MagCAD Specialized Tarmac SL8 Headset Update Kit
A complete headset kit to improve the aesthetics of the Tarmac SL8 when fitted with the Specialized Tarmac SL7 alloy stem.
What's Included
- 1x 6.2mm top bearing cover.
- 1x 5mm headset spacer.
- 2x 10mm headset spacers.
- 1x 4mm "top" spacer (Tarmac SL7 stem adapter)
The Tarmac SL7 stem and stem cover are pictured for reference only and not included.
Overview
This MagCAD headset kit is designed to improve the aesthetics of the Specialized Tarmac SL8 road bike when fitted with the Tarmac SL7 alloy stem, removing the stepping and overhangs that the stock OEM spacers leave.
The Tarmac SL8 road bike is supplied by Specialized with either their latest Roval Rapide integrated cockpit or the alloy stem carried over from the Tarmac SL7 road bike. For those running the Tarmac SL7 alloy stem you have two OEM spacer choices to date:
- Use the Tarmac SL7 Spacer Kit (code: S222500009) which re-uses the spacer from the Tarmac SL7 but leaves a large step back at the front of the headset stack, above the head tube nose.
- Use the hybrid Roval Rapide Tarmac SL7 Spacer Kit (code: S242500003) which is based around the Rapide spacer design but leaves an overhang at the back of the headset stack to accommodate the Tarmac SL7 stem cover.
Both OEM choices have some compromises to them that impact the overall style of the headset stack and feedback from SL8 owners has been mixed. This MagCAD headset kit is designed from scratch, to replace either of the OEM choices, maintaining clean parallel lines that match the style of the rest of the Tarmac SL8 road bike. No ugly stepping or overhangs.
Application
All MagCAD headset parts are 3D printed in a durable Nylon to ensure they are robust to many years of use. As with any steering related components they should be installed by a competent mechanic and inspected regularly. Incorrect assembly or mis-use may result in damage to the headset components.
The complete headset kit has a total stack height of 35.2mm, including the "top" Tarmac SL7 stem adapter. This is the same as the OEM spacer kits and so is a direct replacement without need to alter your steer length. It also remains within the maximum recommended headset stack height by Specialized, covering most rider setups.
The minimum stack height, for a "slammed" setup, is 10.2mm from top of the split compression ring to underside of the Tarmac SL7 stem. See our CAD drawing for more information.
With all our Tarmac SL8 bearing covers the design has been tweaked to avoid unsightly gaps between bearing cover and frame. Extra care should be taken to ensure the top bearing cover does not contact the frame once fitted and under compression.
Your hydraulic hoses will need splitting to remove the Specialized OEM spacer kit and fit the MagCAD kit. Hoses can then be re-joined and re-bled as per the manufacturers process.
Additional spacers can be purchased separately following the links below:
- MagCAD Specialized Tarmac SL8 Headset Update Spacer - 10mm.
- MagCAD Specialized Tarmac SL8 Headset Update Spacer - 5mm.
Compatible With:
- Specialized Tarmac SL7 alloy stem.
- Specialized Tarmac SL8 road bike.
Specifications
- Weight: 34 grams.
Disclaimer
This product and/or service is not affiliated with, endorsed by or in any way associated with Specialized Bicycle Components Inc. or its products and services. Specialized and their respective logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of Specialized Bicycle Components Inc.