“Get your Special Sock out” 😂 S-Works Tarmac SL8

I finally got around to building a SL8. Mostly built to replace my Giant TCR as the main climbing bike. This was a super fun build project. 

All my parts were chosen with my fit needs and preferences in mind, not the absolute lightest parts available. I also needed some durability in the wheelset so unfortunately Extralites had to get ruled out. 

Some key bits/attention to detail to note: 

• Handlebars- I chose a Darimo Flared handlebar for better ergonomics in the tops and downhill stability in the drops. 
• Chainring- Went with a 46t to drop weight and since this is a climbing build I wanted something I could tackle insane gradients with whilst being 1x.
• Brake hose bushings for less cable rattle as they enter the frame.
• Titanium bolts have replaced all stock bolts to lighten it up but bring more silver to the bike. Yes, even the SRAM brake caliper bolts were swapped from black to silver. 
• Did not install the seatpost rubber cover- personally I find it distracting 
• Removed rubber bleed port gaskets from brake calipers as they don’t actually do much. 
• Added two layers of bar tape where bars make contact with top tube to deaden impact if bars swing too far.
• Used marine Silcone to “bond” front derailleur cover to frame. 
• 3D printed an adapter for the Alpitude computer mount so it lays flat and in line with the handlebars top edge.
• 10-28 cassette for normal days
• 10-36 for crazy climbing days (15-30%) 

About the rider (me): 

5’5” (165cm) woman , long legs – 33.5 (85cm) inseam, 4.4 w/kg. Been riding competitively since 2015 and loving it! 🥰

About the bike: 

^{Specialized Tarmac S-Works SL8 ( 52cm}) 

^{Weight: 13lbs ( 5.9kg})

^{Colorway: Gloss Glacial Metallic} 

^{Groupset: SRAM red e1 12 speed. Crank arms 167.5}

^{SRAM dub crank arm hole covers: Neat Components // 1.84 grams}

^{Chainring : Gemini Rigel 46T // 98.9 grams}

^{Wheelset: CRW ( Craft racing works} 50/60 // 1,251 grams)

^{Tires: Continental gp5000 s tr 30mm}

^{Brake rotors: Galfer wave road 160mm Front / 140mm Rear} 

^{Front brake mount adapter: Ti Parts 3D printed titanium // 5.65 grams}

^{Thru-axles: RideNow Titanium // 25.64 grams}

^{Handlebar: Darimo Nexum Drag 400mm flared (reinforced} // 273.29 grams)

^{Computer Mount: Alpitude with 3d printed spacer // 25.49 grams}

^{Bar end plugs: CarbonWorks // 1.59 grams}

^{Handlebar stem adapter: Dulight // 4.67 grams}

^{Steerer expander and cap: Schmolke TLO carbon // 15.49 grams}

^{Seatpost: Darimo 350 mm // 110.35 grams}

^{Saddle: Specialized S-Works mimic 155 // 169.55 grams}

^{Swat Garmin Varia adapter: 3D printed from Etsy // 15.81 grams}

^{Carbon Fiber shifter clamps: // 12.16 grams}

^{Bottle cages: Alpitude Superleggero // 19.7 grams}

^{Rear Derailleur hanger: Silca 3D printed Titanium // 12.84 grams}

^{Silca waxed chain}

^{Silca Gen 2 sealant}

^{Titanium bolts: BetterBolts}