Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL8 Sram Red eTap AXS RTP Custom Road Bike

Custom Build of the Specialized S-Works SL8 RTP (Ready-to-Paint) Frameset with Original Components of the Specialized S-Works SL8 SRAM Red AXS.

The S-Works Tarmac SL8 is unbeatable in speed. Its advanced aerodynamics and lightweight construction deliver a ride quality that seemed unattainable. After eight generations and more than twenty years of development, it is not just the fastest Tarmac ever made – it is the fastest road bike in the world. Are you ready?

Aerodynamics and lightweight construction alone do not win races – at the finish line, it’s all about speed. Achieving race speed requires a specific balance of aerodynamics, lightness, stiffness, and compliance. Our Ride Science team has determined through race simulations based on real data that the Tarmac SL8 is the fastest road bike ever built on key segments. It is a staggering 16.6 seconds faster over 40 km, 128 seconds quicker at Milano–Sanremo, and 20 seconds faster on the Tourmalet.

The fastest road bike in the world is now paired with the SRAM RED AXS complete group with power measurement – the lightest electronic group ever – and a tubeless-ready Roval Rapide CLX II wheelset. All S-Works Tarmac SL8 models feature an ultralight Roval Rapide cockpit – razor-sharp design for hairpin victories.

Aero Avant-Garde: For us, aerodynamics are defined by surfaces that truly matter, not just those that look best. With this philosophy, we have created our most aerodynamic road bike ever. And yes, it is more aerodynamic than the Venge. The newly designed head tube of the Tarmac SL8 maintains airflow more effectively, as the surface at the front tapers to a sharper point. We call it the Speed Sniffer, and it generates significantly less drag with its streamlined cross-section. Furthermore, in compliance with the new UCI regulations for the Tarmac SL8, we developed the narrowest and most aerodynamic Specialized seatpost of all time, allowing the fast-moving turbulent air to flow cleanly around the legs. A bike that knows how to win.

Minimal Weight, Maximum Aero: The Tarmac SL8 leverages insights from the development of the Aethos, easily reaching the UCI weight limit while maintaining a full aero setup. Our team has crafted an incredible frame weighing just 685 grams – 15% lighter than the Tarmac SL7 and lighter than any other bike on the World Tour. That Kasper Asgreen rode our Aethos on a Tour stage, with a frame weighing only 585 grams, doesn’t count in this context. New technical possibilities enabled us to optimize the weight of the down tube, seat tube, and rear end, as the new frame shape distributes load so efficiently that additional carbon layers for increased stiffness are no longer necessary.

Lightning-Fast Acceleration with Increased Comfort: Thanks to a remarkable improvement in the stiffness-to-weight ratio – an impressive 33% increase over the SL7 – the Tarmac SL8 elevates the legendary handling, aggressive responsiveness, and World Tour-tested geometry to a new level. The bike is stiffer at the bottom bracket, more precise at the handlebars, and more compliant in the saddle, setting new benchmarks for the performance and comfort of competition bikes. Our Rider-First Engineering™ concept ensures that every rider, regardless of size, enjoys the same ride quality and handling. The Tarmac SL8 offers 6% more compliance at the saddle, gliding smoothly over rough roads – a unique characteristic in the fast-paced world of road cycling. When conditions require it, the 32 mm tire clearance allows for wider tires.

Gender-Neutral: Our experience in product development tells us that differences between two riders of the same gender can be greater than between two riders of different genders. Gender alone does not provide a basis for gender-specific geometries. Therefore, frames specifically designed for men or women are unwarranted and outdated. With a Tarmac SL8 for everyone, every rider can gain the crucial advantage.

The S-Works Tarmac SL8 is equipped with only the highest quality components. A SRAM RED eTap AXS group with power measurement – the lightest complete group ever – and a tubeless-ready Roval Rapide CLX II wheelset perfectly complement the fastest frame on the market. All S-Works Tarmac SL8 models are equipped with a Roval Rapide cockpit to reduce weight and ensure better aerodynamics.

Cockpit
HANDLEBAR: Roval Rapide Cockpit, Integrated Bar/Stem
STEM: Roval Rapide Cockpit, Integrated Bar/Stem
SADDLE: S-Works Power with Mirror
SEAT POST: S-Works Tarmac SL8 Carbon seat post, FACT Carbon, 15mm offset
SEAT POST CLAMP: Tarmac Integrated Wedge
HANDLEBAR TAPE: Supacaz Super Sticky Kush

Frameset
FRAME: S-Works Tarmac SL8 FACT RTP 12r Carbon, Rider First Engineered™, Win Tunnel Engineered, Clean Routing, Threaded BB, 12x142mm thru-axle, flat-mount disc

Fork
FORK: S-Works FACT 12r Carbon, 12x100mm thru-axle, flat-mount disc

Brakes
FRONT BRAKE: NEW SRAM RED AXS, hydraulic disc
REAR BRAKE: NEW SRAM RED AXS, hydraulic disc

Drivetrain
CHAIN: NEW SRAM RED 12-speed
CASSETTE: NEW SRAM RED XG-1290, 12-speed, 10-33t
SHIFTER: NEW SRAM RED AXS, hydraulic disc
FRONT DERAILLEUR: NEW SRAM RED AXS, braze-on
CRANKSET: NEW SRAM RED AXS Power Meter
REAR DERAILLEUR: NEW SRAM RED AXS, 12-speed
CHAINRINGS: 48/35
BOTTOM BRACKET: SRAM DUB BSA 68

Wheels and Tires
TUBES: Turbo Ultralight, 60mm Front, 80mm Rear, Presta valve
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
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
FRONT TIRE: S-Works Turbo Rapidair 2BR, 700x26mm
REAR TIRE: S-Works Turbo Rapidair 2BR, 700x26mm

Accessories
SWAT: Head Unit and Mount

Weight (weighed without pedals): 6.66 kg