Bike Setup: Shorter stem than stock, Easton EA70 wheelset
Summary: It's actually a 2008, but I couldn't select that.
I've had my '08 Tarmac Expert (Rival) for over a year now and have put 4000 miles on it. It's a fantastic bike--super smooth, sensitive handling, climbs like...something that climbs well...both in and out of the saddle.
Beware the Fulcrum Racing 5 Evo wheels. Though they ride reasonably well, I popped 3 spokes in the year I used them (with regular true-ing). I haven't heard of anyone else having that problem. Replaced them recently with Easton EA70s.
SRAM Rival is awesome, and it's awesome on this bike.
This is the perfect bike for the addicted rec cyclist/casual racer (such as myself). It's too responsive for inexperienced road riders (not to mention it's not worth the price for them). All in all, a really dependable bike. Just don't crash it. And keep it clean!
One final thing: get the Expert over the Elite.
I will miss it, probably more than my girlfriend, when I'm in Japan next year.
Strengths: Fast everywhere you can take it: flats, hills, downs. Beautiful paint job. Comfortable, as racing bikes go. Keeps you warm on cold days (wut??).
Weaknesses: Those darn Fulcrum wheels. Don't pay more than $2500 for it--they're only $1800 wholesale.
Similar Products Used: '08 Tarmac Elite
'08 Tarmac Pro
Test-rode Madones, Giant TCRs
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Bike Setup: Ultegra SL grouppo with the exception of the Dura-Ace rear deralleur
Fulcrum Racing 5 Evolution wheels
Changed the Specialized Mondo Pro tires with Michelin Pro Race 2
Toupe Team Saddle
Summary: Finally bought into the carbon mythology.
Looked at the Wilier Izoard, Colnago
CLX, Stevens Impala-settled on the Specialized Tarmac Expert. The ride is subtle with minumum feedback to the rider. It rewards you for going fast and punishes you for going slow. I haven't noticed the loose seatpost clamp or the flex in the frame other reviewers have commented on.I have noticed the fast-handling. It seems unsettling going downhill or in a crosswind. The money saved purchasing an 08 model could be used towards upgrading the wheels.
Strengths: The 09 model is at least a thousand dollars more with downgraded componetry.
The lone Dura-Ace rear derailleur is an added bonus.
Weaknesses: tires flat way too easily
uncomfortable saddle
wheels could be bettor
unsettling going downhill fast or in a crosswind
Similar Products Used: Wilier Le Roi
Trek Pilot
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Bike Setup: FSA slk carbon cranks, Mavic Ksyrium Equipe's, Ultegra/Dura ace rear, Conti Attack-Force tires, Look KEO Sprints and FSA Wing Pro compact bars
Summary: This is my first carbon bike. Prior to it I had a Trek 1200 (aluminum/carbon fork) WOW! I love this bike! I have over 2300 miles in on this bike. I changed the bars to FSA Wing Pro Compact and added Conti's Attack/Force tire set (awsome tires by the way) This bike just makes me wanna ride! Fast, smooth and handles/corners very well. I also LOVE the Toupe saddle. I checked out the Madone, Roubiax, cannondale six/13...I went with the Tarmac. The bike just flat out performs well in all catagories Stiff, light ,climbs nice comes down the otherside like a rocket! I love my Tarmac! My name is Andy and I am SPECIALIZED.
Strengths: Stiff, Fast and Smooth
Weaknesses: Have not found any yet.
Similar Products Used: Not quite similar but a Trek 1200
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Bike Setup: Stock 2008 setup converted to compact. Ultegra except for RD Dura Ace. Garmin 305 computer.
Summary: Just got this bike. I could not pass up the deal. This is my first Carbon bike and I put over 15,000 km on my aluminum one so I figured I was due for a new ride. I am an engineer who from time to time does composite design. A great bike can be built from steel, aluminum, carbon, or titanium. I am not a material fan boy. Serious design development is done today in carbon. So if you want a current high quality design that is it.
So the Tarmac. My first ride on it was an experience. All flat not too fast, but first push it was a surprise. Carbon is vibration damping and smooth, well sort of. Now I know why people say Madones are boring. The Tarmac is smooth, but still it communicates the road like a sports car. It is quiet. I weigh 208 lbs and can push hard. This bike is strong. Less flex than my old bike. Quick and well I liked it.
Tomorrow I will take it on a decent ride.
It came from the shop as a standard double, but I just put a compact front crank on it and shortened the chain one link. Easy. It has the funky SRAM OG 1070 cassette. That is a silly gimmick. The gap tooth is only exposed to the dérailleur 9% of the time, so doesn't even come into play for most shifts. Unless you believe shifts take a whole rotation to complete, or your rear end is totally out of adjustment. The upside is the 11-28 range with the compact is very good. It gives me almost the range of my old triple.
If this bike is on your list of possibles, and the deal is good buy it.
Strengths: Good solid design. Good road feel. Strong.
Weaknesses: None yet
Similar Products Used: Trek 1500. Trek Madone (test)
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Bike Setup: Ultegra SL drivetrain with DuraAce rear derailleur, Fulcrum Racing 5 wheelset, Specialized bars, headset, and fork. Toupe seat and Specialized seat post
Summary: I have denied myself a new road bike for 15 yrs - $$ went to kids and home. Been riding a Trek2300 (15 yrs) and a Bianchi Pista (5 yrs). As the wallet pressure eased up a bit, I went looking for another bike to replace the Trek. Most of my riding is flat South Jersey - usually alone but will ride with Cat 3-5's who tolerate my presence. I do some charity rides as well so my riding is a mixed bag. I did not want a ride similar to the Trek (comfy but a littel sluggish even when new). I wanted something more aggressive than the cushy century bikes store will try to sell when they see you have gray hair and mention MS150. I was still looking for the thrill of going fast on the flats, climbing like a goat and descending like a bat outta hell - found that bike with the Tarmac. Road tested Kuotas, Scotts, and Madonnes and found this to be the best at satisfying all my needs. Some reviewers found the bike to be twitchy - it is at first but that is because we were used to riding something less demanding. Cornering is surgical and sure. I have used Ultegra on my old Trek and it is still a solid gruppo - the additon of the DuraAce rear was sweet (N/A on the 2009 setup - sunnava! - and it is more expensive - which the shop said it would be but by $1000!!!). The geometry lends itself to fast acceleration and snappy climbs. My old Trek was like a comfy pair of old jeans and I was worried about acclimation to the new ride - no worries at all about the fir - it is quite comfy for me - even on rides > 100 miles (I traded out the stock stem for a shorter one with same rise). My only complaint with the seat is the clamp chronically loosens despite tightening to spec - Specialized needs to address this - other reviewer had the same experience. In closing, it does what all bikes should do - move forward with alacrity when you step on the pedal - no wasted energy here. You pedal - it goes. I can easily see me on this bike for years to come.
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