S Works Tarmac SL2

JSpencer1

I've jealously seen a few new SL4 builds on here but afraid my pockets were empty. I did however find this beauty in the classifieds and it's a real credit to its previous owner.

Pics:



Frame: Specialized Tarmac S Works SL2 52cm - Saxo Bank colours
Bars: Deda Zero 100 - 440mm
Stem: Deda Zero 100 - 110mm
Headset: Cane Creek
Bar Tape: Lizard Skins

Shifters: Shimano Ultegra 6800
Front Mech: Shimano Ultegra 6800
Rear Mech: Shimano Ultegra 6800

Front Caliper: Shimano Ultegra 6800
Rear Caliper: Shimano Ultergra 6800

Seat: Charge Spoon
Seat Post: S Works 27.2mm

Cranks: Shimano Ultegra 6800 172.5mm
Chainring(s): Shimano Ultegra 6800 52-36
Chain: Shimano Ultegra 6800
Cassette: Shimano Ultegra 6800 11-28
Pedals: Shimano Dura Ace 7900
Bottom Bracket: Shimano 6800 Ultegra

Wheelset: Spin K2 Carbone 50mm clinchers
Tires: Continental GP4000s 23mm

Accessories: Bontrager cages, Garmin 500 and outfront mount

Weight: Probably c. 7.5kg

Sorry it is only one lame pic. I've since swapped out the bar tape for black as that got dirty in 10 miles of commuting. Can't wait to give it a proper ride through Cheddar Gorge at the weekend (and get some better pics).

Any recommendations on saddles. The Spoon is dead comfy but looks fugly. I've tried an Airone so know that slim and flat aren't for me due to my wider seat bones.

Thanks

Darren

Flexisurfer

Very nice. Have a look at the Romin saddles by Specialized, they're very good and come in different widths.

thespanishadam

I know everyone is different with saddles. BUT I found the charge spoon comfy, then tried the Fizik Arione which was awful. I know use a Fizik Aliante which is more charge spoon in shape.

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/fizi ... lsrc=aw.ds

Iamnot Wiggins

I like this. Try a Specialized Romin saddle, very comfy.

SCR Pedro

Sweet ride. Some matching kit, perhaps?

JSpencer1

SCR Pedro wrote:

Sweet ride. Some matching kit, perhaps?

Haha. I'll probably get flamed for this but the 2010 Schleck Contador Tour got me in to cycling so my first kit was the 2010 Saxo bib and jersey. Just so happens to be the same livery as the bike. Not sure if the two can be seen together at the same time though!

Tjgoodhew

thespanishadam wrote:

I know everyone is different with saddles. BUT I found the charge spoon comfy, then tried the Fizik Arione which was awful. I know use a Fizik Aliante which is more charge spoon in shape.

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/fizi ... lsrc=aw.ds

Sorry for the hijack - I have just had to remove the Arione from my new bike as i found it so uncomfortable. After forum advise i have just bought a Spoon but looking at it in the flesh im not sure the shape and style will fit the new bike look. The Aliante in that link looks perfect !!!

declan1

If you like the spoon then look at the Charge Knife - basically the same saddle but it's thinner and looks better on a road bike.

matt-h

that looks fantastic.
Enjoy

Matt

bernithebiker

Don't know what you paid for it, but I'm willing to bet that's a hell of a lot of bike for the money.....

JSpencer1

bernithebiker wrote:

Don't know what you paid for it, but I'm willing to bet that's a hell of a lot of bike for the money.....

I thought I paid a fair price for it but having took it out in its first ride tonight I reckon I got a right old bargain. It literally flies along always urging you to push harder. It's no armchair ride but massively enjoyed the energy of riding it.

In saddle news I'm thinking a Romin looks a good bet. Would like the carbon rails to dampen the ride a little but don't want to invest unless I know the shape is right for me. Catch 22.

Markjaspi

I can't recommend the Romin pro with carbon rails enough, it's really transformed my rides, I usually buy fizik but have been struggling with mine recently as I needed something with a pressure relief section. So glad I gave it a go and it's pretty light to at 150g. Just make sure you get the right width, I've a skinny ass so the 143mmis perfect for me.

russyh

I have the same bike (different colour scheme) they are fabulous rides. One thing to consider if you buy a carbon railed spesh saddle is that you will need a new saddle clamp for the seat post. I beleive the post you have there is a zertz S-Works single bolt post, which means it will have a round saddle rail clamp (for alloy, titanium etc. rails) the carbon railed Specialized saddles have ovalised rails so you need to change the clamp. I think it cost me about £25. But still a kick in the teeth when you have already spent £100+ on a saddle!

Tjgoodhew

declan1 wrote:

If you like the spoon then look at the Charge Knife - basically the same saddle but it's thinner and looks better on a road bike.

That looks perfect - will be trying the Spoon on a 85 miler tomorrow so if that is good it might be sold and then a knife purchased

JSpencer1

Russyh wrote:

I have the same bike (different colour scheme) they are fabulous rides. One thing to consider if you buy a carbon railed spesh saddle is that you will need a new saddle clamp for the seat post. I beleive the post you have there is a zertz S-Works single bolt post, which means it will have a round saddle rail clamp (for alloy, titanium etc. rails) the carbon railed Specialized saddles have ovalised rails so you need to change the clamp. I think it cost me about £25. But still a kick in the teeth when you have already spent £100+ on a saddle!

Correct on all accounts. Doing Ride London next Sunday so will be rocking the Spoon then as don't want to change saddles pre 100 miles but will consider a bit of an outlay after that. Although the Knife is cheaper...

And thank you for all the positive comments. Just chuffed to bits with it.

Gaz777

Bike looks fantastic

Another recommendation for the Romin saddle here... I know it's down to personal preference but I find mine really comfortable, especially compared to the one on my winter bike.

stevenb

Looks cracking mate.
I had a 52cm SL 2 Saxo Bank too.
I sold it to a BR member about 3 years ago.
He lived in Lancs and we met on the M6 services.
It was super light and super cool. Hope he still has it!
Love the wheels on yours.
8)

JSpencer1

Owned for 10 days now but due to work commitments I've only managed the one 40 mile ride. I'm now back in London working again so the bike is currently sat with me in the Premier Inn waiting for Ride London on Sunday: (apologies for the crappy phone pics)











I've so far swapped out the saddle for a Romin Evo, if I decide I like it I may go for the Pro model with the carbon rails, Covent Garden Concept store didn't have one in stock in my size. Also gone back to black Lizard Skins DSP bar tape as the Fizik got too dirty too quickly and had very minimal padding. Now just a case of tweaking my position. I'm sure I'll find out on Sunday if it's bad fit...

dnwhite88

You're using a deep section carbon wheelset for what looks like it's going to be a wet and windy ride london?! :shock:

JSpencer1

dnwhite88 wrote:

You're using a deep section carbon wheelset for what looks like it's going to be a wet and windy ride london?! :shock:

Well it's all I've got so it will have to do! On the flip side I've seen the pros manage it...

Colinthecop

JSpencer1 wrote:

Well it's all I've got so it will have to do!

And they look good. 8)

pinarellokid

Looks ace, I have just bought an sl2 s works but a roubaix, may have to do a build thread, Never been a fan of specialised, but the s works are awesome.. Enjoy