Competition road bike test: Specialized Tarmac Comp - Test 2015: Specialized Tarmac Comp

The short head tube allows for a race-orientated riding position; however, the high headset cover and the angle-adjustable stem mean that the bike can also be easily set up for long distances. The combination of short wheelbase and short fork trail makes the bike very manoeuvrable. The high weight for a carbon frame is partly explained by the thick coat of paint. Many riders should be happy with the toupee saddle resting on a well-sprung carbon seat post. The large-volume handlebars, wrapped in grippy tape, feel comfortable in the hands. Stiff Fulcrum wheels round off the package, but the rear rim should be better finished.

CONCLUSION Unagitated, solid and very stable. Very good handlebars and saddle, heavy carbon frame.

Reference/Info www.specialized.com

Price 2,499 Euro
Weight 8.2 kilos
available in specialised shops

MEASURED DATA

Frame/fork/steering bearing weight 1,412/445/71 grammes
Frame sizes 49, 52, 54, 56, 58, 61 cm
Seat/steering angle 73°/73,5°
Seat/top tube/head tube 535/565/162 mm plus 20 mm headset cap
Wheelbase/caster 985/53 mm
Stack/Reach/STR 565/394 mm/1.43

EQUIPMENT

Steering bearing Specialised, top 1-1/8, bottom 1-3/8 inch
Brakes/gears Shimano Ultegra 6800
Bottom bracket PraxisWorks Turn Zayante (52/36 t., BB30)
Wheels/tyres Fulcrum Racing S4/Specialized Turbo Pro 23C
Handlebar/stem Specialised/Specialized
Saddle/post Specialized Toupé/Specialized Comp (27.2 mm)

*The frame set accounts for 40 per cent and the equipment for 60 per cent of the overall grade. The grades are calculated with all decimal places up to the final grade; however, for the sake of clarity, all grades are given with rounded decimal places.
**Weighed weights.
***Manufacturer's specification, test size bold.
****Stack/Reach: projected vertical/horizontal measurement from the centre of the bottom bracket to the top of the head tube; STR (Stack to Reach): 1.36 means a very stretched, 1.60 an upright riding position.