Need an opinion on a bicycle here!

[pinokio]

I'm on the market for a road bike! I really liked the Specialized Tarmac Comp. http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=13004 Here in Portugal this bike costs 2199 euros! Came across this site http://bikesarea.com/product_info.php?products_id=275 where as you can see says it costs 799 euros!!! Fishy right? After looking at the specifications everything seems to be right, one thing or another is not exactly the same but nothing too pricey, the most important is the frame and that's exactly the same.

Looked into other spanish sites and prices vary round 200 euros from here, perfectly normal but 1500 euros from bikesarea???

I was thinking in mailing Specialized and asking them if this site is legit or why the diference.... What do you think?

Paulo

[mosesbotbol]

Originally Posted by pinokio

I'm on the market for a road bike! I really liked the Specialized Tarmac Comp. http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=13004 Here in Portugal this bike costs 2199 euros! Came across this site http://bikesarea.com/product_info.php?products_id=275 where as you can see says it costs 799 euros!!! Fishy right? After looking at the specifications everything seems to be right, one thing or another is not exactly the same but nothing too pricey, the most important is the frame and that's exactly the same.

Looked into other spanish sites and prices vary round 200 euros from here, perfectly normal but 1500 euros from bikesarea???

I was thinking in mailing Specialized and asking them if this site is legit or why the diference.... What do you think?

Paulo

Paulo:

They look like the same bike. Did you ride this bike yet? I am a Campagnolo guy, but this sounds pretty good, for sure. Are you shipping it or going to their store? My suggestion is to pay on a credit card so you can dispute it if there’s a problem with the frame. Under 800 euros, it’s difficult to get anything; most frames are over that price alone.

Could be fishy, calling Specialized would be wise too. How about an Orbea? Should be cheap in your neighborhood and Spain.

[Lumpold]

Looking at the site, I would say 799 is a typo... the two lower spec models from the range are both more expensive than the comp version. (Looking at the specs, I assume the comp version is top of the range). buy it while they don't realise!

[pinokio]

Originally Posted by Lumpold

Looking at the site, I would say 799 is a typo... the two lower spec models from the range are both more expensive than the comp version. (Looking at the specs, I assume the comp version is top of the range). buy it while they don't realise!

The S-Works is top of the range, the one that's anounced 2499euros, which over here costs over 5000 euros!!

[mosesbotbol]

Even if it has just 105, the frame is nice and at 799, sounds too good to be true. Go for it while it's around. Even an entry frame with 105 should be more than that. This is a good one.

[pinokio]

Originally Posted by mosesbotbol

Even if it has just 105, the frame is nice and at 799, sounds too good to be true. Go for it while it's around. Even an entry frame with 105 should be more than that. This is a good one.

Just found out that Specialized is American, or at least central offices are.
You think any harm will be done if asked about the Pro Bike site??

You really seem to know your stuff Moses. The frame Specialized Comp is about 1500 euros. I was shown a Vector frame with Capagnolo groups for about 1200 euros but it'a an aluminium alloy frame while this one's Carbon.

[mosesbotbol]

Originally Posted by pinokio

Just found out that Specialized is American, or at least central offices are.
You think any harm will be done if asked about the Pro Bike site??

You really seem to know your stuff Moses. The frame Specialized Comp is about 1500 euros. I was shown a Vector frame with Capagnolo groups for about 1200 euros but it'a an aluminium alloy frame while this one's Carbon.

Many-a-man have won on Alloy frames. They all ride different and have pluses and minuses to them, so test ride them all.

[Hammerhead]

Originally Posted by mosesbotbol

Many-a-man have won on Alloy frames. They all ride different and have pluses and minuses to them, so test ride them all.

Ditto. Each frame is different depending on material, geometry and maker. I've been riding steel frames for as long as I can remember. Never really cared for Aluminum, but I have yet to try a carbon fiber. Right now, my ride is a 'vintage' Giordana frame made of Columbus TSX with a Campy Chorus/Ergo/Delta group I had put together for me some 10 years ago.

[mosesbotbol]

I was on a steel Merckx, then a carbon-alloy Fondriest, now an alloy Pegoretti with carbon fork. To me, the geometry was most important over material, then build quality and inherent brand value.

[pinokio]

What do you refer to as geometry??

[mosesbotbol]

Originally Posted by pinokio

What do you refer to as geometry??

As far as geometry, the length of the top tube is most important, then stand-over height, seat tub setback angle, head tube angle and height.

Everyone has different body types and riding styles, so no single geometry fits everyone. With advent of sloping geometry, frame manufacturers are able to have fewer sizes because they can jack the seat post up even more, but many pros don’t go for the full sloping geometry. Also, the frame weighs less because of a smaller triangle.

Finding out what geometry works best for comfort then power is paramount, then you can hunt out bikes that fall into that range. As a general rule, you should go smaller, rather than larger when it comes to picking a frame.

[Hammerhead]

Originally Posted by mosesbotbol

Everyone has different body types and riding styles, so no single geometry fits everyone.

Bingo. Most pro shops will take measurements. When I was shopping "back in the day", they used something called 'The Fit Kit' to determine the optimal geometry based on the dimensions of my body and type of riding I planned to do. F'rinstance, the distance between your shoulders determines width of the handlebars, the length of your leg from hip to ankle determines crank length... and so on.

If someone tries to sell you a bike without taking your measurements, I'd be very skeptical. It's not like walking into Kmart and picking one that you can stand over so that it just grazes your crotch. This experience should be like going to a London tailor. It's as personalized as you can get. It'll likely cost you some for their time, but it's worth it.