Thoughts on TCR 2 or Specialized Tarmac Comp
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Has anyone ridden both. Theres no TCR's around for me to try around my area this late in the year. I'm thinking of buying the TCR or the Tarmac Comp. Anyone with any comments about each bike and what they would lean towards buying? I think the TCR has Ultegra and is a better buy. But I saw that the 06 Tarmac comp has a 10 speed 105 shifters.
I have not ridden a TCR 2, nor have I read anything about them. However, I do know a great deal about the '05 Tarmac Comp. I work in a local bike shop which mostly specializes in high-end road bikes. The one think I can say for the '05 Tarmac Comp is that it packs bang for its buck. With a majority Ultegra 9-speed (105 brakes) component group and the same basic frame design as Specialized's S-Works series (commonly ridden in the TdF), it's certainly a great bike. If you have any specific questions, I can answer them. Other than that, cyclingnews.com has a review of the S-Works Tarmac - much of that information will apply at least to the frameset of the Tarmac Comp.
No information, at least to my knowledge, has been released regarding the '06 Tarmac Comp. I do have an inside scoop about the new '06 Tarmac Expert, but that model is $2599 with Mavic Equipe wheelset (a fairly dramatic improvement) and full Ultegra 10-speed (including brakes). It also has a pretty slick paint job.
I certainly suggest you ride the Tarmac Comp, and perhaps also consider a comparably priced Roubaix, Trek 5000, or whatever is available at your local bike shop to have something to gauge it against. I'll be here if you need an objective opinion.
Has anyone ridden both. Theres no TCR's around for me to try around my area this late in the year. I'm thinking of buying the TCR or the Tarmac Comp. Anyone with any comments about each bike and what they would lean towards buying? I think the TCR has Ultegra and is a better buy. But I saw that the 06 Tarmac comp has a 10 speed 105 shifters.
I have a TCR 2 Composite - last years model so it has 9sp Ultegra. I think it is great - I race, train and commute on it. I am 187cm tall, weigh 109 kg and am more of a sprinter than an endurance rider. I have no compplaints, and have not experienced twitchiness or flex that some people claim the CR frame has, and I'd guess the latter would have been demonstrated given my weight and riding style.
I've not ridden the Tarmac. One of my LBS, who I do legal work for and am friends with the owners, have expressed an opinion that the Tarmac (which they sell - they do not sell Giants) is a great bike but is more relaxed than some other bikes they sell. Having said that, one of the owners rides a Tarmac - he races it, and he is considerably taller and possibly heavier than I am.
Both good bikes - ride them both, even if you have to travel to be able to do that.
9sp Ulterga vs 105 10 speed? No idea. I've no complaints about the 9sp Ultegra and do not know how 10sp 105 differs from 10sp Ultegra. I suspect the extra gear makes a minor difference, but may make it fiddlier to keep set up. however the outside bb probably tips the balance in favour of 105, although there may be an image issue if that is important to you.
I've ridden the Trek 5000 and the Roubaix, I found the Tarmac Comp 05 the most funnest ride. I was at the dealor and he had the 06 Catalog out and the Tarmac Comp 06 is 10 speed 105 full package, Everything! Also the color is Red. I think the TCR 2 is a better buy for the components since it is nearly full Ultegra. But I can't find any TCR to demo in Southern Ma or RI.
I have not ridden a TCR 2, nor have I read anything about them. However, I do know a great deal about the '05 Tarmac Comp. I work in a local bike shop which mostly specializes in high-end road bikes. The one think I can say for the '05 Tarmac Comp is that it packs bang for its buck. With a majority Ultegra 9-speed (105 brakes) component group and the same basic frame design as Specialized's S-Works series (commonly ridden in the TdF), it's certainly a great bike. If you have any specific questions, I can answer them. Other than that, cyclingnews.com has a review of the S-Works Tarmac - much of that information will apply at least to the frameset of the Tarmac Comp.
No information, at least to my knowledge, has been released regarding the '06 Tarmac Comp. I do have an inside scoop about the new '06 Tarmac Expert, but that model is $2599 with Mavic Equipe wheelset (a fairly dramatic improvement) and full Ultegra 10-speed (including brakes). It also has a pretty slick paint job.
I certainly suggest you ride the Tarmac Comp, and perhaps also consider a comparably priced Roubaix, Trek 5000, or whatever is available at your local bike shop to have something to gauge it against. I'll be here if you need an objective opinion.
I have not ridden a TCR 2, nor have I read anything about them. However, I do know a great deal about the '05 Tarmac Comp. I work in a local bike shop which mostly specializes in high-end road bikes. The one think I can say for the '05 Tarmac Comp is that it packs bang for its buck. With a majority Ultegra 9-speed (105 brakes) component group and the same basic frame design as Specialized's S-Works series (commonly ridden in the TdF), it's certainly a great bike. If you have any specific questions, I can answer them. Other than that, cyclingnews.com has a review of the S-Works Tarmac - much of that information will apply at least to the frameset of the Tarmac Comp.
No information, at least to my knowledge, has been released regarding the '06 Tarmac Comp. I do have an inside scoop about the new '06 Tarmac Expert, but that model is $2599 with Mavic Equipe wheelset (a fairly dramatic improvement) and full Ultegra 10-speed (including brakes). It also has a pretty slick paint job.
I certainly suggest you ride the Tarmac Comp, and perhaps also consider a comparably priced Roubaix, Trek 5000, or whatever is available at your local bike shop to have something to gauge it against. I'll be here if you need an objective opinion.
Hi was that 06 price for the Tarmac expert in aussie dollars?? cause that sounds to good to be true. Where can you get that??? or when is going to be released??
cheers
Hi was that 06 price for the Tarmac expert in aussie dollars?? cause that sounds to good to be true. Where can you get that??? or when is going to be released??
cheers
It was for a 06 Tarmac Comp, and I paid $2150. with taxes and in US dollars.
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