2026 Specialized Tarmac SL8 Pro – Shimano Ultegra Di2
Nothing is faster than the Tarmac SL8. After eight generations and more than two decades of relentless development, the Tarmac SL8 stands as the world’s fastest race bike, now made even faster with the paradigm-shifting performance of Roval Rapide CL III carbon wheels.
Speed is not defined by aerodynamics or lightweight alone—it is the result of a perfectly balanced system of aero efficiency, low weight, stiffness, and compliance. Through real-world race simulations, Specialized Ride Science confirms the Tarmac SL8 is the fastest race bike on the roads that matter most.
Race-Proven Speed Gains
- 16.6 seconds faster over 40 km
- 128 seconds faster over Milan–San Remo
- 20 seconds faster over the legendary Tourmalet climb
Elite Pro-Level Build
The Tarmac SL8 Pro is delivered race-ready with a full Shimano Ultegra 8100 Di2 groupset, including a 4iiii Precision 3+ power meter, an integrated Roval Rapide cockpit, and Roval Rapide CL III tubeless-ready carbon wheels. This is uncompromising WorldTour-level performance straight out of the box.
Aero in Everything
Aero matters most at the leading edge. The SL8’s Speed Sniffer nose cone moves the steerer tube rearward, sharpening the head tube’s profile for significantly reduced drag. Combined with the narrowest aero seatpost Specialized has ever produced, airflow around the rider’s legs stays cleaner and faster.
Minimum Weight, Maximum Aero
Drawing from Aethos development, the SL8 frame efficiently carries load through its shape, eliminating unnecessary carbon layers. The result is a frame that easily meets the UCI minimum weight while maintaining full aero optimization and stiffness.
Goes Like Hell, Rides Like Heaven
With a 33% improvement in stiffness-to-weight over the SL7 and 6% increased compliance, the Tarmac SL8 delivers explosive acceleration, precise handling, and a remarkably smooth ride. Rider-First Engineering™ ensures identical performance across every frame size.
Beyond Gender Design Philosophy
Performance is not defined by gender. The Tarmac SL8 is engineered for riders, not categories, delivering the same elite ride quality and handling to everyone. It’s time to go Beyond Gender.
Key Highlights
- FACT 10r carbon aero race frame
- Shimano Ultegra Di2 12-speed electronic drivetrain
- Integrated power meter with Apple Find My technology
- Roval Rapide CL III carbon wheelset
- Roval Rapide integrated cockpit
| Frame | Tarmac SL8 FACT 10r Carbon, Rider First Engineered™, Win Tunnel Engineered, Clean Routing, threaded BB, 12x142mm thru-axle, flat-mount disc |
|---|---|
| Seat Binder | Tarmac integrated wedge |
| Fork | FACT 10r Carbon, 12x100mm thru-axle, flat-mount disc |
|---|
| Front Brake | Shimano Ultegra BR-R8170 hydraulic disc |
|---|---|
| Rear Brake | Shimano Ultegra BR-R8170 hydraulic disc |
| Shift Levers | Shimano Ultegra Di2 R8170, hydraulic disc |
|---|---|
| Front Derailleur | Shimano Ultegra Di2 R8150, braze-on |
| Rear Derailleur | Shimano Ultegra Di2 R8150, 12-speed |
| Cassette | Shimano Ultegra, 12-speed, 11–30T |
| Chain | Shimano XT M8100, 12-speed, quick link |
| Crankset | Shimano Ultegra R8100 with 4iiii Precision 3+ Power Meter, 52/36T |
| Bottom Bracket | Shimano Threaded BSA |
| Front Wheel | Roval Rapide CL III carbon, tubeless, 21mm internal, 51mm depth, DT350 hub |
|---|---|
| Rear Wheel | Roval Rapide CL III carbon, tubeless, 21mm internal, 48.5mm depth, DT350 hub |
| Front Tire | S-Works Turbo TLR Race, 700x28c |
| Rear Tire | S-Works Turbo TLR Race, 700x28c |
| Inner Tubes | Standard 700 x 20–28, 80mm Presta valve |
| Handlebars | Roval Rapide integrated cockpit (bar/stem) |
|---|---|
| Tape | Supacaz Super Sticky Kush |
| Saddle | Power Pro Mirror, hollow titanium rails |
| Seatpost | S-Works Tarmac SL8 Carbon, FACT Carbon, 15mm offset |
| Weight | 7.25 kg (15 lb, 15.7 oz) |
|---|---|
| Weight Size | 56 |
Specifications are subject to change without notice.
