Road, Track & Mountain Bikes » specialized

Specialized Secteur review

drbob — Sat, 23 Jul 2011 18:42:37 +0000

Specialized have a habit of creating new bike niches, like the comfort-inspired Roubaix road bike and the TriCross with its Roubaix, cyclo-cross and tourer DNA. The Secteur range is named after Paris-Roubaix’s cobbled sections and is the budget-orientated, aluminium-framed take on the Roubaix theme, with the same emphasis on comfort over all-out racing performance and identical geometry.

Far from being just a cheaper ‘also-ran’, the Secteur is a fine bike in its own right. Its aluminium frame and carbon fibre fork are as good as you’ll find at this price, with the fork boasting Specialized’s trademark Zertz elastomer insert. The kit is predominantly Shimano 2300, an eight-speed Sora-like setup, and the triple 52/42/30T chainset is a good idea for an entry-level bike.

It’s marginally undergeared at the top – we’d have preferred a 12-tooth small sprocket (top gear) to the 13 fitted, but the 30x26 bottom gear is low enough for most climbing. Talking of bottoms… part of the reason for the Secteur’s plush comfort is the geometry of its Beyoncé-like rear – the seatstays curve outwards from the top, swoop in around the brake bridge and then flare out again at the dropouts, building in flex.

The compact frame and 27.2mm seatpost also keep things very comfortable , while the long head tube (a whopping 225mm on our 58cm) makes for an upright rather than aggressive riding position. (The equivalent in Specialized’s Allez range has straight seatstays and a 205mm head tube.) Mavic’s CXP22 rims are good to see on a £600 bike, forming a strong pairing with Specialized’s own 25mm All Condition Sport tyres; their width offers pretty much the perfect balance of rolling resistance and comfort, and there’s a layer of Flak Jacket puncture protection too.

Aesthetically, we’re not fans of the rear brake cable hanging under the top tube – common to Specialized’s Allez, Roubaix and Tarmac ranges – and the braking from the unbranded dual-pivot brakes is decidedly average, but as a first road bike for sportive, fitness or endurance riding, the Secteur is a serious contender. It’s comfortable, has a reassuring ride, looks great and is well specced for the money. It’s good to see bosses for a rear rack too.

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2011 Specialized Tarmac Road Bike

drbob — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 01:44:20 +0000

The 2011 Specialized Tarmac SL3 is the new S-Works bike. It was engineered in collaboration with the teams Astana and Saxo Bank and it was conceived to be the ultimate racing bike. Its engineers objective was to create the lightest bike possible without sacrificing safety or performance. Using FACT (Functional Advanced Carbon Technology), S-Works was able to integrate new carbon cups into the frame substituting their alloy counterparts. The final result is a bike that is 10% lighter than its predecessor, the SL2.
The 2011 Specialized Tarmac SL3 also has a torsional stiffness gain of 18% when compared to the SL2. This is a result of several improvements, like the refined rear triangle and the advanced internal ribbing. It gives the SL3 a greater steering precision, rigidity and provides greater acceleration efficiency.
Alberto Contador in a Pre-Season interview praised the bike stiffness and its lightness. “I’ve been training with it for a long time and the feeling has been very good. I think we’ve taken a step forward,” said Alberto Contador in the end of the interview.

• 3D-forged alloy stem with carbon caps and titanium hardware for pure performance
• Stiff and adjustable S-Works FACT carbon Pave seatpost uses a Zertz insert to minimize road vibrations for greater comfort
• FACT full carbon monocoque fork with uni-weave finish integrates with the frame using an oversized race to deliver enhanced steering precision
• Specialized puts its championship-winning blend of speed and light weight in the new FACT IS S-Works Tarmac SL3 11r carbon frame with incredibly stiff oversized BB and 1.5" lower headset bearing
• New Body Geometry Toupe Carbon saddle with hollow titanium rails is tuned for racing stiffness and universal seatpost compatibility
• S-Works SL classic-bend carbon handlebars offer more versatile hand positioning in an optimized blend of durability and light weight
• New ultralight Roval Rapide SL 45 wheelset with carbon/alloy hybrid rims for low aerodynamic drag with the durability of an alloy brake track
• S-Works oversized BB FACT carbon crankset combines high strength and light weight for unparalleled efficiency and power transfer

FRAME
S-Works Tarmac SL3 FACT 11r, FACT IS construction, compact race design, 1.5" lower HS bearing, OS carbon BB shell
REAR SHOCK
FORK
S-Works Tarmac SL3 FACT carbon, Uni-weave, monocoque construction, OS race for 1.5" bearing, full carbon legs, crown and steerer
HEADSET
Aheadset Stainless Race Steel Balls w/ top cap w/ 20mm of spacers
STEM
S-Works 3D forged with carbon-wrap top and front cap
HANDLEBARS
S-Works SL Carbon, classic bend
TAPE
Specialized S-Works wrap
FRONT BRAKE
Shimano Dura-Ace
REAR BRAKE
Shimano Dura-Ace
BRAKE LEVERS
Shimano Dura-Ace Di2
FRONT DERAILLEUR
Shimano Dura-Ace Di2
REAR DERAILLEUR
Shimano Dura-Ace Di2
SHIFT LEVERS
Shimano Dura-Ace Di2
CASSETTE
Shimano Dura Ace, 10-speed, 12-27t
CHAIN
Shimano Dura-Ace
CRANKSET
S-Works Crankset 53x39
CHAINRINGS
53 x 39T
BOTTOM BRACKET
Ceramic bearings
PEDALS
Silver cage/black body, w/ black toe clips and strap
FRONT WHEEL
Roval Rapide SL 45
REAR WHEEL
Roval Rapide SL 45
RIMS
FRONT HUB
REAR HUB
SPOKES
FRONT TIRE
S-Works Mondo Open Tubular, 700x23c, 290TPI
REAR TIRE
S-Works Mondo Open Tubular, 700x23c, 290TPI
INNER TUBES
Super Light Turbo, presta valve
SADDLE
Body Geometry Toupe Carbon 143 w/ Hollow Ti rails
SEATPOST
S-Works FACT carbon w/ Zertz insert, 27.2mm
SEAT BINDER
S-Works alloy, 32.6mm clamp
NOTES
Carbon chain stay protector, derailleur hanger, clear coat, owners manual
Specifications subject to change without notice.

Specialized Tarmac Expert: Best High-end road-racing bike

drbob — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 22:04:57 +0000

Best High-end road-racing bike
Specialized Tarmac Expert
*Est. $3,700

ConsumerSearch.com synthesized multiple reviews of road bike and concluded the Specialized Tarmac Expert is the top of the line for serious road racers. A great bike for experienced cyclists who want to move to the upper echelons of racing. Below is what they concluded.

For serious racers, reviews indicate that it's hard to beat the Specialized Tarmac Expert in this price range. It sports a lightweight carbon frame that is based on the top-end S-Works Tarmac SL2 (MSRP: $8,500) --although not as light -- and it offers crisp shifting thanks to Shimano Ultegra SL components. The steering gets rave reviews, with multiple experts calling it "stable" and "precise." Overall, reviewers say this road bike is designed for racing, even though the ride can't really compare to the SL2. Still, you'll save thousands of dollars and get plenty of performance.

For pure racing performance, reviewers say it's hard to beat the Specialized Tarmac Expert in this price range. With a carbon frame and Shimano Ultegra SL components, testers say this road bike offers stable handling, crisp shifting and a responsive ride quality. This road bike also gets exceptionally high marks from multiple reviewers for extremely precise steering, and there is a general consensus among experts that the Specialized Tarmac Expert is ready to race. Although most reviewers have nothing but good things to say about the Specialized Tarmac Expert, several owners say the seat clamp can loosen pretty easily while riding. Other than that, most owners have few complaints. If you prefer a more comfort-oriented road bike, the Giant Defy Advanced 1 (MSRP: $3,500) also gets good reviews in this category, but a taller head tube provides more comfortable positioning for long miles.

We found a number of excellent reviews of the Specialized Tarmac Expert, especially from CyclingNews.com. Their review is exceptionally detailed and provides an overview of each of the bike's components. TestRider.com also offers a video review, and Bicycling magazine rounds out the coverage. There are also a good number of owner-written reviews on RoadBikeReview.com.

2011 Specialized Tarmac Pro SL3 SRAM Red 54cm Used
	$3,000.00 End Date: Friday Feb-17-2012 8:23:36 PST Buy It Now for only: $3,000.00 Buy It Now

Specialized Tarmac Expert 56cm with upgradesFREE SHIPPING W BUY IT NOW

$1,225.00 (2 Bids)
End Date: Sunday Feb-5-2012 12:24:46 PST

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2012 Specialized S WORKS Tarmac SL4 Frame Set

$2,200.00 (1 Bid)
End Date: Sunday Feb-5-2012 13:01:50 PST

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2011 Specialized Tarmac Comp SL2 Carbon Fiber Road Bike Mint

$1,440.00 (16 Bids)
End Date: Sunday Feb-5-2012 17:00:28 PST

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Specialized TARMAC Full Carbon Road Bike Full Dura Ace QuickStep Edition 56cm

$2,399.00
End Date: Sunday Feb-5-2012 17:48:00 PST

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SPECIALIZED TARMAC PRO SL3 DA CARBON ROAD BIKE SHIMANO DURA ACE 7900 TUBELESS
	$2,900.00 End Date: Sunday Feb-19-2012 16:27:40 PST Buy It Now for only: $2,900.00 Buy It Now

2007 Specialized S Works Tarmac SL 54cm Dura Ace 142lb

$1,800.00 (16 Bids)
End Date: Sunday Feb-5-2012 18:16:50 PST

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2011 Specialized Tarmac SL2 Comp Rival 54cm with upgraded wheels

$1,400.00
End Date: Sunday Feb-5-2012 18:36:18 PST

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Specialized Pitch Comp Review

drbob — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 19:40:47 +0000

If you frequently tackle rugged or technical terrain, the all-mountain Specialized Pitch Comp is a well-reviewed option. All-mountain bikes are sturdier and more rugged than traditional mountain bikes, and the SpecializedPitch Comp is no exception. With a frame platform based on the top-end Specialized Enduro SL, 6 inches of travel and 2.3-inch-wide tires, this bike is designed to handle everything from steep hills to rugged descents. Although reviewers praise the performance, the Specialized Pitch Comp also gets high marks for value. Multiple reviewers say it's hard to find a mountain bike with this level of performance at this price. Their biggest complaint? There's no shock lockout to fine-tune the ride for level terrain.

For rugged terrain, many experts recommend all-mountain bikes. These bikes are sturdier and more rugged -- and have more suspension -- than traditional mountain bikes, but they are also heavier. In this category, reviewers say the Specialized Pitch Comp provides great value and good performance over rough trails. The Specialized Pitch Comp is based on the same frame as the Specialized Enduro SL bikes (*MSRP: $3,300 - $7,700), and riders benefit from much of the same technology without the hefty price tag. Tester feedback shows that the Specialized Pitch Comp performs well on all types of rugged terrain, including steep climbs and technical descents, thanks to nearly 6 inches of travel. Some owners feel the need to upgrade a few components, but they acknowledge that this bike is a good deal. Other reviewers would like to have a shock or fork lockout. If that feature is important to you, the Fuji Thrill LT 2.0 (*MSRP: $1,850) has a rear shock lockout, and it also gets good reviews.

We found a number of good reviews of the Specialized Pitch Comp. Mountain Bike Action and Bicycling include the bike in their 2009 buyer's guides, and Bicycling includes a lengthy write-ups based on tester feedback. Bike magazine also writes a recent review of the Specialized Pitch Comp, but it's not quite as detailed. There are also a good number of owner-written reviews on MTBR.com, which help confirm what experts are saying in the bike publications.

Specialized Crosstrail hybrid bike
	$200.00 End Date: Sunday Feb-5-2012 13:32:29 PST Buy It Now for only: $298.00 Buy It Now \| Bid now

2011 Specialized Camber Pro 29er XL Full Suspension Mountain Bike XO XTR FOX
	$2,400.00 End Date: Sunday Mar-4-2012 15:01:30 PST Buy It Now for only: $2,400.00 Buy It Now

2010 Specialized RARE S Works Era Epic Sram XX Medium 206 lbs Beautiful

$2,025.00 (12 Bids)
End Date: Sunday Feb-5-2012 13:38:16 PST

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Specialized Rockhopper FSR XC Mountain Bike
	$549.00 End Date: Wednesday Feb-8-2012 18:22:32 PST Buy It Now for only: $549.00 Buy It Now

2008 Specialized Epic Comp
	$760.00 (3 Bids) End Date: Sunday Feb-5-2012 14:09:54 PST Buy It Now for only: $1,300.00 Buy It Now \| Bid now

Specialized 2008 Stumpjumper 29er

$1,350.00
End Date: Sunday Feb-5-2012 14:10:30 PST

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2011 Used M Specialized S Works Carbon Enduro Mountain Bike Sram XX X0 Bicycle
	$3,400.00 End Date: Monday Mar-5-2012 9:40:16 PST Buy It Now for only: $3,400.00 Buy It Now

1999 Specialized S Works M4 Frame

$127.50 (20 Bids)
End Date: Sunday Feb-5-2012 14:26:28 PST

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About Bicycle Bargains 4U

drbob — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 04:25:56 +0000

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