Specialized Tarmac or SWorks

[iamRayRay]

Morning all


After trawling the market, I want carbon. Specifically a Specialized Tarmac.
Having looked at Planet X and Boardman previously I have found that (yes I am paying for the name Specialized) the Sworks and Tarmac are the most comfortable for me.



What I need to try to understand, is there are so many on the market at different ages that I can't really get my head around it all! Is it worth buying a slightly older Sworks bike vs possibly a newer Tarmac at same price?



These are a few bikes I am thinking of...

Sworks
- 2007
http://www.gumtree.com/p/for-sale/s...stemedm&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=adreply


Sworks
- not sure what year????? Any advice?
http://www.gumtree.com/p/for-sale/s...stemedm&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=adreply


Tarmac - SL4
2014
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/131536570084?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT


Tarmax - SL2
Not sure what year
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/301661251203?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT


please help!

 

[vickster]

the second one says 2002 in the description

I wouldn't buy an 8 year old carbon bike, let alone a 13 year old one, just because the technology has moved on

The 3rd bike is a different frame size to the others? I'm guessing with something racy like these, you'll want to go smaller. If I recall you're 5'9, 56cm will be big. I assume from what you've said you've had testrides on these bikes

@jack smith might be able to shed some light, he's had a few carbon Race bikes

 

[raleighnut]

I don't think the red 2002 one is carbon, it says fully butt welded in the ad. Dura-Ace though.

 

[vickster]

It also says its an alloy frame now you've pointed it out! The third one looks the best if 56cm is the right size, can't imagine it'll sell for under a grand though. Remember the specialized warranty isn't transferable, at a grand you start to get into new territory with careful shopping

 

[jowwy]

Out of those it would be the SL4, its a great frame, i loved mine.......but i loved my Ti more

 

[iamRayRay]

the second one says 2002 in the description

I wouldn't buy an 8 year old carbon bike, let alone a 13 year old one, just because the technology has moved on

The 3rd bike is a different frame size to the others? I'm guessing with something racy like these, you'll want to go smaller. If I recall you're 5'9, 56cm will be big. I assume from what you've said you've had testrides on these bikes

@jack smith might be able to shed some light, he's had a few carbon Race bikes

My Carrera is 56cm that I currently ride, no niggles after a 60 miler a few weeks back and never struggled on a 56cm, 54cm did seem a better fit, but I thought I'd throw a 56cm into the mix as I could possibly still ride it.

Correct I am 5ft 9!

 

[vickster]

Compare all the measurements from the carrera to the specialzed assuming halfords provide detailed geometry charts. Otherwise, get the the tape measure out

 

[Citius]

Little difference between the Tarmac and S-Works Tarmac other than materials used in construction. And the price. If you're buying secondhand, buy the most recent model of either with the newest kit.

If you are 5'9" (assuming typical/average dimensions) then go for a 54. Of those listed, the SL2 (looks like a 2010/11) would be my choice, depending what it goes for.

 

[Andrew_P]

54 all day long at that height, and the newest model you can afford, whoops cross posted with the above!

 

[iamRayRay]

Cheers guys, possibly think the 54cm will be more of a better fit, think I'm just used to 56cm which I have ridden over the last 3-4 years.

Odd I haven't experienced any niggles though!

 

[vickster]

Cheers guys, possibly think the 54cm will be more of a better fit, think I'm just used to 56cm which I have ridden over the last 3-4 years.

Odd I haven't experienced any niggles though!

Depends how that 56cm is measured,manufacturers use different parts of the bike for those numbers

 

[vickster]

The listing for the SL2 says he bought it in 2011, whether he's had it from new, you'd have to ask!