2026 Specialized Tarmac SL8 Pro – SRAM Force AXS
Nothing is faster than the Tarmac SL8. After eight generations and more than two decades of relentless innovation, the Tarmac SL8 stands as the world’s fastest race bike, combining cutting-edge aerodynamics, ultra-lightweight construction, and class-leading ride quality.
Speed is not achieved by aerodynamics or weight alone—it is the result of a perfectly balanced system of aero efficiency, stiffness, compliance, and minimal mass. Through real-world race simulations, Specialized Ride Science confirms the Tarmac SL8 as the fastest race bike ever built on the routes that matter most.
Proven Performance Gains
- 16.6 seconds faster over 40 km
- 128 seconds faster over Milan–San Remo
- 20 seconds faster over the legendary Tourmalet climb
SRAM Force AXS Pro Build
The Tarmac SL8 Pro is equipped with the latest SRAM Force AXS E1 electronic groupset featuring an integrated power meter for precise training and race data. Combined with Roval Rapide CL III carbon wheels and the Roval Rapide integrated cockpit, this bike is fully race-ready straight out of the box.
Aero in Everything
Aero efficiency begins at the leading edge. The SL8’s Speed Sniffer nose cone moves the steerer tube rearward, sharpening the head tube profile for dramatically reduced drag. Paired with the narrowest aero seatpost Specialized has ever produced, airflow around the rider remains smoother and faster.
Minimum Weight, Maximum Aero
Borrowing design philosophy from the Aethos, the SL8 frame carries loads so efficiently that unnecessary carbon layers are eliminated. The result is a frame capable of meeting UCI minimum weight with a full aero setup—without sacrificing stiffness or ride quality.
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, razor-sharp handling, and exceptional comfort. Rider-First Engineering™ ensures identical ride characteristics across all frame sizes.
Beyond Gender
Performance isn’t defined by gender. The Tarmac SL8 is designed for riders, not categories, delivering the same elite handling and speed for everyone. It’s time to go Beyond Gender.
Key Highlights
- FACT 10r carbon aero race frame
- SRAM Force AXS E1 electronic shifting with power meter
- Roval Rapide CL III carbon tubeless wheelset
- Roval Rapide integrated cockpit
- Race-ready performance straight out of the box
| 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 | SRAM Force AXS E1 hydraulic disc, 160mm rotor |
|---|---|
| Rear Brake | SRAM Force AXS E1 hydraulic disc, 160mm rotor |
| Shift Levers | SRAM Force AXS E1 HRD |
|---|---|
| Front Derailleur | SRAM Force AXS E1 |
| Rear Derailleur | SRAM Force AXS E1 |
| Cassette | SRAM Force XG-1270, 12-speed, 10–33T |
| Chain | SRAM Force E1 |
| Crankset | SRAM Force E1 Power Meter, 48/35T |
| Bottom Bracket | SRAM DUB 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 80mm Presta Valve |
| Handlebars / Stem | Roval Rapide Cockpit, integrated bar & stem |
|---|---|
| Tape | Supacaz Super Sticky Kush |
| Saddle | Body Geometry 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.
