Dat paint!
MagCAD computer mount.
6.85kg as pictured (but since put lighter Galfer rotors and Absolute Black lockrings on).
Nervousness, paranoia, anxiety, buyers remorse, just some of the things I’ve been feeling the past few days, but really happy to say that my SL8 got to me earlier today without issues!
The shop (PedalHeads in QLD) and delivery people were so awesome, giving me updates along the way. The delivery people didn’t even want to be mentioned as they’re apparently too busy as it is and are not at all looking for more work!
A sticker on the bike suggests the bike was born on the 8th of May 2024 (nice!). The paint is amazing in real life (it’s well known that Specialized never seem to capture their paint jobs in their press photos). So much detail up close, and even more when it’s under the sun.
The bike came with a Roval computer mount (I have one on my Allez, it’s a solid unit). I didn’t know it was going to come with one and had ordered a 3D printed MagCAD computer mount. The Roval mount weighs in at 52g, and the MagCAD weighs in at 18g so I’ve decided to remove the Roval and install the MagCAD one.
Owning and dialling in the fit on my SL6 (also a size 52) was a blessing as it’s made setting up the SL8 a breeze. The SL8 came with a 15mm offset seatpost which I’ve replaced with an S-Works 0 offset seatpost and the bike setup is now pretty close to my SL6 (5mm longer reach as the Roval cockpit on my SL8 has a 115mm stem).
Sadly the 0mm offset seatpost is pretty porky at 173g (the 15mm setback post was 141g). I’ll most likely look into either a Hylix, or Darimo, or Alpitude seatpost at some point down the line, but for now this 0 setback seatpost is doing it’s job.
The S-Works Power with Mirror saddle looks super wide and it’s heavy at 203g. I’ve got to at least test it out though, who knows? It may kill me with comfort.
Issues: I’ve read of a lot of owners with a gap between the headset dust cover and frame, and yup, mine has it. I’ve also read of people complaining about the top cap bolt not fitting flush, and yup, mine has that too, but worst of all I’ve read of SL8 owners noticing that their front wheel isn’t dead centre, happy to say I do not have this issue.
Locked in to go for a ride tomorrow morning. Can’t wait!
SPECS:
2025 S-Works Tarmac SL8 (Size 52)
Gloss Dove Grey / Silver Dust Blurred Impasto / Black Pearl
Brake Rotors: Galfer E1 160mm/140mm (97g/79g)
Brake Pads: Absolute Black Graphen (40g)
Shift Levers: SRAM RED E1
Derailleurs: SRAM RED E1
Cassette: SRAM RED 10-33t
Chain: SRAM RED E1
Crankset: SRAM RED E1 with Power Meter 165mm
Chainrings: SRAM Red E1 48/35
Pedals: Xpedo Thrust SL Titanium (165g)
Bottom Bracket: SRAM DUB BSA 68
Front Wheel: Roval Rapide CLX II 51mm
Rear Wheel: Roval Rapide CLX II 60mm
Tyres: S-works Turbo Rapidair 2BR 700x26mm
Inner Tubes: Specialized Turbo Ultralight 60mm Front, 80mm Rear
Lockrings: Absolute Black (10g)
Stem: Roval Rapide Cockpit 380mm/115mm
Tape: Supacaz Super Sticky Kush
Saddle: Specialized S-Works Power with Mirror (203g)
Seatpost: S-Works 0mm offset (173g)
Computer Mount: MagCAD (18g)
Bottle Cage: S-Works Carbon Rib Cage III (24g)
WEIGHT: 6.75kg