The S-Works TARMAC SL8 Di2 – The Fastest Race Bike in the World
After eight generations and over two decades of engineering, the S-Works Tarmac SL8 Di2 is not just the fastest Tarmac ever—it is the fastest race bike ever built. By combining aerodynamics, ultra-lightweight construction, stiffness, and compliance, this bike achieves an unmatched level of speed and efficiency.
Through real-world race simulations, Ride Science testing confirms that the Tarmac SL8 delivers:
✅ 16.6 seconds faster over 40km
✅ 128 seconds faster over Milan-San Remo
✅ 20 seconds faster over the legendary Tourmalet climb
Revolutionary Aerodynamics – "Speed Sniffer" Nose Cone
Aerodynamics alone don’t win races, but they play a critical role in performance. The Tarmac SL8 is designed with aerodynamic gains exactly where they matter the most:
Speed Sniffer Nose Cone – The new head tube profile moves the steer tube back, allowing for a sharper, lower-drag leading edge.
The narrowest and most aerodynamic seatpost ever – Designed under new UCI regulations, the SL8’s seatpost optimizes airflow around the rider’s legs for reduced turbulence.
More aerodynamic than the Venge – Tarmac SL8 surpasses even Specialized’s most aero-focused road bike, providing lower drag and greater efficiency.
Ultra-Lightweight Without Sacrificing Aero Performance
The Tarmac SL8 is engineered to meet the UCI minimum weight while maintaining full aerodynamics. Drawing insights from the Aethos, Specialized has made lightweight a top priority:
685g frame – 15% lighter than the SL7, making it the lightest aero road frame in the World Tour.
Optimized tube shapes – The down tube, seat tube, and rear triangle efficiently distribute load, allowing the removal of excess carbon stiffness layers.
32mm tire clearance – Matching the SL7, providing versatility for higher-volume tires when conditions demand.
Unmatched Stiffness & Compliance
Speed is more than just aerodynamics and weight—efficiency and comfort are key. The Tarmac SL8 brings:
33% better stiffness-to-weight ratio than SL7 – Ensuring sharper handling, better acceleration, and efficient power transfer.
6% more compliance – Absorbs road vibrations, delivering a smoother ride over rough pavement.
Proven Rider-First Engineering – Every frame size is individually optimized to ensure the same ride quality and performance for all riders.
Beyond Gender – Built for Every Rider
Performance is determined by fit, handling, and efficiency, not gender. The Tarmac SL8 is designed to deliver the same world-class performance to every cyclist. Instead of creating separate male and female models, this bike is optimized for all riders based on the science of biomechanics and race-proven geometry.
Top-Tier Components for Elite Racing
To complement the world’s fastest frame, the S-Works Tarmac SL8 Di2 is equipped with the finest race-ready components:
✅ Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 9200 groupset – Fully electronic 12-speed shifting with an integrated dual-sided power meter.
✅ Roval Rapide CLX II wheelset – Tubeless-ready, aerodynamically optimized, and incredibly lightweight.
✅ Roval Rapide cockpit – Integrated handlebar and stem for maximum weight savings and aerodynamic efficiency.
Why Choose This Bike?
FACT 12r carbon frame – Ultra-light, aero-optimized, and competition-ready.
Speed Sniffer Nose Cone – A groundbreaking head tube design for ultimate aerodynamics.
Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 12-speed – Wireless, precision shifting with a built-in power meter.
Roval Rapide CLX II wheels – Tubeless-ready and engineered for superior aerodynamics.
Rider-First Engineering – Consistent handling and ride quality across all sizes.
Beyond Gender Design – Built for all riders, focusing on performance rather than arbitrary classifications.
Key Features
Frame: FACT 12r carbon, aerodynamic tube shaping, 685g frame weight
Drivetrain: Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 12-speed, dual-sided power meter
Brakes: Shimano Dura-Ace hydraulic disc brakes
Wheels: Roval Rapide CLX II, tubeless-ready
Cockpit: Roval Rapide integrated handlebar and stem
Who is this bike for?
The S-Works Tarmac SL8 Di2 is built for elite racers, serious road cyclists, and performance-driven riders who demand the best in aerodynamics, weight savings, and stiffness. Whether sprinting for the finish line, attacking steep climbs, or pushing limits on fast descents, this bike delivers the speed, control, and efficiency to win.
Brand |
Specialized
|
Weight |
6.62 kg (14 lb, 9.5 oz)
|
Frameset/Frame |
S-Works Tarmac SL8 FACT 12r Carbon, Rider First Engineered™, Win Tunnel Engineered, Clean Routing, Threaded BB, 12x142mm thru-axle, flat-mount disc
|
Wheels/Rear wheel |
Roval Rapide CLX II, Tubeless, 21mm internal width carbon rim, 60mm depth, Win Tunnel Engineered, Roval AFD hub, 24h, DT Swiss Aerolite spokes
|
Wheels/Rear tire |
S-Works Turbo Rapidair 2BR, 700x26mm
|
Wheels/Inner tubes |
Turbo Ultralight, 60mm Front, 80mm Rear, Presta valve
|
Wheels/Front wheel |
Roval Rapide CLX II, Tubeless, 21mm internal width carbon rim, 51mm depth, Win Tunnel Engineered, Roval AFD hub, 18h, DT Swiss Aerolite spokes
|
Wheels/Front tire |
S-Works Turbo Rapidair 2BR, 700x26mm
|
Suspension/Fork |
S-Works FACT 12r Carbon, 12x100mm thru-axle, flat-mount disc
|
Frameset/Seat binder |
Tarmac integrated wedge
|
Drivertain/Shift levers |
Shimano Dura-Ace R9270, hydraulic disc
|
Drivertain/Rear derailleur |
Shimano Dura-Ace R9250, 12-speed
|
Drivertain/Front derailleur |
Shimano Dura-Ace R9250, braze-on
|
Drivertain/Crankset |
Shimano Dura-Ace R9200, HollowTech II, 12-speed with 4iiii Precision 3+ Pro dual-sided powermeter
|
Drivertain/Chainrings |
52/36T
|
Drivertain/Chain |
Shimano Dura-Ace, 12-speed
|
Drivertain/Cassette |
Shimano Dura-Ace, 12-speed, 11-30t
|
Cockpit/Tape |
Supacaz Super Sticky Kush
|
Cockpit/Stem |
Roval Rapide Cockpit, Integrated Bar/Stem
|
Cockpit/Seatpost |
S-Works Tarmac SL8 Carbon seat post, FACT Carbon, 15mm offset
|
Cockpit/Saddle |
Body Geometry S-Works Power with Mirror, carbon fiber rails, carbon fiber base
|
Cockpit/Handlebars |
Roval Rapide Cockpit, Integrated Bar/Stem
|
Brakes/Rear brake |
Shimano Dura-Ace R9270, hydraulic disc
|
Brakes/Front brake |
Shimano Dura-Ace R9270, hydraulic disc
|