Specialized 01 S-Works M4 Road

Price Paid:  $0.00

Favorite Ride:
TOSRV South in Tallahassee

Bike Setup:
See above

Summary:
The M4 frame was given to me as a birthday present from my eldest son who, had received it originally as a replacement for an early '90's Carbon Allez which became defective and was covered by warranty. My son since has decided that road riding is not his "forte."

Nevertheless, I was quite thrilled to receive it as a gift. My wife, in turn, told me to take it to my favorite LBS, put new components on it and she'd pay for it as a combo Birthday/Christmas gift. (WOW!!!!!)

I currently have it set up with Shimano Ultegra, Dura Ace BB, CXP33 wheels, Easton Carbon Post, Look fork, Bontrager bars, Specialized stem, etc., etc.,

I've now put about 100 miles on it in three days and must say that it's everything I expected after reading all the other M4 reviews on RBR.com--especially that extra gear which appears to "kick-in" going up a decent "grade" or hill. We have interstate overpasses for hills here in Florida.

Here's looking forward to a ride of 50+ miles to see if the stiffness kicks in and causes any pain.

Great ride with the metal matrix. And the Team Festina graphics are killer!

Strengths:
Not a noodly frame -- power to the pedals and it rockets!

Weaknesses:
None noticed, yet

Similar Products Used:
Waterford 1200 (853 steel); Trek 2100 (combo carbon and AL); Trek 560 (501 steel); Raleigh (531 steel); Caloi (aluminum); Eddy Merckx (Columbus SL)

Bike Setup:
Full ultegra, s-works frame, hand built open pro wheels

Summary:
I am a bit embarassed to put this review into this category as my bike set-up is clearly not the same as the standard record/krsyrium. However, I do have the s-works frame. I am extremely happy with the geometry and the acceleration of the bike. The bike has a responsive ride and has done well cutting through the constant winds in Canada. Looking back, I sometimes wish I had gone with the Trek 5500 to get the Carbon benefits. If I was going to buy the s-works fully spec'd I would be definitely looking at other bikes in the price range.

Strengths:
Beautiful craftsmanship and finish. Light. Decent aero. Great acceleration.

Weaknesses:
The plastic seatpost cover is a pain in the ass. You can't put the bike on a stand without removing the seat post cover first. Secondly, I would also complain about the standard aluminum vs carbon vs titanium differences.

Similar Products Used:
Trek 5500