Specialized Tarmac SL8: a refinement of a modern classic

Sam Gupta gets an exclusive first ride on the latest version of Specialized’s flagship road bike

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One of the most highly anticipated bikes of 2024, the Specialized Tarmac SL8 is finally here and I was lucky enough to be the first person outside Specialized to ride it in the UK. Here are my first ride thoughts.

Traditionally, the Tarmac is Specialized’s do-it-all road race bike. However, this version of the bike could actually be seen as a bit of a Frankenstein’s monster as it is clearly influenced by, and uses the carbon layup of, the brand’s super-light weight Aethos model.

Redesigned frame

If you draw a vertical line through the SL8, you’re left with a split which is Aethos-inspired at the rear and ‘next gen’ Tarmac at the front. It’s really obvious on the down tube, as the lower half is more circular and thinner compared to the upper half, which swells out and becomes more ovalised. The seatstays are slimmed down compared to the SL7 and again are more circular in shape.

However, the biggest difference between outgoing and incoming models is to be found at the head tube, which is clearly deeper, and has been achieved by adding a cover on the front, rather than by increasing the fairing at the rear of the tube. Specialized says it’s done this so that a narrower and pointier front end can be achieved, which is claimed to be far more aerodynamic.