Specialized Tarmac Expert Double

Price Paid:  $2400.00 at John Henry's North V

Favorite Ride:
Stanley Park Vancouver

Bike Setup:
All Stock until I wore out the rear tire.
Garmin 305 bike computer.

Summary:
I wanted a new bike after putting 15,000 km on my Aluminum Trek. These days any reasonable upgrade means carbon. I am an engineer so I don't buy into marketing blah blah, but R&D for all the bike makers these days is for carbon, so resistance is futile.

That said I have ridden carbon bikes and liked the smoothness they are noted for. I got the large 58 cm size. I was surprised. I am big and fairly heavy, and this bike did not notice that. It is stiffer than my aluminum big tube bike.

The handling is much quicker than a Trek, and took some getting used to. Once I did road feel is solid, and confident. It is rather like a sports car. Dura Ace RD is a nice touch. I am not a racer, but I usually ride between 3500 to 5000 km per year.

This bike got me "going again". I put 4500 km on it in the spring and summer after having 1500 km on my winter bike ( the Trek) early in the year.

I did 3000 foot climbs and fast descents. 5 hour rides. It was comfortable and fun for all of that.

The toupe saddle surprised me. I like it. I is thin and has minimal padding, but it works for me. My other bike has pretty thick cushioning, but I didn't miss it. Lots of people don't like it apparently.

The stock tires are mondo pros and seems that lots of people don't like them either. I had no problems. No skidding or sliding. Good cornering. 4500 km no flats, and only the slightest bit of wear on the rear with a few tiny cuts. That included riding over everything you can think of and more than once just waiting for that hissing sound.

Great Value. Great Bike.

Strengths:
Good build quality, good components.
Fairly light.
Stiff Strong.

Weaknesses:
Wheels a compromise but they gotta somewhere.

Similar Products Used:
Trek 1500