This article compares the differences between the Specialized Tarmac SL8 and Cannondale SuperSix Evo.
The comparison covers the model lineups, specifications, and retail pricing. It compares the carbon fiber technology (Specialized FACT vs Cannondale BallisTec) and frameset technologies on each bike.
The objective is to provide you with a clearer understanding of Specialized Tarmac SL8 vs Cannondale SuperSix Evo before making the purchasing decision.
| Specialized Tarmac SL8 | Cannondale SuperSix Evo | |
|---|---|---|
| Type of bike | All-rounder | Lightweight, all-rounder |
| Frame material | FACT 12r carbon FACT 10r carbon | BallisTec LAB71 carbon BallisTec Hi-Mod carbon BallisTec carbon |
| Frame sizes | 44, 49, 52, 54, 56, 58, 61 | 44, 48, 51, 54, 56, 58, 61 |
| Groupset | Shimano, SRAM (12-speed) | Shimano, SRAM (12-speed) |
| Brakes | Hydraulic disc | Hydraulic disc |
| Cabling | Internal | Internal |
| Price (USD) | TBD | $4,500 to $15,000 |
Specialized Tarmac SL8
The Specialized Tarmac SL8 is the latest, all-rounder race bike.
Now in its eighth iteration, hence SL8, the Specialized Tarmac improves on the features of the Tarmac SL7 that made it one of the best bikes in professional cycling and a leading bike brand among amateur cyclists.
According to Specialized, the Tarmac SL8 has a 33% improvement in stiffness-to-weight ratio compared to the Tarmac SL7. The most significant improvement is in aerodynamics; a larger head tube with a sharper nose cone. Specialized calls this the Speed Sniffer.
The S-Works version retains the same FACT 12r carbon, while the Specialized Pro and Expert versions use the FACT 10r carbon. The difference between the S-Works and Specialized versions lies in the carbon fiber grade, choice of groupset, wheels, and components. The S-Works versions come with the newly launched Roval Rapide Cockpit, a one-pice carbon handlebar.
A size 56 bike weighs 6.62 kg (14.6 lbs) with a Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 groupset, and 6.85 kg (15.1 lbs) with a SRAM Red AXS.
There are six models in the Specialized Tarmac SL8 lineup based on its groupset setup. All models are electronic shifting only. It’s also available in frameset only for S-Works and for Specialized versions.
| Model | Frame material | Groupset | Wheelset | Max. tire size | Retail price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S-Works Tarmac SL8 | FACT 12r carbon | Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 (R9200) | Roval Rapid CLX II (51mm front, 60mm rear) | 32mm | $14,000 |
| S-Works Tarmac SL8 | FACT 12r carbon | SRAM Red eTap AXS | Roval Rapid CLX II (51mm front, 51mm rear) | 32mm | $14,000 |
| Specialized Tarmac SL8 Pro | FACT 10r carbon | Shimano Ultegra Di2 (R8100) | Roval Rapid CL II (51mm front, 60mm rear) | 32mm | $8,500 |
| Specialized Tarmac SL8 Pro | FACT 10r carbon | SRAM Force eTap AXS | Roval Rapid CL II (51mm front, 60mm rear) | 32mm | $8,500 |
| Specialized Tarmac SL8 Expert | FACT 10r carbon | SRAM Rival eTap AXS | Roval C38 (38mm) | 32mm | $6,500 |
More reading : Specialized Tarmac SL8 vs SL7 - What's Changed?
Cannondale SuperSix Evo
The Cannondale SuperSix EVO is an all-rounder race bike.
For years, the Cannondale SuperSix EVO been known for being light, fast, and stiff on the climbs. At one point, many weight weenies were building sub-6kg bikes with the Cannondale SuperSix EVO.
In 2023, Cannondale launched the ultra-premium LAB71 version featuring their latest Series 0 (LAB71) carbon, taking over from the Hi-MOD version as the top-of-the-line offering. Three carbon grades are now used for the SuperSix EVO; BallisTec LAB71, BallisTec Hi-MOD, and BallisTec.
All Cannondale SuperSix EVO models are now electronic shifting and disc brake only. The flagship LAB71 models are equipped with Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 only.
| Model | Frame material | Groupset | Wheelset | Retail price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cannondale SuperSix EVO LAB71 | LAB71 (Series 0) carbon | Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 (R9200) | HollowGram R-SL 50 | $15,000 |
| Cannondale SuperSix EVO Hi-MOD 1 | Hi-MOD carbon | SRAM Red eTap AXS | HollowGram R-SL 50 | $13,050 |
| Cannondale SuperSix EVO Hi-MOD 2 | Hi-MOD carbon | Shimano Ultegra Di2 (R8100) | HollowGram R-SL 50 | $8,300 |
| Cannondale SuperSix EVO 1 | Carbon | SRAM Force eTap AXS | HollowGram R-S 50 | $6,500 |
| Cannondale SuperSix EVO 2 | Carbon | Shimano Ultegra Di2 (R8100) | HollowGram R 45 | $5,500 |
| Cannondale SuperSix EVO 3 | Carbon | Shimano 105 Di2 (R7100) | DT Swiss R470 | $4,500 |
Cannondale SuperSix Evo vs others
Specialized vs Cannondale carbon fiber
Specialized FACT Carbon
Specialized FACT (Functional Advanced Composite Technology) is an advanced carbon fiber technology used in high-performance Specialized bicycles. It offers a lightweight yet strong frame construction with precise carbon layup, resulting in optimal strength-to-weight ratio and improved ride quality.
FACT carbon frames are engineered to efficiently transfer power, absorb road vibrations, and provide a comfortable riding experience. With continuous innovation and refinement, FACT Carbon demonstrates Specialized’s commitment to delivering top-notch performance and enhancing the overall cycling experience.
The carbon is available in three grades. The choice between FACT 12r, 11r, or 10r carbon depends on the bike model, your preferences, riding style, and budget.
- Specialized FACT 12r Carbon is the highest-grade carbon used by Specialized. Bikes (S-Works models) with frames made from FACT 12r carbon are the lightest and stiffest in the Specialized line-up. These frames are manufactured using the most advanced techniques and materials.
- Specialized FACT 11r Carbon used to be the highest-grade carbon until the S-Works Tarmac (SL5). Today, it’s the highest-grade carbon for the S-Works Roubaix.
- Specialized FACT 10r Carbon is two steps below 12r in the Specialized carbon hierarchy. While it doesn’t provide quite the same level of weight savings and stiffness as 12r, 10r frames are still very light and stiff, providing a high level of performance. FACT 10r carbon is used in all non S-Works models and is ideal for riders who want a balance of performance and value.
Cannondale BallisTec Carbon
Cannondale BallisTec is a proprietary carbon fiber construction technique used to manufacture Cannondale bicycle frames.
The BallisTec carbon technology utilizes advanced engineering and construction methods to create frames that balance strength, stiffness, and weight. It involves the precise layering and placement of carbon fiber sheets, which are impregnated with epoxy resin and then molded under high pressure and temperature.
The BallisTec carbon is available in three grades.
- BallisTec LAB71 is Cannondale’s latest advancement in carbon construction. Also known as the Series 0 carbon, LAB71 is designed to be the lightest and most advanced, taking over from the Hi-MOD carbon. LAB71 frameset delivers exceptional performance, weight reduction, and overall ride quality.
- BallisTec Hi-MOD stands for High-Modulus, which refers to using high-modulus carbon fibers in the frame. This results in a stiffer and lighter structure, providing enhanced power transfer and a more responsive ride feel. Hi-MOD carbon frames are designed for riders who prioritize performance, stiffness, and weight savings.
- BallisTec is the standard carbon in Cannondale’s frames, which offers a balance of weight, stiffness, and durability at more affordable prices.
Frameset technologies and innovations
Specialized Tarmac SL8 and Cannondale SuperSix Evo framesets incorporate advanced technologies to enhance their bikes’ performance and ride characteristics.
Here’s an overview of the technologies used in each bike model.
Specialized Tarmac SL8
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| FACT carbon | Functional Advanced Composite Technology (FACT). A carbon fiber construction method that balances lightweight, stiffness, and compliance in Specialized bike frames. Available in two carbon grades; FACT 12r and 10r. A higher number indicates a higher grade of carbon. S-Works models use the FACT 12r carbon and Specialized Pro and Expert models use the FACT 10r carbon. |
| Rider-First Engineered™ | Rider-First Engineered™ is a design philosophy used by Specialized that ensures every frame size delivers the same predictable and responsive ride characteristics. This concept was first introduced with the 2015 Tarmac, and the idea has been incorporated into all models since. Instead of simply scaling frame sizes, Specialized takes into account that riders of different sizes have different weights, which are distributed differently. This means that each frame size experiences different forces. Therefore, each frame size is engineered independently with different carbon layups and tube dimensions, ensuring the optimal balance of rigidity, weight, and responsiveness for each size. In short, no matter what the frame size is, the ride quality and performance remain consistently excellent. |
| Win Tunnel | Specialized utilizes advanced tools and technologies to pursue aerodynamic excellence, such as the Win Tunnel, FreeFoil Shape Library, Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), and Data Acquisition (DAQ) system. The goal is to optimize aerodynamic performance by conducting wind tunnel tests, developing new airfoil shapes, simulating fluid flow, and collecting real-world data to improve rider position and enhance overall performance. |
Cannondale Supersix EVO
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| BallisTec carbon construction | A proprietary manufacturing technology that uses meticulously woven carbon fiber material to create strong and lightweight bike frames. The goal is to maximize the stiffness-to-weight ratio, providing riders with a responsive and efficient ride experience. Available in three grades; BallisTec LAB71, BallisTec Hi-MOD, and BallisTec. |
| Delta steerer | A unique steerer tube design for seamless cable integration to, reduce frontal area and drag. |
| Bottle integration | Integrated bottle cages and bottles designed for improved aerodynamics and streamlining. |
Where to buy
Specialized shops
- Specialized online shops. Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Poland, Portugal, Singapore, Slovakia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, United Kingdom, United States
- Specialized retailers. Use this tool to find your nearest Specialized retailers.
Cannondale retailers
- Cannondale retailers. Use this tool to find your nearest Cannondale retailers.
Alex Lee is the founder and editor-at-large of Mr. Mamil. Coming from a professional engineering background, he breaks down technical cycling nuances into an easy-to-understand and digestible format here.
He has been riding road bikes actively for the past 12 years and started racing competitively in the senior category during the summer recently.