Working at Biking Weekly is an plain privilege. As a member of the Tech Staff, I’ve been capable of trip greater than 10 superbikes within the final 12 months alone which at all times results in one query – which bike has been your favorite?
Since I first rode the Specialised Tarmac SL8 final 12 months, it has remained my benchmark. Its mix of velocity, responsiveness, consolation, and practicality remains to be unequalled within the race bike market.
Higher nonetheless, maybe the very best mannequin within the vary is now $1500/£1100 off – thanks Black Friday! After all, ‘inexpensive’ is relative, however in a current ballot on the Biking Weekly YouTube channel, the bulk class by a mile was $2500-$5100, and with this deal the Tarmac SL8 Professional is $4,999.99 or £4,400.
The keen-eyed amongst you’ll have observed that I reviewed the range-topping S-works Tarmac over the past 12 months. The excellent news although, is that you just don’t must shell out for the eye-watering S-Works mannequin to expertise what makes this bike so particular. Enter the Specialised Tarmac SL8 Professional, a barely extra inexpensive bundle that also packs loads of punch.
The SL8’s magic begins with the body, and I can confidently say that the trip traits trickle down superbly by the vary. The Professional mannequin makes use of a second-tier FACT 10r carbon body as an alternative of the S-Works’ 12r, however don’t let that idiot you. The burden penalty is minimal, and until you’re counting each gram for a hill climb, you’ll nonetheless really feel that unbelievable stiffness-to-weight stability that makes the SL8 so vigorous.
(Picture credit score: Future)
Add to {that a} succesful SRAM Rival AXS groupset and Roval carbon wheels, and you’ve got a reliable, but wise spec. The 2-piece cockpit won’t have the built-in look of the S-Works’ one-piece bar-stem combo, but it surely’s refreshingly sensible, particularly if you happen to prefer to tweak your match.
What actually units the Tarmac aside – even on the Professional mannequin – is how properly it balances velocity, consolation, and dealing with. Whether or not you’re powering up steep climbs, slicing by rolling terrain, or descending twisty backroads, the SL8 excels throughout the board. Specialised’s claims of elevated compliance are noticeable, making lengthy days within the saddle extra pleasant, even if you happen to’re not racing.
The Tarmac SL8 has at all times been good worth in my view, thanks to simply how properly it performs. However add on this Black Friday deal and it turns into a no brainer if you’re out there for a brand new race bike. There’s no higher time to carry house this top-tier machine with out fully breaking the financial institution.
