Beautiful Bicycle: Specialized Tarmac SL8 Custom Build
Built around a limited-edition Lucas Beaufort Tarmac SL8 frameset, this Specialized takes a proven race platform and gives it a completely different visual identity. The artist-painted frame, SRAM RED AXS drivetrain, Roval Rapide CLX III wheels, and tan wall tires make this build stand out immediately.
Even on stock colorways, Specialized sets a high standard for paint quality. With this limited-edition release, that attention to finish is pushed in a more expressive direction through artwork from Lucas Beaufort, an artist known for abstraction and work that crosses from skateboarding into cycling. The result is unmistakable, making this one of the most memorable artist-driven limited editions to come through the shop since the Cento Canesio OPEN UPPER from eight years ago.
The Frame
The build is based on the Specialized Tarmac SL8 frameset, which features 10R carbon construction to deliver high-end performance without adding a prohibitive price tag. The frame is designed for day-in, day-out riding, delivering performance across a wide range of roads and conditions. Specialized focused heavily on ride quality when designing this frame, bringing a level of smoothness that sets it apart from past high-end race bikes.
The Drivetrain
To elevate the performance even further, this bike is equipped with the premium SRAM RED AXS drivetrain, giving the bike a clean look with quick, precise shifting at every actuation. The SRAM power meter carbon crankset is exceptionally light, reducing weight while still providing important metrics for training and race days. The 12-speed cassette offers range with a high top-end, helping maximize speed when the pace picks up. The SRAM RED brakes and levers offer ergonomic comfort and strong braking performance, keeping the focus on the road ahead.
Wheels and Tires
The new Roval Rapide CLX III wheelset is a natural choice for a performance-focused Tarmac build. The wheelset goes against the status quo, with the front wheel being deeper than the rear, which, according to Roval, improves stability, acceleration, and handling on race day. The hubs are a reworked DT Swiss 180 hubset, equipped with premium ceramic bearings to help limit rolling resistance. Tan wall Specialized Cotton tires finish the build with a supple ride feel and a classic look.
Touch Points
Finishing out the build are some of the most important parts: the touch points. The reworked 3D-printed Selle Italia SLR Boost saddle provides support and comfort, and is the only major non-Specialized-family part on the bike. The Roval Rapide cockpit with Supacaz bar tape finishes off the build, providing comfort and control through long days in the saddle.
Learn More
Interested in building your own Specialized Tarmac, or something uniquely yours?
We’d love to help.
📍 Visit: our Salt Lake City or Park City locations
📞 Call: 801-364-0344
📧 Email: info@contenderbicycles.com
The Build
| Frameset | Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL8 LTD Frameset - Lucas Beaufort |
| Groupset | SRAM RED AXS E1 |
| Crankset | SRAM RED AXS Power Meter Crankset E1 | 165mm |
| Gearing | 48/35t Chainring, 10-33t Cassette |
| Brakes | SRAM RED E1 |
| Wheelset | Roval Rapide CLX III |
| Tires | Specialized Cotton TLR Racing Tire, Tan Sidewall | 700 x 30 |
| Handlebars/Cockpit | Roval Alpinist Cockpit II | 110 x 420mm |
| Bar Tape | Supacaz Super Sticky Kush Gravel Tape | Black + Black Star Plugz |
| Saddle | Selle Italia SLR 3D Carbon Saddle |
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