Hi Educated Specialized People

Saved the money ridden the 08 Tarmac Comp really impressed,decided which parts to swap out wheels etc just concerned that Specialized have despecced this frame looking at the seatstay set up to previous Tarmacs.In that rather than the seat stays being split either side of the seat tube more compliance(like Cannondales) now meet above tyre to make solid bridge.
Just an observation could be wrong appreciate opinions.

Cheers Andy B

:confused:

....ridden the 08 Tarmac Comp really impressed...


That's all that really matters. IMO, the shape of the seat stays is only relevant to design, not ride quality. If you look at previous models of Tarmac (and many other brands/ models), there have been numerous changes to their designs. So, if it fits and you like the ride/ handling, don't fret about the seat stays.

I have aon 08 Comp.
I haven't noticed any problems.
I wish it was couple hundred grams lighter though.
I got a new set of XERO XSR 1 wheels and took with bike down from 18.5lbs to 17.7.
There's a downhill section of one our routes that's pretty twisty and I take it at 45mph no problem. Could go faster if it was steeper or straighter. You can't pedal beacause you'll scrape, so like I said, the bike handles well.

Yes, I too noticed this on the 08' tarmac elite which shares the same frame as the comp: 6r carbon triple monocoque. Instead of using a traditional seatstay design, the frame uses a wishbone (monostay) design which from what i've read, provides better stiffness. Also, it is cheaper to make which is why it's on the lower end tarmacs. As far as ride quality goes, I'm not sure if there is enough evidence to argue that traditional seatstays are more compliant than a wishbone design. Regardless I think you are getting most of the benefits of the higher end tarmac for much less $$. Enjoy the ride :thumbsup:

Thanks for this you cant help but get suspicious at what is this years best thing from design or weight characteristics is changed sometimes for reasons not stated.
Specialized have made so many changes to the Tarmac over the years without sometimes obvious advanges at least to me(novice) though have liked all of them.
Just makes the difference when you can finally afford one and need to be sure before parting with the money. Thanks a lot

Hi all,

I am pondering and deciding whether to buy a 2007 Tarmac Pro OR 2008 Tarmac Comp. I need some advices. They both come with 105 group but the Pro comes with 2006 components striped from another bike and Mavic Aksium wheels while the Comp has Shimano RS10 wheels. The Tarmac Pro is $1800 and the Tarmac Comp is $1950 out of door. I tested both bikes. The Pro is lighter than the Comp; however, I like the color Gerolsteiner on the Comp better than the dark blue on the Pro. For the value and the quality of the bikes, which one do you think I should go with? Thanks in advance for your feedback.

Man, I gotta get some immersion-type cycle language training. I'm impressed that y'all can answer the op as if you can understand what he wrote. I need some punctuation, some segregation of thought, something to break the stream of consciousness down for us earthbound thinkers. Go Specialized! I want me a Tarmac S-works real bad!