S-Works Tarmac SL8 Frameset LTD

Brilliant!

Over the years, I have ridden many bikes, but none have impressed me as much as the SL8. This bike truly ticks all the boxes I look for in a frame. The ride quality is excellent, just as you’d expect. What really stands out, though, is how aero and integrated the bike is while still being surprisingly easy to work on—it’s clear a lot of thoughtful engineering went into the design. The BSA bottom bracket is a great choice, and the brake mount faces are flawless; every facet and thread is impeccably machined. Overall, I’ve absolutely loved riding this bike. It noticeably improves on the SL7—it’s stiffer, lighter, and the ride quality has taken another step up—all making for a fantastic experience.

I am riding the Sl8-2025 color, the greatest frame! i am ☺ happy

I had a Tarmac SL6 and wasn’t planning to upgrade, but had an opportunity to get an S-Works SL8 frame and build it how I wanted. This is an incredible bike. It did take me a couple of rides to really feel the difference with my SL6, but there is definitely a difference. There’s more “pop” and it carries speed just a bit more. I’ve managed to get a few PR’s and some top 10 segment times in the couple of months riding this bike (despite spending the winter recovering from surgery), so this bike is the real deal. I don’t regret the upgrade or dropping the extra cash for the S-Works.

Upgraded my 2025 Tarmac SL8 Pro with the S-Works SL8 Frame. Stripped everything off the Pro and transferred it to the S-Works Frame. I noticed an immediate difference. The S-Works frame is stiffer, has more snap, is more responsive, and feels faster. Sure, it's not truly a full S-Works because I'm still using SRAM Force vs SRAM Red, and still have the Pro CL2 wheels vs CLX2 wheels. But even just the frame itself makes that much difference. And the Pro doesn't offer these new colors. I went with the white and silver marble colorway. . . it's gorgeous. Great investment and no regrets.

The bike feels insanely light and aero and is super in crit racing out of corners cause the acceleration is so fast on this compared to my old bike.

I recently upgraded from an SL7 pro to the SL8 Sworks. A noticeable leap in performance for the price. Overall weight saving from complete bike sram force to sram red, CLX wheels to CLX II and Roval cockpit from SL7 two piece unit almost 3lbs. More responsive on climbs, easier to maintain and achieve higher average speeds. SWorks SL7 to SWorks SL8 difference might be minor, but SL7 Pro to SL8 SWorks makes you smile more even during New England rain storms. (Ride 54 frame, 5,11ft)

The rear end of this thing isn't far from a gravel bike in the amount of flex and rebound. It's pretty disconcerting. The concept is dumb in any instance, like if you've ever ridden a gravel bike the flex of the frame doesn't protect you from jarring surfaces, the flex and rebound just knocks you off your rhythm. I just built one of these with high expectations (coming from an SL-6) but have found a number of disappointments. They make their compatible and very cool (cable routing) "42" bars 41cm wide. Why? Now I have to go find actual 42 bars. The 3D Romin saddle is strangely wide in the middle and hits my inner thighs, otherwise a nice saddle. The frame is light and the bike is otherwise amazing to ride. My S-Works fandom has waned dramatically with the inexplicable choices in the newest version of the frame and accompanying components.

Like riding on a cloud in heaven, I am in love.

Specialized return policy is easy, efficient, and 2nd to none. I ordered accidentally a too small size 56 S-WORKS SL8; then 1 week later returned it via FedEx in the same box and just 5 days later already had the size 58 frame that fits perfectly.

I recently purchased the Specialized SL8 and I'm beyond happy with my decision. I'm an avid cyclist, and have been looking for a bike that is lightweight, comfortable, and offers superior performance. The SL8 is all of those things and more. The lightweight frame along with Sram Force axis groupset make the bike so fast and responsive, and the geometry is comfortable for long rides. I couldn't be more pleased with my purchase. I would highly recommend this bike to anyone looking for a high-performance bike. The SL8 one of the best bike I've ever owned, and I'm sure it will serve me well for many years to come.

Purchased 54cm frame that measured 701g (all bolts removed!) Expected a better result from Specialized