Luis! I can’t justify another bike! You were supposed to say the SL8 was terrible; lol! Solid review and I always enjoy the content. Stay safe and keep the wheel side down.
All S-works; sl5, still got, sl6 rim, 2019 venge, sl7 (raced 2 seasons). Just wrapped my season on sl8 (1st cat). Best bike I’ve had; light, aero, more comfortable than the others, handling is sublime. 🥂
What is your opinion and preference between an Sl8 and you factor Ostro performance and feel wise? I’m in between the two and would like to know what you think and how they stack against each other since you’ve owned a factor and now currently have an SL8
Fantastic review @luis scott ! I’m a Cannondale guy & every machine I’ve ever owned are by this manufacturer. I just purchased my Cannondale Synapse with Smartsense Technology and I haven’t ridden it as of yet. I’m Just waiting to get an aye ok from my Doctor. If you can, I would love to get your perspective of this bike and riding it. You’re absolutely right with everyone following the trend of having the same machine. I’d say 90% of my cycling buddies own the SL7 or the SL8.
@dwaynerandolph3565 thanks for watching, hope you get cleared by the doc soon. I really don't see a lot of Cannondales on rides these days. I get Spec, Dogma, BMC, Trek and a smattering of others. Anyway. I've always only heard good things about the Synapse.
Luis, I just received my SL 8 expert yesterday, I also have an SL7 as well as an SL 5 Tarmac S-Works. I absolutely love my SL 5 S-Works!!!! I like it better than the SL 7. I did have a very short ride on my new SL 8 last night and I must say it is quickly becoming my favorite......time will tell.
While I haven't ridden the SL7 or SL8, I do own a '22 Allez Sprint, which is the aluminum clone of the SL7. The difference in materials is definitely a factor, but that bike is stiff (in good ways and bad) as all getout with no hesitation on holding speed. It did take a little bit extra effort to accelerate, but I chalk that up to the weight. Though Specialized can be gimmicky with their marketing, they know how to make bangers. I do wish the all-out aero Venge was still around, but I digress. Great vid as always
Let me start by saying Great Vid!!!! Someone else commented and said SL8 doesnt hold speed like their Pinarello. Funny, because I got my SL8 frameset from a friend who rode it for a month but decided to go back to a Pinarello Dogma F for the same reason., so I got a killer deal on an almost new frameset. He said bike was fantastic but preferred the feel of a Pinarello. Now that I have it built, and have about 400mi on it, I absolutely love it, and coming from my Madone Gen 6 SLR9 I can completely agree, SL8 acceleration is snappy, its a hill climbing monster, probably because even as a 58cm bike, my build with pedals, cages, mounts, etc is only 16.5lbs. A full 3lbs lighter than my Madone. BUT when in the Peloton and the group is cookin' I have to work harder to maintain speed. SL8 has aero features but its not a full aero bike, and I can feel it. Sooooo loving it, but my full aero Madone definitely stays in the line-up.
Honestly, I HAVE ventured away from Specialized only to find myself going back after dozens of other high-end ones. After owning an SL6 and SL7 I was very curious on what I was missing out on. Combined with mid-life crisis and some spare cash, I kinda went on a shopping spree. Think I've swapped 12 frames or so in 2023. In May 2024, I finally got an SL8 and put a little over 4k miles on it. Gotta say I don't know why I was even curious about anything else.
Sounds like my story..I had the SL6, the venge pro, the SL7 and went exploring just to come right back to specialized..I love my S-works sl8 tarmac..I think alot of folks hate the price but can't deny they ride wonderful..😂
I think some of these big brands tend to generate immense brand loyalty. I'm riding a Giant Contend aluminum road bike because it was the best bike that I could afford when I decided to come back into cycling after many years away. I love my Contend so much that I'm already thinking ahead.....to upgrading to some higher end parts and groupset. But also thinking about the next Giant I will get some day such as a Defy or TCR. I think that is what is happening with these brands such as Trek, Giant, Specialized, and even Cannondale to some degree. Also, Canyon is rising up into that exclusive group as well.
Great review. I ride the SL7 (not s works) DI2 with ENVE 45 Foundation wheels with 28mm tires at 64 psi. I really enjoy the smooth ride. Not so much the bike but big comfort improvement with the 28mm tires. I might even experiment with 30mm tires. Now concerning the bike, when I ride with a faster group and we have periods when we are running anything above 18mph. the SL7 never disappoints. The bike feels like it’s just waiting for the rider to apply power. It accelerates quickly (close gaps) and once at speed (20+) the bike is well able to keep the pace. Great bike. I just focus on a good cadence and efficient gear ratio and let the tarmac do the rest.
I ride an SL 8 Pro, Ultegra components, with Hunt Carbon 50 wheels. Size 61 and it still weights 16.5lbs with pedals (Ultegra) and 3D printed Power Pro with Mirror saddle. It is a wonderful all around bike and excels at climbing.
My main gripe with the SL8 is the bottom bracket area. It saves a lot of weight in this area by not having much material and using a BSA. Compared to my other bike with its beefier bottom bracket and T47, it feels less stiff when putting power down. I weight 205 lbs so maybe this wouldnt be noticable for smaller riders but I definitely notice the difference. I own an SL7 as well and curiously enough, it feels a bit beefier than the SL8 I tested when putting out max power. I'll say the ride is smoother versus the SL8 though, so credit there. Still, my Factor feels better to me than the SL8, in terms of that stable, substantial feel. Some people may prefer the "lighter" feel of the SL8 which is understandable.
I have to agree that there is more flex in the bottom bracket area than I was expecting. My previous bike was an Aeroad CFR, which had noticeably less flex in the bottom bracket area. At a guess, it's probably losing some watts which could be powering the bike forwards. It's definitely not as snappy/efficient as my Aeroad, but it's more comfortable. The Specialized teams could have used the Aethos (their lightest model) more during mountain stages, but I only remember one time a rider choosing to. I'm guessing it's the same reason as why Pogacar's bike is relatively heavy, when there is no doubt that Colnago can build him a lighter bike. A stiffer bottom bracket means more material and a heavier bike, but it's going to be more efficient transferring the power from the legs into forward movement.
@@edt6488 agreed. I think the SL8 is a perfect recipe for light riders or those looking for a supert smooth (dare I say flexy) ride. But for bigger riders, a stiffer bottom end is preferable. One look at the BB area of the SL8 pretty much says it all. Look at it compared to other top end bikes in the same price class. The weight savings is not some sort of black magic, there's literally a lack of material there.
Nice review, Luis, thanks. I do have an SL8, pretty similar build as the one you tested, minus the OSPW. I would agree, the total package is what makes the bike work for me and perform. P.S. I missed you in Atlanta at the One Love ride, hopefully we can connect next year if you are there.
Great video, Luis. Thank you. I have a SL7 Specialized (not the s-works) with the CLX Rapid wheels and original aero bars. I have ridden friends s-works SL7 and SL8 bikes and couldn’t feel any significant difference. I believe the Specialized frame with the CLX Rapide wheels and bars is the best value for money. Less than 200 grams heavier with all the aero advantage of the s-works bike, but for thousands of $ less. Have owned Cannondale, Trek and Bianchi. The Specialized is definitely the best of these brands, combining quality, handling, comfort (compliance) and performance (aero) unmatched in one bike by the others. Thanks again for the video. Cheers
Now you're talking about smaller brands, my gravel/cyclocross bike is a Salsa Journeyer with GRX 600. This was my first purpose-built gravel bike, and I really like it. Swapping between 650b and 700c wheels, really changes the ride characteristics on the bike not as much as I originally thought when buying it. When I have the 700c wheels on it, that's light just wants to go straight, and it's pretty quick. Then you put the 650b wheels on it for a cyclocross race, oh man that bike handles like my SL6... You could almost race a crit on that thing with 650bs.
I had a recent oportunity to ride several top end bikes, incluing Dogma F, Colnago C68, Scott foil, Madone Gen 7 and Tarmac SL8. The Specialized is a nice bike overall but I did not impress me. As you mentioned, it is fast, nimble, tracks well but I felt every bump on the road amplified, it also felt a little "nervous" in long descends here in the local mountains near Los Angeles area compare to the other bikes. So, it is not a bike for me but it seams to attract young racers.
Great unbiased review Luis :) always good to be open to new stuff.. I still love my steel bikes but also own a new Cannondale SSE 2 with Ultegra Di2 12 speed and I have to say it is amazing to ride :) Pete
After owning 2 Venge from 2017 and 2019, I believe the bikes these days are just like smartphones. They are all marginally better than the previous but you can still enjoy your old one.
....I have confession to make, I ride a base model SL6.... I hang my head in shame 😀😃... Actually I like the bike, I got it this past December. Even though it only has tiagra components on it, to me its a nice bike 😎.
Devastatingly, I broke my V3Rs. I loved that bike. I now ride my Colange Prestige with road wheels as my road bike, and I think there’s a possibility I like it even more: it’s so, so stiff when accelerating.
Have owned a Cannondale Caad 10 since 2011 and got the Specialized Tarmac SL8 Expert Ultegra a month ago. The SL8 is minutes faster on the same route. I'm not really climbing faster but getting used to the 12 speed. I decided to keep it on the big chain ring last time and that helped.
I have an sl7.5 as you called it. I really prefer the look to of the sl7 to the 8. I have no problem with averaging 22mph instead of 22.00001mph 😂 Maybe I’ll buy a new bike if the Venge ever returns.
I sold my s- works sl 8 frame because I didn’t like the feel of the bike . I replaced it with an Orbea Orca OMX climbing frame which has been a fabulous bike for me. I think the ride quality of the Orbea is far superior. I also found it to accelerate faster.
@@petersouthernboy6327 nonsense. The “light bike climbs better” is a myth from the times when the biggest available cassette was 24t and when your small chainrings is 36 then yeah. Try a bit heavier bike with 33t chainring to 36t cassette see what I mean Lower gearing is million times better upgrade than lighter frame
Great video as always thank you. An 11-30 cassette seems like overkill and too gappy for a flat area such as Florida. Is that a common cassette to run down there?
Yeah, that 11-30 is not ideal... but manufacturers are spec'ing bikes the same regardless of the region. So yes, there is a cadence gap right around 23ish mph. She is currently exploring her cassette options.
Another saturation is the oversaturation of haters that are concerned with what other people are riding. The only real way to win is in this game is be faster than the other guy.
I got the SL8 pro frameset on release. I built the bike up to 6.3kg with pedals, cages, and all mounts. The bike feels very snappy and plenty stiff b/c I have a 44cm frame. But for me the bike didn't hold speed well above 24mph. Coming from a Pinarello that's what I expect. I then decided to buy a Pinarello F5 and rebuild it. The Pinarello rebuilt was 6.8kg, and gave me the feeling I was use to. I decided to give the SL8 another try before I sold it. I changed the handlebars to super narrow 280mm bars. This made the bike somewhat better and corner better. I prefer the Pinarello. If I could do it all again I would have just bought a Pinarello dogma. I'll keep the SL8 b/c at my size it hard to find bikes and overall I think it's a good bike. It's just not a Pinarello
I think what people miss is what a light weight bike that stoll maintains it aero nature means for smaller female riders. A reduction in 0.5-1kg for a 70-80kg rider isnt as significant as a 50-55kg rider. Bikes this the SL8 or new factor, with superlight frames can have real weight advantages for smaller or female riders.
In order to make this thing light, what with all the pizza cutters and hydraulics, They have got to make the frame as light as possible,which they have. Problem is, its a noodle. sl2, which is decades old, is stiffer and faster
This bike has one big flaw - the ugly sniffer. It's just awful. Especially with this 90mm stem. Safe to say that the owner should choose another bike becaue of he needs a 90mm stem this bike does not fit him
You don't mention anything about the wheels. I think those stock wheels are garbage.... so some of the flex when climbing might be from those wheels. Also some of the crap/bumps you feel from the road might also be from those garbage wheels. I ride a Cannondale SuperSix HiMod, so I'm not a Speciaized fanboy.
@@Shadowboost Cannondale Synapse with Smart-Sense Technology is my newly machine. All 9 of my bikes have been the trusted & true Cannondale bike over 24 yrs of cycling ✊🏾
I don’t think your comment takes into consideration the hard work of the engineers who created the SL8. The SL8 shouldn’t be dismissed as BS marketing, but should be seen as one of many possible options. There’s enough room for everyone, including your amazing Bianchi XR4.
@@Shadowboost I was implying that it’s amazing according to his perception. Unfortunately I don’t know anything about the Bianchi XR4. I guess I could have worded my comment better.
@@Shadowboost A rim brake frame can easily get sub 700g weights. don't forget you need to add the handlebar. Even thought the disc frame now can achieve what the Rim Brake has been achieved for decades in term of weights, the disc frame weights distribution will not be as good as the rim frames. For the disc frame, the FORK, CHAINSTAY you need to reinforce into engineering approved stiffness etc etc bacause of the disc braking. The only way they can reduce weights is the toptube, seatpost, seatstay for example.Why the modern frame are fragile and easily cracked. RIM frame can distribute the weights evenly. Now you know why some newbie will experience the disc bike a bit sluggish compared to the Rim brake.
@@departurexx1520 sure, there are a few rim brake bikes at sub 700 grams, but not many. Very select Cervelo RCA, Supersix Evo Nano, Ruegamer or so on, and they are every bit as fragile as current bikes. Those bikes are not aero at all. A Specialized Aethos is lighter than them all, with maybe the exception of a Yonex, but those were only made in quite small sizes. Most people feel disc brake bikes are sluggish because they're heavier. Until the Aethos and Dogma F, SL8, Supersix Evo Gen 4
@@Shadowboost Thats is why, the bike industry are trying to achieve what Rim brakes has been achieved for decades in term of weights, ride quality and aero too. Are the disc bikes are more efficiency than the rim, the answer is NO. They are just more expensive, you need to pay more to get the ride quality on a Rim brake. End of the day is all about the money.
Just another overpriced bike. One you can't fix, squeaky brakes, parts hard to get, un-adjustable for fit, etc. Glad you get them for being nice, but you can keep it, I don't even want one.
I will compare anything I want to in order to add context to the point I am making. Now, if you care to refute something I said... I am happy to hear that.
Luis!
I can’t justify another bike! You were supposed to say the SL8 was terrible; lol!
Solid review and I always enjoy the content. Stay safe and keep the wheel side down.
I know right!? I tried to not like it so bad...
My rim brake SL6 will destroy that bike. Fifteen pounds I climb like I am 50 pounds lighter.
All S-works; sl5, still got, sl6 rim, 2019 venge, sl7 (raced 2 seasons). Just wrapped my season on sl8 (1st cat). Best bike I’ve had; light, aero, more comfortable than the others, handling is sublime. 🥂
Thanks for sharing your experience 👍🏾
You must try new Giant Propel
Coming off my factor ostro, and have owned system six, madone, 2023 s5, I’m impressed with my sl8. Good review.
What is your opinion and preference between an Sl8 and you factor Ostro performance and feel wise? I’m in between the two and would like to know what you think and how they stack against each other since you’ve owned a factor and now currently have an SL8
Fantastic review @luis scott ! I’m a Cannondale guy & every machine I’ve ever owned are by this manufacturer. I just purchased my Cannondale Synapse with Smartsense Technology and I haven’t ridden it as of yet. I’m Just waiting to get an aye ok from my Doctor. If you can, I would love to get your perspective of this bike and riding it. You’re absolutely right with everyone following the trend of having the same machine. I’d say 90% of my cycling buddies own the SL7 or the SL8.
@dwaynerandolph3565 thanks for watching, hope you get cleared by the doc soon. I really don't see a lot of Cannondales on rides these days. I get Spec, Dogma, BMC, Trek and a smattering of others.
Anyway. I've always only heard good things about the Synapse.
Luis, I just received my SL 8 expert yesterday, I also have an SL7 as well as an SL 5 Tarmac S-Works.
I absolutely love my SL 5 S-Works!!!!
I like it better than the SL 7.
I did have a very short ride on my new SL 8 last night and I must say it is quickly becoming my favorite......time will tell.
So what bike is Your favorite now? SL8? Why did You like SL5 better than SL7?
While I haven't ridden the SL7 or SL8, I do own a '22 Allez Sprint, which is the aluminum clone of the SL7. The difference in materials is definitely a factor, but that bike is stiff (in good ways and bad) as all getout with no hesitation on holding speed. It did take a little bit extra effort to accelerate, but I chalk that up to the weight. Though Specialized can be gimmicky with their marketing, they know how to make bangers. I do wish the all-out aero Venge was still around, but I digress. Great vid as always
Thanks for watching. Everyone wants that Venge back!
Let me start by saying Great Vid!!!! Someone else commented and said SL8 doesnt hold speed like their Pinarello. Funny, because I got my SL8 frameset from a friend who rode it for a month but decided to go back to a Pinarello Dogma F for the same reason., so I got a killer deal on an almost new frameset. He said bike was fantastic but preferred the feel of a Pinarello. Now that I have it built, and have about 400mi on it, I absolutely love it, and coming from my Madone Gen 6 SLR9 I can completely agree, SL8 acceleration is snappy, its a hill climbing monster, probably because even as a 58cm bike, my build with pedals, cages, mounts, etc is only 16.5lbs. A full 3lbs lighter than my Madone. BUT when in the Peloton and the group is cookin' I have to work harder to maintain speed. SL8 has aero features but its not a full aero bike, and I can feel it. Sooooo loving it, but my full aero Madone definitely stays in the line-up.
I didn't find holding speed as an issue relative to what I have been riding... but as a lightweight bike, I can see that as an issue.
Honestly, I HAVE ventured away from Specialized only to find myself going back after dozens of other high-end ones. After owning an SL6 and SL7 I was very curious on what I was missing out on. Combined with mid-life crisis and some spare cash, I kinda went on a shopping spree. Think I've swapped 12 frames or so in 2023. In May 2024, I finally got an SL8 and put a little over 4k miles on it. Gotta say I don't know why I was even curious about anything else.
Thanks for sharing your experience.
What other bikes did you have? Sl8 best of the lot?
Sounds like my story..I had the SL6, the venge pro, the SL7 and went exploring just to come right back to specialized..I love my S-works sl8 tarmac..I think alot of folks hate the price but can't deny they ride wonderful..😂
I think some of these big brands tend to generate immense brand loyalty.
I'm riding a Giant Contend aluminum road bike because it was the best bike that I could afford when I decided to come back into cycling after many years away.
I love my Contend so much that I'm already thinking ahead.....to upgrading to some higher end parts and groupset. But also thinking about the next Giant I will get some day such as a Defy or TCR.
I think that is what is happening with these brands such as Trek, Giant, Specialized, and even Cannondale to some degree. Also, Canyon is rising up into that exclusive group as well.
Great review. I ride the SL7 (not s works) DI2 with ENVE 45 Foundation wheels with 28mm tires at 64 psi. I really enjoy the smooth ride. Not so much the bike but big comfort improvement with the 28mm tires. I might even experiment with 30mm tires. Now concerning the bike, when I ride with a faster group and we have periods when we are running anything above 18mph. the SL7 never disappoints. The bike feels like it’s just waiting for the rider to apply power. It accelerates quickly (close gaps) and once at speed (20+) the bike is well able to keep the pace. Great bike. I just focus on a good cadence and efficient gear ratio and let the tarmac do the rest.
Nice post! Thanks for sharing 👍🏾
I ride an SL 8 Pro, Ultegra components, with Hunt Carbon 50 wheels. Size 61 and it still weights 16.5lbs with pedals (Ultegra) and 3D printed Power Pro with Mirror saddle. It is a wonderful all around bike and excels at climbing.
Thanks for sharing your experience 👍🏾
5:38 In the Caribbean we that swaying from left to right . . . Dallying! It's for both kids and adults
@@savagepro9060 big fun
@@thegoodwheel 🤣
Luis dropping 🔥 again. I'm going custom for my next build
My main gripe with the SL8 is the bottom bracket area. It saves a lot of weight in this area by not having much material and using a BSA. Compared to my other bike with its beefier bottom bracket and T47, it feels less stiff when putting power down. I weight 205 lbs so maybe this wouldnt be noticable for smaller riders but I definitely notice the difference. I own an SL7 as well and curiously enough, it feels a bit beefier than the SL8 I tested when putting out max power. I'll say the ride is smoother versus the SL8 though, so credit there. Still, my Factor feels better to me than the SL8, in terms of that stable, substantial feel. Some people may prefer the "lighter" feel of the SL8 which is understandable.
Nice insights. Thanks for sharing 👍🏾
I have to agree that there is more flex in the bottom bracket area than I was expecting. My previous bike was an Aeroad CFR, which had noticeably less flex in the bottom bracket area. At a guess, it's probably losing some watts which could be powering the bike forwards. It's definitely not as snappy/efficient as my Aeroad, but it's more comfortable.
The Specialized teams could have used the Aethos (their lightest model) more during mountain stages, but I only remember one time a rider choosing to. I'm guessing it's the same reason as why Pogacar's bike is relatively heavy, when there is no doubt that Colnago can build him a lighter bike. A stiffer bottom bracket means more material and a heavier bike, but it's going to be more efficient transferring the power from the legs into forward movement.
@@edt6488 agreed. I think the SL8 is a perfect recipe for light riders or those looking for a supert smooth (dare I say flexy) ride. But for bigger riders, a stiffer bottom end is preferable. One look at the BB area of the SL8 pretty much says it all. Look at it compared to other top end bikes in the same price class. The weight savings is not some sort of black magic, there's literally a lack of material there.
Nice review, Luis, thanks. I do have an SL8, pretty similar build as the one you tested, minus the OSPW. I would agree, the total package is what makes the bike work for me and perform. P.S. I missed you in Atlanta at the One Love ride, hopefully we can connect next year if you are there.
It was a lot of people this year for sure. Hopefully, next year. Thanks for sharing your insights on the bike.
Great video, Luis. Thank you. I have a SL7 Specialized (not the s-works) with the CLX Rapid wheels and original aero bars. I have ridden friends s-works SL7 and SL8 bikes and couldn’t feel any significant difference. I believe the Specialized frame with the CLX Rapide wheels and bars is the best value for money. Less than 200 grams heavier with all the aero advantage of the s-works bike, but for thousands of $ less. Have owned Cannondale, Trek and Bianchi. The Specialized is definitely the best of these brands, combining quality, handling, comfort (compliance) and performance (aero) unmatched in one bike by the others. Thanks again for the video. Cheers
Thank you for watching and sharing your insights 👍🏾
Now you're talking about smaller brands, my gravel/cyclocross bike is a Salsa Journeyer with GRX 600. This was my first purpose-built gravel bike, and I really like it. Swapping between 650b and 700c wheels, really changes the ride characteristics on the bike not as much as I originally thought when buying it. When I have the 700c wheels on it, that's light just wants to go straight, and it's pretty quick. Then you put the 650b wheels on it for a cyclocross race, oh man that bike handles like my SL6... You could almost race a crit on that thing with 650bs.
Nice! Thanks for sharing 👍🏾
I had a recent oportunity to ride several top end bikes, incluing Dogma F, Colnago C68, Scott foil, Madone Gen 7 and Tarmac SL8. The Specialized is a nice bike overall but I did not impress me. As you mentioned, it is fast, nimble, tracks well but I felt every bump on the road amplified, it also felt a little "nervous" in long descends here in the local mountains near Los Angeles area compare to the other bikes. So, it is not a bike for me but it seams to attract young racers.
Hi, thanks. And what is your Favorit bike? Daniel from germany
Thanks for watching. Light bikes that exhibit nervous behavior decending are a handful
Great video, well done! I'm a Colnago guy too (C60 rim) and its ride is sublime. The SL8 I am sure is sweet.
I used to be a Colnago C60 fan, now moved on to Moots, No 22, Eriksen & Firefly.
The C60 is very nice indeed.
SL8 is great all rounder bike. It has won sprints, classics, climbing stages.
👍🏾
As many other bikes
From all these years of watching your channel I have a feeling you may like Aethos more, at least that’s my feeling!
Could be. I wouldn't mind riding one
Great unbiased review Luis :) always good to be open to new stuff.. I still love my steel bikes but also own a new Cannondale SSE 2 with Ultegra Di2 12 speed and I have to say it is amazing to ride :) Pete
Sounds like an enjoyable bike Pete! Thanks for sharing 👍🏾
After owning 2 Venge from 2017 and 2019, I believe the bikes these days are just like smartphones. They are all marginally better than the previous but you can still enjoy your old one.
....I have confession to make, I ride a base model SL6.... I hang my head in shame 😀😃... Actually I like the bike, I got it this past December. Even though it only has tiagra components on it, to me its a nice bike 😎.
Dude, hold your head up and ride on!--the best bike is the one between your legs!
👍🏾
Ayyeeee, what a beauty. Another great review!
Hey! We will chat it up about this on Saturday 👍🏾
You said Everybody has, my answer is because they are the best.
Devastatingly, I broke my V3Rs. I loved that bike. I now ride my Colange Prestige with road wheels as my road bike, and I think there’s a possibility I like it even more: it’s so, so stiff when accelerating.
I've owned a Presitge. It is way stiffer than the V3rs... way more racey also. Great crit bike... not so good on the gravel
Have owned a Cannondale Caad 10 since 2011 and got the Specialized Tarmac SL8 Expert Ultegra a month ago. The SL8 is minutes faster on the same route. I'm not really climbing faster but getting used to the 12 speed. I decided to keep it on the big chain ring last time and that helped.
Thanks for sharing!
I have an sl7.5 as you called it. I really prefer the look to of the sl7 to the 8. I have no problem with averaging 22mph instead of 22.00001mph 😂 Maybe I’ll buy a new bike if the Venge ever returns.
You need that .00001 on these group rides 😂
Luis great review
Keep up the great work 👍🏽
Thank you Grant!
Would love to see you test a Melee, Luis!
Which one?
I sold my s- works sl 8 frame because I didn’t like the feel of the bike . I replaced it with an Orbea Orca OMX climbing frame which has been a fabulous bike for me. I think the ride quality of the Orbea is far superior. I also found it to accelerate faster.
Thanks for sharing!
what about holding speeds 40kph+ on this Orbea?
@@Pablo_Coach I’m not riding that fast except on downhills. I did average 21.5 mph on a flat 100 kilometer course which for me was good.
@@RussellBrown-n8g ok. What wheelset are mounted on this Orca bolide?
Nice review. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks for watching!
One of my favorite reviews of yours!!! You had me dying 😂😂😂😂
Thanks Bro. I had fun with it👍🏾
So is good for Florida winds😅
Go Adriana
Living in Oregon with a 695 gram frame on 20 minutes climbs. Yes please!!! Nothing better than an SL8
Smaller chainrings or bigger cassette are better than lighter frame tho
@@tonyg3091maybe on the “hills” you ride.
@@petersouthernboy6327 nonsense. The “light bike climbs better” is a myth from the times when the biggest available cassette was 24t and when your small chainrings is 36 then yeah. Try a bit heavier bike with 33t chainring to 36t cassette see what I mean
Lower gearing is million times better upgrade than lighter frame
@@tonyg3091 oh, I have a XC MTB that I used to race that climbs great - but on a road surface an SL-8 will certainly do it ridiculously faster.
@@petersouthernboy6327 No doubt about that. But I bet you will be faster on an SL8 Pro with lower gears than on SWorks with higher
You already know what I think of the SL8...
Yes Sir! Your build has been outstanding 👍🏾
Gullible all the gear no idea halfwits
We know that You prefer the Giant Propel
Great video as always thank you. An 11-30 cassette seems like overkill and too gappy for a flat area such as Florida. Is that a common cassette to run down there?
Yeah, that 11-30 is not ideal... but manufacturers are spec'ing bikes the same regardless of the region. So yes, there is a cadence gap right around 23ish mph. She is currently exploring her cassette options.
Throw the aero bars on a Venge please sir
Where I ride 1/3 of the guys on a group ride have a Tarmac SL8/SL7/SL6. I just don't want to ride what everyone else is riding.
👍🏾
That speed sniffer thing turns me off it. Wait and see what the SL9 does.
👍🏾
Luis, we are the same. Not liking the fact that everyone is riding the same brand😂
Another saturation is the oversaturation of haters that are concerned with what other people are riding. The only real way to win is in this game is be faster than the other guy.
I am similar to you where i don't want a bike that's popular and every other person seems to own one. Those bikes are great bikes though.
👍🏾
I got the SL8 pro frameset on release. I built the bike up to 6.3kg with pedals, cages, and all mounts. The bike feels very snappy and plenty stiff b/c I have a 44cm frame. But for me the bike didn't hold speed well above 24mph. Coming from a Pinarello that's what I expect. I then decided to buy a Pinarello F5 and rebuild it. The Pinarello rebuilt was 6.8kg, and gave me the feeling I was use to. I decided to give the SL8 another try before I sold it. I changed the handlebars to super narrow 280mm bars. This made the bike somewhat better and corner better. I prefer the Pinarello. If I could do it all again I would have just bought a Pinarello dogma. I'll keep the SL8 b/c at my size it hard to find bikes and overall I think it's a good bike. It's just not a Pinarello
So a rim brake Dogma--would be preferable to a SL8? And even F5?
No way you ride 28cm bars that's nuts
@@timtaylor9590 they're actually really good. I got 3 to put them on the bikes I ride the most. Once you go narrow you can never go back
@@idea1511 maybe, I'm actually building a rim brake Cannondale optimo
@@kimwarner6050 What's your height?
I think what people miss is what a light weight bike that stoll maintains it aero nature means for smaller female riders. A reduction in 0.5-1kg for a 70-80kg rider isnt as significant as a 50-55kg rider. Bikes this the SL8 or new factor, with superlight frames can have real weight advantages for smaller or female riders.
Good point. Thanks for sharing
I have a sl7 and sl8 bith are excelent bikes also i owne trek madone gen 8 and wilier filante the sl8 are the one to go
Nice. Thanks for sharing your insights.
Why Sl8? Madone and Filantre are probably faster...?
It is as good as they claim
👍🏾
What's your opinion on 3D printed saddles? Hype or game changer?
@@bengt_axle that saddle was very comfortable. But I can't say it was more or less better than my usual Selle Italia SLR Boost
Mai I ask.. where do you get your road bike shirts? Looks great!
My Jersey is from MYNsports.com
Good point about saturation , do you think it ages well with us folks 45-55 😂
I think the industry is designed to not accommodate that concept. There will be a redesign in a couple years.
Nice review.
Thank you! Cheers!
I didn't see how it any better than my Giant TCR SL0 2011. Only worse.
👍🏾
Your routes seem pretty flat. Would like to see how you get on with a Scott Foil ultimate RC to review. Or the 2020 S Works Venge.
Definitely. All out aero is an advantage here. I'll get on one soon enough. Thanks for watching 👍🏾
Where did you get your tshirt with the bike on it?
It was a gift a couple years back. I have no idea where my wife got it.
I like the shirt 👕 where can I buy 1
Need a rim brake option 🎉
👍🏾
Wow. Some strong opinions in the comment section. Almost like someone was making us buy the SL8 at gunpoint or something…
Bike, brand and material are all very polarizing subjects these days.
@@thegoodwheel the brand might take the cake :) Although the bike itself is polarizing enough.
In order to make this thing light, what with all the pizza cutters and hydraulics, They have got to make the frame as light as possible,which they have. Problem is, its a noodle. sl2, which is decades old, is stiffer and faster
Where do you live, it looks really nice ?
Thank you. South Florida, Pembroke Pines area
I’ve got a sw SL6 rim and a sw SL7 on enve’s, boring af, everybody has one. But that’s for a reason, great bikes.
👍🏾
which is faster for You?
@@Pablo_Coach SL7
What bar tape is that?
Supercaz, not sure which version
You'd prefer an Aethos.
Imagine if you had a bike fit and proper tire pressure.
Now ride a Specialized Roubaix.
This video should be Tarmac SL8 Best DISK brake bike...But we all know the rim Brake (15 pound) Tarmac SL6 would destroy this bike in a race.
👍🏾
It's no Pinarello Dogma.
👍🏾
That's concerning you saying it's not stiff, in a few years it'll be a soggy noodle, good for specialized bad for consumers and the environment
Tarmacs are the truth.
👍🏾
This bike has one big flaw - the ugly sniffer. It's just awful. Especially with this 90mm stem. Safe to say that the owner should choose another bike becaue of he needs a 90mm stem this bike does not fit him
I tested the Tarmac SL8 Pro against the Orbea Orca. I took the Orca,
👍🏾
Why?
@@Pablo_Coach It felt more exciting.
and it is such a beauty in carbon black
@@rolffuchs2737 OMX or OMR carbon layup? What handlebar?
If it ain't steel, it's not for real😂. Bike frame wise
You know it!👍🏾
Just another cheap plastic frame at a ridiculous price
Thanks for watching 👍🏾
You don't mention anything about the wheels. I think those stock wheels are garbage.... so some of the flex when climbing might be from those wheels. Also some of the crap/bumps you feel from the road might also be from those garbage wheels.
I ride a Cannondale SuperSix HiMod, so I'm not a Speciaized fanboy.
True, there's a bunch of wheels on the market that are better
@@Shadowboost Cannondale Synapse with Smart-Sense Technology is my newly machine. All 9 of my bikes have been the trusted & true Cannondale bike over 24 yrs of cycling ✊🏾
@@dwaynerandolph3565 I've got 5 Cannondales. Three Supersix Evos and two CAAD10
Comparing a Specialized to a Giant is like comparing a Maserati to a Lexus...
Giant have excellent carbon grade
@@Pablo_Coach agreed, I think Lexus is a better car than Maserati even though they're not as expensive.
it is a 800 euro asian frame; in fact it is a merida .
Sure. Right.
👍🏾
Overhyped marketing bs. Sorry. My Bianchi xr4 from 2018 does all the same
No, no it doesn't. Your frame isn't even what I'd consider top of the bikes of that year. Much heavier, much draggier, not as comfortable
I don’t think your comment takes into consideration the hard work of the engineers who created the SL8. The SL8 shouldn’t be dismissed as BS marketing, but should be seen as one of many possible options. There’s enough room for everyone, including your amazing Bianchi XR4.
@@Lifesurfer001-iq7nf I would take Supersix Evo Gen 2 black and SL6 Ultralight rim brake over that Bianchi
@@Shadowboost I was implying that it’s amazing according to his perception. Unfortunately I don’t know anything about the Bianchi XR4. I guess I could have worded my comment better.
I just can’t buy a bike (especially a overpriced one) from what I think is the most soulless bike company…
Thanks for watching 👍🏾
World marketing championships😂
Many feel that way
Overhype bike to be honest. Whatever the SL8 can do, other bikes can do just that the other brands didn't spend much on the marketing.
Not many sub 700 gram frames that have the aero, stiffness, and comfort of the SL8. And I'm generally a disc frame hater
@departurexx1520 I agree …
@@Shadowboost A rim brake frame can easily get sub 700g weights. don't forget you need to add the handlebar. Even thought the disc frame now can achieve what the Rim Brake has been achieved for decades in term of weights, the disc frame weights distribution will not be as good as the rim frames. For the disc frame, the FORK, CHAINSTAY you need to reinforce into engineering approved stiffness etc etc bacause of the disc braking. The only way they can reduce weights is the toptube, seatpost, seatstay for example.Why the modern frame are fragile and easily cracked. RIM frame can distribute the weights evenly. Now you know why some newbie will experience the disc bike a bit sluggish compared to the Rim brake.
@@departurexx1520 sure, there are a few rim brake bikes at sub 700 grams, but not many. Very select Cervelo RCA, Supersix Evo Nano, Ruegamer or so on, and they are every bit as fragile as current bikes. Those bikes are not aero at all. A Specialized Aethos is lighter than them all, with maybe the exception of a Yonex, but those were only made in quite small sizes.
Most people feel disc brake bikes are sluggish because they're heavier. Until the Aethos and Dogma F, SL8, Supersix Evo Gen 4
@@Shadowboost Thats is why, the bike industry are trying to achieve what Rim brakes has been achieved for decades in term of weights, ride quality and aero too. Are the disc bikes are more efficiency than the rim, the answer is NO. They are just more expensive, you need to pay more to get the ride quality on a Rim brake. End of the day is all about the money.
Just another overpriced bike. One you can't fix, squeaky brakes, parts hard to get, un-adjustable for fit, etc. Glad you get them for being nice, but you can keep it, I don't even want one.
Stop with comparing titanium and carbon. This debate is over
I will compare anything I want to in order to add context to the point I am making. Now, if you care to refute something I said... I am happy to hear that.
@@thegoodwheeland it's your damn channel!