Originally Posted by
biker801 .
Well I was finally able to get a better ride on both bikes, and Tarmac it is. Granted the Roubaix is extremely comfortable, the Tarmac felt absolutely awesome. I'm in my mid 30's, in fairly good shape and flexible (as I found out from the sales reps). So I am not very worried about needing benefits of the Roubaix. Not yet anyway.
I could keep looking at other brands etc., but I like the Specialized. I have been recommended the brand by several bike stores and also have read alot of good about them. Now I am really diggin the looks of the bikes also, but it is not as superficial as it sounds. I have actually done some research before choosing. And the lifetime warranty on the frame is just sweeter frosting on the cake.
My dilemma now is chosing between two Tarmacs. I can get the Tarmac comp for $2300. Which was the original bike I wanted.
http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/SBCProduct.jsp?spid=53211&scid=1001&scname=Road
But my salesman is trying to talk me into this one.
http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/SBCProduct.jsp?spid=52900&scid=1001&scname=Road
The Expert is an amazing bike, but I just don't know if it is more than what I will do with it. We weighed the two and there is a 2 lb difference between the two. As far as the shifting and braking between the two, to be honest, I didn't notice alot of difference. Then again, I am sure it takes alot of experience to notice these things. But as far as get up speed and climbing, I noticed a big difference between the two.
Any opinions? Like I said before, I will primarily use the bike for 20-30 mile rides, 4 -5 times a week. I am quite sure I will really like road biking, so I can see myself doing longer group rides sometime in the future. But as far as competitve racing, I just don't see myself having the time to dedicate to something like that. So what do you guys think?