Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL8 2023 2024 test test review strengths and weaknesses of the new Specialized Tarmac SL8, is it really worth what it costs? Here's everything you need to know before buying a new Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL8 bike
Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL8 2023 2024 road test review Build quality
The Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL8 2023 2024, 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, including the novelty, but in any case the quality is perfectly in line with the previous model, all well done.
Indeed, compared to the past, the availability of colors has increased.
The price remains high, but ultimately it is in line with the Specialized tradition.
Ultimately expensive racing bike, but well made.
Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL8 2023 2024 road test review Frame
It has been a certainty for years, a staple of Specialized.
The new Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL8 2023 2024 evolves without distorting itself, as it should be.
The availability of the sizes has remained unchanged, while all the assemblies are already available in this launch phase.
Too bad that the frame is not compatible with mechanical groups and that the prices are generally high.
You pay for so much quality and direct competitors are aligned.
In the end it is a good product, expensive, but valid.
There is no shortage of alternatives but anyone who wants a Specialized today has a competitive frame to buy.
Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL8 2023 2024 road test review Assemblies
The range of assemblies, which also differ in the carbon used, is extremely complete and ultimately for all budgets.
It remains an expensive bike, but there are other cheaper models within the Specialized catalog.
Overall the range is wide and you can't complain too much.
The Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL8 2023 2024 remains an expensive bike, it has never been cheap, but nobody is forced to buy it ...
On the contrary, if no one bought it, the prices would fall immediately, like what would happen with other competing racing bikes.
Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL8 2023 2024 road test review Comfort
Fair, nothing new.
The Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL8 2023 2024 is not the Specialized bicycle born to be comfortable, but among racing bikes it remains among the best in this respect.
But in the end, even this Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL8 2023 2024 isn't the top for doing many kilometers in peace, but as a racing bike it allows you to do many kilometers reaching the end of the race without having your back massacred.
Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL8 2023 2024 road test review Guide
Time passes, but the Specialized Tarmac remains a point of reference for its riding balance, riding ease, riding safety.
The geometries of this Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL8 2023 2024 remain unchanged and therefore the guide is practically the same, net of small differences due to the lower weight and the wheels.
At high speeds it's not very easy to drive, especially downhill on bumpy roads, but it redeems itself with excellent handling, perfect on narrow, narrow paths.
The performance on the plains and hills is very valid and good, but it is still a bike that goes fast uphill.
The lighter frame is perhaps more sensitive at high speeds, but nothing particularly different.
A rigid frame perfect for powerful athletes.
The brakes are more than excellent, nothing to add.
While not an endurance bike, it remains an easy and safe racing bike to ride for an amateur and only requires some experience when approaching it at very high speeds, on the steepest descents and on stretches of very damaged asphalt.
Nothing particularly difficult that with a minimum of experience can be easily overcome.
Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL8 2023 2024 road test review Performance
The new Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL8 2023 2024 has further evolved its performance, regardless of what Specialized declared.
The Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL8 2023 2024 remains a racing bike that is still very competitive on any type of route.
It doesn't have a real weakness and is now even lighter, just as stiff and aerodynamic.
Legs and power are needed to take advantage of its rigidity, it is no coincidence that it is a bicycle much appreciated by professionals.
Perhaps the simple amateur is unable to take full advantage of it, but it remains an all-round competitive bicycle on any type of route.
Compared to the past, the new Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL8 2023 2024 will be appreciated uphill, where the weight reduction is most appreciated, while on the flat you need "trained legs" to take full advantage of the characteristics of the new frame.
Despite this, the advantage of the new Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL8 2023 2024 compared to the SL7 is clearly there, perhaps not in an important way.
It all depends on how you live the racing bike, for the simple amateur the Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL8 2023 2024 remains exaggerated, as the SL7 is exaggerated, but for the agonist even a second is important and with the Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL8 2023 2024 you earn well over a second compared to the SL7.
Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL8 2023 2024 road test review Pros and cons
The Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL8 2023 2024 proves to be an excellent racing bike, not cheap, but with excellent performance, a real up-grade compared to the SL7.
It wasn't obvious, but Specialized is hardly wrong ...
The price is its real flaw, it always has been ...
Which to buy?
If you are an amateur, the entry level version of the range is already a lot, but it would be even better to find an SL7 at a bargain price ...
For a competitive rider, however, the Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL8 2023 2024 is a big step forward, Sram Red or Duca Ace Di2.
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NDR: the photo does not refer to the specific bike being tested