New Rider...Specialized Tarmac Comp
 

I found a 2009 Specialized Tarmac Comp for 1,200 that is brand new. I am a new rider and this will be my first road bike. I would prefer to buy something from a LBS, but this seems like to good of a deal to pass up. Thoughts or opinions?

Based on your previous post it falls within your budget, so if it fits, pull the trigger.

Just curious, what are the components made up of?

When you say new.... how old are you and what experience do you have riding? From what I've read, the Tarmac may be a bit more than you are ready for.

I am 26 and have no experience riding a road bike, but am sure can catch on quick...I am athletic, and lead a very active lifestyle...The bike has full Shimano 105 Components...

That deal is too good to be true. A new Tarmac comp retails for $2700 dollars. And if you are just getting into riding, the Tarmac's geometry is probably more aggressive than what you are looking for.

Something with a more relaxed geometry like the Roubaix would probably suit the style of riding you would be doing. Unless you know you will be racing.

Buy it...now!

If I were just getting into the sport I would either a) buy something used for about half as much, or b) spend a LOT of time with a LOT of LBSes finding the right bike at the right price.

It's not a bargain if you decide--for whatever reason--that bike isn't for you. And it's not as if you can't get a lot of bike in the thousand dollar range. (And there will be other deals.)

Lots of flaky scams going on in regards to craigslist and so forth. If it seems to good..................... might be.

:roflmao2: These are great! :roflmao2:


You should pay close attention to this one.

If it's a real deal, not a scam, and the bike is the right size then get it. If you don't like then flip it.

If the bike and price is for real and the fit is good - BUY IT!

Look at it this way - if you don't like the geometry, you can easily sell the bike for more than what you bought it for!

$1200 for a brand new 2009 tarmac, ya right....

I was pumped to get my 08 for 1400 out the door. I love mine and whole heartedly recommend it.

I hadn't thought of this...where are you buying from if not the LBS?

As a newb, you definitely want to be sure it fits.

I cant imagine any LBS selling a bike like this for $1200, they probably paid more than that for it. I bet its a scam.

Could be stolen.

Just sayin'.

i just picked up a 2007 fuji roubaix pro off CL with a 105 ultegra mix for stupid cheap. there are definitely good deals out there.

I'd say get it. There's a Specialized Sale going on and you can get 350-1000 dollars off a new Specialized bike. You combine that with the deals that an LBS can give you and you'll get a good deal. I picked up my Tarmac 3 weeks ago! I absolutely love it!

I got a new 2008 Tarmac Expert last year for $1800 through a LBS, Ultegra SL and Fulcrum 5's, so I could see a Comp with 105 going for less than that. Of course I was also able to resell that bike for $200 more than I paid for it when I decided I "had to have" the 09 Pro, and that was after 6 months of riding it. I would say the OP can't go wrong, assuming the deal is real and it's not stolen. He could either decide it's the bike for him or sell it and possibly make money if not break even?

As for those who are saying the Tarmac isn't for someone new that couldn't be further from the truth. Yes it is a "race" bike but with the stem flipped and a proper set up it can be as comfortable or aggressive as wanted/needed. I race and do charity rides on mine and have no issues with comfort...