This article compares and contrasts the latest Specialized Tarmac SL8 vs Tarmac SL7, highlighting their key differences to help you decide if the Tarmac SL8 is for you.
The comparison below is based on secondary information obtained through various channels on the internet. Specialized has not yet officially announced the Tarmac SL8.
Key takeaways
- New head tube design (Speed Sniffer). A significantly larger with a sharper frontal end for better aerodynamics and internal cable routing.
- New wheelsets for S-Works and Pro models with Roval Rapide CLX II and Roval Rapide CL II.
- New one-piece, carbon, integrated cockpit (Roval Rapide Cockpit) for S-Works models.
- New, slimmer seatpost design with 15mm setback.
- Updated frame geometry. Stack +10mm, reach -3mm across all seven sizes.
- Wider tire clearance up to 700x32mm.
- Electronic shifting groupset from Shimano (Dura-Ace, Ultegra, 105) and SRAM (Red, Force, Rival).
- Same FACT 12r carbon (S-Works models), and FACT 10r carbon (Pro and Expert models).
What’s new in Specialized Tarmac SL8
Model names
Specialized streamlined the models by making a minor update to the naming. The top-of-the-line models still retain the S-Works branding, but the second-in-line models use the Pro branding instead of Pro and Expert in the past.
The S-Works is the top-of-the-line and lightest model with all the best components. The branding on the downtube is S-Works instead of Specialized to differentiate the models clearly.
The Pro and Expert models are next in line and have Specialized branding on the downtube. The main differences between the S-Works, Pro, and Expert models are the carbon fiber grade (FACT 12r vs 10r), the type of groupset, wheelset, and the components used.
Specialized Tarmac SL8 models
| 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 CLX II (51mm front, 60mm rear) | 32mm | $8,500 |
| Specialized Tarmac SL8 Pro | FACT 10r carbon | SRAM Force eTap AXS | Roval Rapid CLX II (51mm) | 32mm | $8,500 |
| Specialized Tarmac SL8 Expert | FACT 10r carbon | SRAM Rival eTap AXS | Roval C38 | 32mm | $6,500 |
Specialized Tarmac SL7 models
| Model | Frame material | Groupset | Wheelset | Max. tire size | Retail price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S-Works Tarmac SL7 | FACT 12r carbon | Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 (R9200) | Roval Alpinist CLX | 30mm | $14,250 |
| S-Works Tarmac SL7 | FACT 12r carbon | SRAM Red eTap AXS | Roval Alpinist CLX | 30mm | $14,000 |
| Specialized Tarmac SL7 Pro | FACT 10r carbon | SRAM Force eTap AXS | Roval Rapide CL | 30mm | $9,000 |
| Specialized Tarmac SL7 Expert | FACT 10r carbon | Shimano Ultegra Di2 (R8100) | Roval C38 | 30mm | $8,300 |
| Specialized Tarmac SL7 Expert | FACT 10r carbon | SRAM Rival eTap AXS | Roval C38 | 30mm | $6,500 |
| Specialized Tarmac SL7 Comp | FACT 10r carbon | Shimano 105 Di2 (R7100) | DT Swiss R470 | 30mm | $5,500 |
Head tube design
The head tube of the Specialized Tarmac SL8 is significantly larger with a sharper frontal end for better aerodynamics, which Specialized calls the Speed Sniffer.
The design places the steerer tube slightly backward, creating a void where the disc brake cables can be routed internally.
According to Specialized,
We’re putting aero where it matters – the leading edge – not just where it looks good. In the process, we’ve created our most aerodynamic road bike ever.
Yes, it’s more aero than the Venge. Clean air is optimized for maximum advantage with the Tarmac’s new nose cone – the Speed Sniffer.
By moving the steer tube back – the tube that determines head tube width – the leading edge of the head tube can be much sharper, delivering a much lower drag shape.
Frame and fork weight
| Frame Size | FACT 12r frame (g) | FACT 12r fork (g) | FACT 12r Fork & Frame (g) | FACT 10r frame (g) | FACT 10r fork (g) | FACT 10r Fork & Frame (g) | Difference (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 44 | 640 | 358 | 998 | 720 | 371 | 1,091 | 93 |
| 49 | 645 | 358 | 1,003 | 740 | 371 | 1,111 | 108 |
| 52 | 660 | 358 | 1,018 | 760 | 371 | 1,131 | 113 |
| 54 | 670 | 358 | 1,028 | 765 | 371 | 1,136 | 108 |
| 56 | 685 | 358 | 1,043 | 780 | 371 | 1,151 | 108 |
| 58 | 705 | 358 | 1,063 | 825 | 371 | 1,196 | 133 |
| 61 | 725 | 358 | 1,083 | 845 | 371 | 1,201 | 118 |
Frame geometry
The Specialized Tarmac SL8 frame geometry is updated compared to the SL7 for the same frame size.
For all seven Specialized Tarmac SL8 frame sizes (44, 49, 52, 54, 56, 58, 61),
- Stack is +10mm higher due to a longer head tube (+6 to 7mm)
- Reach is -3mm shorter
This updated frame geometry would put the rider in a more comfortable, less aggressive position compared to the SL7.
The table below compares the frame geometry for a size 54 Specialized Tarmac SL8 and SL7.
| Model | Tarmac SL8 | Tarmac SL7 | Difference (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Frame Size | 54 | 54 | |
| Suggested Rider Height (cm) | 170 to 175 | 170 to 175 | |
| Suggested Rider Height (ft) | 5’7″ to 5’9″ | 5’7″ to 5’9″ | |
| Stack (mm) | 544 | 534 | 10 |
| Reach (mm) | 384 | 387 | -3 |
| Top Tube, Horizontal (mm) | 541 | 541 | 0 |
| Seat Tube (mm) | 473 | 475 | -2 |
| Seat Tube Angle | 74º | 74° | 0 |
| Head Tube (mm) | 137 | 131 | 6 |
| Head Tube Angle | 73º | 73° | 0 |
| BB Height (mm) | 268 | 268 | 0 |
| BB Drop (mm) | 72 | 72 | 0 |
| Fork Trail (mm) | 58 | 58 | 0 |
| Fork Length (mm) | 370 | 366 | 4 |
| Fork Offset (mm) | 44 | 44 | 0 |
| Front Center (mm) | 579 | 579 | 0 |
| Chainstay (mm) | 410 | 410 | 0 |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 978 | 978 | 0 |
| Standover Height (mm) | 768 | 768 | 0 |
Handlebars and stem
The S-Works Tarmac SL8 now features the Roval Rapide Cockpit, a one-piece, carbon, integrated handlebar that is similar to most of the newer road bikes on the market today. The Roval Rapide Cockpit was announced in June 2023 but has been used by Specialized sponsored professional cycling teams since early 2023.
The Specialized Tarmac SL8 Pro models retain the same two-piece, Roval Rapide Handlebar, and alloy stem, similar to the Tarmac SL7.
| Models | Handlebar | Stem |
|---|---|---|
| S-Works Tarmac SL8 | Roval Rapide Cockpit, 1-piece (carbon) | Roval Rapide Cockpit, 1-piece (carbon) |
| Specialized Tarmac SL8 | Roval Rapide Handlebar (carbon) | Tarmac SL8 stem (alloy) |
| S-Works Tarmac SL7 | Roval Rapide Handlebar (carbon) | Tarmac SL8 stem (alloy) |
| Specialized Tarmac SL7 Pro | Roval Rapide Handlebar (carbon) | Tarmac SL8 stem (alloy) |
The Roval Rapide Cockpit is available in 15 sizes. Discuss with your local Specialized dealer to find the ideal handlebar width and stem length combinations.
| Handlebar width (mm) | 380 | 400 | 420 | 440 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stem length (mm) | 75 90 115 | 90 100 110 120 135 | 90 100 110 120 135 | 110 125 |
Wheelset
The S-Works Tarmac SL8 wheelset is upgraded to the latest, second-generation Roval Rapide CLX II, a tubeless wheelset with a 21mm internal width. Its predecessor, the S-Works Tarmac SL7 had the Roval Rapide CLX.
The Specialized Tarmac SL8 Pro models had a similar upgrade, albeit with a lower-tiered wheelset, Roval Rapide CL II.
| Models | Wheelset | Hub | Tires |
|---|---|---|---|
| S-Works Tarmac SL8 | Roval Rapide CLX II | Roval AFD (Aero Flange Disc) | S-Works Turbo Rapidair 2BR, 700x26mm |
| Specialized Tarmac SL8 Pro | Roval Rapide CL II | DT Swiss 350 | S-Works Turbo, 2BR, 700x26mm |
| S-Works Tarmac SL7 | Roval Rapide CLX | Roval AFD (Aero Flange Disc) | S-Works Turbo Rapidair 2BR, 700x26mm |
| Specialized Tarmac SL7 Pro | Roval Rapide CL | DT Swiss 350 | S-Works Turbo, 2BR, 700x26mm |
Tire clearance
The Specialized Tarmac SL8 frameset can accommodate wider tires up to 700x32mm comfortably, up from 700x30mm in the Tarmac SL7.
Seatpost
The new Specialized Tarmac SL8 seatpost is narrower for improved aerodynamics. All Tarmac SL8 seatposts have a 15mm instead of 20mm in the Tarmac SL7.
According to Specialized,
Utilizing new UCI rules, the Tarmac SL8 has the narrowest, most aero seat post we’ve ever made ensuring fast moving, dirty air around the legs can flow back more cleanly.
What’s unchanged from SL7 to SL8
Frameset and fork materials
The Specialized Tarmac SL8 retains the same carbon fiber material used in the SL7; FACT 12r and 10r.
- FACT 12r is the highest grade of carbon fiber used in the S-Works models. It has the highest stiffness and the lightest weight, ideal for professional cyclists who need the best possible performance from their bikes. However, it is also the least forgiving in ride comfort, making it less suitable for long-distance riding.
- FACT 10r is the mid-level carbon used in many Specialized road bikes. It has a good balance between stiffness and weight for cyclists who want a high-performance bike without sacrificing comfort.
Frame sizes
The Specialized Tarmac SL8 is available in seven frameset sizes; 44, 49, 52, 54, 56, 58, and 61. The frame sizes would cater to male and female cyclists between 4’8” to 6’5” (142 to 196cm) tall.
It’s important to consider your height and inseam measurements to determine the right frame size. Specialized provides a size chart on its website, listing the recommended frame size based on these measurements.
You can also visit a local Specialized dealer and get a professional bike fit to ensure the correct frame size.
Bottom bracket standards
The Specialized Tarmac SL8 retains the same threaded BSA 68mm bottom bracket from the Tarmac SL7.
More reading : Specialized Bike Size vs Height Guide
Specialized bikes
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.