2024 Specialized Tarmac SL8 Expert Sram Rival AXS road test review advantages, defects and problems of the Specialized Tarmac SL8 Pro Expert Sram Rival AXS 2024.
2024 Specialized Tarmac SL8 Expert SRAM Rival AXS test review Build quality
The 2024 Specialized Tarmac SL8 Expert SRAM Rival AXS has a high cost to be made in large series, but it is very well made, no criticisms can be made, even if you pay a lot for everything, but the quality is still high.
Indeed, the availability of colors has increased compared to the past, but they are limited to two.
The price remains high, around 6500 euros, for a bike weighing around 7.7kg, but today the market offers this and for many the charm of a Specialized racing bike is priceless.
Ultimately, an expensive but well-made racing bike.
2024 Specialized Tarmac SL8 Expert SRAM Rival AXS test review Frame
It has been a safety feature for years, a cornerstone of Specialized.
The new Specialized Tarmac SL8 Expert SRAM Rival AXS 2024 evolves without being distorted, as it should be.
The availability of sizes remains unchanged, which are valid and allow many people to find the right size without many changes.
Too bad that the frame is not compatible with mechanical groupsets and that the prices are generally high.
You pay for a lot of quality and direct competitors are aligned.
In the end it is a good product, expensive, but valid.
There is no shortage of alternatives but those who want a Specialized will find a good compromise between cost and performance in this model.
2024 Specialized Tarmac SL8 Expert SRAM Rival AXS test review Assemblies
The assembly of the Specialized Tarmac SL8 Expert SRAM Rival AXS 2024 is valid and good in relation to the list price.
It remains an expensive bicycle, but within the Specialized catalog there are other cheaper models.
Overall it is a good compromise because in the end it doesn't weigh much more than the more expensive S-Works, but it costs significantly less.
No notes to report, a nice racing bike.
A beautiful racing bike, but it is not superior to other similar models in terms of price and assembly.
2024 Specialized Tarmac SL8 Expert SRAM Rival AXS test review Comfort
Decent, nothing new, but better than S-Works.
Yes, the substantial difference is that the different carbon makes the bike heavier, but also more comfortable, less tiring on long journeys.
It's not a huge difference, but still perceptible.
The Specialized Tarmac SL8 Expert SRAM Rival AXS 2024 is not the Specialized bicycle created to be comfortable, but in this version it ensures valid comfort.
2024 Specialized Tarmac SL8 Expert SRAM Rival AXS test review Guide
The main difference between the Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL8 and the Tarmac SL8 Pro and Expert is precisely in the ease of driving.
The different carbon does not distort the frame, but makes the Specialized Tarmac SL8 Expert even more balanced, easier to ride, safer and less nervous than the more expensive and lighter S-Works.
At high speeds, again compared to the S-Works, it is easier to drive, especially downhill and on uneven surfaces, perhaps slightly less manageable and slower on guided and narrow paths, but easier and safer to drive.
The performance on plains and hills is very valid and good, where there are no obvious differences with the S-Works and also with the Pro.
The uphill performance is valid, the only point where the S-Works really has an advantage, but even compared to the Pro the greater weight is felt, but in any case it has valid and competitive performance in its price range.
The slightly heavier frame and the different carbon lead to very good stability at high speeds and reduced sensitivity to side winds.
The brakes are more than good, nothing to add.
An easy and safe racing bike to ride for an amateur, perhaps even more manageable than the S-Works, easier to ride, safer, less tiring.
2024 Specialized Tarmac SL8 Expert SRAM Rival AXS test review Performance
The new Specialized Tarmac SL8 Expert SRAM Rival AXS 2024 is a very competitive racing bike on any type of route.
It doesn't have a real weak point, it's always competitive on any type of route.
Clearly you need legs to take advantage of its frame, but it is an all-round competitive racing bike on any type of route.
Its general performance is in line with other racing bikes at a similar price and overall valid, it is not superior to its direct rivals, but not inferior either, marketing then does the rest, so everyone is convinced that they are buying the best bike.. .
2024 Specialized Tarmac SL8 Expert SRAM Rival AXS test review Pros and cons
The Specialized Tarmac SL8 Expert SRAM Rival AXS 2024 proves to be an excellent racing bike, a valid evolution of the previous version.
The price is its only real flaw, but otherwise it is a very good racing bike, both in absolute terms and in its price range.
Within the Tarmac SL8 range it is the cheapest, but it could also be the one with the best price-performance ratio.
It costs less than other versions and if you don't have the legs to use the frame it goes just as fast and only loses ground on the most difficult climbs.
An acceptable sacrifice in the end.
The fact remains that 6500 euros for a racing bike weighing almost 8kg is too much.
Unfortunately the competitors do the same if not worse and in the end this Specialized Tarmac SL8 Expert SRAM Rival AXS 2024 is almost cheap...
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NDR: the photo does not refer to the specific bike being tested