Bikes, hills & centuries...question

Ok girls...I've just about made my mind up about what bike to purchase. I've test ridden quite a few bikes & really wanted to stay local (Specialized, Fuji, Pinerello, & Trek to choose from). I tried several WSD, but they all seemed too small. It's between the 2011 Tarmac or Roubaix SL3 Experts. I'm about 5'5 1/2" & the 52cm fits fairly well as far as I can tell. They've allowed me to test ride them both this weekend. I'm going to ride this afternoon again. The Roubaix was very comfy, but the Tarmac was a freakin' RACE MACHINE! I love it. My question is how would it be for hills (& I mean TX hill country hills not CO mountains). Also would a century be ok to do on the Tarmac? Still confused, but at least I'm getting closer. I'd like to order it Monday, so I've got to decide by today. Sqeeeeaaal...I'm so excited. :D I've been saving for this thing for months & months. It's finally time.

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Originally Posted by bonnypriest

The Roubaix was very comfy, but the Tarmac was a freakin' RACE MACHINE! I love it. My question is how would it be for hills (& I mean TX hill country hills not CO mountains).

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Well, I don't happen know the gearing or any of the other features of the Robaix or of the Tarmac off the top of my head, so I'll go by what you're telling us here.

If you tell about the gearing on the Tarmac vs the Roubaix you might get an answer to that question.

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Also would a century be ok to do on the Tarmac?

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Not sure what you mean by "ok". Would the organizers allow you to ride the Tarmac on the century? I suppose so. :cool:

All other things being equal, I think you might agree that comfort would be a high priority for a century ride.

But, if you love your race machine, what they heck, go for it, it might get you through that century faster. It might not be as pleasant an experience as on the comfortable bike, but that might not be a priority for you.

There are several options for the Tarmac on Specialized's website.

If I'm correct in grabbing the specs for the Roubaix, it's 11-28 and 50x34

Me, I'd go for comfort, but it depends on your priorities.

I too, would go for comfort, but it depends on which you like more and what your priorities are (comfort on longer rides, etc.). Remember that having a fitting done (and swapping stems, etc.) will allow you to somewhat adjust your position on either bike so if you perhaps feel more "right" on the Tarmac but are wanting a bike that will be both as effeciant and comfortable as possible on longer rides, that you can set your position up on the Roubaix to more match that of what you've got on the Tarmac.

On my 11-year run of consecutive TOSRVs, I rode the last two on my race bike. Steel frame, but moderately aggressive geometry. I was a little apprehensive the first time, but more than gratified - enough to do it again the next year. If the bike fits well, IMO it should be comfortable for all day, and you can use a bento box or a fanny pack for a couple of little extra things on a supported century.

IMO, more laid back touring rigs are best for unsupported overnight rides, commuting, etc., when you want to be able to hang racks and maybe fenders on it. You don't need all that on a supported ride, or on a day ride of any length unless you ride in changing weather conditions and need to carry a lot of bulky clothing options.



ETA: looking up the gearing, it looks like the Tarmac comes with a standard double (53/39) and the Roubaix has a compact (50/34). They both come with wide-range 11-28 cassettes, which is the limit for the Ultegra derailleur, meaning you can't get shorter gearing without replacing the rear derailleur too (or making a change up front, which is a bigger and much more expensive deal). So it depends on your legs whether the Tarmac is geared short enough. Can you test ride them up one of your longer, steeper hills for comparison?

What types of rides are you doing? Is a century the longest?

If you would have asked me a year ago, I would have said comfort (which is what I bought); but now I would say, you definately need to think if comfort is what your are out for? If it is go for the Roubaix, you will be be happy with your purchase. Those bikes have an excellent rating for comfort.

If there is a part of you that wants speed, go for the Tarmac (if you don't - you may be wishing you had it later). The gearing can always be changed for hill climbing. I am not sure what the gearing comes on yhe Tarmac - it may be an additional cost to change it to what you need (a compact or a triple); or maybe you will only need to change the back cassette.

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Originally Posted by LivetoRide

Remember that having a fitting done (and swapping stems, etc.) will allow you to somewhat adjust you position on either bike

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Fittings are great.. Definately get a fitting done if you can afford it. That person can fit you to whatever kind of riding you want to do. They can even set up the Tarmac to be more of a comfort bike. Remember to tell them what you are looking for, and ask questions.

Hope that helps.

Thanks for your help ladies. I went out for a ride today at our state park. Half the park has some pretty decent hills. One, particularly, is a real booger. Anyway...I rode the Tarmac again to make sure it's what I wanted. It shot up those hills like a rocket. Me thingst it's gonna be the Tarmac! Thanks again for all your input.:D

Awesome! I think you really have to go with your gut on purchases like this. You can always tweak the gearing or make your positioning a little less aggressive.

Congrats, enjoy!!

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Originally Posted by bluebug32

Awesome! I think you really have to go with your gut on purchases like this. You can always tweak the gearing or make your positioning a little less aggressive.

Congrats, enjoy!!

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I'm sooooooo freakin' excited! Thanks bluebug!!! :D

Congratulations! Those are both beautiful bikes, and I am sure you will love the tarmac. A friend of mine (and local racer) has one and LOVES it . . . and I do to :-)

Hers is the S-works, I don't know if that is the one you were looking at or not. And hers is in the white with black lettering color scheme which I think is just so sleek. Can't wait to see photos of your new ride!

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Originally Posted by chicagogal

Congratulations! Those are both beautiful bikes, and I am sure you will love the tarmac. A friend of mine (and local racer) has one and LOVES it . . . and I do to :-)

Hers is the S-works, I don't know if that is the one you were looking at or not. And hers is in the white with black lettering color scheme which I think is just so sleek. Can't wait to see photos of your new ride!

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Thank you Chicago!!! Mine will be the SL3 Expert Ultegra. Black with a little white & red. Would have loved the mostly white, but not too many choices in my price range. It's gonna be great though. I'll definitely post a pic or two. Yippeee...I'm so excited!

Nice. :cool:

Love my Ruby. I've gone 1,600 miles on it. I haven't had a single problem. Absolutely recommend one. I'm kinda partial to Specialized. My mountain bike is a Specialized too.