Meet Big Black, otherwise known as a 2008 Specialized Tarmac Pro. At a scant 16 lbs., it is an exquisite culmination of high modulus carbon fiber and high-end Japanese componentry. And, since scoring it on Ebay last July, this has been my ride, my cycling obsession.
Yup, Ebay. I was a bit nervous about dropping that kind of cash on a picture and a paragraph, but it showed up about a week later in immaculate condition. I had a local bike shop owner, and master bike mechanic, put it together and look it over. "Sweet ride," he said. I changed out the stock wheels for a cheaper pair that can take the beating of South Carolina's marvelous transportation system and switched out the rear cassette too. Only thing left was to pop on some pedals, strap on the Sidis, clip in, and go.
And does it go. This bike is a thoroughbred. It wants to move. Jumpy, stiff, responsive. The people at Specialized will tell you that "Nothing is lighter and stiffer" and I'd have to agree. My previous bike (a respectable Trek 2100 with 105/Ultegra parts and carbon stays) feels like a sponge compared to Black. The carbon frame literally hums at any speed. The Dura-Ace/Ultegra SL gruppo snap to attention. I love everything about this bike.
After riding the Tarmac, if Specialized told me that riding it would make me like Paolo Bettini, I'd have to believe them too (short of the two World Championships, Olympic Gold, Italian accent, throngs of Tifosi, and his insane speed). Oh, and as for my old Trek? It's now my rain bike and I've already got sights set on the new Madone (for racing of course).
Yup, Ebay. I was a bit nervous about dropping that kind of cash on a picture and a paragraph, but it showed up about a week later in immaculate condition. I had a local bike shop owner, and master bike mechanic, put it together and look it over. "Sweet ride," he said. I changed out the stock wheels for a cheaper pair that can take the beating of South Carolina's marvelous transportation system and switched out the rear cassette too. Only thing left was to pop on some pedals, strap on the Sidis, clip in, and go.
And does it go. This bike is a thoroughbred. It wants to move. Jumpy, stiff, responsive. The people at Specialized will tell you that "Nothing is lighter and stiffer" and I'd have to agree. My previous bike (a respectable Trek 2100 with 105/Ultegra parts and carbon stays) feels like a sponge compared to Black. The carbon frame literally hums at any speed. The Dura-Ace/Ultegra SL gruppo snap to attention. I love everything about this bike.
After riding the Tarmac, if Specialized told me that riding it would make me like Paolo Bettini, I'd have to believe them too (short of the two World Championships, Olympic Gold, Italian accent, throngs of Tifosi, and his insane speed). Oh, and as for my old Trek? It's now my rain bike and I've already got sights set on the new Madone (for racing of course).
