As Specialized celebrates its 50th Anniversary, they proudly reflect on the innovations that have inspired riders worldwide. Their vision for the next 50 years is embodied in the Specialized Tarmac SL8 Forward 50 LTD Road Bike, a testament to their commitment to advancing cycling technology. This bike, the fastest and most innovative road race bike globally, exemplifies Specialized's dedication to propelling the sport forward.
The Tarmac SL8 features a stunning design. Gold symbolises Specialized's 50-year milestone and their unwavering passion for improving lives through cycling. The pink pays homage to the historic Team Stumpjumper and Specialized's rebellious racing spirit. With only 250 units available worldwide, this bike represents the pinnacle of their "innovate or die" philosophy that has driven Specialized for five decades.
These exclusive bikes come equipped with top-tier components, including Rapide CLX II Team wheels, an S-Works Power with Mirror saddle, and an S-Works Tarmac SL8 seatpost, all custom-painted to match the frame. The inclusion of Turbo clinchers, a Rapide cockpit, a Shimano Dura-Ace 12-speed group, and Ceramic Speed bearings ensures these bikes perform as impressively as they look.
The Tarmac SL8 is engineered with the understanding that speed is paramount, combining aerodynamics, lightweight construction, stiffness, and compliance. Specialized's Ride Science team's real-world race simulations confirm that the Tarmac SL8 is the fastest race bike ever, saving 16.6 seconds over 40km, 128 seconds over Milan-San Remo, and 20 seconds over the iconic Tourmalet climb.
Specialized prioritise aerodynamics where it matters most, the leading edge. Their innovative design includes the new Speed Sniffer nose cone, making the Tarmac SL8 their most aerodynamic road bike ever. By moving the steer tube back, Specialized achieved a sharper, lower-drag head tube shape. Utilising new UCI rules, they designed the narrowest, most aerodynamic seat post yet, ensuring optimal airflow and reduced drag.
Minimum weight, maximum aero. Inspired by the Aethos, the Tarmac SL8 boasts a lightweight frame at 685g, 15% lighter than the SL7. The efficient load distribution of the frame's shape eliminates the need for extra carbon stiffness layers. This innovation allows for a fully aero setup while meeting the UCI weight limit.
With a 33% improvement in stiffness-to-weight ratio over the SL7, the Tarmac SL8 enhances handling, responsiveness, and ride comfort. Thanks to Rider-First Engineering, all riders experience the same exceptional ride quality. The bike offers 6% more compliance, providing a smooth ride over rough roads, and features the proven geometry and 32mm tyre clearance of the SL7 for versatility.
Recognising that individual rider differences surpass gender distinctions, the Tarmac SL8 is designed for every cyclist. Specialized reject outdated gender-specific models, ensuring that every rider benefits from the advanced performance of the Tarmac SL8. It's time to go Beyond Gender.