This is by far the lightest and sleekest bicycle I've ever ridden. I'm enjoying the wind in my face.

I want to go fast, and that I did. My legs are sore, and I could hardly stand up last evening. I'm getting back on it today and will take it a little easier.

The Tarmac Elite (Compact) is the first real road 'race' cycle I've owed, and as I gain experience, I'll write more at a future date. I am admitting that I am by no means expeirienced as other people checking this page, and I'm here to learn.

This is also a 2008 model (Year not on the list). It was professionally fitted. For a long time, from my 10K's in the 80's, I knew most of my 5' 9" height was in my legs and I have a short torso. The person who fitted me picked up on that right away, and I knew we were on the right track. As a result, I have the shorter frame.

I am an inexperienced rider, mostly touring (80's) and casual (on and off) before. At almost age 50 now, most of my real riding and shape was during college in the 80's when I did more long distance, and commuting to and from the U of AZ, and riding cool places around Tucson, AZ.

I've watched the "packs" at Tour de Tucson, and they have always been exciting to see and to photograph. I may never reach that strength or endurance, but now it's my turn to see what it's like to be on this kind of cycle.

After years of being a CPA (accountant), in 2006 I hit 205 lbs and was seriously out of shape. Although this should be about the cycle, my goal is to lose weight back to about 170 lbs. So far, I'm half way there since August 2007. At Christmas 2007, one of my family members actually noticed my weight loss.

During the last 6 months, I purchased a Specialized Globe and have now turned it into more of a city cycle with racks for groceries and mail and have been riding it for a little while.

The Tarmac Elite purchase is for motivation and for me to keep going. The investment cannot just sit in my home for show. Now I don't have any excuses.

Similar Products Used:

Specialized Globe 2008, Nike tennis shoes and a dog leash.

Fast. Climbs well.

Can feel a bit harsh at times.

Mine is actually a 2008 but it won't let me select that here. Also, I paid AUD 3000, not USD. I've put about 1500kms on it so far and I don't have any complaints. My previous bike was a Giant flatbar road bike, so I don't have a lot to compare it to. It feels fast and stiff enough for me (I'm only 70km.. definitely not a powerful sprinter). The 105 gear feels pretty good. I'm considering a wheel upgrade from the Mavic CXP's that came stock, to Mavic Ksyriums. Other than that I won't be upgrading as I have designs to purchase a Cervelo R3 later in the year, and use the Tarmac to commute.

I don't have any other experience with carbon bikes, but I do think the tarmac elite is a pretty harsh ride. I don't mind too much, if I did, I probably would have gone with the Roubaix I test rode. I'm happy to sacrifice a bit of comfort in the name of speed.

All in all, pretty much what I expected for an entry level carbon bike. Light, fast, a tad harsh with pretty solid components. It's made me want to go bigger and better with an R3, but there's plenty more km's to be ridden on the Tarmac before then.

Similar Products Used:

Giant CRX 3 flat bar.