Getting back into cycling...

Specialized has a pretty good rep, one current thread notwithstanding, but then so do other maufacturers. I'd say worry about brand if you're trying to choose after narrowing down your search, not at the start.

The 10 speed 105 is considered a big improvement over earlier versions, and holds up well against the more expensive groups.

A lot of people consider the 105 as the sweet spot in shimano grouping. Not as light or flashy as dura ace but works very well. You will not be disapointed with 105 or Specialized, I've never rode one but a few guys in our club do.

BigUgly said:

A lot of people consider the 105 as the sweet spot in shimano grouping. Not as light or flashy as dura ace but works very well. You will not be disapointed with 105 or Specialized, I've never rode one but a few guys in our club do.

do you think the Tarmac is too much bike for a guy just getting back into the sport? I like the look, the brand, etc, i the price seemed alright (1800-2200 before pedels, helmet, computer, etc).....

The bike I ride is only $1700cnd because that's all I could afford, if I could I would have spent $3000. I'm a firm believer in spend what you can afford. Now as it pertains to the Specialized yes they are decent bikes but there are so many others to choose from. I fiind they are a little bland to my eye but thats just me. I ride an OPUS I looked at Specialized, Trek, Giant all the big boys but ended up with a small maker in Quebec, Canada not sure if you can find any where you are from but look around.
i11.photobucket.comeasteropus120.jpgOpen ↗

brian4610 said:

do you think the Tarmac is too much bike for a guy just getting back into the sport? I like the look, the brand, etc, i the price seemed alright (1800-2200 before pedels, helmet, computer, etc).....

Buy what you can afford in the type of bike that you think suits you. Don't be afraid of spending a lot of money if you can afford it and think you will enjoy it. For me personally, buying a bike that is more expensive that what I could probably have gotten away with has really made riding enjoyable and well worth it for the enjoyment, even though I'm a fitness rider and not very fast.

On the other hand, I think it is important to buy the type of bike you want. For example, in the overall road bike category, there are full-on racing bikes of a variety of price points from affordable to very expensive. There are also more relaxed, comfortable bikes for the serious recreational rider (does the Tarmac fall into that category?). They can also range in price from fairly cheap to very expensive. To me, spending money for good quality in whatever category suits you makes all the sense in the world if you can afford it and enjoy it. I would!

I've always known Dura-ace as a top of the line component, however i've never rode a bike that has it, what makes it so special? how much better is it than 105, and ultergra?

the bike i will more then likely get will have 105 on it, is it worth the up grade to ultegra or even dura-ace? As i said in the initial post, i'm getting back into cycling, just for the fitness, or will 105 be just fine, and i can use any extra money for other items....

thanks.

brian4610 said:

I've always known Dura-ace as a top of the line component, however i've never rode a bike that has it, what makes it so special? how much better is it than 105, and ultergra?

the bike i will more then likely get will have 105 on it, is it worth the up grade to ultegra or even dura-ace? As i said in the initial post, i'm getting back into cycling, just for the fitness, or will 105 be just fine, and i can use any extra money for other items....

thanks.

Once you go past 105, then the differences become more about saving a few hundred grams than performance.

I've heard Dura-ace and Ultegra last longer.

A lot depends on the Geometry, what size bike are you looking at? If it is small make sure it has less than 74° degree seat tube (no specialized has that in a small size) look at Orbea, Cervelo or Lemand for 73°.

If the bike doesn't fit don't but it! It is easier to make a small bike bigger than to make a big bike smaller. When in doubt get the smaller one as long as you don't max out the seat tube.

Aluminum is a harsh ride, steel is comfy but slow, carbon is plush and fast and expensive. Do some research to figure out your preference.

I ride both Shimano and Campy.
I don't like shimano, because the right shifter will only shift one gear harder at a time. Also you have to push the lever (click) and release it (click) before it shifts (click) 3 clicks to shift one gear.

Campy will allow three shifts up or down and one click is one shift. You push the lever one click and the shift is made. Get the Chorus, it is Record without the polish and price.