Specialized Tarmac Elite

solboy

Ok so after a lot of bargain hunting and looking at a lot of bikes in the £1500 reigion i think i have negotiated a good deal with my LBS that would mean i could get a 2011 Tarmac Elite for £1240. Not the lightest or the most interesting i know but I love this bike and think its a stunner but i am sure that i will want to upgrade the brakes and wheels next year.

I looked at the following;

Eddie Merckx EMX1Veloce this was really nice but was at the top of the budget £1500
Cayo 105 £925 - great price but i think i would want to spend loads on upgrades and i am still not sure on the riding position (have test ridden one before)
Cayo 2.0 £1275 - Bargain but as above not sure about the riding position.
Trek Madone 3.1 £1150 - Bargain but just not for me
Spesh Roubaix Elite - £1400 but i think i would regret buying such an upright bike

I think the Tarmac is a good buy but what do you guys think? I only have until monday 9.00am to close this deal :?

luv2ride

In the absence of any other replies I say go for it. You obviously like the bike, the deal looks good and you;ll do some upgrading anyway. THe new 2012 bikes are way expensive so go ahead and enjoy it 8)

fazersmart

Not a bad deal. If you really like it, then go for it. You have to love your bike. 8)

I test rode the Tarmac Elite, Roubaix elite, Scott addict, trek madone 3.1 & 5.2, blue r2, cannondale super six 105, de rosa & Cayo 2.0 ultegra.

Found the roubaix & blue uninspiring & little boring.
The treks were bit plush & little heavy feeling.
The addict was stiff & high adrenaline. It made you go super speedy.
The de rosa had a great frame but too much road buzz (serious race bike) & needed upgrade everything!!
The elite had a similar position to the Cayo & similar ride feel but the elite came with lower spec & heavy wheels.
Loved the Canondale; stiff, comfy. Felt soooo sophisticated!! (outta stock)
the Cayo was tested for 30 days. During the test I found the ride stiff, racy but fast & light. Not a lot of difference with the Tarmac but a he'll of a lot cheaper & better specced. Loved the look to.

Infact I kept the Cayo. The cannondale was my fav, addict 2nd but as the cannondale was outta stock, I couldn't justify paying a grand more (even with sale prices) for the addict when the Cayo was very similar. Haven't regretted it (except if this ex team cervelo bike comes up for sale .'P) It's ultegra specced, resonable wheels & good finishing kit for £1200, plus it rides similar to spesh!!!

Go with your gut. If you get the Spesh, it'll come with LBS support which can be priceless. Have fun

solboy

Like you i tried the Cayo 2.0. Its a great bike and a real steal but returned it because it just didnt feel right but the Tarmac is better for me (had an allez a couple of years ago and liked that too). I think i just have a thing for Spesh road bikes and at this price i think i will regret not going for it. Looks the nuts in red and black.

snakedoc

Go for the Tarmac!
I test rode quite a few bikes but for me, the geometry and feel of the bike just clicked for me.
Obviously every bike suits different people's characteristics/preferences.
After initially looking at the the elite version, I well and truly got sucked in and have ended up with an expert SL3!
Having now seen 2012's prices/specs (and colours), I think the 2011 models represent excellent value (plus I prefer the colours too!)

solboy

Ok so been mulling this over all day. Bottom line is i dont need a second road bike but i want a carbon bike as well as the Ti Mistral. Why? not sure really i just do! So i cant justify it in my mind but i know its a great deal that will haunt me if i dont go for it!

I started cycling as a way of helping reduce my stress levels but at this rate.......am i thinking about this all wrong surely its about riding not buying stuff.....(thats what the wife says anyway - until i reming her she spends £150 a month on cigs and i dont)