Softride's on its way out - Fuji Team or Specialized Tarmac replacement?

[Au575]

So I have a cracked beam on my Softride, which means that I won't be riding it on the road anytime soon. Time to part it out. That leaves room for a new bike - I found two yesterday that seem promising:

07 Fuji Team for $1300 and 07 Specialized Tarmac for $1750.

I really liked the ride of the Tarmac, but I'm having a hard time justifying the extra money. The Specialized is basically all-105, whereas the Fuji componentry is a hodge-podge (FSA Gossamer MegaExo crank set, Shimano Ultegra rear/ 105 front derailleur, Cane Creek brakes). Fuji wheelset is Shimano R-500; Specialized wheelset is Mavic Aksium - neither are particularly exciting. Published weights for both packages are similar - 18.5 lbs.

Has anyone ridden both bikes? Any common problems with Fuji carbon frames? Does anyone have a reason why I should spend the extra for the Specialized?

[Danimal]

You don't say what size, but there's a sweet LiteSpeed for sale in Marketplace!
$1300, full DA!
I'd buy it if I road the street more...

[Au575]

Originally Posted by drew12

You don't say what size, but there's a sweet LiteSpeed for sale in Marketplace!
$1300, full DA!
I'd buy it if I road the street more...

Oooh, you got me all excited - but too small. I'm more of a 56/58.

[Pho'dUp]

Well if you're just looking for a frame. I know the Path has some S-works Tarmac carbon frames at a great price in 56 and 58cms.

Btw, I have a 2006 Specialized Carbon Roubaix Pro built up with old Ultegra 9speed that I think is a fantastic bike.

[Rob]

Here's a pretty sweet deal on an Ultegra equipped Bianchi. I think they misprinted it at 1,999, the ad says 1192 with free Ultegra.

http://www.jensonusa.com/store/product/BI297C02-Bianchi+C2c+Nirone+Carb+Wfree+Ult+07.aspx

[Zippy]

Originally Posted by Au575

So I have a cracked beam on my Softride, which means that I won't be riding it on the road anytime soon. Time to part it out. That leaves room for a new bike - I found two yesterday that seem promising:

07 Fuji Team for $1300 and 07 Specialized Tarmac for $1750.

I really liked the ride of the Tarmac, but I'm having a hard time justifying the extra money. The Specialized is basically all-105, whereas the Fuji componentry is a hodge-podge (FSA Gossamer MegaExo crank set, Shimano Ultegra rear/ 105 front derailleur, Cane Creek brakes). Fuji wheelset is Shimano R-500; Specialized wheelset is Mavic Aksium - neither are particularly exciting. Published weights for both packages are similar - 18.5 lbs.

Has anyone ridden both bikes? Any common problems with Fuji carbon frames? Does anyone have a reason why I should spend the extra for the Specialized?

Why not replace the beam?

[Au575]

Originally Posted by Zippy

Why not replace the beam?

10 y.o. bike and I don't Tri anymore. (And a convenient excuse for something newer and lighter, no?)

[Zippy]

Originally Posted by Au575

10 y.o. bike and I don't Tri anymore. (And a convenient excuse for something newer and lighter, no?)

Are they heavy? I thought they were uber comfortable and wind-slippery?

[ChipsandSalsa]

Although I have not ridden either bike, I'd go with the Specialized. You said you "Really liked the ride of the Tarmac," and that should be sufficient justification for the additional cost.

Also, I am guessing the Fuji is at Performance Bike--What shop is selling the Tarmac?

[Au575]

Originally Posted by Zippy

Are they heavy? I thought they were uber comfortable and wind-slippery?

Muy comfortable, si. Also quite aero - not that I ride fast enough anymore for that to matter...

But they do (at least my vintage does) weigh alot. It's expensive to get them much below 20 lbs; newer ones are probably lighter.

[Au575]

Originally Posted by ChipsandSalsa

Although I have not ridden either bike, I'd go with the Specialized. You said you "Really liked the ride of the Tarmac," and that should be sufficient justification for the additional cost.

Also, I am guessing the Fuji is at Performance Bike--What shop is selling the Tarmac?

Fuji is at Performance; Spec is at UC Cyclery. I know which I'd rather give my money to - I just wish I didn't have to give so much. But after-sales service doesn't mean too much to me, as I can generally service my own bikes.

[ChipsandSalsa]

As long as the Fuji fits you well, it is probably the better value, especially if you are a "Team Performance Member" and qualify for the 10% store credit.

Even so, I would favor the Specialized. I saw the Fuji yesterday, and the mixture of components was a bit odd. The 105 group on the Tarmac is plenty solid, and Specialized usually has their frames pretty dialed-in.

If you keep the bike for ten years, you only paid about $50 extra per year for the Tarmac, so if you can afford it, the extra cost is pretty insignificant in the long-run.

If you are not set on those two bikes, consider the 2007 Trek 5000, marked down from $1,929 to $1,199 at TrekSanDiego. I would take it over the Fuji.

[Von-Skipp]

Can't go wrong the Tarmac. I picked up an Tarmac Expert last November.

Its been a great bike for centures and racing. I'm stoked with mine!

[Zippy]

Originally Posted by Au575

Fuji is at Performance; Spec is at UC Cyclery. I know which I'd rather give my money to - I just wish I didn't have to give so much. But after-sales service doesn't mean too much to me, as I can generally service my own bikes.

If you're thinking Specialized, do yourself a favor and head over to B&L. From one SD guy to another, I received better service there.

[SheDevil]

Tarmac....but of course

[Au575]

Umm, sorry for the resurrection.

So, tax season kinda got in the way of the purchase of a new road bike. But I'm back.

Now: Tarmac (105 mix as above (NOT the SL2!)) versus the Trek 5.2.

Comments from the gallery?

Any other leads for about $2k?