balsingh

Hey all. So I'm currently in the process of purchasing a new road bike, and I've decided on getting the Specialized Tarmac Pro. Luckily, my LBS has both the 2007 and 2008 models in stock and in my size. Is it worth it to spend the extra couple hundred to get the newer model? My shop sells the 2007 Tarmac Pro for $3200 and the 2008 model for $3700. Thanks.

Bal

JBS103

I would step it up to the 2008. $3700 is a respectable price (and I assume you get some sort of service deal with it) and the newer version gets a few little upgrades from last year. For one you get the star-hub Roval wheelset which is supposed to be a nice riding wheel that also boasts some aero qualities. The owner of my LBS said he liked riding those wheels and thought that they performed on par with the Mavic Kysrium ES (I can't confirm this). I'm also not sure how important that is to you.

You get a few extra Dura-Ace parts here and there, a nicer seat post (I believe), and the Specialized proprietary crank set up(that I think is pretty cool).

I'm not sure what $500 dollars means to you, but I would go for 2008 assuming you can handle the color schemes and all. What did the LBS say? I'm sure they will be pretty honest with you. You got a cool bike either way.

af2nr

I would also say the 08 is worth the extra money for what you get, if the money isn't an issue.

80vette

Have not seen an 08' in person but the web site photos of the "raw" are ... well ....an odd root beer brown. Can't say I like the color much.

Maybe they look better in person?

I'm not sold on the Roval wheels either.
I would go with the 07 if I had to choose between the two.

EffSizzle

I'd get the '07 and put the extra $500 into a short term CD.

JBS103

It's very similar. If anything its a tiny bit more subtle. Still an acquired taste, though, I agree.

balsingh

Well I like the looks of both models, so that's not a big issue. However, a guy at the shop said he was slightly against the 2008 model because of those Roval Wheels. He said that, despite providing improved aerodynamics, they're also adding weight. They were also talking down against monocoque frames, priding themselves on Specialized's Az:1 construction. So they basically told me it's merely personal preference, but the 2008 model is generally a better bike because of the components and build. Anyone hear otherwise or have any advice?
Thanks

LIUser22

i would go for the 08, you get the star wheels (not sure how they ride or if they make a difference), im pretty sure the gruppo is the same on both, i just checked the site. If worse came to worse you could always sell the wheels and buy new ones and it could offset the price a bit.

The paint is... different

i have an 07 and i love it, not a single complaint!!!


no matter what, you're getting a great bike

chuongdoan

Dude, if you spend the extra $$ on the 08, you will go 8mph faster guaranteed. I mean SMOKIN FAST.

balsingh

But wouldn't I then only go 1 mph slower if I got the 07 model?

But on a more serious note. The 08 model comes w/ ultegra SL brakes and a ultegra SL front derailleur. now, i do feel the 08 is worth the jump, but I'm not sure if it is worth stretching my allotted budget to get it. however, i do get a good deal from them, so we'll see. Keep the advice rolling, and thanks again.

simplton

I'm expecting delivery of a '08 Tarmac Pro today or tomorrow. Will let you know my impressions. I didn't have the choice between a '07 and '08, but I did demo a '07 for three days. Nice bike. I think given the choice I'd have gone for the '07. That's based on the wheels alone. From what I've seen the Rovals receive luke warm reception at best.

cheers...

YATES

the color on the 07 are def better

prendrefeu

Wait until the 2009s comes out, they will render the 2008s obsolete. If you have a little patience, you can wait for the 2010s to come out, they will render the 2009s obsolete. If you have a little patience, you can wait for the 2011s to come out, they will render the 2010s obsolete. If you have a little patience, you can wait for the 2012s to come out, they will render the 2011s obsolete.

.......

balsingh

But what if I wait until 2015? I heard that model will be the best ever to grace the earth's presence.

prendrefeu

Well, we may not get to that point. Apparently the 2012 Tarmac Pro is what the Mayan Calendar actually predicted will dominate, and eventually end, all life on this planet.

eatdirt22

Yeah, I have to say it looks like a 4th grader decided on all the color options for the entire 2008 Specialized line-up. Stinks too since I was diggin the 2007 line-up....

balsingh

News-flash: Just talked to a Specialized sales rep, and this is what he told me: "Get the 2007. No construction or materials change in the frame and fork from one year to the next. Since the 2007 is a year old, you will get a much better deal on that bike."

Oh, and about the 2012 apocalypse: that's a bummer. Maybe I'll just have to move to mars. I hear it has good head-winds.

BHBiker

LOL

CharlieWoo

I'd get the '07 and put the extra $500 into a long-term drinking binge.

I got the '07 a month ago and am very happy with it.

balsingh

I'm only 18. So it'll go to marijuana. Uh...I mean...

But seriously. What's a CD?

CharlieWoo

Certificate of Deposit. You give a bank or CU your money to loan out to someone else and they give you part of what they make.

palesaint

Happy with the Tarmac, or the 5 c-note drinking binge?

I'd probably go '07, unless the components made up the difference, and then some.

JBS103

Does he realize the weight difference between the two wheel sets is something like 100 grams?

Listen to the rep.

CharlieWoo

I don't know what they're putting on the 08s. I got DA RD, chain, brifters (with the cool shift indicator on the right one). I paid 3100 US.

kblaine123

I have the '07.........I bought it off EBAY for $2400, it was FULL dura-ace with a few Tarmac SL upgrades. You never really know how many miles are on a used bike, but i could not be happier with the purchase. I took the savings (used bike cost versus new bike cost) and bought a Bontrager wheelset. I am into the bike for about $3700 (around the numbers your talking) and its about the best setup I could have dreamed of having.