Sinn

Your rationale here is the primary motivation behind my remarks about price above.

Sinn

Its not that they are too popular. Its just that (1) I don't really like the way that they look (this is, obviously, a matter of taste) and (2) they always seem overpriced (perhaps it is the demand, and thus the fact that it is harder to find them on clearance), and (3) they've never really caught my eye in the first place. I don't know. These aren't knock-down reasons not to get it. But they work for me.

umd

Yet in another thread you recommend a $2000 frameset. The SL2 in this thread built up would be a lot cheaper than started with your personal favorite Ridley. Just admit that your opinion is completely based on your love for your bike and not anything objective about Specialized or the OP's price for the SL2.

umd

You said, "too many people ride them". WTF else does that mean than "they are too popular"?

Obviously

They similarly priced to other similarly spec'd bikes.

Again, personal preference.

Correct

Sinn

I admit bias. Who doesn't have bias? And, yes, I do recommend that frameset, especially if you can find it used or less than the ever-expensive Competitive Cyclist price I quoted.

But, if I were the OP, I would probably go for one of the newer Felts.

umd

If you bought the Ridley frameset for $2000 as recommended in the other thread, it would cost more to build up than the SL2 in this thread. You said to WR that the primary motivation for your comment was the price. Obviously that is incorrect. Obviously, your primary motivation is that you just don't like Specialized.

Sinn

Whooo! OK.

Your desire to weed-out seeming contradictions in internet posts far outweighs mine. You win.

P.S. I would not buy the Damocles set new from CC. It is definitely cheaper elsewhere.

umd

I just happened to read both of your posts back to back. It's not a desire to "weed out contradiction", it is a dislike of hypocracy and hidden motivations. The OP's prices were with full build kits, I'm sure the module price would be quite a bit lower than $2000 for the Damocles. And if you start comparing to used or last year's prices, you would have to do the same for the SL2.

Look, you don't have to like the SL2. You can think it's overpriced, but to not like it because "too many people ride it" is just stupid.

Sinn

I guess I fail to see why not liking something (a matter of taste, hence, not rational in the first place) for nonrational reasons (like the look of the bike or the fact that many others ride it) is stupid.

Here is my rational argument for not getting a Tarmac: (1) If I bought a Tarmac, I wouldn't like it (for the reasons, both rational and nonrational, listed above). (2) So, I shouldn't spend my money on one. The only place where nonrational aspects come in is in determining the truth-value of (1). Nothing stupid here.

celerystalksme

stupid? maybe...but people do it ALL the time. i've known so many people that thought about getting a ford focus or honda civic or toyota camry...but then though, "but geez, everyone has one...you see those everywhere...so many, it makes my want to vomit. i'm getting a scion xb/mazda3/etc." i see it with women and clothes all the time...the won't be caught dead is whatever everyone else is wearing. guys do that with sports cars..."yeah, the vette is fast and cost effective. but every loser has one of those. i'm getting a lotus!" i've seen it with ipods..."i want a mp3 player. but i'll be damned if i get a ipod! i'm not sheep!!!!"

you'll see this behavior with just about EVERY product or produce category. might be stupid, might not be...but it's SOOOOOO common. you've probably done it yourself...and probably every single person you know has done it...

ZeCanon

whoa everybody... lets calm down. Think about what you are arguing about for a moment...

Nice bike, you'll love the Red. Tarmacs ride very nicely.

erliuic

Bought yet?

Coyote2

Where do you get a Tarmac SL2 with Red for $3500?

CRSturdivant

\

The color scheme is an artist proof, not a production color so it's one-of-a-kind. It's what I like to refer to as "yogurt pink" and raw black matte carbon.

I completely agree, there are probably comparable bikes out there for less money, which I should consider looking into. There is a reason everyone rides specialized, they are quality, highly engineered bikes. Also specialized customer service is top notch!! I have been a specialized rider since I was 8 when my dad bought me a hardrock, I have had great luck with them and I will take the safe bet!! I guess the bottom line is this is the bike of my dreams at a price I can afford, I think I am just a little crazy like that

+1 I currently have a 2008 Tarmac Pro (which I am now selling by the way, pm if interested), and I am simply blown away by how much better it is than any other road bike i have ever ridden.

CRSturdivant

Friday morning!!

It's a secret

CRSturdivant

Oh, and Sinn, thanks for your input, It's hard to find people out there that will put the voice of reason in my head when I am ready to drop almost 4G's on a bicycle ha!

CRSturdivant

I picked it up!! Here are some mediocre pictures I was able to get with my ancient digital camera. I will plan on taking some better ones sometime soon. What do you guys think??

CRSturdivant

Oh and as a side note, my first ride that I just got back from was amazing, it was just a three mile climb. The R-Sys wheels climb pretty fast, although when I got to the top, got off my bike and started catching my breath, my rear tire blew off the rim . They are S-Works Roubaix open tubular tires which I was unaware of so I could not repair them. I had to take the walk of shame three miles downhill.

umd

So you went with the SRAM/R-SYS build kit I see... the pink accent is interesting though. What do you think of the ride so far?

cedricbosch

You mean clincher?

cyclingvirtual

I like the specialized but i am easily pleased !!
I woudnt pay the full price but was happy paying half direct from specialized contact

Blade-Runner

Nope, they are tubular tires made to fit on a clincher rim.

Blade-Runner

It's called race for a Specialized dealer and get everything at, under or near cost.

CRSturdivant

I was riding a Tarmac Pro and the difference is pretty noticeable to me as far as climbing is concerned. I feel like the power transfer is simply more efficient. The shifting is totally weird with SRAM Red because I have been riding campy before, the shifts seem more quick but rougher. Like I said, I didn't get to have fun going downhill because of the tire situation but so far so good.

CRSturdivant