Yoohoo

Hi all, my lbs is offering a deal on a new specialized limited edition S-works Tarmac Contador frameset for $2100 and I'm on the fence? It seems to me a bargain price, as a standard S-works frameset retails for $3750. I would like to rush into a purchase, if only to sit on the frame over the next six to twelve months as I save and spend the money on the components. Someone talk me down, or tell me it's a great deal and not to miss out? Thanks in advance for your words of wisdom.

hatrack71

If that is what you want, go for it. Seems to me that with that kind of money you far more choices. $2100 could buy a complete bike that is nicely outfitted. New or used.

OldTryGuy

I'm a believer of the....if you really want it and can afford it-WHY NOT!

Inpd

I've never ridden it before, but I've seen a few in this God Awful Baby Blue color they have. If its that color, then run! No matter how good it looks in the show-room in the outdoors it takes on this 1970s wedding suit color. If you wear this outfit https://www.amazon.com/Tuxedo-Light-H.../dp/B003JTPJNC it will be a perfect color match!

Yoohoo

Haha, funny, isn't that what Adam Sandler wore in The Wedding Singer? I already have a madone 5 series, but wanted a hobby bike to build from the ground up? Since it's a Limited edition I don't have an option on colors, maybe that's why the price is so sweet? Here's a jpeg, I think it looks good, not super aggressive and I would be flying a professional riders colors.

Xherion

My two cents is that if you plan on actually riding it around much, I wouldn't put much purchase decision weight into it being a limited frame. Any appreciably amount of riding is going to result in dinks and scratches. Then you'll just have a used frame that has lost any collectors value. If it fits what what you were already looking for and is a good price, go for it. But otherwise I wouldn't put any weight into it being a limited edition unless you plan on hanging it on the wall.

fa63

That looks like the SL3 version from several years ago (the Tarmac is currently at SL5). Might explain the steep discount.

Yoohoo

I was under the impression that he rode these colors in 2015, and it's last years SL5? Also, I having been riding a 2014 Madone 5.2 for the last year and a half and am very much addicted to logging from fifty to a hundred miles every week.

Does anyone know if paying $2100 is an uber bargain on a new piece such as this?

Chandne

Ask which year model it is and match it up with Specialized's website- current or search through the archives by year.

Specialized Bicycle Components

I looked but did not see one with the name "Contador" so it may be a color scheme one from 2014...not sure though. That is a great deal on the frame if a SL4 or 2015/2016. I just picked up a 2015 S-Works Tramac frame set new. It is QR Disc and not SCS-spaced. So also look into that- is the frame SCS-spaced? I suspect it is not but ask them. If I got a price like that and a S-Works Tarmac, I'd jump on it. After I sold my CLX40 wheel set, that is about what I paid for mine. Over the past few months, I picked up the parts and just got a wheel set built. It will be a completely personalized bike, in that respect. That's the way I like building bikes- get an awesome frame and pick out each component.

So find out which year model it is and find it on the Specialized site. If SL4 or newer, it is a good deal.

Yoohoo

Actually, it is on the website under some works tarmac ac15, which is the Alberto Contactor 2015 edition.

lupy

I can't comment on whether or not its a good deal, but I believe you should get the frame that looks best to you. I spent about $200 more than I should have on a used frame because I wanted the specific color. I could've gotten the same frame for less, but in a different color. IMO I made the right decision. I'll have the bike for a long time and I have no desire to swap it for something else because I love the way it looks. Good luck!

EDIT: Check https://www.merlincycles.com/ and other UK retailers for a groupset. The prices can't be beat in the US.

Maelochs

Right. If you can afford what is essentially a luxury item anyway, don't quibble over coppers. It would have cost a certain amount to get the bike repainted, and why spend a lot of money on a luxury item only to have the complete project not be totally satisfying?

If you Really like That frame, and would be happy with that being your bike for the next several years, then the price seems to be a good one. if you are on the fence about it because of appearance, pay $200 and get a custom powdercoat. If you really want a Tarmac and you like the way this one looks, it's seems like a good pricve so ...

at the very least you ought to be able to sell it for a small profit or at least no loss in a year or two if you decide you don't like it and don't want to build it.

TimothyH

Deny yourself. It's lent after all.

You can save for components with $2100 in your savings account or with a frame in your closet. They make frames every day and there are closeout deals and special offers all the time.

Maelochs

I am sure many of us have seen great deals get away because we hesitated. Not saying "Do it!" but offering the other side of that argument.

You might Not see such a good price on such a good frame come Your way ever again. Deals are out there ... I know, because other people who found them, report them. However, I don't see many ... and when I see good or even great deals (price on a product) it tends not to be exactly the product I want or need.

When I decided to by another MTB, I went to Craigslist and immediately saw a really good deal only 20 miles from my home. I didn't hesitate, and I ended up with a bike, the wheels of which alone are worth more than I paid for the whole bike. In all my CL browsing, I hadn't seen another bike, road or MTB, which was what I wanted or needed at a decent price.

It's like going to a bike shop and finding a super-cheap leftover 2014 model of a bike you really like that just happens to be your size and with the groupset you want. Yes, new bikes will be produced every year, but You will not find a two-year leftover that happens to be just what you want and in your size, very often ... probably never again (I say this since it hasn't ever happened to most of us.)

If the OP really likes this frame, this particular model, and here it is for thirty percent off .... and if he has never come across a deal like this before in his life ... why think he will ever again?

if someone can point me Right Now to three deals equivalent to this one, I will admit I am wrong and this is a common situation. However, this one also happens to be from his LBS, which means he knows it is not a frame with a shady history ("never raced, never crashed") and there is no shipping. He can look at it, hold it in his hands, examine every inch, basically for free.

As I also mentioned ... he could put this thing on Craigslist in a year and get his money back if he decides not to use it.

Disclaimer: I truly don't care either way. I don't know any of the involved parties and have no money in the game. I am discussing concepts.

By the way, it is only Lent for Christians, and not buying a bicycle is not mentioned anywhere in the Christian scriptures anyway.

Deny your own existence .... Hmmm ... "Descarte walked into a fast-food restaurant .... " (https://www.bikeforums.net/road-cycli...-bad-ugly.html)

SSRI

If you like the bike and have the funds DO IT.
BTW it looks like a SL4, SL3 have external cable routing.

PepeM

There's the Breezer Venturi...

TrojanHorse

I think the normal bare frame is $2700 from Specialized, so that is a pretty good deal. The cool ones this year are more like 4 grand (ouch!)

If you like that one get it. If not.... there will be more deals. I can't find that exact colorway on the specialized website - the SL4 model supposedly looks like this one:

Specialized Bicycle Components

If that's the SL3 or earlier, I'd skip it. (at that price)

Chandne

You don't see that color scheme around. I like it. Mine is a 2015 as well and the 2015 frames are not SCS spaced, which I prefer. So I just built a regular wheelset for it around NOX rims and DT 240 straight-pull hubs. I just need to get a regular derailleur hanger for it from Specialized and build it up. I got a red frame- no team color. It is a candy pearl-ish type of red. I do like the team colors a lot though. The 2015 colors are fantastic.

bakes1

You own an 18 month old Madone 5.2 and appear to be a recreational rider not even in the market for a new bike so logically speaking it makes no sense. Especially as you have indicated you would be using the bike and not trying to turn a profit.
Asking strangers for advice regarding irrational personal purchases seems spot on so I suggest you re-post as a poll and buy based upon response %
Duh...

StanSeven

First it's just the paint that makes it different and the ride, handling, weight, etc. are the same as any other. The price is really good though. The big question I would ask myself is whether that's my dream or perfect frame? If so I would jump on it. If I have hesitation I would wait and buy what I really want later.

StanSeven

I personally think this is the best looking S-Works I've seen.

Chandne

Thanks, StanSeven. It was one of those expensive impulse buys...no need for it but it was a pretty good deal and one of the bikes I find desirable. The usual ride is a SL4 Roubaix.

StanSeven

Often those impulse buys turn out as the best. The first thoughts often are the most sincere and meaningful as far as what we really like. It's the hesitation, mental debating, and talking with others that causes distraction and indecisions.

Yoohoo

Chandne, what did you pay for that frame?

Yoohoo

I like the colors, how much did you pay?