Specialized Tarmac SL8 Expert Road Bike
In the world of cycling, speed reigns supreme, and the Tarmac SL8 Expert has emerged as the unrivaled champion, pushing the boundaries of aerodynamics, lightweight design, and ride quality to heights previously deemed unattainable. Embarking on a journey spanning eight generations and over two decades of relentless innovation, the Tarmac SL8 isn't just the fastest Tarmac iteration – it stakes its claim as the swiftest race bike on the planet. Are you ready to unleash your full potential?
AERO IN EVERYTHING: SL8 Redefining Aerodynamics
The Tarmac SL8's quest for ultimate speed has revolutionized the very concept of aerodynamics. Rather than merely chasing a sleek appearance, the focus has been on strategically placing aero elements where they truly matter – the leading edge. This groundbreaking approach has birthed the most aerodynamic road bike ever conceived, outshining even the Venge in terms of wind-cheating prowess. It's aero where it matters.
Central to this achievement is the introduction of the Speed Sniffer – the Tarmac's new nose cone. By ingeniously relocating the steer tube backward, the head tube's leading edge assumes a remarkably sharper form, significantly minimizing drag. Leveraging the latest UCI regulations, the Specialized Tarmac SL8 Expert features an incredibly narrow, supremely aero seat post, facilitating smoother airflow around the legs and reducing turbulence. Victory becomes sweeter with every pedal stroke.
MINIMUM WEIGHT, MAXIMUM AERO: Aethos-Inspired Ingenuity
Drawing inspiration from the Aethos model, the Tarmac SL8 Expert pushes the envelope further by achieving UCI minimum weight regulations with a full aero setup. The result? A frame that defies expectations, weighing in at a mere 685 grams – a staggering 15% lighter than its predecessor, the Tarmac SL7, and trumping other contenders on the World Tour circuit.
This weight reduction is masterfully distributed across key areas like the down tube, seat tube, and rear, capitalizing on Aethos' insights. The Tarmac SL8 Experrt frame's design optimally manages load distribution, rendering additional carbon stiffness layers obsolete. Notably, the illustrious Kasper Asgreen's Tour stage with the 585 gram Aethos frame stands as a testament to this engineering marvel.
GOES LIKE HELL, THE SL8 EXPERT RIDES LIKE HEAVEN: A Paradigm Shift in Performance
The Tarmac SL8 Expert achieves an impressive 33% enhancement in stiffness-to-weight ratio compared to its predecessor, the SL7, elevating its handling and responsiveness to legendary status. A newfound precision at the handlebars and increased pedal stiffness converge to create a cycling experience that defies limits.
But the Tarmac SL8 Expert isn't content with performance alone; it raises the bar for race bike comfort. Embracing Rider-First Engineering, riders of all sizes relish the same unparalleled ride quality. On the saddle, the Tarmac SL8's compliance is augmented by 6%, gliding over uneven terrains with an unprecedented suppleness, a rarity in the world of high-performance race bikes. The geometry and 32mm tire clearance mirror the SL7, ensuring seamless adaptability and the option for higher volume tires when the road demands.
BEYOND GENDER: Shattering Stereotypes with the Tarmac SL8 Expert
In a pioneering move, the Tarmac SL8 Expert transcends gender distinctions. Acknowledging the intricate variations between individual cyclists, the notion of creating bikes exclusively for male or female riders is relegated to the past. With the Specialized Tarmac SL8 Expert, every cyclist gains access to a new realm of advantage, untethered by gender-based constraints. It's a testament to the brand's commitment to inclusivity and progress.
The Tarmac SL8 Expert delivers exceptional performance with a full SRAM Rival eTap AXS groupset with power meter, C38 carbon tubeless ready wheelset, and an SL7 stem with Specialized Expert Shallow Drop alloy handlebars makes for an accessible performance-packed bike.
Technical Specification
| Frame | Tarmac SL8 FACT 10r Carbon, Rider First Engineered™, Win Tunnel Engineered, Clean Routing, Threaded BB, 12x142mm thru-axle, flat-mount disc |
| Fork | Tarmac SL8 FACT 10r Carbon, 12x100mm thru-axle, flat-mount disc |
| Handlebars | Specialized Expert Shallow Drop, alloy, 125mm drop x 75mm reach |
| Stem | Tarmac integrated stem, 6-degree |
| Tape | Supacaz Super Sticky Kush |
| Seatpost | S-Works Tarmac SL8 Carbon seat post, FACT Carbon, 15mm offset |
| Seat Binder | Tarmac integrated wedge |
| Front Brake | SRAM Rival eTap AXS, hydraulic disc |
| Rear Brake | SRAM Rival eTap AXS, hydraulic disc |
| Shift Levers | SRAM Rival eTap AXS |
| Front Derailleur | SRAM Rival eTAP AXS, braze-on |
| Rear Derailleur | SRAM Rival eTap AXS, 12-speed |
| Cassette | SRAM Rival, 12-speed, 10-36t |
| Crankset | SRAM Rival with Power Meter |
| Chainrings | 48/35T |
| Bottom Bracket | SRAM DUB BSA 68 |
| Chain | SRAM Rival 12-speed |
| Front Wheel | Roval C38, 21mm internal width carbon rim |
| Rear Wheel | Roval C38, 21mm internal width carbon rim |
| Front Tyre | S-Works Turbo, folding bead, 700x26mm |
| Rear Tyre | S-Works Turbo, folding bead, 700x26mm |
| Saddle | Body Geometry Power Expert |
| Inner Tube | Turbo Ultralight, 48mm Presta valve |
| Weight | 7.77 kg (17 lb, 2.1 oz) |
| Weight | Size 56cm |
Built, Checked, Tuned and Tested
All our bikes are fully built, checked, tuned and tested by our Cytech qualified mechanics and then securely packaged, ready for delivery. All you have to do is add the pedals (if included), attach the handlebars to the stem and tighten them following the included detailed instructions or by watching our video and using the provided FREE tools. Visit our Bike Assembly page to see how you assemble your new bike once you receive it.
All bikes collected from our shop, are built, tested and ready to ride. For hassle-free home delivery and bike set-up from a qualified mechanic use our Premier Delivery Service.
Please note, occasionally, manufacturers may change the specification without notice. Bicycles do not come with pedals unless otherwise specified. Bikes ordered for delivery will not arrive with the pedals installed, please refer to the owners manual and pedal installation guides provided for guidance. We do not install accessories to bikes, including mudguards. Bikes ordered for delivery that have tubeless compatible tyres and rims will arrive with inner tubes installed or with tubeless valves installed, this will be brand dependent. Sealant is available to be purchased separately.
If you require any assistance please contact our Customer Care team.
Specialized Tarmac SL8 Expert Road Bike 2025 Sizing
Unable to display Reviews due to Privacy Settings.
Adjust your Cookie Preferences to Opt-in "YES" to "Functional Cookies".
Unable to display Q&A due to Privacy Settings.
Adjust your Cookie Preferences to Opt-in "YES" to "Functional Cookies".
Why buy your bike from Sigma Sports?
Don't hesitate to reach out to us. It's our goal to answer all of your questions and offer the best advice from our experts. We’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have. Contact us now or visit us in-store.
Save up to 47% with any one of our 11 Cycle to Work partners, and get the health benefits of a new bike in exchange for tax free salary sacrifice. To find out more about our various partners and how to apply click here.
Choose between Free Bike Delivery - to your home or place of work - or our new Premier Bike Delivery Service £99.99 and have your bike delivered "ready to ride" and set up to your measurements with seatpost and pedals adjusted on arrival by a qualified bike mechanic. Either way, our Customer Care team will be in touch to arrange a delivery date to suit you.
We've partnered with Laka to offer you 30 days free bike Insurance on your new bike purchase over £400. Click here for more info and find out how to claim.