Both the Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL8 and the Cannondale SuperSix EVO are top-tier road bikes designed for performance. The Tarmac SL8 emphasizes aerodynamic gains and stiffness-to-weight, while the SuperSix EVO balances aerodynamics, stiffness, and compliance. The choice depends on rider preference and priorities.
| Attribute | Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL8 | Cannondale SuperSix EVO |
|---|---|---|
| Frame Material (Carbon Fiber Grade) | FACT 12r carbon fiber (S-Works). 10r carbon (Pro and Expert models) | LAB71 (Series 0 carbon construction), Hi-MOD (high-modulus carbon fiber, ~810g), EVO Carbon (intermediate modulus fibers, ~915g), BallisTec carbon (Japanese fabric with hot-melt resin) |
| Aerodynamic Efficiency (Watt Savings) | Saves 16.6 seconds over 40km compared to the SL7. 80% of aero improvement from Roval Rapide one-piece cockpit (4 watts saved vs two-piece bar/stem) | Saves 12 watts at 45 km/h compared to previous generation. Faster than Trek Emonda SLR (by 12 watts) and Specialized Tarmac SL7 (by 4 watts). Aero gains from tube shapes, dropped seatstays, and integrated design. Additional 2 watts saved with aero bottles/cages. KN system saves ~9 watts compared to round bar/stem. |
| Weight (Frame Only) | 685 grams (size 56cm). Complete bikes can weigh as little as 6.62 kg (14 lb, 9.5 oz) | LAB71: ~770g (painted, 56cm). Hi-MOD: ~810g (painted, 56cm). EVO Carbon: ~915g. 2020 HiMod 58cm disc frameset: 1710g (without handlebars/stem). |
| Stiffness-to-Weight Ratio | 33% improvement compared to the SL7 | Designed for exceptional strength and stiffness while remaining light. |
| Geometry (Stack and Reach) | World Championship proven. Identical to SL7. Stack: 565mm, Reach: 395mm (size 56mm) | Racier geometry, later models with taller stack. 2022 Base (51): Stack 504mm, Reach 370mm. 2022 Base (54): Stack 519mm, Reach 374mm. 2022 SE (54): Stack 515mm, Reach 365mm. 2022 SE (56): Stack 535mm, Reach 371mm. |
| Component Group (Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 vs SRAM Red eTap AXS) | Offered with Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 or SRAM Red eTap AXS | Shimano Dura-Ace Di2, SRAM Red eTap AXS, Shimano 105 Di2, SRAM Force AXS 12-speed (with integrated power meter) |
| Wheelset (Rim Depth and Material) | Roval Rapide CLX II, tubeless-ready. Rim depth: 51mm front / 60mm rear | Hollowgram carbon wheels. Hollowgram R-SL 50 (50mm, DT Swiss 240 EXP, ~1532g). Hollowgram R-S 50 (fast all-around). Hollowgram 45 R Carbon (base model of R-SL 50). DT-Swiss R470 (aluminum). |
| Tire Clearance (Maximum Tire Width) | 32mm | Official: 30mm (6mm space each side). Some fit 34mm. SuperSix EVO SE: up to 45mm. |
| Bottom Bracket Type | BSA threaded bottom bracket | BSA 68mm threaded (simpler serviceability). Previous models: Press-fit BB30. |
| Integrated Cockpit (Adjustability) | S-Works models use the Roval Rapide one-piece carbon cockpit. 15 different bar and stem combinations available. | Integrated cable routing, Delta Steerer tube. KN stem/SAVE handlebar (8-degree pitch adjustability, stem/bar can be swapped). Conceal Stem (integration, fits any handlebar). |
| Power Meter Integration | Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 models include a 4iiii Precision Pro dual-sided power meter. SRAM Red eTap AXS models include a power meter in the spider. | SRAM Force AXS 12-speed group with integrated power meter on some models (e.g., SuperSix EVO 1). |
| Warranty | Lifetime warranty against structural defects to the original owner (frames and Roval wheels, registered within 90 days). Other Specialized-branded products (paint, graphics): 2-year warranty | Frame: Lifetime (original owner, registration required). Swing arms/chainstays/seatstays/shock links: 5 years. Paint/decals: 1 year. Cannondale components: 1 year. Non-Cannondale components: Manufacturer's warranty. |
| Price | Not available | Not available |