Specialized Tarmac Comp Double

Price Paid:  $1800.00 at Spokes Etc.

Model Year:
2007

Favorite Ride:
WO&D, Custis, and any open roads with few cars

Bike Setup:
my stock Tarmc Comp Double came from the LBS (no upgrades) with Ultegra Shifters/Brake Levers, Ultegra Rear Derailleur, 105 Brakes, 105 Crank/BB, 105 Front Derailleur, SRAM OG-1070 11-28T cassette

Summary:
2008 Tarmac Comp Double. Whether you're an entry-level cat5 hopeful or an active recreational rider that would like performance out of their bicycle, this bike is for you. The value you get from the frameset and the components used is pretty hard to beat, especially if you get a year-end deal - this was my case as i bought this bike in June of 2009 and have put a little over 1600 miles since.

Strengths:
stable, responsive, adjustable, relatively comfortable, and price/value. this bike just feels very quick and has a lot of adjustments in the seat post and in the stem to allow you to be fit properly onto the bike. the component group (Ultegra/105 mix) is fantastic.

Weaknesses:
Wheels. I do not like the Shimano RS-10s at all as i have broken 2 spokes on the drive-side of the rear wheel (probably due to improper tensioning from the factory). Note: apparently these spokes are hard to get from Shimano if your LBS does not have them in-stock. Rear Cassette has a pretty big range. If you're not too concerned about the hills with a standard crank then switching to a 12-25T would be advised.

Similar Products Used:
2009 Specialized Allez Elite, 2009 Felt F75, 2009 Cannondale Synapse Carbon 6, 2009 Gary Fisher Arc Super

Price Paid:  $1750.00 at The Ride

Model Year:
2007

Favorite Ride:
Old Military/ Jasper Disaster

Bike Setup:
08 52cm Orange and Blue Tarmac Comp. Easton EC90 Crankset and EC90 Ceramic BB. Shimano RS-10 wheels, and 105 shifters/ brakes, ultegra front and rear derailleur

Summary:
2008 Tarmac Comp. Shimano 105/Ultegra mix, Easton EC90 crankset and ceramic BB. orange and blue (by far the coolest and possibly rarest color scheme the Tarmac ever had). 52cm with a 1900+ gram wheelset. Rider weight 150
2800 miles on it this season. its Definitely more than I need to race on

Strengths:
Fast, accelerates like a champ, smooth enough for long rides, stiff enough for racing. rides on rails when descending, very twitchy and very aggressive. Heavy wheels makes racing wheels feel like toothpicks. helps to not be a weight weenie, either. solid as a rock. Shimano RS-10 wheels are indestructible- my guess is they are made of adimantium. Smashed a curb at night commuting from class on it going about 18 and didn't even need truing. i did need an ice pack for my junk, though.

Weaknesses:
heavy wheels (my bike was 19.5 before i installed EC90 crankset and ceramic BB). it effectively knocked off 1 lb. of weight from my bike. with a set of 303s it weighs 16.5 lbs which is more than enough for me.

Similar Products Used:
Specialized Allez, Kuota Kharma, Specialized Roubaix, Litespeed Archon