I know this should be on a roadie forum, but i cant be arsed joining one.
Anyway, its time to change my trusty old Roubaix & i've always fancied one of these. Mostly used for 40-60 milers in the pennines/peaks. Over time i've found the stem on my Roubaix just sits too high even with a flat top headset cap. I was wondering how rigid/harsh they are on general roads. I had heard that the Venge was the boneshaker of the range now & was wondering if the Tarmac could be equally as compliant as my old (2007) bike.
Very generally it is harsher but not as bad as the Venge. Get some 28s on it (if they'll go).
I have a Tarmac, I don't find it overly harsh, but I don't have much experience of many road bikes.
I have to say, having owned a '13 Roubaix and sold a few brands, I don't think SBC offer very good value for their frames (although I did like the new aluminium ones).
That Roubaix frame was 1.6kg FFS!
I would be buying one at full price that's for sure.
I switched from a roubaix to a tarmac disc last year and think it is so much better for what I want. I typically do the same distances as you with lots of ups and downs and twisty stuff - the handling is so much quicker making it loads more fun. I run mine with 25mm continentals and they measure 28 - comfort is fine. 28 continentals leave about a 2mm gap and measure about 31mm, I’m not happy running such a tight gap so sticking with the 25’s
Normal 28's fit. The bike factory in Chester have one on offer at £1300 at the moment. The one with 105
My son has a Tarmac and I have a Roubaix, both SL4s, both Ultegra equipped and both with Ksyrium wheels. When you jump from one to the other the Roubaix feels marginally smoother and a little taller at the front while the Tarmac feels not harsher but just a little firmer, if you get my meaning. But it's still very smooth-riding compared with my summer hooligan bike. Tarmac is justifiably a popular bike, something like the BMW of the bike world.
Thanks Guys
This is well worth a look as well.
https://www.specialized.com/gb/en/allez-sprint-comp/p/129269?color=239802-129269
My LBS have done a lot of these with a wheel upgrade package.