Bicycles
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Parent Category: Bicycles
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Category: Specialized
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Published on Thursday, 03 March 2011 06:44
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Written by Luca Salvatelli
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After last year Specialized had completely revamped its top range S-Works Tarmac SL3, in 2011 the American Company was limited to a few technical upgrades based on experiences in competition. The frame, for its design, is divided into four different parts: the front triangle, seat tube and bottom bracket, horizontal tubes and vertical tubes of the rear. This allows a better study of its several parts, especially the optimum choice of carbon fiber orientation and stratification, to be used according to the different areas. So the frame reaches a weight of 875 grams in size 56, a record that even if it is beaten by the new Cervélo R5ca, remains among the lowest in the category and among the best ever in the weight/rigidity. In fact, if the R5ca is a specific frame for the climb, the Tarmac SL3 proved to be successful and competitive in every way, from the ascent, the fast sprint. The new series takes the tapered steering bearings with less than 1 inch and 1/2 and up 1 inch and 1/8. The fork has been, for 2011, an evolution, with a different profile of the flat and a stiffening rib. In this way, improved aerodynamics, but also the stability at speed, precision placement in cornering and speed changes in direction. The central movement continues to be oversize and take the crankset Specialized S-Works carbon cranks with ceramic bearings. It 's a more rigid crank and lighter than a Dura Ace crankset, and its reliability is very high. The frame remains largely unchanged, with the generous section of the tube, which joins the bottom bracket and the seat tube with a large area of struts. The tube has a large section near the head tube and then decrease in size near the junction with the pipe, with a slightly curved. The tubes are straight and tall wagon thin profile, while the horizontal ones have a larger cross-section, especially near the bottom bracket. The bike is offered with the assembled group Dura Ace. The new S-Works seatpost, carbon fiber, replaces the previous seatpost Specialized Pavè Carbon Zertz insert. The seatpost has a diameter of 27.2 mm, against the widespread standard of 31.6 millimeters of many competitors. Also new is the Body Geometry Romin saddle, which replaces the Toupe. The handlebar is always Specialized S-Works SL carbon, while the stem is forged aluminum with titanium screws and in particular carbon. The wheels are high-profile carbon fiber with aluminum braking surface, the model Roval Rapide SL 45. The S-Works Turbo tires, 700x23c in classical measure, by 220TPI rather than the previous model to 290 TPI. Front and rear derailleurs, brakes, controls, chain, sprocket 12-27, are Shimano Dura Ace. The crank has only the 39/53 combination. It's available, in addition, the frame kit consisting of frame, fork, headset and seatpost. Available colors are black and red/white. Six sizes available. Practically stable prices, the frame kit is priced at about Euro 2699, while the complete bike Euro 6699. Prices in line with competitors most common and well below some brands of "elite" that add nothing to the absolute performance. This bike has demonstrated during the 2010 its absolute competitiveness of each path, light, stiff and responsive, is among the best race bike on the market today. The frame is excellent and is perfect for assembling a bike at the highest level, also has a strong very low weight and excellent rigidity. The bike assembled, like all Specialized, has an excellent cost-performance general. So has assembled a perfect bike for flat routes, but the defending well for the climb. The wheels are very light, but aerodynamic and sliding. A perfect bike for those who want half light, stiff and top performance.
