Specialized Tarmac SL8 (2023)

Equipment
518

Specialized states the Rapide CLX are aero optimized for 26c tire.

I’ve run the S-Works Turbo RapidAir on the front, it was fine and didn’t notice a harsher ride. The roads around here are bad and I typically ride 6-10 hours per week. The only tires that felt like I was floating have been the Roubaix Pro 30/32 and the Mondos (28 front, 32 rear). Reducing harshness for me is more tire selection than size. However if Corsa Pris are your tire, then yes to reduce road vibrations a bit while not giving up too much aero I’d go with 28s.

519

Yeah leaning towards Corsa Pros or the Tufo Comtura Prima. A little faster than the P Zero Race with a similar boost in puncture protection and wet grip over the GP 5000 TR S

520

Unfortunately that’s not how aero testing works.

You can’t just subtract a static estimate of 4 watts just because Specialized said so.

SL8 tested faster than the SL7.

I’m an SL7 owner as well.

Edit:
But I also agree with you that the margin of difference between all the top of the line bikes is so minuscule today. The legs always have the last word at the end of the day.

522

I have had 30/28 Corsa pros and gp5000s on my sl8

The Corsas measured pretty true to size iirc.
The GP5000s measure 29.75 for 28 and 31.5 for the 30.

523

I finally got my size 52 pro frame in and built her up. Not a bad race ready weight with just ultegra and no super light tacky sworks stickers :joy:

IMG_2164
IMG_21644032×3024 3.07 MB

:slight_smile:

524
525

Love that blue :heart_eyes:

526

It has yet to arrive, but the workshop already posted about it. Super stoked to push it up and down the mountains of Gran Canaria the next two weeks.

IMG_1941
IMG_19411289×1672 831 KB

Should come out to a nanogram under 6.3kg with pedals, computer mount and bottle cages. Size 58, Cockpit 115/380

527

With those wheels you’re going to have to change your name to lightiseverything :wink:

528

Impressive weight for a size 58 :partying_face:

529

Congratulations, enjoy in good health👍

530

No worries. Just for GC. When I’m back home the 6.7 are mounted back on.

531

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IMG_19524032×3024 2.5 MB

IMG_1953
IMG_19534284×5712 3.94 MB

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IMG_19542856×2142 1.4 MB

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IMG_19572856×2142 1.85 MB

Better pics (and of course ride review) to follow.

532

Maybe because it’s a 58cm frame, but for all the hate the “speed sniffer” got at first…I think this looks great! One of these days I’ll have the SL8 Expert in gloss pine green (one can dream)

533

It looks good with the Rapide Cockpit, since they’re different spacers. Looks horrendous with the regular stem, unfortunately…

534

Looking forward to it. Please list the specs of the custom parts!

535

Full List:
S-Works SL8 Frame, Size 58 (Color: SATIN CARBON / VIAVI CYNAN BLUE / VIAVI SILVER-BLUE PEARL EDGE FADE/GLOSS METALLIC WHITE SILVER)

Cockpit: Roval Rapide 380/115mm
MagCAD Wahoo Bolt Mount (yet to arrive)
CeramicSpeed Coated BSA BB
R-Works custom RD Hanger

Shimano Dura Ace 9200:
Standard STI shifters + sprint shifters
SRM PM9 Spider Powermeter with 24mm titanium Axle and THM Crank 172.5mm
Standard front and rear derailleur with CS OSPW with Golden 3D Printed Pulley Wheels
Rings are 52/36 with an 11-34 cassette (for the mountains / I have a 54/40 11-30 option, which I’ll be using more frequently at home)
XTR Chain, Waxed with Hot Melt

ENVE 2.3 rims laced to DTSwiss AeroLite spokes and Extralite Cyberdisc SPD-3 Hubs with Ceramic internals
Carbon Ti SteelCarbon 2 Disc Rotors (160 front, 140 rear)
Continental GP5000s TR 28mm Tires front and rear
45ml of Orange Seal Standard front and rear

Darimo Straight 380mm seatpost
Selle Italia Tekno Saddle (95g)
Carbon Works (not Princeton) Bottle Cages
Speedplay Nanogram Pedals (pre-Wahoo)
Supacaz Bar Tape (Star Fade Platinum)

If I forgot something, just ask.

536

Thanks!

Do you know if the ready to paint version weights significantly less?

537

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IMG_33423834×2848 3.88 MB

Figured it was worth sharing a pic of my pro.

Replaces an SL7 Pro with SRAM Force and I’m smitten with it. Love the colour and 12sp Ultegra.

7.6kg setup tubeless with 28/30s, a very heavy saddle, pedals, cages and mounts etc.

538

Nice setup, that color is $!

:slight_smile: