Which Bike To Buy: 2009 Tarmac comp vs 2011 Tarmac comp SL2
#1
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Location: South of Raleigh, North of New Hill, East of Harris Lake, NC
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Bikes: Specialized Tarmac, Specialized Roubaix, Giant OCR-C, Specialized Stumpjumper FSR, Stumpjumper Comp, 88 & 92Nishiki Ariel, 87 Centurion Ironman, 92 Paramount, 84 Nishiki Medalist
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Which Bike To Buy: 2009 Tarmac comp vs 2011 Tarmac comp SL2
My trusty old steed, a 2009 Tarmac Comp (see avatar) has a crack in the top tube right down the seam. I've decided not to have it repaired.
So I'm looking to replace it. Important point: due to a neck injury I have to have a steer tube that's taller than most other Tarmac riders. So whatever bike I buy, I have to replace the fork with one that has a longer steer tube.
I found a 2009 Tarmac that's nearly identical to the one I own. It's a straight steer tube (1 1/8"), and a Fact 6R frame. I could transfer the fork from my current bike and I'm ready to go.
I also found a 2011 Tarmac SL2 bike with a Fact 8R frame. I can buy a brand new, uncut SL2 Tarmac fork (with 2009 Sl2 Tarmac paint scheme) and have it cut where I want. The paint scheme might be a little off.
Components/wheels make no difference because what ever bike I buy it will get the 7800 Dura Ace triple complete group that came off my damaged frame plus a set of Reynolds R4s. So all I'm concerned about is the frame.
The cost difference between these two options is less than $50 so cost is not an issue.
So the question is, should I go with the 2009 frame I'm familiar with or is the Fact 8r carbon plus the SL2 an improvement I should go after? Any input is appreciated. This is something I plan on doing very soon.
So I'm looking to replace it. Important point: due to a neck injury I have to have a steer tube that's taller than most other Tarmac riders. So whatever bike I buy, I have to replace the fork with one that has a longer steer tube.
I found a 2009 Tarmac that's nearly identical to the one I own. It's a straight steer tube (1 1/8"), and a Fact 6R frame. I could transfer the fork from my current bike and I'm ready to go.
I also found a 2011 Tarmac SL2 bike with a Fact 8R frame. I can buy a brand new, uncut SL2 Tarmac fork (with 2009 Sl2 Tarmac paint scheme) and have it cut where I want. The paint scheme might be a little off.
Components/wheels make no difference because what ever bike I buy it will get the 7800 Dura Ace triple complete group that came off my damaged frame plus a set of Reynolds R4s. So all I'm concerned about is the frame.
The cost difference between these two options is less than $50 so cost is not an issue.
So the question is, should I go with the 2009 frame I'm familiar with or is the Fact 8r carbon plus the SL2 an improvement I should go after? Any input is appreciated. This is something I plan on doing very soon.
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JMO, but with an aged carbon frame, provenance trumps all. One owner whom you know and trust?
#3
Bike Junkie
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Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: South of Raleigh, North of New Hill, East of Harris Lake, NC
Posts: 9,622
Bikes: Specialized Tarmac, Specialized Roubaix, Giant OCR-C, Specialized Stumpjumper FSR, Stumpjumper Comp, 88 & 92Nishiki Ariel, 87 Centurion Ironman, 92 Paramount, 84 Nishiki Medalist
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