I was very very happy with my Dogma F until I watched your review and decided to give the SL8 a good run for the money. I used to have a SL6 and I hated it and sold it in less than 2 weeks of owning it.
Hi, thanks a lot for this review ! I am looking to purchase a new bike but I am still hesitating between Aethos and SL8. What would you recommend? I love climbing so I thought Aethos was for me, but the performances of the SL8 in climbing seems amazing as well, with the aero benefits that the Aethos does not have! What do you think?
Thanks for your reply. I did go to my local Specialized store and they also advice me the Aethos. Main reason is that, I am a superlight weight my self as well (55kg). The guy told me the tarmac is great if you like to push hard on the pedals but if you like climbing and have a high cadence like I do, Aethos will be much easier to ride. Especially if my main goal isnt competition. Agree with that?@@outdoorbros_
Im glad im not the only one that likes the esthetics of the SL7 more than the SL8..I like the SL8 but i prefer the SL7's seat stays, seat post, top and bottom tubes..they look more aero...i can't lie I do like the new SL8 roval one piece handlebar..but the fact that the SL8 is lighter and some what faster im sold..lol..i love my s-works SL7 so im in no rush to switch over..maybe next year when more colors come out..but its still a big "MAYBE"..LOL..
Literally every comment I've seen on aesthetics of the SL8 is that it looks goofy and unflattering. So like... What do you mean "I'm glad I'm not the only one", when you literally have the normie take
I run the Rapide barstem on my bike (not a Specialized) since it was introduced a couple of months ago. It has totally transformed how it rides, handles and feels. I think you shoud compare the SL8 and SL7 with the same bar/stem combo to get a clear(er) picture.
Do you think the rapids cockpit is a good upgrade for a specialised diverge? I am looking to upgrade a few components on my diverge and I feel like the rapids cockpit would be a beautiful addition, let alone the performance improvements (more aero, carbon fibre construction etc). Keen to hear your thoughts about it :)
@@arthur.vdv1425 the Rapide bar is wonderful, but I'd not use it on any bike where front end comfort matters (eg riding on bad quality roads or off-road), as it's very stiff
So you like how it feels, how it rides, you like most of how it performs , you just don’t like how it looks compare to sl7… I get it, feeling is the same. :) By the way, if you look in the back and you compare your Enve melee to sl8, I must say they look very similar.
I think if you read between the lines, you'll know the outcome of the SL8 vs SL7 video- it's not "feeling is the same." I do agree that they look similar. In one of the shorts I posted, it was next to a Melee and they're very similar.
Amazing review, refreshing to see a objective unbiased review. Keep doing it! Tired of all these channels doing “reviews” by simply reading a script from the brands
I have a 2020 Venge and a 2022 Aethos. I'm looking at the SL8 now. Problem is I have very niche uses for the other bikes so don't *really* want to sell them to fund the SL8. I think ultimately having the Venge as a crit bike, Aethos as a weight weenie project, and SL8 as road race bike makes sense but damn, it's a lot of money tied up and depreciating in niche bikes lol.
My SL8 experience mirrors yours. My SW Aethos has sat in the garage untouched since I got my SL8. It literally does everything my Aethos does but better with the sole exception of comfort. This is saying a lot because the Aethos was formerly the best bike I've ever ridden. I do think the Roval cockpit is the star of the show.
Big man, I think it's a bit of an over reach to say most of us are "familiar with the 911 GT3RS" 😂😂😂 I wish I were "familiar" with it. Great review as always 👍🏾
Hahaha, I hesitated with that- almost cut it out of the edit, but I walked it back with the "most of us are familiar with the 911, right?" I'm a casual car enthusiast, only have space for one expensive hobby (bikes).
On your video going down hill I can see the head end to twitchy. I personally think today’s bikes are too light and the head end tends to bounce too much which with your statement it confirms the having a shallow wheels set sort of compensates specially with cross winds. I remember the BMC, cervelo r3 with skinny rear triangle which made these bikes feel the rear triangle to give you the sensation of wondering. Didn’t like it. I rather have a heavy/stiff bike than a noodle bike. I have never own a specialized so I can’t comment on these bikes I have only pinarello for 12+ years now. Would I change the pinarellos? Nope. I have probably done 1 year (1 month = 4 weeks) * 12,000 miles (12 years) yea do the math on pinarellos than I don’t need other brand.
I have been gobbling up SL8 reviews online, and like many others have said, this was a great review without any marketing lingo. Question for you: I have an SWorks SL6 now that I love. How do you think the SL8 differs from the 6? I didn’t upgrade to an SL7, but I think it might be time now. What are your thoughts for someone who is a couple of generations behind and considering an upgrade?
Not sure I'm well-qualified to take this one because I've never ridden the SL6- I was a Venge guy until the SL7. If you just to the SL7 or SL8, I think you're going to find that they're stiffer, faster/better at holding speed and more responsive- at least that's what I have gathered from my friends who rode SL6's. That's not to say that you couldn't achieve a lot of those results by upgrading wheels, tires, helmet, adjusting positioning, etc., but the bike will definitely feel different.
it gives it a lot of credibility and respect you do pay for your stuff and own it as we all do, instead of traditional 8 hours babbling reviews. Thanks.
Color question. I can get a 58cm SL8 SWorks w/Di2 in the Viavi Cynan color but only shipped from quite a distance. My string preference would be true matte black and I am pretty unsure about the blue Cynan sheen. YT vids and online images help a bit but it seems hard to capture. $15k+ a lot to spend w/o a greater comfort level re: the color. Can you quantify how blue it is? Is it more matte black? Thx!
I’ve only seen one in person and it, along with the black/pink one look matte black until the light hits it just right. I’d wait and get exactly what you want and see it in person first.
These reviews are awesome. Thanks for sharing your perspective. Looking forward to seeing it the next time I’m in the OC and see you on the coffee crew ride!
There are other reasons to own a bike. Aesthetics; You briefly mentioned this early in the video. For the average club rider the weight and aero benefits will never be realized (these are marginal, marginal gains). The rounded tube shapes and beluga front-end give pause to the eye. Yes one will eventually get used to it but the SL7 I believe is one of the most beautiful production bikes ever made. It is fast and light enough for 98% of riders. The 2022 SL7 with the new one piece cockpit gets you 80% of the gains of the SL8. So, congratulations to all SL7 owners: You have one of the best production bikes ever made and it looks like a Ferrari. Nice review, thanks.
I have both an SL7 S-WORKS & SL8 S-WORKS, Both with the Roval Rapide CLX Aero Wheelsets 51/60 1400 gram 1st Edition Wheelsets. Also own a 3rd set . ❤ the SL7 S-WORKS. The SL8 S-WORKS is in my opinion 20/25 % better . 😅
The way you explain things is exactly how I think. I appreciate your perspective. I have been going back and forth on saving a bit on sl7 deals and just going to sl8. $500 difference between the sl7 and sl8 pro doesn’t seem like enough to go sl7. Now, I need to decide whether I want Shimano or SRAM.
@@outdoorbros_ it’s so polarizing and there is no consensus! I had di2 on my previous bike but got caught not being charged and there’s no option but to wait. I have sram axs on my mtb and at least I can just throw a battery in my pocket. It’s just more convenient. I don’t know how I feel about using both hands for up and down shifting and both for the front. Thanks for your input!
No thank you. Dont mix emotions from ride and expensive bike with facts. NO one is really testing and talking about "STIFFNESS". Energy you need to put in to move forward! We dont ride in tunnel steady with wind against us. We pedal to move on - and energy needs to go front - not side. I went from Venge to SL 7 and it was weak, soft. This year i hoped for Venge 2....instead they made Atheos (SL8). Screw them. Bought Canyon CFR. Man - try that. That thing is stiff and flyyyy! I have goosebumps again from riding fast and sprinting.
Great review… just what I was looking forward to… real world usage… the only thing that’s slightly annoying is the one piece bar/stem… if you’re trying to tailor in that fit, I’m guessing they’ll be some compromises or a hellava expensive adjustment… 😅🍻
Thank you! Thankfully, my fit has been pretty dialed for a few years, so it was an easy swap. I have heard some say that the angle is > than the 6-degrees advertised, which has caused some fit issues.
He's just your average guy...who just goes and buys S Works, SL7, aethos, venge, epic Enve frames, Enve wheels, had a super cool camper truck. Meanwhile im over here kicking ass on my SL2 Expect with original altegra groupset which defiantly has over 50k miles on it, wondering what all the fuss it about. Tbf I also has an S Works stumpy and an ohlins coil ltd edition Enduro (one better than the S Works), but both were second hand to me.
eh, my Madone SLR is more aero and certainly we can all agree better looking and its 6.75kg in size 58 for only 15.6k with custom wheels on it. the sl8 should be like 12-13k
So much debate on how much better, if at all, the SL8 is than the SL7. The SL7 was good enough (its still very competitive and an industry standard as an all-round road race bike), that even with only a few tweaks over the SL7 the marginal gains of the SL8 makes one of the best bikes even better. It's lighter, the steerer issue was addressed and apparently is more responsive due to reinforcement at the BB. Maybe its slightly more aero but even if its exactly the same, if they made it a special edition SL7 with those tweaks (even just lighter than the SL7 S-Works, without the other changes) the demand would still be insane. In Canada, its been impossible to get a Tarmac (in 49cm in a spec I wanted anyway) for over 2 years now, the only way I got an SL8 was because I saw the leaks, my LBS then spoke to the Specialized rep, who said none are available (1 week before the weekend announcement) and then came back a few days later with one that another shop had cancelled and became available. I was pretty close to missing out on another Tarmac release (would have been the 4th in 2 1/2 years). If there had been an Expert with 105 Di2 I would have went for that but other than the saddle and tires (maybe the cockpit down the line) there isn't much I feel I need to upgrade on the SL8 Pro Ultegra. Gonna Ride Wrap the frame and fork, degrease and wax the chain, swap the saddle for a SLR Boost (the 49 comes with a 155mm Power), get a fit and enjoy it.
My question - given the bikes you’ve ridden. If someone is looking to add a road bike to their stable. Say if one has a Cervelo Caledonia and wants to add a faster sharper bike. Would you recommend the Tarmac SL8 pro or S works? Would you recommend anything from cervelo? What’s your thinking pattern here? I realize fit is important too. Thx bro and great review by the way.
Pro vs S-Works is probably a question of budget. If you have the budget for the S-Works, you could make the argument that you should buy the Pro and use the money saved for worthwhile upgrades- a good bike fit, smart trainer, wheels, tires, etc.
SL7 owner here. I’m looking to upgrade to the new Rapide one piece handlebars. How would rate the handlebars compared with the old ones. Awesome review by the way! I’m most definitely not upgrading to the new SL8, I love my SL7 to bits, it’s probably the best looking road frame-set I ever had. 👏
The SL7 is incredible, no doubt. I like the look and feel of the one-piece handlebars. It's a pricey upgrade for a few watts, but if you want a happy-medium...
the bar is amazing i manage install it on the specialized venge it complete transform the ride quality compare to the 2 piece system it originally came with this bar is definitely worth it just need to get an adapter for it
Great, excellent review. A bike for a few who can pay that amount of money without worrying about how much will remain in the bank. account. For less money, the Cannondale Super Six EVO 2 with Ultegra Di2, HollowGram R 45 wheels and Vision Trimax Carbon Aero bars.
I watched this video to buy a Tarmac SL8 but I ended up buying a Porsche 911 GT3 RS instead. Joking aside, I saw a SL8 in person and was impressed with numbers and features as always but the paint quality and finish around some edges left me sceptical. Did you notice this as well?
Hi, Is it possible to use that plastic new - Compression ring from SL8 to SL7? Would you check and let us know. Ps I was able to get my hande on new "Venom" 😎 color combination and I have to agree SL7 looks better! Thanks
You can argue about specialized marketing, prices but never about the handling. I`ve ridden several different bikes Epic, Enduro, Fatboy, Creo Evo, Tarmac, Roubaix and I can say they all handled superb.
Thanks for your review. I committed on a Dune White frame before watching your video. I’m coming from a Dogma F platform. Now I’m super excited to get mine built.. SportPlus!!
Did you ever ride the sl5? Aero aside, that was one of my favorite handling bikes. It just felt a slightly more precise than the sl6 that I've been on for the last couple of years. I'm now looking at the sl8. Assuming you've ridden the sl5 and or sl6, how would you say the sl8 handling compares to those two bikes?
I don't understand why Spesh is not paying you, because: Now I will go and get this bike. I was totally frustrated by all those fake reviews appearing all over the media during the last two weeks.
In a lot of the other guys' defense, I think they received the bikes right before the launch and had to rush to put things together. I didn't get this bike until 8/11 and just happen to be logging ridiculous miles right now, so I had a chance to really give a fair shake very quickly.
This bike made the aethos and sl7 obsolete. The aethos is a crushing bike. I enjoyed at the alps a lot but the bike has too much flex in the bottom bracket. The sl8 is very very very far from the aethos
Like I said, I've seen all the videos breaking down the numbers- I'm very aware. I didn't dive into numbers here, just explained what it was like to ride it. No "deluding" here.
Literally so refreshing to have an honest review without the marketing spiel others are doing right now. I’m undecided between and aethos and sl8 and this has helped a lot
@@kristofferguerra569 easy there. That box is from a Trek mountain bike I bought for my wife years ago. The boxes above it are from the Enve Melee and the other is from my Reserve Wheels. No marketing spiel, sorry.
Great review & well edited unlike the peanut disc bike hater durianrider who reviewed this bike with flat peddles & holey socks & expects people to take him seriously !
For someone at the lower end of the market, how would the SL8 compare to something like the SL6? The older models are now discounted and it has me wondering if the 6 with Shimano 105 might be a nice bargain.
SL 6 is my 3rd Spec bike. It came after Allez and Roubaix SL4. It is very, very responsive, agile, nimble to me compared to the former ones. It comes with Di2 Ultegra, Roval C38 wheels and SWorks seat post. It feels like made-to-measure to me. IMHO it looks a touch better compared to sl7 too ( tube shapes, dropped seat stays…). It does not have a so called clean look, however, but that is the only downside that I can see.
With specialized putting sl7 builds on sale, is choosing the 7 over the 8 worth it for the 1000 or 2 saved? Sounds like the 8 is a more “enjoyable” ride if people enjoy the aspects of riding you highlighted
How much is the frame vs the crankset and wheel set in feel? Meaning, if you got a pro, but upgraded to Sram Red crank and high end wheels, are you able to feel much of a difference?
I don't think there's a discernible difference between a Red and Force crankset- that's another reason I'm okay riding the all black Force crankset. Wheels are a noticeable difference. Go with the Pro and put your money into more worthwhile upgrades- I like that plan.
just wondering if you sold your Aethos. I recently built mine up as climbing aero bike with SRAM Red 46/33 crank with ceramic BB, Red rear derailleur max 36T, 10-36 Force cassette, Force D2 lighter and more slender levers/calipers/Red rotors, Force D2 front derailleur (new cage shifts best) with wireless blips, Zipp 303 Firecrest, Roval Rapide Cockpit... fast on flats and uphill with aero focus, descends with the best, with all day comfort
Thanks for this your review is the best so far look forward to more of your content soon..Cheers I've seen the Sl8 pro in the flesh was lucky enough to take for a spin I was really impressed with it I've owned probably 20 bikes in the past from Pinarellos to Specialized Sworks 3 and 6 so if I had to money I'd buy one in a heart beat..
I’ve had the SL8 project black. In a size 52, the frame looks hideous. The downtube is so thin and everything looks disproportionate. I still prefer the more aero looks of the sl7. It is by no way stiffer then the sl7. It feels more sluggish. I ended up selling the sl8 and went back to the 7 and couldn’t be happier.
Y’all see that pothole at 9:36? I broke my rim on that pothole. Nice review on the SL8 Chris. I really enjoyed the sport mode analogy. Hearing your unbiased ride-feel view is really valuable having owned the venge, aethos, & SL7.
Looking forward your thoughts on lower profile rims. I'm planning on a Sl8 with ultegra and i'm not convinced on the stock deep profile stock wheels. I'm planning to actually ask the dealer to swap them by an equivalent (in terms of hubs) set of 33mm deep Alpinists. The benefits of such deep wheels (50mm and above) come at very high speeds that I usually never ride at. On the other hand, taking into account how windy it is where I live, and the climbs around my home... the alpinists would make more sense.
@@outdoorbros_ Not sure if it is because it is what I want to see but I'm under the impression than more pros are using shallower wheels more often now
Thank you for sharing your opinion with us regarding this new superbike. I admit, although Spe-head, I was a little skeptical about the equation 'Venge + SL7 + Aethos = SL8' and feedback from an experienced rider (that actually owned and put MILES on them) would be a must. Awaiting for your next comparison, SL8 Vs SL7. Well done.
The price of 15k will never justify what ever they advertisy about this bike at the end of the day its ur stamina and legs play 80% 20% bike un less you are a pro racer no reason to go this direction.
Probably true. In the same way that we don't need expensive cars, phones, computer, etc... rarely do we ever use the full capabilities of consumer goods.
So I was on the fence on the SL8. Was weighing up an S Works 2023 SL8 at £10.5k (instead of £12k) and an S Works Aethos at £10k (instead of £12k). I wanted something different so was moving towards the Aethos… it then dropped to £8k as the new SRAM Red launched so I just had to order it. Arrives tomorrow with the savings enabling me to get a nice set of 45mm lightweight aero wheels (Vision Metron 45SL) and aero bar for the Aethos. Coming from an SL6 I’ll be curious to see the difference on a sprint or flat / rolling road but overall I’m looking forward to the hopefully comfortable 100km plus rides. Thanks for the content as always
When did we get obsessed with 1 second of gains at speeds we don’t ride at 90% of the time? How did they manage do make us so dumb/numb in this industry!?
If you had neither SL7 nor SL8, and were on the market for a fast group ride & racing bike to buy in the next couple of months, which would you actually choose?
So if someone is getting back in to cycling after some years off, but has no interest in racing which would you recommend; SL7 or SL8? Riding would either be solo or lively group rides on weekends.
Excellent video - just bought an SL8 SWorks set up almost identically to yours and agree with all your comments. Not sure why yet, but it also seems easier to put more power into this bike than my Pinarello Dogma for example. Might just be "new bike syndrome" as I only have about 100 miles on it so faqr.
Hopefully the performance didn’t comes across as heavily dependent on the wheels- I’m sure the stock builds will perform just as well with the Roval wheels. Plus, I think building it from the frame is a better option for most.
Any chance you might get your hands on a Pinarello Dogma X? I’d love to get a SL8, but the reality is that at my age and fitness level, I need to be looking at the best endurance bike that will keep me riding. I mostly ride a gravel bike on pavement. But that’s due to the comfort level it brings. I’d like something faster, especially for the group rides, but with good levels of comfort.
I'm in the market for a new bike and had settled on the Aethos but the Sl8 is giving me a headache as it seems to be an aero aethos. I'm 48 and do a 80-120 miles at the weekend with trainerroad training in the week. Ftp is 3.5 and ride with about 17mph average. Do I get the Aethos or sl8? When I ask for advice the aethos is recommended for the longer distances as its more comfortable. I'm not in races but don't get me wrong we all like faster times on strava. I should add I enjoy hill climbing and will be doing a few very hilly sportives.
Picked my build up today but the great British weather let me down 🌧️. Out on it tomorrow and yes it looks better in the flesh. I did not get to see the frame before the bike was built and I am not disappointed at all. Have a weight weenie build myself coming in at 6kgs on a 54cm frame with a set of 50/60 wheels. Super excited to get on it Sunday
@@outdoorbros_ honestly the bike is definitely more comfortable in the rear compared with both the Venge and SL7 Stiffness well I cannot find any noticeable difference myself between this and the SL7 it’s a stiff bike and I am 85kgs Not as twitchy in the front as the SL7 I find and handles well. Speed hmmm well the venge was fast the SL7 was fast and I have no measuring equipment but this bike is also fast 😂. I have a weight weenie but rideable bike at 5.87kgs so it’s also great on the climbs. Venge was great but such a harsh ride , SL7 much better comfort wise SL8 a small improvement over SL7 looks better in the flesh that the photo. I really don’t know how they will better it in 3years time!
I didn't say I owned a 911, just said we're probably familiar with it. I figure if someone's throwing down $10k+ on a bike, some comparisons with cars can help explain my point. Hopefully it wasn't offensive.
As a self proclaimed bicycle idiot (not up to date on what's new and current advancements in cycling) this SL8 seems like it might be a little more than I'd ever need. I like to ride anywhere and everywhere that I can so sometimes the wider tires lend to that, but with that said... This is an amazing looking bike. Seems like a hell of a ride for sure. Great video!
@@outdoorbros_ honestly that’s a refreshing way to look at it. Spend way less time worrying about being over/under biked and just enjoy the ride no matter what!
I don't believe any of this. It's not a bike made for the enjoyment of cycling. It's a bike made to be raced in professional races. Posers beware, you will not like riding this bike.
