I hope this leaked specification/marketing copy is a joke. Because if it’s not, I legitimately wonder what is going on in the Specialized HQ marketing department. Who thought “Speed Sniffer” was a good idea? Seriously, who? Is this a cry for help? Because I feel like it might be a cry for help.…
Specialized Tarmac
SL7 Fratricide
As was rumored, the 2020 Specialized SL7 Tarmac has been announced, and with that, has euthanized the Venge. RIP… It’s a massive update, with Di-2 integration in the seatpost (?), a threaded BSA bottom bracket (why not T47?), disc only (duh) and two-piece integrated* headset. Still not a fan of that integrated headset due to 3rd party options, maintainability, and setup flexibility. But it’s hard to argue with the gains both in…
Cutting Specialized S-Works Tarmac Carbon Steerer
There aren’t many cases where cutting something off your bike is the right thing to do, but having a properly sized steerer tube is one. The most important bit is ensuring that the tube is properly supported internally, opposing the compressive force of the stem, but it also provides a cleaner look.…
Rumor has it
If a Venge and a Tarmac did the dirty, chances are we’d get this. Which is rumored to be the new, SL7, Specialized Tarmac. Word on the street, er… Internets, is that the Venge is on the way out, and this hybrid will take it’s place. While I’m sure that’s great for some, I prefer the non-integrated stem setup on the SL6. Just makes it a much easier thing to work on.…
Giant thumbs scale on TCR v Tarmac
I have no doubt that the new Giant TCR is an amazing bike. After all, Giant is one of the few OEMs that are actually Original Equipment Manufactures; most other bike “makers” contract to Giant, or someone else, and they have the design expertise and financial clout to design and build great bikes. Now, I didn’t see an explicit size mentioned, but these weights are almost always of the Size Medium variety.…