Road Cycling - Specialized S-Works E5 Road

Is there a hammer nut out there that's ridden the Specialized S-Works E5 Road? If so, what do you all think?

Is there a hammer nut out there that's ridden the Specialized S-Works E5 Road? If so, what do you all think?

not sure about the E5 road.. but my friend, leefunk33, owns a S-work Tarmac. i check it out and it's sweet... and weighs only 16.5 lbs. he said it's nice.. but geo is not 100% match to him.. so he's going to get it profesionally fitted. u can pm him and chat with him.

rui

not sure about the E5 road.. but my friend, leefunk33, owns a S-work Tarmac. i check it out and it's sweet... and weighs only 16.5 lbs. he said it's nice.. but geo is not 100% match to him.. so he's going to get it profesionally fitted. u can pm him and chat with him.

rui

i would, but then i'd be swayed to get the tarmac...which is waaaay out of my budget. :)

E5 is ok but they don't have the front end worked out, it's not a balanced frame compared to others in the price range.
The tarmac is nice. Specialized makes good road bikes but when you get into this price range, it needs to be great.

have the s-works e5. so far the best ride i have... Pretty efficient but the ride is not as good as my traditional steel ride.

I like the geometry.. but since i ride the 50cm size, the feel of the ride to you, if you're a 6 footer, might not be the same..

[QUOTE=jedi_rider]Is there a hammer nut out there that's ridden the Specialized S-Works E5 Road? If so, what do you all think?[/QUOTE


I have an S-Works E5 and love it. My climbing improved once I started riding the E5, over my Cannondale 3000. It weighs just under 16 lbs and is a spirited climbing machine. Acceleration out of the saddle is on demand when you need it. Feels like every effort, for power goes right thru the wheel to the pavement. As far as the handling the front end can be a little twitchy. The bike is stiff but not uncomfortable even on centuries or long training rides.

[QUOTE=jedi_rider]Is there a hammer nut out there that's ridden the Specialized S-Works E5 Road? If so, what do you all think?[/QUOTE


I have an S-Works E5 and love it. My climbing improved once I started riding the E5, over my Cannondale 3000. It weighs just under 16 lbs and is a spirited climbing machine. Acceleration out of the saddle is on demand when you need it. Feels like every effort, for power goes right thru the wheel to the pavement. As far as the handling the front end can be a little twitchy. The bike is stiff but not uncomfortable even on centuries or long training rides.

Good stuff to know. Yeah, I heard it was stiff, but I didn't want it too stiff for those long rides.

have the s-works e5. so far the best ride i have... Pretty efficient but the ride is not as good as my traditional steel ride.

I like the geometry.. but since i ride the 50cm size, the feel of the ride to you, if you're a 6 footer, might not be the same..

I'm 5'6", so hopefully the geometry will work for me, too.

Do you think the E5 is overpriced as a packaged bike, or are there others out there that give a better run for it's money?

My LBS will give me a deal for $3199 USD with:

DuarAce 2004 Groupo
Mavic Ksyrium SLs
...basically the package that Specialized gives on it's website...

Do you think it's worth it?

I'm looking for a hammer bike and like to climb a lot. I'll do a 3 to 4 hour weekly ride and do centuries from time to time, but not too often so I wouldn't want to feel beat up at the end.

I've heard that Specialized's new Pave seatpost with the Zertz insert does a lot for comfort.

Does anyone know if there are any changes to the E5 frame for 2005?

[QUOTE=jedi_rider]Is there a hammer nut out there that's ridden the Specialized S-Works E5 Road? If so, what do you all think?[/QUOTE


I have an S-Works E5 and love it. My climbing improved once I started riding the E5, over my Cannondale 3000. It weighs just under 16 lbs and is a spirited climbing machine. Acceleration out of the saddle is on demand when you need it. Feels like every effort, for power goes right thru the wheel to the pavement. As far as the handling the front end can be a little twitchy. The bike is stiff but not uncomfortable even on centuries or long training rides.

Do you have the silver or red frame? I think the silver anodized would be harder to clean because of the rough surface...

Is there a hammer nut out there that's ridden the Specialized S-Works E5 Road? If so, what do you all think?
I have tried nearly every brand name bike on the market. I am one of the hammer nuts. ;) If you are looking for rocket speed there are only 2 bicycles out there. Cervelo Soloist and the S-Works E5. I went with the S-Works. THey have been around longer, frame is unbelieveably stiff, and it is one of the lightest alum frames. 16.5 with cages, pedals, and flat pack. It is the best bike i have ever pedaled. I will never change to a different bicycle company. For just over 3 grand, you get the best money can buy. No regret there. After all, there are no regrets at all. Yes I did get the silver paintjob. It is not the easiest to keep clean but when you get it just right with the chrome components and chrome rims... nothing looks sweeter. Sweetest looking bicycle on the market for under 5k. S-Works... S= SWEET!

Do you think the E5 is overpriced as a packaged bike, or are there others out there that give a better run for it's money?

My LBS will give me a deal for $3199 USD with:

DuarAce 2004 Groupo
Mavic Ksyrium SLs
...basically the package that Specialized gives on it's website...

Do you think it's worth it?

I'm looking for a hammer bike and like to climb a lot. I'll do a 3 to 4 hour weekly ride and do centuries from time to time, but not too often so I wouldn't want to feel beat up at the end.


$3K will buy a better overall bike than the E5. If you really want the E5, tons will come on ebay once the new S-works carbon bikes are rolling out en-mass. It's a trendy bike that has a little bling appeal but it isn't a keeper like, say, a Litespeed Vortex is. Granted, the Vortex is a $3400 frame alone but my point is for $3K even Specialized has better bikes.
Let me ask you, Domina Vacanze is sponsored by Specialized, which bikes do they ride? (it doesn't necessaraly mean anything since they ride what Specialized gives them but I don't see anyone tugging to get a E5).

Better bike for your $3K? Pinarello makes a beautiful performer called the MARVEL. That bike friggin' rocks. I'm sure that's close to your pricepoint.

On top of all that, do you really want something everyone else has and will buy on ebay for half what you got it for in 3 months for a good (not great) aluminum frame?

In the scope of things, $3K is a solid purchase. Buy based on performance, reputation, fit, your taste and the skill of the maker but also buy something unique. Someone paying $1000 for a new bike doesn't have that luxury, you do so take advantage of it.

Just my opinion.

$3K will buy a better overall bike than the E5. If you really want the E5, tons will come on ebay once the new S-works carbon bikes are rolling out en-mass. It's a trendy bike that has a little bling appeal but it isn't a keeper like, say, a Litespeed Vortex is. Granted, the Vortex is a $3400 frame alone but my point is for $3K even Specialized has better bikes.
Let me ask you, Domina Vacanze is sponsored by Specialized, which bikes do they ride? (it doesn't necessaraly mean anything since they ride what Specialized gives them but I don't see anyone tugging to get a E5).

Better bike for your $3K? Pinarello makes a beautiful performer called the MARVEL. That bike friggin' rocks. I'm sure that's close to your pricepoint.

On top of all that, do you really want something everyone else has and will buy on ebay for half what you got it for in 3 months for a good (not great) aluminum frame?

In the scope of things, $3K is a solid purchase. Buy based on performance, reputation, fit, your taste and the skill of the maker but also buy something unique. Someone paying $1000 for a new bike doesn't have that luxury, you do so take advantage of it.

Just my opinion.

Woah whoah woah dude... Let me stop you right there. Couple of points to make then i'll be quiet.
1. Lightspeeds are WAY WAY WAY WAY WAY WAY overpriced. Nothing spectacular bout them. Except why people spend that money just for that bike.
2. Pinarello's are very nice bikes but don't get me wrong. They are for show... you pay more for the paintjob than the materials.
3. It seems as tho you are slamming the E5 to be a crappy bike. You are sorely mistaken. You made it seem like they are cheap peices of nothing and everybody has them because they are cheap. The reason why E5's are so popular is because they are one of the nicest bicycles to ride. Not the most bells and whistles but they are very light, stiff and fast. I have never heard people put down the E5 like you just did. Everybody i have talked to who has ridden or bought an E5 said that it was one of the nicest and fastest bicycles around.

But it's just my own opinion. Sorry if i was stern but I love my E5 dearly.

this is going to get good......................

1. Lightspeeds are WAY WAY WAY WAY WAY WAY overpriced. Nothing spectacular bout them. Except why people spend that money just for that bike.
2. Pinarello's are very nice bikes but don't get me wrong. They are for show... you pay more for the paintjob than the materials.
3. It seems as tho you are slamming the E5 to be a crappy bike.

1. Litespeeds cost what any other good titanium bike costs. Maybe you think it's overpriced but after a few years the Litespeed owner isn't going to be shopping for another bike.
Nothing spectacular about the Vortex? ok....

2. I don't get you wrong. You either don't know much about road bikes or you have never ridden a Pinarello.

3. What did I say specifically about the E5? Quote me where I said it was crappy.

Here is a quote, "E5 is ok" here is another one, "Specialized makes good road bikes but when you get into this price range, it needs to be great."
or
"my point is for $3K even Specialized has better bikes."

Hmm, can't find where I said it was crappy. I can, however, see you calling the Vortex (or Litespeeds in general) "WAY WAY WAY WAY WAY WAY overpriced. Nothing spectacular..." and Pinarellos "are for show... you pay more for the paintjob than the materials."

How are your critiques any more valid than mine? The fact you would make such innane statements tells me something about your experience with road bikes.
And to quote a great writer, "But it's just my own opinion. Sorry if i was stern"

I have tried nearly every brand name bike on the market. I am one of the hammer nuts. ;) If you are looking for rocket speed there are only 2 bicycles out there. Cervelo Soloist and the S-Works E5. I went with the S-Works. THey have been around longer, frame is unbelieveably stiff, and it is one of the lightest alum frames. 16.5 with cages, pedals, and flat pack. It is the best bike i have ever pedaled. I will never change to a different bicycle company. For just over 3 grand, you get the best money can buy. No regret there. After all, there are no regrets at all. Yes I did get the silver paintjob. It is not the easiest to keep clean but when you get it just right with the chrome components and chrome rims... nothing looks sweeter. Sweetest looking bicycle on the market for under 5k. S-Works... S= SWEET!

Hey NIKEliveSTRONG (fellow hammer nut),
Thanks for the feedback. How's the comfort level on 3-4+ hour rides? I've heard that, although it's an aluminum frame, the ride is pretty smooth because of the pave seatpost, carbon forks, and carbon handlebar/stem combo.

I'm going to give my LBS a call and have make an appointment for a test ride. They said I could take it anywhere to test it's climbing and descending/handling capabilities.

One thing to note, the buyer of the store said that their aren't any changes to the frame construction...I hope that's true...but then, you could never keep up from year to year...

1. Litespeeds cost what any other good titanium bike costs. Maybe you think it's overpriced but after a few years the Litespeed owner isn't going to be shopping for another bike.
Nothing spectacular about the Vortex? ok....

2. I don't get you wrong. You either don't know much about road bikes or you have never ridden a Pinarello.

3. What did I say specifically about the E5? Quote me where I said it was crappy.

Here is a quote, "E5 is ok" here is another one, "Specialized makes good road bikes but when you get into this price range, it needs to be great."
or
"my point is for $3K even Specialized has better bikes."

Hmm, can't find where I said it was crappy. I can, however, see you calling the Vortex (or Litespeeds in general) "WAY WAY WAY WAY WAY WAY overpriced. Nothing spectacular..." and Pinarellos "are for show... you pay more for the paintjob than the materials."

How are your critiques any more valid than mine? The fact you would make such innane statements tells me something about your experience with road bikes.
And to quote a great writer, "But it's just my own opinion. Sorry if i was stern"

I recall you saying that E5's have little bling appeal and isn't a keeper. Lots of people disagree. You look at a good percentage of people who are riding the E5's. They have had them for a couple of years and wouldn't think of changing and many people are buying more and more used ones. They definatley keep their appeal and quality. Now I'm not here to start a war... It just seemed you were thinking E5 were cheap bikes. THERE ARE BETTER BIKES OUT THERE. But you can't just sit there and say that it has little bling appeal and not a keeper when they are being bought new and used for a long time now. Bicycles are not supposed to be the coolest thing ever. That is a plus. Discussion closed.

I recall you saying that E5's have little bling appeal and isn't a keeper. Lots of people disagree. You look at a good percentage of people who are riding the E5's. They have had them for a couple of years and wouldn't think of changing and many people are buying more and more used ones. They definatley keep their appeal and quality. Now I'm not here to start a war... It just seemed you were thinking E5 were cheap bikes.

"It's a trendy bike that has a little bling appeal but..."

A little bling appeal. A little bling appeal, like it HAS bling appeal.


THERE ARE BETTER BIKES OUT THERE.

which is what I am saying... :rolleyes:

Hey NIKEliveSTRONG (fellow hammer nut),
Thanks for the feedback. How's the comfort level on 3-4+ hour rides? I've heard that, although it's an aluminum frame, the ride is pretty smooth because of the pave seatpost, carbon forks, and carbon handlebar/stem combo.

I'm going to give my LBS a call and have make an appointment for a test ride. They said I could take it anywhere to test it's climbing and descending/handling capabilities.

One thing to note, the buyer of the store said that their aren't any changes to the frame construction...I hope that's true...but then, you could never keep up from year to year... Sounds good man... I rode a Trek 5500 for a 4.5 hour ride. I picked up the 2004 E5, rode the same ride and could not tell a difference. Actually a little bit more comfortable. The E5 is one of the most solid bicycles out there. DON'T LET ANYONE TELL YOU OTHERWISE! *cough*cough*

"It's a trendy bike that has a little bling appeal but..."

A little bling appeal. A little bling appeal, like it HAS bling appeal.



which is what I am saying... :rolleyes:

Hey can I ask what kind of bike you ride. No, not your what dream bicycle is... the one you actually stagger up the climbs.

Team SC & MXM this year.

Team SC & MXM this year. What is that? Never heard of it.

What is that? Never heard of it. Never mind... Eddy Mercx... not too bad. 2004 S-Works with 10 spd. DA and Carbone's... Good duel there... :fight:

$3K will buy a better overall bike than the E5. If you really want the E5, tons will come on ebay once the new S-works carbon bikes are rolling out en-mass. It's a trendy bike that has a little bling appeal but it isn't a keeper like, say, a Litespeed Vortex is. Granted, the Vortex is a $3400 frame alone but my point is for $3K even Specialized has better bikes.
Let me ask you, Domina Vacanze is sponsored by Specialized, which bikes do they ride? (it doesn't necessaraly mean anything since they ride what Specialized gives them but I don't see anyone tugging to get a E5).

Better bike for your $3K? Pinarello makes a beautiful performer called the MARVEL. That bike friggin' rocks. I'm sure that's close to your pricepoint.

On top of all that, do you really want something everyone else has and will buy on ebay for half what you got it for in 3 months for a good (not great) aluminum frame?

In the scope of things, $3K is a solid purchase. Buy based on performance, reputation, fit, your taste and the skill of the maker but also buy something unique. Someone paying $1000 for a new bike doesn't have that luxury, you do so take advantage of it.

Just my opinion.

I am pretty sure Domina rode the E5 right up until the tour.
http://www.cyclingnews.com/photos/2004/giro04/index.php?id=stage5/33

I am pretty sure Domina rode the E5 right up until the tour.
http://www.cyclingnews.com/photos/2004/giro04/index.php?id=stage5/33
Thank you Gustaf...

Cipo rides a custom made bike with no geometry relation to the E5 and everyone that has a choice has been on Tarmacs since their intro into Domina Vacanze

someone asks for opinions
"..are there others out there that give a better run for it's money?"

I give mine and you attack me on things I didn't say. That's great. And no, it wouldn't be a "good duel" because Merckx are truly great frames in every measure, the E5 is not.

If you can't appreciate a Vortex or Pinarello, nor my posts which I stated , "Just my opinion." than why should I take any more time attacking you as much as you attacked my opinion? You want to dish it, you can go ahead and eat some of the same too.

If you only want to hear good things about your bike, start a new thread "Only good things to say about the E5". I think very highly of Litespeeds, LOOKs, Pinarellos and some other brands. I don't think highly of the E5 because it doesn't deserve it, imo. That's IMO. Just like I think the Madone sucks for the money.
There are plenty of good bikes but is it a good bike for the money? With the parameters I choose (which I listed above) nope, aint worth it.

Cipo rides a custom made bike with no geometry relation to the E5 and everyone that has a choice has been on Tarmacs since their intro into Domina Vacanze

someone asks for opinions
"..are there others out there that give a better run for it's money?"

I give mine and you attack me on things I didn't say. That's great. And no, it wouldn't be a "good duel" because Merckx are truly great frames in every measure, the E5 is not.

If you can't appreciate a Vortex or Pinarello, nor my posts which I stated , "Just my opinion." than why should I take any more time attacking you as much as you attacked my opinion? You want to dish it, you can go ahead and eat some of the same too.

If you only want to hear good things about your bike, start a new thread "Only good things to say about the E5". I think very highly of Litespeeds, LOOKs, Pinarellos and some other brands. I don't think highly of the E5 because it doesn't deserve it, imo. That's IMO. Just like I think the Madone sucks for the money.
There are plenty of good bikes but is it a good bike for the money? With the parameters I choose (which I listed above) nope, aint worth it.

Hey man... you dog on E5 when it is a popular italian made bicycle BUT i dog on your RARE PLAIN EDDY MERCX! YOU CAN NOT SAY CRAP BECAUSE YOU PROBABLY HAVE NOT RIDDEN THE E5 MORE THAN A DAY. SO YOU CAN'T REALLY SAY A DARN THING. LIKE I SAID DISCUSSION CLOSED.

I feel I need to add that the LBS that I'm talking with has a specialty in road and triathlon racing. They also sell Merckx, Pinarellos, and Looks. However, when I went through the price points with them, it REALLY did look like the best bang for the buck was the E5.

I'm not sold on the whole carbon deal yet even though TREK has made a big deal of it...although, if I ever had the budget, I'm tempted to get the Cervelo R2.5 or whatever model is out that year.

By the way, why does the Madone suck? Just curious...

I'm also not sold on the Titanium material. I think it's over-rated...in my humble opinion.

I feel I need to add that the LBS that I'm talking with has a specialty in road and triathlon racing. They also sell Merckx, Pinarellos, and Looks. However, when I went through the price points with them, it REALLY did look like the best bang for the buck was the E5.

I'm not sold on the whole carbon deal yet even though TREK has made a big deal of it...although, if I ever had the budget, I'm tempted to get the Cervelo R2.5 or whatever model is out that year.

By the way, why does the Madone suck? Just curious...

I'm also not sold on the Titanium material. I think it's over-rated...in my humble opinion.

Hey man... I am thinking about getting a R2.5 for a 2nd bike. Rode one for a 3 hour saturday ride. Nice bicycles. Really Really look into those. Madones don't suck but if you are really interested in Trek... hold off on bikes. THey are coming out with a hole new line of bicycles. Just a heads up.

Cipo rides a custom made bike with no geometry relation to the E5 and everyone that has a choice has been on Tarmacs since their intro into Domina Vacanze

someone asks for opinions
"..are there others out there that give a better run for it's money?"

I give mine and you attack me on things I didn't say. That's great. And no, it wouldn't be a "good duel" because Merckx are truly great frames in every measure, the E5 is not.

If you can't appreciate a Vortex or Pinarello, nor my posts which I stated , "Just my opinion." than why should I take any more time attacking you as much as you attacked my opinion? You want to dish it, you can go ahead and eat some of the same too.

If you only want to hear good things about your bike, start a new thread "Only good things to say about the E5". I think very highly of Litespeeds, LOOKs, Pinarellos and some other brands. I don't think highly of the E5 because it doesn't deserve it, imo. Tat's IMO. Just like I think the Madone sucks for the money.
There are plenty of good bikes but is it a good bike for the money? With the parameters I choose (which I listed above) nope, aint worth it.

dude, get off your ****ing high horse. I said nothing about Cipo, i said Domina.
also read what i said "right up until the tour" yea, obviously they ride the tarmac now.
but until recently, they were all on E5's.

and for the origional question, if the E5 feels good to you, then get it.
Its a race bike so its going to be more stiff than a lot of other options, but if it feels good - dont let anyone tell you otherwise.

Hey man... you dog on E5 when it is a popular italian made bicycle BUT i dog on your RARE PLAIN EDDY MERCX! YOU CAN NOT SAY CRAP BECAUSE YOU PROBABLY HAVE NOT RIDDEN THE E5 MORE THAN A DAY. SO YOU CAN'T REALLY SAY A DARN THING. LIKE I SAID DISCUSSION CLOSED.

What are you talking about? Is this even english anymore?
"...you dog on E5 when it is a popular italian made bicycle"----what does this mean?

Am I dogging on the E5 because I think it's overpriced or because I think it's "just a good bike"? Is the E5 italian made? I thought it was made in the USA

"your RARE PLAIN EDDY MERCX!" --- First off it's Merckx. You know, one of the greatest cyclists of all time? Second, his bikes are neither rare nor plain.


"YOU CAN NOT SAY CRAP BECAUSE YOU PROBABLY HAVE NOT RIDDEN THE E5 MORE THAN A DAY" -- In fact, I have logged approx. 150 miles on an E5/ DA equipped bike but the Tarmac was a much more enjoyable experience, and you know what? When someone asked for opinions on Specialized bikes, I said I liked the Tarmac alot.
I have given my opinion on several bikes in this forum- all of which I've ridden for a sufficient amount of time to form an opinion. If I haven't ridden the bike, I say so.

" LIKE I SAID DISCUSSION CLOSED." ---- Hey, I'm not the one who started attacking opinions. You have your opinion of the E5 and I have mine. If you don't like it, don't read it. If you need to attack me, don't expect me to not defend myself. If you only want to hear good things about your bike, start a new thread about it- like I said.

dude, get off your ****ing high horse. I said nothing about Cipo, i said Domina.
also read what i said "right up until the tour" yea, obviously they ride the tarmac now.
but until recently, they were all on E5's

Last time I checked, Cipo rides for Domina. What was Scarponi riding in the Giro?

YOU CAN NOT SAY CRAP BECAUSE YOU PROBABLY HAVE NOT RIDDEN THE E5 MORE THAN A DAY. SO YOU CAN'T REALLY SAY A DARN THING



Hey man... I am thinking about getting a R2.5 for a 2nd bike. Rode one for a 3 hour saturday ride. Nice bicycles. Really Really look into those.

that's brilliant.

Last time I checked, Cipo rides for Domina. What was Scarponi riding in the Giro?
Scarponi didn't ride the giro

G'day,

'nikelivestrong'/trekkie, lost all credibility with this quote
Hey man... you dog on E5 when it is a popular italian made bicycle .....last time I checked, Specialized was a US company!,. RacerX....the old saying 'When you argue with fools, sooner or later no-one can tell the difference', is appropriate here...LOL....For what its worth, I'd want a lot more bang for my buck than an E5 for $4.5K AUD. as well, although with DA 10 on board, you probably couldn't match that in AUS.....but we get ripped off big time....mate o' mine bought a Madone $8.5K AUD ($6.1 US) & that was cheap!,

cheers,

Hitchy

What are you talking about? Is this even english anymore?
"...you dog on E5 when it is a popular italian made bicycle"----what does this mean?

Am I dogging on the E5 because I think it's overpriced or because I think it's "just a good bike"? Is the E5 italian made? I thought it was made in the USA

"your RARE PLAIN EDDY MERCX!" --- First off it's Merckx. You know, one of the greatest cyclists of all time? Second, his bikes are neither rare nor plain.


"YOU CAN NOT SAY CRAP BECAUSE YOU PROBABLY HAVE NOT RIDDEN THE E5 MORE THAN A DAY" -- In fact, I have logged approx. 150 miles on an E5/ DA equipped bike but the Tarmac was a much more enjoyable experience, and you know what? When someone asked for opinions on Specialized bikes, I said I liked the Tarmac alot.
I have given my opinion on several bikes in this forum- all of which I've ridden for a sufficient amount of time to form an opinion. If I haven't ridden the bike, I say so.

" LIKE I SAID DISCUSSION CLOSED." ---- Hey, I'm not the one who started attacking opinions. You have your opinion of the E5 and I have mine. If you don't like it, don't read it. If you need to attack me, don't expect me to not defend myself. If you only want to hear good things about your bike, start a new thread about it- like I said. The E5's are made from Columbus Alloy. Columbus is Italian. The tarmac is being replaced with the carbon model because they have questions about the quality. People including myself like the E5 and that's why has Aqua and domina use them for 3+ years. Yeah i attacked on some of your threads.. and you have picked apart every word i have said and i said the discussion is closed. Now i have not said one negative word to you or about your posts. So just leave it at that.

G'day,

'nikelivestrong'/trekkie, lost all credibility with this quote .....last time I checked, Specialized was a US company!,. RacerX....the old saying 'When you argue with fools, sooner or later no-one can tell the difference', is appropriate here...LOL....For what its worth, I'd want a lot more bang for my buck than an E5 for $4.5K AUD. as well, although with DA 10 on board, you probably couldn't match that in AUS.....but we get ripped off big time....mate o' mine bought a Madone $8.5K AUD ($6.1 US) & that was cheap!,

cheers,

Hitchy
Specalized- US owned company made by italian products and people. I have taken the tour of specialized. Heard it by the owner itself. Even cipo said it was italian made.

Specalized- US owned company made by italian products and people. I have taken the tour of specialized. Heard it by the owner itself. Even cipo said it was italian made.


In Italy?

Scarponi didn't ride the giro

you're right, it was last season's Giro

Back to your point that they were riding E5's up right up to the TDF, I was thinking of the Coppi Bartali back in March
http://www.cyclingnews.com/photos/2004/mar04/coppibartali/stage4/1.jpg

Cipo also had a re-enforced head tube on his frames but who really gives a feck.

Specialized "designs" the S-Works in the USA, and has them built out of Columbus (Italian) tubing in.............Taiwan........

Yeah, lets get all goo goo over a Taiwanese made aluminum frame..........

BTW, I ride and race a 2003 E5 S-works.....It gets the job done, but the front end is not as stable as I'd like. But hey, thats what the club gave us.

In Italy? *sigh* I'm not getting through to ya *sigh*

Cipo also had a re-inforced head tube on his frames but who really gives a feck.

Specialized "designs" the S-Works in the USA, and has them built out of Columbus tubing in.............Taiwan........

Yeah, lets get all goo goo over a Taiwanese made aluminum frame..........

BTW, I ride and race a 2003 E5 S-works.....It gets the job done, but the front end is not as stable as I'd like. But hey, thats what the club gave us.
Hmm.. when I went to the specialized tour they said columbus was italian... oh well... how you like your s works

G'day,

RacerX....the old saying 'When you argue with fools, sooner or later no-one can tell the difference', is appropriate here...LOL....
cheers,

Hitchy

Jeez, I think the last posts proved your point! I'm with ya Hitchy.

Cipo also had a re-inforced head tube on his frames but who really gives a feck.

Specialized "designs" the S-Works in the USA, and has them built out of Columbus tubing in.............Taiwan........

Yeah, lets get all goo goo over a Taiwanese made aluminum frame..........

BTW, I ride and race a 2003 E5 S-works.....It gets the job done, but the front end is not as stable as I'd like. But hey, thats what the club gave us.


G'day,

well i can see how they claim that is 'Italian made'....LOL.......I can hear the marketing spin now if you pinned them down on this, "Well this bloke called Luigi, from America, went to Taiwan with a bag full of Columbus tubing....& the rest is history....voila Italian frame!" LOL

I still reckon it's over priced, but I'd ride it if they are givin' 'em away!,

Cheers,

Hitchy

The E5's are made from Columbus Alloy. Columbus is Italian. The tarmac is being replaced with the carbon model because they have questions about the quality. People including myself like the E5 and that's why has Aqua and domina use them for 3+ years. Yeah i attacked on some of your threads.. and you have picked apart every word i have said and i said the discussion is closed. Now i have not said one negative word to you or about your posts. So just leave it at that.

The all carbon tarmac is not replacing the original tarmac, it is being added to the lineup. If the quality was suspect then they would stop producing the tarmac e5 altogether.

In the very short time I've been a member of these forums, I don't think I've seen RacerX say anything great about Specialized that much... other than a compliment for the Roubaix here and there. But that's his opinion, and take it for what it's worth. He may sound like an a$$hole when he says it but people who tell you straight out what's in their mind often look like a$$holes anyway.

He sure got your panties in a twist. :D ;)

i like the looks of the specialized "transition" TT frame. other than that, can't say much about specialized...

this thread has raised an interesting point. specialized is an american company, they use italian tubes, which are welded together in taiwan. so...what nationality is the frame? is it american? is it taiwanese? the craftsmen actually doing the work are in taiwan, so i'm inclined to say that, but the people designing the frames are most likely in america...which takes precedence, the brains, or the brawn? the tubing company makes no difference.

if specialized wanted, they could source the tubes from easton, or reynolds, or even fuji (who use their own proprietary tubing, altair, elios, blah, blah, blah). it's all pretty much the same anyway (between different companies' tubes at the same price-points at least). the brand of tubing is mostly just about marketing...i think you could sell the lowest grade columbus steel for more money than the highest grade tange or ishiwata steel, simply because of the brand-recognition, even though the high-end tange or ishiwata would be a better quality, lighter grade steel. no one can tell the difference without the labels anyway...

i heard specialized designs their frames on SUN microsystems computers! that means that SUN developers are the ones who really own the rights to the specailized frames...:rolleyes: ;)

i like the looks of the specialized "transition" TT frame. other than that, can't say much about specialized...

this thread has raised an interesting point. specialized is an american company, they use italian tubes, which are welded together in taiwan. so...what nationality is the frame? is it american? is it taiwanese? the craftsmen actually doing the work are in taiwan, so i'm inclined to say that, but the people designing the frames are most likely in america...which takes precedence, the brains, or the brawn? the tubing company makes no difference.

if specialized wanted, they could source the tubes from easton, or reynolds, or even fuji (who use their own proprietary tubing, altair, elios, blah, blah, blah). it's all pretty much the same anyway (between different companies' tubes at the same price-points at least). the brand of tubing is mostly just about marketing...i think you could sell the lowest grade columbus steel for more money than the highest grade tange or ishiwata steel, simply because of the brand-recognition, even though the high-end tange or ishiwata would be a better quality, lighter grade steel. no one can tell the difference without the labels anyway...

i heard specialized designs their frames on SUN microsystems computers! that means that SUN developers are the ones who really own the rights to the specailized frames...:rolleyes: ;)


You bring up a good point. To me, it doesn't matter where it's made. All I care about are the quality of the materials and the testing and research done to make the project complete. Yes, the frame may be made in Taiwan with the advertised materials, but their brochure states that the testing is done in the USA...close to home and where the engineers and designers are.

Besides, like I said, Specialized gives a lifetime warranty. I can't think right off the top of my head, which other bike maker of aluminum frames matches that.

Hey RacerX, which other bikes does Specialized makes that have more bang for the buck at $3k USD? Just curious which ones you were referring to.

Hey RacerX, which other bikes does Specialized makes that have more bang for the buck at $3k USD? Just curious which ones you were referring to.

Roubaix(which I think Scarponi has been riding exlusively since before Fleche Wallone)- have them swap out the triple for a double and you'll be at $3K

Allez- same paint as the E5 for alot less money and so is actually worth more for the money. Compared to the E5, the Allez's look like bargains. (edit*- I'll mention I've never ridden the current Allez but if you want a Specialized aluminum, it's got Columbus SLX instead of Columbus "Aerotec" but looks the same and I'm going to guess very similar geometry, just slightly heavier possibly but certainly for a complete $1800-$2400 aluminum bike it's a better deal than the E5)

But if I were spending $3K, I would get something with a better pedigree, unique and better ride.

As for warrantys on aluminum, Cannondale offers the same thing- a great warranty- on the CAAD7 frames-( better than the E5 frame,btw).

*cough*cough*