Specialized Tarmac SL8 Comp: World-Class Race Speed Without Compromise

The Specialized Tarmac SL8 Comp is built for riders who want true race-bike performance in an accessible, everyday package. It delivers the same class-leading speed philosophy as the bikes ridden at the highest levels of the sport, combining aerodynamics, ultra-low weight, stiffness, and ride quality into one perfectly balanced machine. Whether you’re lining up for races, chasing PRs, or riding fast group rides, the Tarmac SL8 Comp is designed to go as hard as you do.

Key Benefits for Riders

Aerodynamics Where It Actually Matters

The Tarmac SL8 is the most aerodynamic road bike Specialized has ever made, even more aero than the Venge. The Speed Sniffer nose cone sharpens the bike’s leading edge, reducing drag where airflow hits first. A narrow, aero-optimized seatpost helps dirty air move cleanly past your legs, saving watts without sacrificing ride feel. The result is real-world speed gains you can feel every time the pace ramps up.

Incredibly Light Without Giving Up Stability

With a FACT 10r carbon frame weighing just 685 grams, the Tarmac SL8 Comp is engineered to reach the UCI minimum weight while still being fully aerodynamic. Lessons learned from the ultra-light Aethos allow the frame to carry load more efficiently, eliminating unnecessary material. That means explosive climbing, faster acceleration, and effortless speed on rolling terrain.

Stiff Where You Need It, Smooth Where You Want It

The SL8 improves stiffness-to-weight by an impressive 33 percent over the SL7, translating into sharper power transfer at the pedals and more precise steering at the bars. At the same time, it delivers 6 percent more compliance at the saddle, helping smooth rough pavement and reduce fatigue during long, hard rides. This balance makes the bike feel fast without feeling harsh.

Rider-First Engineered Fit and Handling

Every frame size is tuned individually using Rider-First Engineering, ensuring consistent handling, stiffness, and comfort regardless of rider size. The proven Tarmac geometry and 32mm tire clearance give you flexibility to run wider tires for comfort, grip, and modern race setups without changing the bike’s character.

Electronic Shifting With Shimano 105 Di2

The Tarmac SL8 Comp is equipped with a full Shimano 105 Di2 12-speed drivetrain, bringing fast, precise, and reliable electronic shifting to a performance-focused build. Shifts are crisp under load, effortless on climbs, and consistent in all conditions, letting you focus entirely on the ride and the race.

Why Choose the Specialized Tarmac SL8 Comp?

If you want a true race bike that blends elite-level aerodynamics, ultra-low weight, confident handling, and modern electronic shifting, the Specialized Tarmac SL8 Comp is an exceptional choice. It’s fast everywhere, comfortable enough for long days, and engineered to perform on the roads that matter most. When speed is the goal, nothing delivers it better.