûte moins cher …
Over priced over rated is it stiffer faster and lighter more marketing
IYKYK
I know it’s a great machine but if it came down to parting with my cash it wouldn’t be this. I’d rather have something a bit heavier and less efficient that captures my imagination and has more style, like a Wilier, Colnago, De Rosa etc
CONSUMERISM ❤❤❤❤
To expensive £12000 is nuts for a bike.
Ive got a 2023 TCR with Sram red etap it weighs just over 7 kg and cost £6500 with intergrated bars with items bought from ebay and marketplace.
Dont know anyone who could justify that price.
Specialized continues to make the best bikes in the world. Tarmac, Roubaix, Crux, Epic, Epic Evo, Diverge, Levo, etc. All class leading with the best build quality and engineering in the business.
Booolsssheeettt
Really? So those who ride Specialized will automatically ride fast? I didn't witness any in my 20yrs of riding.
@@departurexx1520 Huh? No man, having the best bike in a group doesn’t automatically make you the fastest rider. That’s obvious right? Doesn’t mean it’s not the best bike
@@allison81082 What is the best then? Expectation are different from each rider, for me SL8 is a race bike...it should ride fast with really good efficiency. Many has been riding the old bike and swap to SL8, their performance didn't improved at all. Worst case they spend so much on the bike. Lots of BS on this paid marketing. Witness yourself in ur own group. If a weak rider in ur group out of sudden he's performing after having the SL8 than is a good bike.
Lets throw every placebo buzzword we can come up with: snappy, compliant, agile, and responsive...did I forget any overused cycling cool-aid term?
I don't think 12000 pounds is a lot of money.
209 watts to ride at 45kph?! I presume that’s in a peloton or else the pros riding at 300-350 and up are going to be going 60-70kph into the wind
Worth reading about their testing protocol here which I didn't have time to explain in the video, but they use dummy legs www.tour-magazin.de/kaufberatung/komponenten/so-testet-tour/so-testet-tour-aero-rennrad-test-im-windkanal/
@@davidarthur so it seems that these figures are for the dummy legs ONLY. They calculate that a torso will require an extra 50% (to the cda or power, I don’t remember). I think that the comparisons between bikes are ok but the raw data is very misleading - for example pushing 200w on my ‘non-aero’ bike gets me to just above 30kph in good conditions so being led to believe that an SL9 will magically take me to 45kph is disingenuous. Thanks for linking the article 👍
Yeah, give 'em the S-Works...
And test by Tour for Sl7 210 watt at 45km/h...very2 minimal compare to Sl8, almost nothing..
15k for 200gr less and it has specialized written on it. Hell noooo....
Yeah, no……too expensive
For most people, the Roubaix would be better than this; Race bikes are a waste for your average rider........
But is it Aero enough?!?!
Other than 100g weight saving over the S-works SL7, is there really any difference in ride feeling? Let’s not mention the expander plug recall 🙄 great review by the way, tho sounds like an ad …. Joke
we give you a 12000 pound bike for riding, reviewing if you call it a benchmark and best tarmac ever?!?!?!? this review isnt in correlation with lets say durianriders review of it.
Not related to the bike. You should get a new camera. The autofocus is hunting more than it should. I’ve noticed in other videos too.