Tarmac SL8 Expert

£5,500.00
10 days free insurance available

Finance available with Novuna Personal Finance

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Gear up for an epic ride with the Specialized Tarmac SL8 Expert. This aerodynamic marvel is the world's fastest, blending speed with comfort. Featuring cutting-edge components like SRAM Rival eTap AXS groupset, it's a must-have for road bike enthusiasts.

Tarmac SL8: The Fastest Race Bike, Period

The Tarmac SL8 isn’t just the fastest Tarmac we’ve ever built—it’s the world’s fastest race bike. A masterclass in aerodynamics, lightweight design, and ride quality, the SL8 delivers performance that was once thought impossible. After eight generations and more than two decades of development, the Tarmac SL8 is ready to shatter expectations. Are you ready to leave the competition behind?

Speed is the Goal

It’s not enough to simply focus on aero or lightweight—winning races comes down to speed. To achieve that, we’ve combined aerodynamics, lightweight construction, stiffness, and compliance into a seamless package. Thanks to real-world race data, our Ride Science Team has proven the Tarmac SL8 is the fastest race bike ever made on the most demanding courses. On the routes that matter, it’s:

  • 16.6 seconds faster over 40km
  • 128 seconds faster over Milan-San Remo
  • 20 seconds faster on the legendary Tourmalet climb

Aero Where It Counts

We’ve taken aero design to a whole new level, focusing on the leading edge—the areas that truly make a difference. The Tarmac SL8 is now more aerodynamic than the Venge. With the Speed Sniffer nose cone, we’ve maximised airflow efficiency, reducing drag to give you a competitive edge. By repositioning the steer tube, we’ve created a sharper, more drag-reducing head tube. Plus, the Tarmac SL8 now features our most aerodynamic seatpost ever, minimising drag around your legs and optimizing airflow. Victory is in the details.

Minimal Weight, Maximum Performance

Built with the UCI minimum weight in mind, the Tarmac SL8 takes lightweight performance to the extreme. We’ve shaved down the frame to an astonishing 685 grams, 15% lighter than the Tarmac SL7, and lighter than anything else on the World Tour. Drawing inspiration from the Aethos, the frame is designed to carry load so efficiently that we’ve eliminated unnecessary carbon stiffness layers. (And yes, we’re still talking about the 585g Aethos frame Kasper Asgreen raced during a Tour stage.)

A Race Bike that Rides Like a Dream

The Tarmac SL8 delivers 33% more stiffness-to-weight than its predecessor, the SL7, offering unparalleled handling, precision, and responsiveness. But it doesn’t stop there. It’s not just a race bike; it’s a ride-ready machine. With Rider-First Engineering, we’ve ensured that every rider—regardless of size—experiences unmatched comfort and incredible handling. The bike is stiffer at the pedals, more precise at the bars, and yet still delivers 6% more compliance for a ride that floats over rough roads with ease. The Tarmac SL8 also features the same 32mm tire clearance as the SL7, giving you the versatility to run wider tires when you need them.

Beyond Gender

We’ve moved past the idea of creating bikes for specific genders—because the reality is, there’s more variation between two male cyclists than between a male and female rider. Gender is no longer a useful metric for designing bikes, and that’s why the Tarmac SL8 is built to perform for every rider. No matter who you are, the SL8 delivers next-level performance, putting you ahead of the pack.

Tarmac SL8 Expert: Performance without Compromise

The Tarmac SL8 Expert delivers incredible performance at a price that’s more accessible. Equipped with a full SRAM Rival eTap AXS groupset with power meter, C38 carbon tubeless-ready wheels, and an SL7 stem paired with Specialized Expert Shallow Drop alloy handlebars, this bike is ready to race right out of the box.


The Tarmac SL8 is more than a race bike—it’s the fastest bike ever made. Are you ready to experience the ultimate in speed, handling, and performance?

Frame Tarmac SL8 FACT 10r Carbon, Rider First Engineered™, Win Tunnel Engineered, Clean Routing, Threaded BB, 12x142mm thru-axle, flat-mount disc
Fork Tarmac SL8 FACT 10r Carbon, 12x100mm thru-axle, flat-mount disc
Crankset SRAM Rival with Power Meter
Chain SRAM Rival 12-speed
Cassette SRAM Rival, 12-speed, 10-36t
Shift Levers SRAM Rival eTap AXS
Front Derailleur SRAM Rival eTAP AXS, braze-on
Rear Derailleur SRAM Rival eTap AXS, 12-speed
Front Brake SRAM Rival eTap AXS, hydraulic disc
Rear Brake SRAM Rival eTap AXS, hydraulic disc
Front Wheel Roval C38, 21mm internal width carbon rim
Rear Wheel Roval C38, 21mm internal width carbon rim
Front Tyre S-Works Turbo, folding bead, 700x26mm
Rear Tyre S-Works Turbo, folding bead, 700x26mm
Handlebars Specialized Expert Shallow Drop, alloy, 125mm drop x 75mm reach
Saddle Body Geometry Power Expert
Seat Post S-Works Tarmac SL8 Carbon seat post, FACT Carbon, 15mm offset
Seat Binder Tarmac integrated wedge
Inner Tubes Turbo Ultralight, 48mm Presta valve
Chain Rings 48/35T
Bottom Bracket SRAM DUB BSA 68
Stem Tarmac integrated stem, 6-degree
Tape Supacaz Super Sticky Kush

Please note: Manufacturers can sometimes change the specification of the products from time to time.

Lifetime warranty* to the original owner against structural defects in material or workmanship on ALL models of Specialized-branded frames and forks

  • Includes seatstays and chainstays on full-suspension bikes
  • Does not include suspension forks and suspension parts
  • Does not include paint and graphics (these are covered below)

* Register your bike, frameset, or Roval wheels within the first 90 days of purchase for a lifetime warranty to the original owner.

Read the full warranty here

When you purchase a bike from Specialized Concept Stores, you'll receive a complimentary tune-up service at at your nearest Concept Store within 6 weeks of bike delivery.

This free service is designed to ensure that the bike you've chosen is operating optimally and to make any necessary adjustments, such as cable stretching, common with new bikes.

However, if you encounter any issues with your bike at any point, we strongly advise you to cease riding and promptly book your bike in for its complimentary service to ensure your safety and riding pleasure.

When you receive your bike, you'll be pleasantly surprised at how effortless it is to get it road-ready. We've designed the assembly process to be as straightforward as possible, so you can start enjoying your new ride without delays.

All you need to do is install the handlebars, pedals, and wheels. It's a quick and hassle-free process that requires no advanced technical skills. Our user-friendly instructions and included tools will guide you through each step, ensuring a smooth and secure assembly.

Whether you're an experienced cyclist or new to bike assembly, you can trust that the process will be a breeze. Within no time, your bike will be fully assembled, and you'll be ready to hit the road, trail, or bike path with confidence.

We offer 10 days free cover with all new bikes purchased, provided by our insurance partner VeloLife. You will be covered for the first 10 days of ownership against theft and accidental damage, so you can purchase with confidence.

Give yourself the comfort of no obligation free insurance, make sure you have peace of mind from the moment you leave the store. If anything happens to the bike in the first 10 days of ownership, know you are covered!

Cycle to Work Scheme: Affordable Riding for UK Employees

Unlock a cost-effective way to own the bike of your dreams through the Cycle to Work Scheme. This initiative, available to employees in the UK, lets you enjoy the benefits of cycling while saving on your bike purchase.

With the Cycle to Work Scheme, you can use your pre-tax salary to acquire a brand-new bicycle and essential cycling accessories. This means significant savings for you, as your salary sacrifice reduces both your income tax and National Insurance contributions.

The process is seamless: Choose the bike that suits your needs and budget from our extensive range. Your employer will then set up a salary sacrifice arrangement, spreading the cost of your bike over a specified period, typically 12 to 18 months.

Once the salary sacrifice period ends, you have the option to own the bike outright for a nominal fee, ensuring you get to keep and enjoy your trusted two-wheeled companion for years to come.

Experience the freedom of cycling, save money, and reduce your carbon footprint with the Cycle to Work Scheme. Join countless UK employees who have already embraced this eco-friendly and wallet-friendly way of commuting.

When you choose Novuna Finance for your bike purchase, you open the door to a world of convenience and flexibility.

With Novuna Finance, you can spread the cost of your bike purchase over manageable monthly payments, making it easier than ever to own your dream bike.

Our financing options cater to a wide range of budgets and preferences, ensuring that you can find the perfect plan to suit your needs.

Whether you're looking for a high-performance road bike, a rugged mountain bike, or an efficient commuter, Novuna Finance has you covered.

Explore our selection and choose the bike that fits your lifestyle and riding goals. Once you've found your ideal ride, our financing experts will work with you to create a tailored financing plan that suits your budget.

Experience the thrill of owning your dream bike without compromising your finances. With Novuna Finance, your cycling adventures are just a few clicks away.