Specialized has a road frame called the Roubaix which has a more relaxed geometry for what is essentially a very competitive road bike. There are elastometric inserts inside the frame which add some degree of compliancy. Personally, I like the Tarmac because it felt stiffer and all the power I put into the crank felt translated into the rear wheel. My two cents.

Cheers

Essex

http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/...nuItemId=15154