Staff Bikes: Specialized Tarmac
Tuesday, 12 April 2011
Bill's review of his Specialized Tarmac Expert:
"On my birthday this year (early Feb) I became the proud owner of a Specialized Tarmac Expert 2010. I had decided it was going to be the right race bike for me this year a few months earlier, it took all of my will power not to build it up before the ‘Big day’. Having had a long break from time trial competition (over ten years) I was keen to buy a road bike with a low enough front end to allow me to fit aero extensions and achieve a good position. The Tarmac is a very capable and race proven road bike combining the stiff BB and large diameter tapered head tube now common on many carbon bikes. What was a pleasant surprise on my first ride was the damped ride from the slender seat stays and the comfort offered by the shallow drop, flat top handlebar. The Ultegra Groupset has two main highlights, the instantaneous front shifting (due to Dura Ace style hollow big ring) and ridiculous braking power. A Toupe saddle, Ksyrium wheels and Pave seatpost mean there was very little I felt the need to upgrade out the box. However, having had it a couple of months and having had a good run out on my first 10 of the season, I have chosen to fit some Conti GP4000’s and a lighter stem from Bontrager.
My main road bike for the last two years has been a Giant Defy 2, it has served me well allowing me to turbo train my way back from a nasty knee injury and subsequent surgery. Commuting from Teignmouth regularly over the winter has been made bearable due to the full mudguards and tough wheels. Now, back to full fitness, the Defy is relegated to wet weather only, and over the same routes I am able to cover the ground at 2 or 3 mile an hour quicker on the Tarmac. I am now looking forward to a long season of getting closer to my P.B’s on the new bike and maybe a sportive later in the season."
Hugh and James in the Exeter store are also proud owners of Specialized Tarnacs and below is a photo of Hugh's Tarmac with a few component changes:
