Description
Specialized Tarmac SL8 Expert Ultegra Di2 Road Bike 2026
The Specialized Tarmac SL8 is the fastest road bike in the world, bringing together aerodynamics, lightweight construction and exceptional ride quality in a way previously thought impossible. After eight generations and more than twenty years of refinement, it is built to deliver pure speed.
Specialized Aerodynamics
Aerodynamics are focused where they matter most, at the leading edge. The new Speed Sniffer nose cone sharpens the head tube for reduced drag, while a redesigned seatpost uses updated UCI rules to optimise airflow around the rider’s legs. The result is Specialized’s most aerodynamic road bike ever, even faster than the Venge.
Tarmac lightweight construction
Drawing inspiration from the Aethos, the Tarmac SL8 achieves a frame weight of just 685 g, making it 15 percent lighter than the Tarmac SL7 and the lightest aero frame on the World Tour. Its efficient load-bearing design reduces the need for excess carbon layers, ensuring strength while minimising weight.
Specialized Tarmac Ride quality
With a 33 percent improvement in stiffness-to-weight over the SL7, the Tarmac SL8 offers sharper handling and greater precision at the bars, while increased compliance ensures all-day comfort. Rider-First Engineering guarantees the same exceptional performance across all sizes, and 32 mm tyre clearance provides added versatility.
Designed to deliver equal performance benefits to every rider, the Tarmac SL8 moves beyond gender-specific bikes to create one platform that works for all.
The Tarmac SL8 Expert Di2 is equipped with a Shimano Ultegra Di2 groupset for smooth electronic shifting, C38 carbon tubeless ready wheels, and an SL7 stem paired with Specialized Expert Shallow Drop alloy handlebars, delivering uncompromising performance in an accessible build.
Technical Specification
| Frame | Tarmac SL8 FACT 10r Carbon, Rider First Engineered, Win Tunnel Engineered, Clean Routing, threaded BB, 12x142 mm thru axle, flat mount disc |
| Fork | FACT 10r Carbon, 12x100 mm thru axle, flat mount disc |
| Front brake | Shimano Ultegra hydraulic |
| Rear brake | Shimano Ultegra hydraulic |
| Crankset | Shimano Ultegra R81000 |
| Front derailleur | Shimano Ultegra R8150, braze-on |
| Rear derailleur | Shimano Ultegra Di2 R8150, 12 speed |
| Bottom bracket | Shimano threaded BSA |
| Chain | Shimano XT M8100, 12 speed with quick link |
| Cassette | Shimano Ultegra, 12 speed, 11-30T |
| Shift levers | Shimano Ultegra R8170, hydraulic disc |
| Front wheel | Roval C38, 21 mm internal width carbon rim |
| Rear wheel | Roval C38, 21 mm internal width carbon rim |
| Front tyre | S-Works Turbo, 120 TPI, folding bead, BlackBelt protection, 700x26 mm |
| Rear tyre | S-Works Turbo, 120 TPI, folding bead, BlackBelt protection, 700x26 mm |
| Inner tubes | Turbo Ultralight, 48 mm Presta valve |
| Saddle | Body Geometry Power Expert |
| Seatpost | S-Works Tarmac SL8 Carbon, FACT Carbon, 15 mm offset |
| Stem | Tarmac integrated stem, 6 degree |
| Seat binder | Tarmac integrated wedge |
| Handlebars | Specialized Expert Shallow Drop, alloy, 125 mm drop x 75 mm reach |
| Handlebar tape | Supacaz Super Sticky Kush |
| Headset | Stem headset spacers kit for SL7 stem and Roval Rapide cockpit use |
| Claimed Weight | 7.18 kg (15 lb 13.3 oz) |
| Weight size | 56 |
Built, Checked, Tuned and Tested
All our bikes are fully built, checked, tuned and tested by our Cytech qualified mechanics and then securely packaged, ready for delivery. All you have to do is add the pedals (if included), attach the handlebars to the stem and tighten them following the included detailed instructions or by watching our video and using the provided FREE tools. Visit our Bike Assembly page to see how you assemble your new bike once you receive it.
All bikes collected from our shop, are built, tested and ready to ride. For hassle-free home delivery and bike set-up from a qualified mechanic use our Premier Delivery Service.
Please note, occasionally, manufacturers may change the specification without notice. Bicycles do not come with pedals unless otherwise specified. Bikes ordered for delivery will not arrive with the pedals installed, please refer to the owners manual and pedal installation guides provided for guidance. We do not install accessories to bikes, including mudguards. Bikes ordered for delivery that have tubeless compatible tyres and rims will arrive with inner tubes installed or with tubeless valves installed, this will be brand dependent. Sealant is available to be purchased separately.
If you require any assistance please contact our Customer Care team.
Size Guide
Specialized Tarmac SL8 Expert Road Bike 2026 Sizing
Delivery & Returns
Reviews
Unable to display Reviews due to Privacy Settings.
Adjust your Cookie Preferences to Opt-in "YES" to "Functional Cookies".
Q&A
Unable to display Q&A due to Privacy Settings.
Adjust your Cookie Preferences to Opt-in "YES" to "Functional Cookies".
Why buy your bike from Sigma Sports?
Don't hesitate to reach out to us. It's our goal to answer all of your questions and offer the best advice from our experts. We’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have. Contact us now or visit us in-store.
Save up to 42% with any one of our 11 Cycle to Work partners, and get the health benefits of a new bike in exchange for tax free salary sacrifice. To find out more about our various partners and how to apply click here.
Choose between Free Bike Delivery - to your home or place of work - or our new Premier Bike Delivery Service £99.99 and have your bike delivered "ready to ride" and set up to your measurements with seatpost and pedals adjusted on arrival by a qualified bike mechanic. Either way, our Customer Care team will be in touch to arrange a delivery date to suit you.
We've partnered with Laka to offer you 30 days free bike Insurance on your new bike purchase over £400. Click here for more info and find out how to claim.