Got mine last month after getting a crazy deal. Its a 58 s-works sram red with enve wheels @ 15.10 lbs. This bike is still enough so far and thats comparing it to my Allez sprint 2019. You are right on the money about the bike being ultra smooth despite running 26 tires front and back... whatever formula they used for this bike has to be some Skynet AI lol.
After 6 years of riding the same three bikes (Felt F1, Bianchi Oltre XR4, and a Lemond TSX w/ C-Record & Delta brakes), I've taken the plunge into buying/building a new steed. I'm throwing together an S-Works with a host of bells and whistles. At 55 years old, this is likely the last bike I build and thanks to your videos and guidance, I think I'm headed down a good path with the No. 6 wheels and a plethora of ceramic, titanium, and carbon goodies. Thanks again for your hours of invaluable, trustworthy, and unbiased reviews and advice.
Great review. I ride an SL8 Pro, Ultegra, Roval Rapide cockpit, HUNT 50 Wheels. My size 61 with saddle, pedals and water bottle cages weights 16.7lbs. Great bike and very comfortable. Its almost as comfortable as my Trek Domane. It’s definitely a keeper. I will post my 4 month review this month.
Good articulated points, I have the same SL8 color, bought the frame for $2900 size 52. Once I did a bike fit, the bike is super comfortable for 100 mile day rides. Mine is set up with 28mm tires and DT PRC 1400 35mm wheels, Ultegra R8170 transmission. I build the bike myself and it was satisfying how easy it was to put it together on my own.
Tarmac is the easy button of bikes. You can get it knowing it’s the jack of all trades. The biggest for me is comfort. I bought an Aeroad last December. The bike fits great and it’s super fast, but they made the seat post and seat stays so thick it drives my back nuts. So the shop that sponsors my new team gave me a good discount on an Sworks frame. I built with Ultegra and Farsports wheels and Zipp bars. All in 8400 USD. Not too shabby😅. Worth every penny though as my back loves it! With pedals and cheap Rock Bros cages it’s 15.6lbs.
I wonder if the S-Works version is worth upgrading to, ONLY if I can get a deal on it. Is there actually a tangible difference, all things considered? Maybe one day...
I'm more excited to ride my SL8 than any previous bike TBH (Tarmac SL7, Canyon Ultimate SLX, Allez). For me it's the nimble handling that makes it so fun. Still need to get my SL7 seat stay repaired, will be nice to have that back in the stable, but I wouldn't say I'm really missing it.
I was not able to ride or test an S-works but your review is pretty much exactly my feelings and experiences with the 'standard' SL8. I now have a LOOK Blade 795RS. With the same components (not wheels though, Corima WS 47 with the LOOK, Rovals with the SL8) the LOOK is 600g heavier but feels faster! In a comparison of is it faster the answer appears to be no discernible difference, numbers wise average speeds etc over a wide range of terrains (no super long climbs though!). Despite all the flak the LOOK gets, slow in tests etc, it really is the best bike I have ever owned and I have owned a lot! One thing though I really wish they would fit narrower width bars as standard, man it's expensive to swap the proprietary bars and 38cm (40 outside to outside) is the narrowest you can get
I’ll buy a used SL8 in a couple years. I bought a 2020 specialized Venge this year for 2500 dollars with electronic shifting group set and rovals. Used is the way if you’re a recreational rider like me.
just got an S works venge for 3k with rovals and sram red and pedals for 3k some great deals out there honestly. Probably just as fast as anything on the road today
Complete VENGE with SRAM AXS & Roval Wheels for $2500?! Hell of a deal!! I paid $2500 for the complete frameset of my VENGE & considered myself lucky! I live in Paris tho so that’s why priced could be higher. Total cost me $4,500 with SRAM RED AXS & aero carbon wheels. And I’m super happy with that. So $2,500 for it all is INSANE!! I’d buy a 2nd one at that price 😂
@PatrickLino wouldn't mind if he did. I've built up my own tarmac this year after years riding a hong fu sl008 and emonda alr, it was finally time to splurge and build a dream bike😁
Have exactly the same bike, same model,PRO, size an color… Bike is 6750 grams… Phenomenal to ride, not jest because of weight. There’s a reason why Tarmac is top selling bike, PERIOD. P.S. Not a Spesch fanboy. This is my first, but the bike is phenomenal
SL8 frame and fork are made in Xaimen China remember. Bike is made in taiwan. This is done to avoid dumping tariffs that Chinese product direct attracts.
Hey Harley! You're the reason I changed my diet 4 years ago. Jasmine white rice every day and cheap table sugar in every water bottle. I'm always carbed the eff up!
I have a tarmac SL6 (awesome bike, just not aero enough), so last year I got a Scott Foil RC 30. My tarmac's handling for corners is way more confidence inspiring than my Scott Foil. So time to upgrade to a used SL7. If a crit is technical or rough pavement (or wet) I'll take the tarmac, for smooth & non techincal I'll take the Foil. I also have carbon spokes on the Foil and steel spokes for the tarmac (so maybe that's part of it... but I figure go all the with the strengths of each bike).
How long did it take to delivery your Scott Foil? They seem hard to come by. But I'll be honest...that new Addict (despite being a climbing bike) look phenomenal. No it's not a unique looking bike, but it's the small details for me.
@@PatrickLino I got the foil at this time last year. Bike was on sale on line from a shop in florida and they only had my size. So I was lucky! I talked my buddy into buying the quickpro AR One. He is building it out with mostly Sram red and farsports wheels. I'll let you know how much the seatpost and fork weigh.
@PatrickLino I agree! All the guys in the group who ride one fly up the climbs and blaze down them. The trek bikes still might be the best down hill road bike I've noticed.
I found the VB-168 lack stiffness when I originally reviewed it. However, that was 2.5 years ago. I'm really tempted to re-build that frame up again with some quality wheels just see if my opinion has changed. Especially now with all the frames I've ridden since then. Perhaps next year when its not 15 degrees here.
Microphone is great, I can't believe you can stay on the bike for a 6 hour cycle wit the same saddle as me, Im on a modified Giant Contend SL 1 Disc with upgraded Discs, wheel set, saddle and carbon handle bars....I feel I need to be closer to handle bars but I can't move any further forward with saddle, the one piece stem is 80mm and size is M and I'm 179cm 5"10.....any advice appreciated
@ yeah that’s what I think alright but at 5”10 size M seems about right but maybe when I changed to the one piece cockpit that the angle of the hoods is further forward 🙄
In terms of "bike specific" wheel pairing. I'd say it's two way tie between the CRWs and the new Magene Exar DB607 Pro wheels. Weapon to my head...slight edge to the CRWs.
I just recently bought an S-Works SL8. Was it worth the $21k AUD asking price? HELL NO! My 1kg heavier Allez Sprint "feels" faster, looks more aggressive and is less common. I love it. My S-Works SL6 is more than 1kg lighter (5.4kg weight weenie build), but I 100% agree, the SL8 is VERY comfortable (and thus feels less exciting than riding my Allez Sprint or picking up my SL6). It's super refined both in ride quality and frame tube shapes. The SL6 is where I satisfy my inner weight weenie tendencies, the Allez Sprint is the opposite as I rip off the weenie parts and replace them with heavier more functional and aesthetically pleasing parts, the SL8 is somewhere in-between. Either way $21K AUD is ridiculous for a bicycle (you still have to pedal the damn thing!). In retrospect I found it more motivating to have the SL8 as a dream bike to work towards vs. now owning it (don't get me wrong, it's a lovely bike, just not worth the asking price IMHO).
Would you be willing to find a way to test the new Madone? Where I live they are probably the most common bike aside from the SL8. Keep up the great content!
To be completely honest, only if someone lent me a full bike. The Madone Gen 8 in general isn't popular enough to invest precious funds in, and I would rather be sent a Gen 7 instead.
One more thing I must add, I think the SL7 actually put the Specialized SL8 in its feverish position ! The bike was so good it had to best their flagship race bike. When you look at both machines, they are exactly the same bike with only a bulge on the head tube on the SL8 as the only difference of both bike frames @Patrick Lino 📌
Speaking of Western brands, Rose is selling their top tier frame (Xlite 06) for 1,999€ atm. They are cheap enough and have the costumer service to compete against the Western brands as a direct to consumer company.
I like the tarmac, just the obsession with the weight of the frameset, which makes me doubts about the longevity, i just sell my sworks tarmac sl6 rim brake 2019 but i went for the pinarello dogma because i like the 1 kg frame makes me feel that will last a little longer for the money at least 6 years
Cycling as a whole, obsesses over marginal gains. Whether it's saving weight, getting a little stronger, achieving a faster time Strava time, aero helmets etc. We all do it.
Thanks for the video. Really informative. I just purchased a Tarmac SL8 Pro (waiting on arrival) and really like the Specialized decals you added to yours. Do you have a specific link for the decals you added to your Pro?
@@PatrickLino appreciate it. Thank you. I have two Canyons now (Aeroad and Endurance) but have been looking at the SL8 Pro for some time and your videos helped me out a lot
I just love the fact that after all those years Specialized went back to a threaded BSA shell. Quietly ignoring all the alleged advantages they marketed in favour of oversized pressfit shells. Also they used to say that BSA shells limit tire clearance. Doesn’t seem to hinder them here.
press fit is the best system and the fact that a company does not use it mainly indicates that they cannot maintain quality control and bottom bracket high tolerances like Giant can
Pat the podcast setup is looking good . P what size chainrings are you Running on the SL8 , how do you find the Sram force AXS ? Keep up the great work 👌🏿
@PatrickLino S-ALL Carbon II D28-50, I actually just picked up a second set of AliExpress for 450 on sale. I previously had the farsports Hyper, but I think they were too light. I believe back then the bike was 6.3kg.
I don't know... I've owned SL4,5,6,7 and now 8. Dozens of other brands / models too between 7 and 8. I just keep coming back for the performance. Question always that nags my mind when I go for another bike is : "How come not a Tarmac?" and I can't seem to find a good answer for it. See you in 2026 with an SL9 🙅♀
Are there even any serious competitors to the SL8 right now? Chinese frames all seem to come with weird geometries and are increasing prices as well. other western brands come with weird proprietary stuff, are also expensive and mostly higher in weight, arguably you could go more aero but the SL8 seemingly does that as well. Can’t bring myself to buy one yet but everything points in SL8 direction haha
Other than BSA, I actually prefer BB86 pressfit over everything else. Including T47. Hookless should be an non-issue since you can just buy different wheels.
Great review. Don't think it could be said better. Believe most that really understand bikes and have ridden many top tier race bikes would agree. The SL8 is ironic in the sense that it doesn't feel as fast as it is. In this regard, it is very BMW like as the chassis is so good, composed and comfortable it really mutes the perception of speed and of course as you suggest, uber stiff bikes subtract speed during a long ride due to fatigue aka lack of comfort. PS. Honorable mention relative to your amazing position on the bike. Presumably you are a top tier amateur rider with a pro riding position. Speaks to your great fitness and + 3 sigma flexibility aka functionality. If you can hold that position for 50 or more miles, you are quite the athlete.
Because I have an entire video dedicated to that warranty problem, and the fact they ultimately honored the warranty with no cost to myself, it's not an issue worth rehashing. Particularly when this video is focused on the SL8. I understand your perspective though. Perhaps in a SL8 vs Propel video.
@ Could be a good topic for a vs video. I’m also a giant owner and my bike has never seen the inside of a giant dealer. Giant does say in its warranty that all work has be at a giant dealer. Just a good heads up if people are thinking about buying one.
Tarmac SL8 really is the Toyota Corolla of bikes isn't it. Everyone has one, can't really fault it, plenty comfortable and stable, but doesn't make you excited to go out and ride like other bikes do.
Damn Big S got to the homie. They made him an offer he couldnt refuse JK man it makes sense. I am just finishing up another Chinese build but I'm already looking at Western brands for the next one
At this point, any bike from a Western brand needs to be special enough to make it worth while. The Chinese brands are catching up quickly. What Specialized has that the Chinese can't seem to get right is the low frame weight, yet with the stiffness and comfort to match.
@@PatrickLinovery true… what about…. Tavelo Arow “arrow” 🤣 vs T1550 gen2. What can you tell is faster /better bruh-science based? I’m deciding whether of those two. I’ll be Lakeshoredrive riding next spring
@@lamismavaca Only ridden the T1500/T1550 Gen 1. But with that said, the Tavelo Arrow is far more refined. Especially the rear triangle. The T1500 is stiff all over lol
I'm surprised you put the Yoeleo wheels on it given that they have steel spokes. I suppose that could contribute at least a little bit to the sense of a lack of stiffness. On really long rides though comforter is king.
Dang 7.0 flat with AXS Force, granted you got other light bell and whistle, but this means if you had AXS Red, it would have been 6.7kg which is under the UCI limit. Not to mention, this ain't the S works frame
I'll say that the USA is a very large country compared to its European counterparts. And our climate (Midwest) has significant variations through out the year which really destroy all road types. It's also why gravel is so popular here.
@charliedillon1400 Here in Texas it varies a lot from one county to another. It's not entirely related to climate. For example the roads around Austin are much better than the ones around Houston.
The SL8 just looks sooooo boring. Wonder how bad you China frames must have been if you say the quality on the SL8 is so much better. I have 2 Elves framesets and they are both flawless, same with my Seka. I could not think of anything that a SL8 would be able to do better. Compfort is a very subjective thing and is highly influenced by what wheels and what tire setup you are running...what handlebar tape, and your bikefit. What is improtant is that YOU like the frame!
@@66mikkim You must be new to my channel. Welcome and thanks for watching! Every view helps support the channel. Secondly your opinion on the SL8, ironically, is also subjective. I’ve probably reviewed about 15 frames now on this channel, with the overwhelmingly majority being “you China frames”. Funny enough I haven’t reviewed anything from Elves because, subjectively, they seem to be the worst of the Chinese brands in its respective price range. Not worth my time or resources honestly. But I appreciate you stopping by with your experience.
@PatrickLino im am not new to your channel. On what facts do you base your "opinion" regarding the Elves frames? You have not had one to review, and most likely not riden one. Not worth your time and effort? Guess getting to the upper tier bikes has you forgetting what companies helped make your channel grow? I have asked you before if you would like/would do a review of an Elves frame....you replied back then, if they send you one you might...... guess you don't need "very affordable" China brands anymore.... Just lost a Sub and long time viewer, but you'll probably get over that los, cause your a "Big boy with a big channel" now.....
@@66mikkim I don't know what Patrick's motivations or plans are, but it seems you don't understand several things. Spending our own money on frames is not viable because TH-cam earns pennies. It's a miracle that people like Patrick still exist. Second, it's not just about the frame. Even if you get the frame from the brand, you have to build it. Usually, you have to spend money on other components as well and invest time into the build itself. Not talking about riding it and making a video...
@@PatrickLino TCR with good wheelset and handlebar/cockpit is same in speed department as Tarmacs. Tarmacs are non full aero bikes, they are all rounder like TCRs
Specialized is the Tesla, or Apple iPhone, of bikes. It's the default for affluent people who follow the trends and marketing. I did have a Tarmac, though, and it was a fine bike, until the BB shell cracked.
What’s happening & happy holidays brother ! That is true, my ex riding crew of about 15 cyclist, all but 2 have other brands.while the other 13 all have Tarmac SL8’s @Patrick Lino 📌
HUGE thank you to the VERY generous folks within my cycling circle for funding the audio equipment!
Got mine last month after getting a crazy deal. Its a 58 s-works sram red with enve wheels @ 15.10 lbs. This bike is still enough so far and thats comparing it to my Allez sprint 2019. You are right on the money about the bike being ultra smooth despite running 26 tires front and back... whatever formula they used for this bike has to be some Skynet AI lol.
@@kyungi1 Mans said Skynet AI !!!
What do you guys think about my new podcast setup? EDIT: The SOUND quality. Professional or nah lol?
👍🏼
Very Professional
@@reneramos2438 Thanks yall!
I dig it
Sound is smooth like Shimano Di2
After 6 years of riding the same three bikes (Felt F1, Bianchi Oltre XR4, and a Lemond TSX w/ C-Record & Delta brakes), I've taken the plunge into buying/building a new steed. I'm throwing together an S-Works with a host of bells and whistles. At 55 years old, this is likely the last bike I build and thanks to your videos and guidance, I think I'm headed down a good path with the No. 6 wheels and a plethora of ceramic, titanium, and carbon goodies. Thanks again for your hours of invaluable, trustworthy, and unbiased reviews and advice.
Wow, this means a lot. Thank you so much! The SL8 is a such a great all arounder
Podcast setup looks good but more importantly sounds good, good review too!
@@ianusher2675 haha I should have specified “sound!” Thank you sir!
Thanks!
Man thank you so much kind sir. You are numero uno support.
Great review. I ride an SL8 Pro, Ultegra, Roval Rapide cockpit, HUNT 50 Wheels. My size 61 with saddle, pedals and water bottle cages weights 16.7lbs. Great bike and very comfortable. Its almost as comfortable as my Trek Domane. It’s definitely a keeper. I will post my 4 month review this month.
May i ask how tall you are and how long your current Stem is?
Let me know when the video drops. Thanks for watching!
Good articulated points, I have the same SL8 color, bought the frame for $2900 size 52. Once I did a bike fit, the bike is super comfortable for 100 mile day rides. Mine is set up with 28mm tires and DT PRC 1400 35mm wheels, Ultegra R8170 transmission. I build the bike myself and it was satisfying how easy it was to put it together on my own.
Thanks for watching!
Tarmac is the easy button of bikes. You can get it knowing it’s the jack of all trades. The biggest for me is comfort. I bought an Aeroad last December. The bike fits great and it’s super fast, but they made the seat post and seat stays so thick it drives my back nuts. So the shop that sponsors my new team gave me a good discount on an Sworks frame. I built with Ultegra and Farsports wheels and Zipp bars. All in 8400 USD. Not too shabby😅. Worth every penny though as my back loves it! With pedals and cheap Rock Bros cages it’s 15.6lbs.
I wonder if the S-Works version is worth upgrading to, ONLY if I can get a deal on it. Is there actually a tangible difference, all things considered? Maybe one day...
Good riding with you on the volcano. Your videos are polished. Nice job.
Good times yesterday. Thanks for watching 🫡
It’s insane to have such a great bike/build at $8,000 and not to be SUPER EXCITED riding it!!
I'm spoiled and subsequently numb.
@ in & around Paris MANY SL8 & SL7 and still has its appeal & froth
@@SamuelBlackMetalRider Man said "froth"!
I'm more excited to ride my SL8 than any previous bike TBH (Tarmac SL7, Canyon Ultimate SLX, Allez). For me it's the nimble handling that makes it so fun. Still need to get my SL7 seat stay repaired, will be nice to have that back in the stable, but I wouldn't say I'm really missing it.
Whats the difference in dynamics between the SL7 and SL8?
I was not able to ride or test an S-works but your review is pretty much exactly my feelings and experiences with the 'standard' SL8.
I now have a LOOK Blade 795RS. With the same components (not wheels though, Corima WS 47 with the LOOK, Rovals with the SL8) the LOOK is 600g heavier but feels faster! In a comparison of is it faster the answer appears to be no discernible difference, numbers wise average speeds etc over a wide range of terrains (no super long climbs though!).
Despite all the flak the LOOK gets, slow in tests etc, it really is the best bike I have ever owned and I have owned a lot!
One thing though I really wish they would fit narrower width bars as standard, man it's expensive to swap the proprietary bars and 38cm (40 outside to outside) is the narrowest you can get
36-38 width really needs to be the new standard. Especially for smaller frame sizes.
@@PatrickLino totally agree!
i love me some confirmation bias! 😁 the fact that i don't have to think about it is what i love. no tradeoffs to worry with.
I’ll buy a used SL8 in a couple years.
I bought a 2020 specialized Venge this year for 2500 dollars with electronic shifting group set and rovals. Used is the way if you’re a recreational rider like me.
just got an S works venge for 3k with rovals and sram red and pedals for 3k some great deals out there honestly. Probably just as fast as anything on the road today
@@jadenngl SOLID deal right there!
Where in the US are you finding these deals? Canada’s used market is terrible
Complete VENGE with SRAM AXS & Roval Wheels for $2500?! Hell of a deal!! I paid $2500 for the complete frameset of my VENGE & considered myself lucky! I live in Paris tho so that’s why priced could be higher. Total cost me $4,500 with SRAM RED AXS & aero carbon wheels. And I’m super happy with that. So $2,500 for it all is INSANE!! I’d buy a 2nd one at that price 😂
Building my SL8 this week. Ordered pro frame only and will transfer my parts from my current bike.
Send pics upon completion.
Good choice keepeing the tarmac for future comparison's
An industry buddy gave me the idea. Don't worry, he doesn't work for Specialized haha
@PatrickLino wouldn't mind if he did. I've built up my own tarmac this year after years riding a hong fu sl008 and emonda alr, it was finally time to splurge and build a dream bike😁
awesome review Patrick....really balanced.
Thanks Andrew!
Have exactly the same bike, same model,PRO, size an color… Bike is 6750 grams… Phenomenal to ride, not jest because of weight.
There’s a reason why Tarmac is top selling bike, PERIOD.
P.S. Not a Spesch fanboy. This is my first, but the bike is phenomenal
The real question is....where does one go from here?
SL8 frame and fork are made in Xaimen China remember. Bike is made in taiwan. This is done to avoid dumping tariffs that Chinese product direct attracts.
Hey Harley! You're the reason I changed my diet 4 years ago. Jasmine white rice every day and cheap table sugar in every water bottle. I'm always carbed the eff up!
I have a tarmac SL6 (awesome bike, just not aero enough), so last year I got a Scott Foil RC 30. My tarmac's handling for corners is way more confidence inspiring than my Scott Foil. So time to upgrade to a used SL7. If a crit is technical or rough pavement (or wet) I'll take the tarmac, for smooth & non techincal I'll take the Foil. I also have carbon spokes on the Foil and steel spokes for the tarmac (so maybe that's part of it... but I figure go all the with the strengths of each bike).
How long did it take to delivery your Scott Foil? They seem hard to come by. But I'll be honest...that new Addict (despite being a climbing bike) look phenomenal. No it's not a unique looking bike, but it's the small details for me.
@@PatrickLino I got the foil at this time last year. Bike was on sale on line from a shop in florida and they only had my size. So I was lucky! I talked my buddy into buying the quickpro AR One. He is building it out with mostly Sram red and farsports wheels. I'll let you know how much the seatpost and fork weigh.
Great video. Sound is crisp!
Shout out to the very generous folks in my cycling circle for funding the equipment!
S-Works bros losing their $#!+ at 3:30.😂😂😂
Shhhhh....they're watching!
Specialized is the bike for a ride on Sunday , but it's not exiting, Scott foil that's exiting 😮
Influencer bike!
I like the upgrades. The setup sounds good. 👍🏾✊🏾🤙🏾
I'm surprised you are willing to sell your Giant Propel.
SL8 is the benchmark for future comparisons.
@PatrickLino I agree! All the guys in the group who ride one fly up the climbs and blaze down them. The trek bikes still might be the best down hill road bike I've noticed.
Been watching you for a while, what’s your honest option of the vb168 sl7 clone to the sl8 ?
I found the VB-168 lack stiffness when I originally reviewed it. However, that was 2.5 years ago. I'm really tempted to re-build that frame up again with some quality wheels just see if my opinion has changed. Especially now with all the frames I've ridden since then. Perhaps next year when its not 15 degrees here.
Good 👍 job explaining as usual 👏 👌
Thanks for tuning in! So expensive lol
Microphone is great, I can't believe you can stay on the bike for a 6 hour cycle wit the same saddle as me, Im on a modified Giant Contend SL 1 Disc with upgraded Discs, wheel set, saddle and carbon handle bars....I feel I need to be closer to handle bars but I can't move any further forward with saddle, the one piece stem is 80mm and size is M and I'm 179cm 5"10.....any advice appreciated
@@smithy1011 sounds like the frame is too big, no?
@ yeah that’s what I think alright but at 5”10 size M seems about right but maybe when I changed to the one piece cockpit that the angle of the hoods is further forward 🙄
Are the CRW wheels the best wheels you tried on the Tarmac ?
In terms of "bike specific" wheel pairing. I'd say it's two way tie between the CRWs and the new Magene Exar DB607 Pro wheels. Weapon to my head...slight edge to the CRWs.
@ nice have have the same bike with CLX2s. That lighter weight CRW is appealing but do I really neeed them ?! lol
@@blambmtb6189 CRW + SL8 is soooo comfortable. Hard to describe
@@PatrickLino sounds like a dream. I can’t say the bike needs more comfort though
I just recently bought an S-Works SL8. Was it worth the $21k AUD asking price? HELL NO! My 1kg heavier Allez Sprint "feels" faster, looks more aggressive and is less common. I love it. My S-Works SL6 is more than 1kg lighter (5.4kg weight weenie build), but I 100% agree, the SL8 is VERY comfortable (and thus feels less exciting than riding my Allez Sprint or picking up my SL6). It's super refined both in ride quality and frame tube shapes. The SL6 is where I satisfy my inner weight weenie tendencies, the Allez Sprint is the opposite as I rip off the weenie parts and replace them with heavier more functional and aesthetically pleasing parts, the SL8 is somewhere in-between.
Either way $21K AUD is ridiculous for a bicycle (you still have to pedal the damn thing!). In retrospect I found it more motivating to have the SL8 as a dream bike to work towards vs. now owning it (don't get me wrong, it's a lovely bike, just not worth the asking price IMHO).
Thanks for watching!
Would you be willing to find a way to test the new Madone? Where I live they are probably the most common bike aside from the SL8. Keep up the great content!
To be completely honest, only if someone lent me a full bike. The Madone Gen 8 in general isn't popular enough to invest precious funds in, and I would rather be sent a Gen 7 instead.
@@PatrickLino The Gen 7 is the bees knees
@@bebopman5 In a solid matte gray...sheesh!
One more thing I must add, I think the SL7 actually put the Specialized SL8 in its feverish position ! The bike was so good it had to best their flagship race bike. When you look at both machines, they are exactly the same bike with only a bulge on the head tube on the SL8 as the only difference of both bike frames @Patrick Lino 📌
100% To me, both the Venge and SL7 will go down in history as Specialized's greatest modern day road bikes.
Speaking of Western brands, Rose is selling their top tier frame (Xlite 06) for 1,999€ atm. They are cheap enough and have the costumer service to compete against the Western brands as a direct to consumer company.
I seen that! Solid deal for a DTC brand.
@PatrickLino They are the dominant DTC brand in the German/Central European market and one of he reasons why Cube is pricing it's bikes so aggressive.
I like the tarmac, just the obsession with the weight of the frameset, which makes me doubts about the longevity, i just sell my sworks tarmac sl6 rim brake 2019 but i went for the pinarello dogma because i like the 1 kg frame makes me feel that will last a little longer for the money at least 6 years
Cycling as a whole, obsesses over marginal gains. Whether it's saving weight, getting a little stronger, achieving a faster time Strava time, aero helmets etc. We all do it.
Where did you get the stickers on your bike? Do they come off after a while
from washing?
@@BrandonK-y3g company called Speedy Decals 👍🏾
@ thanks! No issue with them peeling or anything?
@@BrandonK-y3g No. But don't go SCRUBBING at them with your brush or towel lol
Hey Bro, Where did you get the specialized custom decals? I'm looking to freshen up the look of my S Works Tarmac SL6.
yo yo! - Check the 0:32 mark 👍🏾. Thanks for watching!
@@PatrickLino Thanks, Bro. Totally missed it while watching. Nice review and content. Keep going!
Thanks for the video. Really informative.
I just purchased a Tarmac SL8 Pro (waiting on arrival) and really like the Specialized decals you added to yours.
Do you have a specific link for the decals you added to your Pro?
On speedy decals website (which is in Italian) the option is called "olografico 27"
@@PatrickLino appreciate it. Thank you. I have two Canyons now (Aeroad and Endurance) but have been looking at the SL8 Pro for some time and your videos helped me out a lot
@@yelloboy32 Let me know what you decide!
We live in a time where custom building a bike from the frame up is still cheaper than buying a completely built bike. Funny.
What a time to be alive LoL. $9000 for not top tier components is wild.
@ 💸🤣
I just love the fact that after all those years Specialized went back to a threaded BSA shell. Quietly ignoring all the alleged advantages they marketed in favour of oversized pressfit shells. Also they used to say that BSA shells limit tire clearance. Doesn’t seem to hinder them here.
press fit is the best system and the fact that a company does not use it mainly indicates that they cannot maintain quality control and bottom bracket high tolerances like Giant can
@@Pablo_Coach Pressfit is KING
@ of course. Can You make comparison TCR vs SL8 in futurę?
@@Pablo_Coach I have a Propel
@@PatrickLino yes I know I know, but TCR is in another league, better inline with tarmacs
Pat the podcast setup is looking good .
P what size chainrings are you
Running on the SL8 , how do you find the Sram force AXS ?
Keep up the great work 👌🏿
Sram RED 50/39 chainrings! Front shifting is reliable enough LoL
How did you even get that frame set colorway? All I see is two colors and not that one…what color is that?!
Patrick color haha
I also have decided to keep my SL8. Strangely the wheelset that has worked the best with the bike are some cheap superteam wheels.
Which wheels? I actually have a set of SuperTeam wheels in queue for review.
@PatrickLino S-ALL Carbon II D28-50, I actually just picked up a second set of AliExpress for 450 on sale. I previously had the farsports Hyper, but I think they were too light. I believe back then the bike was 6.3kg.
I bet the Giant TCR will ride similar to the SL8. Let's find out😆
SEND ME MONEY!
what i understand is that the bike makes you forget the stiffness or lack there of because it is not in your face either way.
A single sentence that sums up a 12 minute video LoL
Did you sell the Allez Sprint Patrick?
3 months ago
Would you recommend this bike for a heavier rider 230lbs plus?
The previous SL7 had a rider weight limit of 275lbs. Going off that, I’m sure this SL8 will be just fine 👍🏾
Subscriber from Chicago here!
Love you!
I don't know... I've owned SL4,5,6,7 and now 8. Dozens of other brands / models too between 7 and 8. I just keep coming back for the performance. Question always that nags my mind when I go for another bike is : "How come not a Tarmac?" and I can't seem to find a good answer for it.
See you in 2026 with an SL9 🙅♀
Hoping the SL8 looks more like the Venge!
After saying that you're excited to hop on that giant, saying no diddy is a necessity.
AYE YO hahahahahah
@PatrickLino exactly i was like aye yo pause
The SL8 has a very stiff front end (head tube and fork), doesn't that bother you on bumps?
The front end is very stiff? I haven't found that to be the case myself.
@ yes, very stiff and harsh, because of wide fork. Maybe You ride on wide tyres and lower pressures
@@Pablo_Coach I've ridden some of the stiffest road frames you can think of. SL8 is not one of them.
Ever think of getting a Elilee Blize?
Seka Spear haha
Are there even any serious competitors to the SL8 right now? Chinese frames all seem to come with weird geometries and are increasing prices as well. other western brands come with weird proprietary stuff, are also expensive and mostly higher in weight, arguably you could go more aero but the SL8 seemingly does that as well. Can’t bring myself to buy one yet but everything points in SL8 direction haha
The benchmark aspect of the SL8 is really telling. It gets 8.5/10 across the board. It's just that Specialized has become the "easy" choice.
SL8 is definitely over the Propel .The issues i have with Giant are Pressfit BB and hookless rims.
Other than BSA, I actually prefer BB86 pressfit over everything else. Including T47. Hookless should be an non-issue since you can just buy different wheels.
Giant has one of the best hassle-free press fit bottom brackets
Great review. Don't think it could be said better. Believe most that really understand bikes and have ridden many top tier race bikes would agree. The SL8 is ironic in the sense that it doesn't feel as fast as it is. In this regard, it is very BMW like as the chassis is so good, composed and comfortable it really mutes the perception of speed and of course as you suggest, uber stiff bikes subtract speed during a long ride due to fatigue aka lack of comfort.
PS. Honorable mention relative to your amazing position on the bike. Presumably you are a top tier amateur rider with a pro riding position.
Speaks to your great fitness and + 3 sigma flexibility aka functionality. If you can hold that position for 50 or more miles, you are quite the athlete.
Thanks for the breakdown! A good portion of my bike position is because I have quite the long arms for my height. Although I am quite flexible too.
SL8 pro , i like 👍. Specialized is a brand like Nike or Addidas.
100%
I’m a little surprised you didn’t mention the way Giant wanted to void your warranty for working on your own bike vs specialized.
Because I have an entire video dedicated to that warranty problem, and the fact they ultimately honored the warranty with no cost to myself, it's not an issue worth rehashing. Particularly when this video is focused on the SL8. I understand your perspective though. Perhaps in a SL8 vs Propel video.
@ Could be a good topic for a vs video. I’m also a giant owner and my bike has never seen the inside of a giant dealer. Giant does say in its warranty that all work has be at a giant dealer. Just a good heads up if people are thinking about buying one.
@@pulser955 That is another good point as well. Building up Western branded bikes at home rather than an auth dealer has it's potential complications.
Tarmac SL8 really is the Toyota Corolla of bikes isn't it. Everyone has one, can't really fault it, plenty comfortable and stable, but doesn't make you excited to go out and ride like other bikes do.
Appliance bike now. Coming from a long time Honda/Acura/Toyota owner lol
and Giant TCR too
Sworks is the Lexuses.😂
I like to see Giant as Toyota and Specialized as VW of bicycle world 😁
Damn Big S got to the homie. They made him an offer he couldnt refuse
JK man it makes sense. I am just finishing up another Chinese build but I'm already looking at Western brands for the next one
At this point, any bike from a Western brand needs to be special enough to make it worth while. The Chinese brands are catching up quickly. What Specialized has that the Chinese can't seem to get right is the low frame weight, yet with the stiffness and comfort to match.
@@PatrickLinovery true… what about…. Tavelo Arow “arrow” 🤣 vs T1550 gen2. What can you tell is faster /better bruh-science based? I’m deciding whether of those two. I’ll be Lakeshoredrive riding next spring
@@lamismavaca Only ridden the T1500/T1550 Gen 1. But with that said, the Tavelo Arrow is far more refined. Especially the rear triangle. The T1500 is stiff all over lol
I'm surprised you put the Yoeleo wheels on it given that they have steel spokes. I suppose that could contribute at least a little bit to the sense of a lack of stiffness. On really long rides though comforter is king.
The video shows at least 3 different sets of wheels, two of them with carbon spokes ❤️
@PatrickLino I just realized that.
I am not buying a Specialized our local dealer is a douche but this is a great review, nicely dine bro
Ahahaha bro where do you live? For me, it's Trek dealers that I stay away from
Selling the Propel you say?
Eventually...
Tarmac is the truth. If you're a hitter, you're on a Tarmac.
I'm a hitter
This just in, Tadej is NOT a "hitter", cuz not on a Tarmac. JFOMO >>>>>>Tadej
@@adamolig3865 Hitters and quitters!
@@adamolig3865 Tadej is on EPO. This should be the next video - "how much faster can I get on EPO"
@@JFomo NOW YOU'RE TALKING
What about getting a 2025 aeroad?
@@nilsalb Rode an Aeroad for a few weeks back in October 👍🏾
Dang 7.0 flat with AXS Force, granted you got other light bell and whistle, but this means if you had AXS Red, it would have been 6.7kg which is under the UCI limit. Not to mention, this ain't the S works frame
Maybe I can get a deal on the S-Works haha
Great sound :) I love your reviews, thanks for doing this when you are not doing your penetration test. 😂
Bwuahahaha the pen is working!
BMC Teammachine R
GREAT CHOICE. Might need to sell a kidney....
@PatrickLino it'll be worth it
The thing I always notice with the USA is the terrible state of the roads.
Yep. Horrible. Embarrassing.
Detroit area is worse. 💩
I'll say that the USA is a very large country compared to its European counterparts. And our climate (Midwest) has significant variations through out the year which really destroy all road types. It's also why gravel is so popular here.
I live in Colorado. The roads are generally very good here. I ride a 2009 Wilier with 25c tires, century rides and all, no problem.
@charliedillon1400 Here in Texas it varies a lot from one county to another. It's not entirely related to climate. For example the roads around Austin are much better than the ones around Houston.
The SL8 just looks sooooo boring.
Wonder how bad you China frames must have been if you say the quality on the SL8 is so much better. I have 2 Elves framesets and they are both flawless, same with my Seka. I could not think of anything that a SL8 would be able to do better.
Compfort is a very subjective thing and is highly influenced by what wheels and what tire setup you are running...what handlebar tape, and your bikefit.
What is improtant is that YOU like the frame!
@@66mikkim You must be new to my channel. Welcome and thanks for watching! Every view helps support the channel. Secondly your opinion on the SL8, ironically, is also subjective. I’ve probably reviewed about 15 frames now on this channel, with the overwhelmingly majority being “you China frames”. Funny enough I haven’t reviewed anything from Elves because, subjectively, they seem to be the worst of the Chinese brands in its respective price range. Not worth my time or resources honestly. But I appreciate you stopping by with your experience.
@PatrickLino im am not new to your channel.
On what facts do you base your "opinion" regarding the Elves frames? You have not had one to review, and most likely not riden one. Not worth your time and effort?
Guess getting to the upper tier bikes has you forgetting what companies helped make your channel grow?
I have asked you before if you would like/would do a review of an Elves frame....you replied back then, if they send you one you might...... guess you don't need "very affordable" China brands anymore....
Just lost a Sub and long time viewer, but you'll probably get over that los, cause your a "Big boy with a big channel" now.....
@@66mikkim Hahaha I didn't know Elves employees were allowed to abuse drugs. Good riddance kind sir!
@@PatrickLino Did your owner teach you to be so funny?
@@66mikkim I don't know what Patrick's motivations or plans are, but it seems you don't understand several things. Spending our own money on frames is not viable because TH-cam earns pennies. It's a miracle that people like Patrick still exist. Second, it's not just about the frame. Even if you get the frame from the brand, you have to build it. Usually, you have to spend money on other components as well and invest time into the build itself. Not talking about riding it and making a video...
7kg, is that with the 1x or 2x? No diddy 😂
Get the new scott addict 🤔
I actually love the way the new Addict look. Despite not needing a climbing bike here in pancake flat Chicago.
Good bike but there are other options Giant TCR, Scott Addict.
Those are climbing bikes
@@PatrickLino I like climbing 😁
@@PatrickLino TCR with good wheelset and handlebar/cockpit is same in speed department as Tarmacs. Tarmacs are non full aero bikes, they are all rounder like TCRs
Looking at the video footage it seems you are a ilttle bit too stretched out. You arms are fully stretched on the hoods.
@@paulavantongeren6118 I’m going about 3mph.
Tarmac expert is too expensive for the specs.
$9000 is WILD.
Specialized, the most soulless overrated overpriced bike there is.
They've become too popular for their own good.
Specialized is the Tesla, or Apple iPhone, of bikes. It's the default for affluent people who follow the trends and marketing. I did have a Tarmac, though, and it was a fine bike, until the BB shell cracked.
@@charliedillon1400 agreed
What’s happening & happy holidays brother ! That is true, my ex riding crew of about 15 cyclist, all but 2 have other brands.while the other 13 all have Tarmac SL8’s @Patrick Lino 📌
Yo! Wait so 13 people in your crew all have SL8? Man yall must be rich!
we all just wanna hop on it, no diddy
aye yooooo 😭