Bicycles: Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL8 vs. Lectric XP 3.0

Quick Verdict

The Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL8 is a top-tier road bike for serious cyclists who prioritize performance and are willing to pay a premium. The Lectric XP 3.0 is a budget-friendly and versatile e-bike suitable for commuting and recreational riding, offering electric assistance and foldability at an affordable price.

The Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL8 is a high-performance road bike focused on lightweight and stiffness, while the Lectric XP 3.0 is a folding e-bike designed for versatility and convenience.
The Tarmac SL8 uses premium carbon fiber and top-tier components, resulting in a very lightweight bike, while the XP 3.0 uses aluminum and features a motor and battery, making it significantly heavier.
The Tarmac SL8 excels in climbing and offers a comfortable ride, but it's expensive and lacks some customization options. The XP 3.0 offers electric assistance, foldability, and a much lower price point, but it has some concerns about build quality and requires regular brake tuning.

Key features – Side-by-Side

Attribute	Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL8	Lectric XP 3.0
Name	Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL8	Lectric XP 3.0
Frame Material	S-Works Tarmac SL8 frames use FACT 12r carbon fiber. Second-tier models use FACT 10r carbon.	6061 aluminum, folding
Weight	S-Works frame: ~685 grams (size 56cm). Complete S-Works bikes: as little as 6.62 kg (14 lb, 9.5 oz). Some builds hit 6.57kg (14.5 pounds) in size 52. FACT 10r carbon frames: ~780 grams.	62 lbs. Total bike weight is 64lbs with the 7lb battery installed. 64 lb
Groupset	Typically Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 or SRAM Red AXS. Other options include Shimano Ultegra Di2, SRAM Force AXS, and SRAM Rival AXS on lower-tier models.	7-speed Shimano, 11-28 freewheel
Wheelset	Roval Rapide CLX II, tubeless-ready. Some models come with Roval Rapide CL II or C38 wheels.	Not specified
Tire Size	Comes with 26mm tires. Compatible with tires up to 32mm. Some reviews mention the ability to fit up to 35mm tires.	20 x 3 inches. Some sources say 20 x 4-inch fat tires
Motor Power (for e-bikes)	Not available	500W nominal, 1000W peak. Produces 55Nm of torque
Battery Capacity (for e-bikes)	Not available	48V, 499Wh lithium-ion. Standard 48V 10.4 Ah UL Tested; Long Range 48V 14 Ah UL Tested
Range (for e-bikes)	Not available	28 – 44 miles real-world testing. Up to 45 mi. Long Range: Up to 65 miles
Brake Type	Hydraulic disc brakes (Shimano Dura-Ace R9270 or SRAM Red AXS)	Hydraulic disc brakes with 180mm rotors
Suspension	None. Rigid frame and fork.	Front suspension fork with 50mm travel
Foldability	Not available	Yes
Price	$12,000 - $14,000 (complete S-Works models), $3,999.99 to $5,499.99 (framesets)	$999

Overall Comparison

Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL8: ~685g (frame), $12,000 - $14,000 (complete); Lectric XP 3.0: 62 lbs, $999, 28-44 mile range.

Pros and Cons

Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL8

Pros:

Lightweight and stiff frame for efficient power transfer
Comfortable for long rides due to rear compliance
Reliable stopping power with hydraulic disc brakes
High build quality with top-of-the-line components
Versatile handling on various terrains

Cons:

Expensive
Limited handlebar options
Di2 integration issues reported
No custom-build program offered by Specialized

Lectric XP 3.0

Pros:

Can climb hills with relative ease
Excellent acceleration and hill climbing power
Comfortable with a low step-thru frame and large range of seat and handlebar adjustment
Ultimate stopping power with 180mm hydraulic disc brakes offers peace of mind in wet or dry conditions
Easy to fold
Good reliability and feature set
Tires built for roads and trails
Increased traction and dampening
Versatile to a wider range of surfaces
Smooth power delivery and efficient energy use

Cons:

Getting used to the setup initially can be a bit tricky
Some concerns about build quality in earlier feedback
Mechanical disc brakes, requiring fairly regular tuning to maintain good braking performance

User Experiences and Feedback

Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL8

What Users Love

Effortless on climbs due to low weight
Smoother ride on long rides and bumpy roads
Good ergonomics
Well-rounded, high-performance superbike
Considered a "Best Buy" due to its versatility and performance

Common Complaints

Might not have the explosive acceleration of some competitors
Limited handlebar options and Di2 integration
No custom-build program offered

Value Perception

Considered a well-rounded, high-performance superbike

User Recommendations

"Best Buy" due to its versatility and performance

Lectric XP 3.0

What Users Love

Expanded gear range and available motor torque make pedaling up your local steeps easier than ever
Front suspension fork and suspension seat post really aid comfort, making the bike really comfortable on paved roads and lighter dirt paths
The Lectric XP 3.0 is considered to be the top bang-for-your-buck electric bike because of its surprisingly good reliability and feature set

Common Complaints

No major complaints reported.

Value Perception

The Lectric XP 3.0 is widely considered to be the top bang-for-your-buck electric bike.

User Recommendations

Real-world testing yielded a range of 44.25 miles in PAS 1 and 28.61 miles in PAS 5.
The standard battery offers a dependable range of up to 45 miles in Pedal Assist System Mode 1 and up to 20 miles in throttle-only mode.
The long-range battery extends the range to up to 65 miles in Pedal Assist System Mode 1 and up to 30 miles in throttle-only mode.
Actual range varies with rider weight, terrain, wind, and other factors.
It measures 37″L x 18″W x 28″H when folded.
The XP has five levels of pedal assistance to support your pedaling efforts, increasing from 1 to 5.
The Lectric Pedal Assist Wattage Regulation (PWR) enhances the ride by providing smooth power delivery and efficient energy use.