The Specialized Tarmac SL8 Expert with SRAM Force AXS E1 redefines what’s possible in a race-ready road bike, blending aerodynamics, featherweight design, and exceptional ride quality. Built on over two decades of engineering refinement, the SL8 is the fastest Tarmac ever—and by Specialized’s own testing, the fastest race bike in the world. Key to its performance is the strategic blend of a sharply tapered “Speed Sniffer” headtube and a radically narrowed seatpost, optimizing airflow and reducing drag. Designed under new UCI regulations, the SL8 exploits clean air at the front and controls turbulent air at the rear, delivering proven speed gains—up to 128 seconds faster over Milan-San Remo compared to previous designs.

The FACT 10r carbon frame shares DNA with the ultralight Aethos, translating into a frame weight of just 685g (S-Works), with similarly efficient load paths that eliminate the need for excessive material. That philosophy is carried into the SL8 Expert, where minimized frame mass pairs with maximum aerodynamic shaping for a bike that hits the UCI weight minimum even with aero components. The stiffness-to-weight ratio is 33% better than the SL7, and the result is a bike that climbs, corners, and accelerates with greater sharpness and precision—while still offering 6% more vertical compliance for all-day comfort on rougher roads.

Now equipped with the new SRAM Force AXS E1 12-speed groupset, the SL8 Expert offers lighter, crisper shifting, improved ergonomics, and refined hydraulic disc braking. The drivetrain features a 48/35t crankset and 10-33t cassette, balancing top-end speed with climbing range. Roval C38 carbon wheels and S-Works Turbo 700x26mm tires provide a responsive, aerodynamic rolling platform that’s tubeless-ready for added performance and versatility. Rider-First Engineering ensures that every frame size delivers consistent handling and responsiveness, regardless of rider height or weight.

The cockpit includes a Tarmac integrated stem, Specialized Expert shallow drop alloy bars, and a FACT carbon seatpost with a Body Geometry Power Expert saddle. With a complete weight of just 7.26 kg (size 56), this performance-packed machine is race-ready without sacrificing comfort or accessibility. Specialized’s “Beyond Gender” design philosophy ensures optimal fit and performance for every rider. The Tarmac SL8 Expert isn’t just a high-performance road bike—it’s a platform for personal bests.