Beautiful Bicycle: Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL8, Team SD Worx - Protime

Now in its third edition, the 2025 Tour de France Femmes kicks off this weekend, with the nascent women's race quickly becoming a fitting foil and complement to the men's edition (which is slated to wrap up on Sunday, with 3-time Tour winner Tadej Pogačar widely expected to claim his 4th yellow jersey).

GC contenders aside, a topic of debate here at Contender has been which Femmes team will be on the most striking, charismatic rig at this year's race?

Feel free to disagree in the comments (no really), but our money is on the Specialized Tarmac SL8 Protime edition, the trusted bike of Team SD Worx - Protime (aka, the most dominant team in women’s pro cycling). Bold as their riding, this bike—which is available as a frame-only option from Specialized—is lit in cherry red, punchy pink, and burnt orange, with a pixel-fade dot pattern that screams speed and panache before the pedals ever turn.

For Contender’s latest Beautiful Bicycle custom build, this customer started with the SL8 Protime frameset, and finished with a race-ready, gorgeous bike, poised to turn heads and grab podiums. From the vibrant colors and honeycomb detailing to the “WRITE OUR STORY” and “RIDE TOGETHER. WIN TOGETHER.” decals, this bike isn’t just a replica—it’s a tribute.

Frameset | WorldTour Pedigree, Rider-First Fit

The S-Works SL8 is as fast and refined as they come—engineered around Specialized’s lightest, most advanced carbon layup (FACT 12r) and shaped for pure aerodynamic efficiency. What makes this edition special, of course, is the Protime-exclusive paint and branding. And while the visual impact speaks for itself, it’s worth noting that this frameset isn’t just team issue in looks. From the aggressive geometry to the rider-first tube shaping, it's every bit the WorldTour weapon, built for serious speed and attention to detail.

Drivetrain | Ultegra Di2, Race-Ready Reliability

Shimano’s 12-speed Ultegra Di2 groupset, considered by many to be the gold standard for road riding, was chosen for its ideal balance of real-world durability and pro-level precision. Paired with 50/34 chainrings and an 11–34 cassette, this SL8 is geared for fast rolling flats and steep canyon climbs alike. Shifts are lightning fast, wireless, and nearly silent—a perfect match for the quiet confidence this build radiates.

Wheels | ENVE SES 4.5 for Utah-Speed and Beyond

Deep, fast, and engineered just north of Contender in Ogden, Utah, the ENVE SES 4.5 wheelset elevates this build with aerodynamic efficiency and confident handling in crosswinds. Matched to ENVE’s 29c SES tubeless tires, the setup hits the sweet spot for grip, rolling speed, and modern road comfort—whether you're chasing breakaways or your next personal best.

Cockpit | Integrated and Aggressive

This SL8 runs an integrated Roval Rapide cockpit (420mm wide, 100mm long), delivering a low-slung front end and sharp handling. It’s wrapped in Ciclovation advanced leather bar tape for a refined feel and extra control on high-speed descents. With Shimano’s Di2 sprint buttons tucked beneath the bar tops, it's all go, no wires, and zero distractions.

Finishing Details | Light, Fast, and Functional

The saddle is a Specialized Power with carbon rails, paired to the proprietary zero-offset SL8 seatpost for efficient positioning and just enough flex to stay comfortable over long mileage.

Learn More

Looking to build your own Tour-worthy dream bike? We'd love to help. Drop by the shop any time, send us a message, or give us a call at (801) 364-0344. 

Build Spec