Per
@pearl 's request because we are buddies
This is no way intended to be a full comparison. I'll do a deeper dive video maybe later this week.
VB-268 versus Tarmac SL8 ProSimilarities -Wheels: Craft Racing Works CS5060
-Tires: GP5000s 28 Clinchers. TPU tubes
-Groupset: Sram Force eTap 1x
-Saddle: Specialized/S-Works Power 143
Differences-The frame geometry is essentially the same for both, but the reach on my 268 is a tad shorter due to the integrated handlebars. I'm also using an extra spacer on my 268 so the stack height is a tad taller too. But does make easier for an aero hoods position.
My Initial Thoughts-Those CRW wheels do a decent job of masking some of imperfections on the 268. And they should because they are
expensive. They are my best set of wheels in my rotation so it makes sense. 50mm front, 60mm rear, 1300g.
-I cannot get around the fact that the 268 (like all sub $800 frames I've tested) suffers instability from the rear triangle when the frame is disrupted over bad pavement. Not the worse frame I've test in this regard, but not even CRW wheels can fully save it.
-The acceleration on the SL8 is
immediate. Both in the saddle and out. Not a single watt is wasted. While the 268 does not feel like a noddle compared to the 168, the power transfer isn't 100% instant. Again, something common at this price point. The SL8 manages to be very comfortable without compromising stiffness at all. The 268's comfort comes at the price of some stiffness loss.
Two Main and Most Important Differences-The CRW wheels suffer from crosswind instability (>15mph winds) due to how light they are for the depth. This has been an issue when paired with my Giant Propel and Tavelo Attack. Sadly crosswind instability is similar on the 268. However, the SL8 is the only frame I've tested that is very stable with these wheels. Even descending. Wind tunnel engineering? Snake oil? Who knows...
-The SL8's ability to sustain any given speed is noticeable. Very very noticeable. The way it just floats over bad pavement. 100 mile ride or 35mph townline sprint, it's all-day comfort and speed no matter what. At the risk using "bro science" I'd reckon the SL8 is around 3 to 4 mph faster at 250 watts.
I wont even get into fit & finish, warranty, local support, and brand cache. Or just how freaking light the SL8 is for a non S-Works. It really comes down to individual rider style and what you value in a frameset. For myself...despite the Giant Propel, Winspace T1500, and Tavelo Attack, all of which are excellent, the SL8 has pretty much been a revelation for me. So much that I don't even know which premium brand to test next because I just can't imagine any frame being as superb as the SL8.
