Choice of 3 specialized road bikes

[L14M]

Just got asked a very good question.. . What about winter?
I won't be buying a second bike and right in thinking none of these accept mudguards or anything?
Hmmm

You can fit mudguards, which ones fit tho im not sure !!

 

[Whiz]

What if I Chucked this into the mix?
http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Specialized-Crux-Elite-2013_56044.htm

 

[Broadside]

I've got a Secteut and a Tarmac, the clearances under the brakes for putting Crud Road Racer mudguards are ar better on the Tarmac. Or you could put something like SKS Racebladrs on there, or just go without.

BTW the Tarmac is the far better bike and can be setup to be just about as comfortable as the Secteur, the frame reduces road buzz and is more compliant in the right areas as Mr H says, it is a no-contest from my point of view.

 

[L14M]

Yep, the tarmac looks like a great bike! People ride all through the winter on 23mm tyres
Or you could fit slightly larger 25mm tyres which roll a tad slower but give you more grip!
Liam

 

[Whiz]

Thanks guys.
Who'd have thought buying a bike could be such a minefield!
Tarmac with crud rr on is the way forward :-)

 

[jowwy]

Yep, the tarmac looks like a great bike! People ride all through the winter on 23mm tyres
Or you could fit slightly larger 25mm tyres which roll a tad slower but give you more grip!
Liam

why would running 25mm tyres make you roll slower?? have you got any data to prove this??

 

[vickster]

I seem to remember reading the opposite is true, or there is no difference

 

[ianrauk]

I have just swapped over to 25's from 23's on my commute bike and have certainly not noticed any difference. Slower or faster.

In fact I think I remember reading somewhere saying that pro riders are now or have moved to 25's.

 

[Rob3rt]

For the rider who isn't looking to save every last watt, 2mm is hardly going to make any real world difference, either to comfort, grip or speed! 23mm are marginally lighter. I can't tell the difference. I ride 23mm year round. 22mm on my race bike (because it matches the profile of my wheels best).

 

[400bhp]

Honest opinion, for me the lower end of the Specialized bike spectrum offer poor value for money.

 

[Rob3rt]

Honest opinion, for me the lower end of the Specialized bike spectrum offer prro value for money.

I agree generally speaking!

 

[LimeBurn]

I think the current trend is that 25mm are lower rolling resistance, and yes 2mm doesn't seem a massive difference but if you look at percentages its nearly 10% difference so maybe a little more noticable than at first seems apparent. The extra volume also makes a noticeable difference to comfort.

 

[Whiz]

I

Honest opinion, for me the lower end of the Specialized bike spectrum offer poor value for money.

I don't understand the relevance. Are you applying this statement to all 3 bikes or one in particular?
Is £1200 for a bike really lower end?

 

[400bhp]

Yes, for Specialized that is lower end.

 

[Rob3rt]

I think the current trend is that 25mm are lower rolling resistance, and yes 2mm doesn't seem a massive difference but if you look at percentages its nearly 10% difference so maybe a little more noticable than at first seems apparent. The extra volume also makes a noticeable difference to comfort.

It is not as simple as that. A 23mm tyre and a 25mm tyre when seated on the same rim will not take the same shape!

This noticeable difference to comfort is something I am yet to experience!

The optimum rolling resistance of a type will depend on the rim it is fitted to, therefore it cannot be said that 25mm has lower rolling resistance then 23mm.

All of this ignores the aerodynamic interplay between tyre and rim which will again vary with tyre and rim choice and may trump any rolling resistance savings!