Specialized S-Works Tarmac

Conception

Shortly after the delivery of the De Rosa Team in August 2007, I started to think about getting a second road frame. Without performing any research, I visited a cycle shop in Worthing called The Bike Store. Before setting foot in the shop I saw a Specialized S-Works Tarmac frame in the window. It was a 2006 model and heavily discounted. Despite looking around the shop for quite some time, I didn't see anything I liked as much as the Tarmac. I decided there and then to purchase the frame and look for some suitable components.

My reasoning on component choice was that better components could come later. Start with a good frame that will hopefully last a long time and upgrade the components as time passes. In hindsight that is exactly what has happened with this bike. Some of the components are now "3rd generation".

For some reason I can't recall, I'd already decided that I would purchase a second Campagnolo Vento wheel set from AD Cycles. The rest of the components on the Tarmac would be based on Shimano 105; i.e. crankset, shifters and brakes. With a Specialized Toupe saddle and Look Keo Sprint pedals. I had The Bike Store build up the Tarmac for me.

Looking back I think I was very lucky to find this frame at the price I paid. I particularly like the Team Gerolsteiner finish. Of course the team is no more so already the bike has a bit of history.

Specialized Tarmac Team Gerolsteiner 2006

The table below shows the original build.