The Tarmac SL8 Expert is unbeatable in speed. Its advanced aerodynamics and lightweight construction provide a ride quality that once seemed unattainable. After eight generations and over twenty years of development, it is not just the fastest Tarmac ever produced—it’s the fastest racing bike in the world. Are you ready? Aerodynamics and low weight alone do not determine race outcomes—what matters at the finish line is speed. Achieving race-speed requires a specific balance of aerodynamics, lightness, stiffness, and compliance. Our Ride Science Team discovered through racing simulations with real data that the Tarmac SL8 is the fastest racing bike ever built on critical courses. It’s a remarkable 16.6 seconds faster over 40 km, 128 seconds quicker in Milano–Sanremo, and 20 seconds faster on the Tourmalet. AERO-AVANTGARDE: For us, aerodynamics focus on surfaces that truly matter, not just those that look best. With this philosophy, we've crafted our most aerodynamic racing bike ever. Yes, it is more aerodynamic than the Venge. The newly designed head tube of the Tarmac SL8 maintains airflow more effectively, as its front surface tapers to a sharper point. We call it the Speed Sniffer, and this streamlined cross-section of the head tube generates significantly less drag. Additionally, in line with the new UCI regulations for the Tarmac SL8, we developed the narrowest and most aerodynamic Specialized seatpost ever, allowing turbulent air to cleanly flow around the legs. It’s a bike designed for victory. MINIMAL WEIGHT, MAXIMUM AERO: The Tarmac SL8 leverages insights from the Aethos development, effortlessly reaching the UCI weight limit with a complete aero setup. Our team engineered an incredible frame weighing just 685 grams—15% lighter than the Tarmac SL7 and lighter than all other World Tour bikes. While Kasper Asgreen rode our Aethos, which has a frame weight of only 585 grams, that is somewhat of an exception. The new technical advancements enabled us to optimize the weight of the down tube, seat tube, and rear end on the Tarmac, as the new frame shape distributes loads so efficiently that additional layers of carbon for added stiffness are no longer necessary.