Specialized Tarmac Comp (new pics post #6)

[amnesia]

Not the best shots because the lighting is pants indoors, and there's too much background clutter (so I got arty with a small DOF)

Really need to remove the chain protector off the rear wheel (cos it looks naff), but haven't got a cassette tool. Tempted to just cut it off... how useful are they ?

Also tempted to flip the stem, or remove some of the spacers, but I have had a fitting session and it fits me as it is at the moment...

 

[ianrauk]

gorgeous bike, but a little too much red for me.
A pair of snips will soon sort out the plastic disc,

 

[amnesia]

Thanks Ian... I can feel a butchering coming on tomorrow ;-)

 

[ianrauk]

how's it ride (silly question as I can imagine it's brilliant)

 

[amnesia]

how's it ride (silly question as I can imagine it's brilliant)

Very stiff (ooer). Haven't had a proper ride yet (only picked it up this afternoon) but it was very comfy on the test ride a couple of weeks ago. Looking forwards to hitting the Purbecks at the weekend.


Exactly the same geometry as the S-Works Tarmac, just a different carbon weave. A little heavier, too.

Not sure it's twice the ride of the Boardman Team Carbon I have just sold, but I think I am going to love it all the same. A nice light set of wheels would probably work wonders

 

[amnesia]

Changed a few things... think it looks a lot better now...

Plastic disc thingy removed

New Speedplay Zero stainless pedals

Flipped the stem and reversed the shims - the stem is now horizontal

 

[rich69]

seriously great machine, got me drooling.

 

[Fletch456]

Amnesia - Lovely looking bike I think. Am thinking about test riding one and a Roubaix at the weekend. Agree with the chain guard butchering

It's still only a couple of weeks since you got it now but how are you finding it and enjoying it much more than the Boardman?

How do you find speedplay pedals? I get the odd knee problem and thinking about possibly getting them.

 

[amnesia]

Hi Fletch,

The Spesh is a little heavier than the Boardman, but a lot stiffer, particularly when out of the saddle. It also fits me better and is a lot more comfortable, probably because I had a proper fitting session at the LBS when I picked it up.

Despite the fact that it's stiffer, it seems to ride the road better and absorbs a lot more vibration than the Boardman. The Roubaix must be like riding an armchair

That said, the new 2011 Boardman range looks AWESOME value for money... might be tempted back next year (don't tell the wife

).


Only done around 100 miles so far, but love it to bits

The speedplay pedals are also a breath of fresh air... keep having to check that I am still attached - there is so much float. Will adjust this soon... One thing I will say is that they are very stiff to get into at first. Almost need to stand up on the pedals to clip in, although getting out is easy peasy. Got easier after a few ins and outs though. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, but get the cafe covers if you walk anywhere in the cleats.

 

[iAmiAdam]

Great looking bike, are those tri bars the Tranz x ones?

 

[iendicott]

Great looking bike and this was on my short list. I love the carbon weave they use to finish the frame off.

One question why the Tri bars as this is more of a Sportive frame ?

 

[amnesia]

The tri bars are Deda Parabolica Uno - dirt cheap (and reasonably light) at ribble http://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/sp/ro...a-Uno-Extension-Oversize/DEDAHBAT210000000000

I got them purely because a few people in the group I ride with regularly use them and it is noticeably more aerodynamic than being on the hoods. I find them quite comfortable too.

No idea on the weight - I am guessing around 18lbs. The 105 groupset isn't exactly 'light' but it works perfectly.

 

[Aperitif]

You changed all that... and the curtains remain untouched?

Nice bike.

 

[amnesia]

You changed all that... and the curtains remain untouched?

Nice bike.

LOL - we've just redecorated the lounge - waiting for the wooden blinds to be made