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Friday, January 18, 2013

Fast & Furious Friday - TARMAC M2



Tom handpicked this bike because of it's price point and the fact that it is a great frame with very capable components at it's price!  The Sora derailleurs have been improved and are very reliable and at the price for this fine machine you cannot go wrong if you are looking for an entry level Carbon Frame Race Bike.

Let's see what Specialized has to say about the TARMAC M2:


Whether it's winning the Tour de France or a city-limit sprint, Tarmac is made for racing, with its powerful acceleration and razor-sharp handling. This Tarmac features Shimano Sora components plus DT Axis 1.0 wheels, keeping the performance and durability up and the cost down.
  • FACT IS 8r carbon frame with tapered head tube and elliptical seatstays is race-ready stiff and fast without sacrificing compliance
  • The monocoque FACT carbon fork is light, stiff, and compliant with a tapered steerer
  • DT Axis 1.0 wheelset is light, tough and fast-rolling; fitted with Espoir Sport road tires with double BlackBelt puncture protection for a reliable ride
  • Espoir Sport 23c tires with BlackBelt punture protection allows for smooth, fast, and confident ride
  • Adjustable four-position oversized alloy stem with 31.8mm bar clamp for strength and versatile positioning
  • Never miss a critical shift with new Shimano Sora STI shifters
  • Specialized Comp FACT carbon seatpost absorbs road vibrations and is stiff and efficient; paired with supportive BG Riva Road saddle


FRAME
Specialized FACT 8r carbon, FACT IS construction, compact race design, 1-1/2" lower bearing, OSBB
FORK
Specialized FACT carbon, full monocoque, OS race for 1-1/2" bearing
HEADSET
1-1/8" upper and 1-1/2" lower Cr-Mo cartridge bearings integrated w/ headset, 20mm cone spacer, w/ 20mm of spacers
STEM
Specialized Elite-Set, 3D-forged alloy, 4-position adjustable, 4-bolt 31.8mm clamp
HANDLEBARS
Specialized Comp CX, alloy, shallow drop
TAPE
Specialized S-Wrap, w/ gel
FRONT BRAKE
Axis DC 1.0
REAR BRAKE
Axis DC 1.0
BRAKE LEVERS
New Shimano Sora
FRONT & REAR DERAILLEUR
New Shimano Sora, braze-on                                                               New Shimano Sora
SHIFT LEVERS
New Shimano Sora STI, 10-speed
CASSETTE
Shimano CS-HG-50, 9-speed, 11-28
CHAIN
KMC X9, 9-speed, nickel plate, w/ reusable Missing Link
CRANKSET
FSA Gossamer BB30
CHAINRINGS
52/36

FRONT WHEEL
DT Axis 1.0
REAR WHEEL
DT Axis 1.0
FRONT TIRE
Specialized Espoir Sport, double BlackBelt, 60TPI, wire bead, 700x23c
REAR TIRE
Specialized Espoir Sport, double BlackBelt, 60TPI, wire bead, 700x23c
INNER TUBES
Lightweight, presta
SADDLE
Body Geometry Riva Road, Cr-Mo rails
SEATPOST
Specialized Comp, FACT carbon, 27.2mm
SEAT BINDER
Forged alloy, 32.6mm
NOTES
Chainstay protector, chain catcher, derailleur hanger, clear coat, owners manual


MSRP: $1750.00
Tom's Sale Price: $1700.00

If you would like to set up a fitting to see if the Tarmac M2 is the bike for you give us a call or stop by and talk to the staff!

Tom's Pro Bike Service
3687 Walden Avenue
Lancaster, New York 14086
F: (716)651-0858

Thursday, January 17, 2013

Travel By Bike Thursday - FELT F65X


Today we are highlighting a multi-purpose bike.  You can race, commuter, and do light touring on the Felt F65X.  It is a cross bike but has rear fender/rack mounts and a front fender/rack can be added to the carbon front fork with some limitations that you might not have with a setup that has mounts in the fork already.  Sure, you could change the fork out as well but to race this bike I would stick with the carbon and work around the front gear issues.




One of the things I try to do when I am doing major touring is to distribute weight evenly between the front and rear of the bike.  This makes maneuvering easier and the bike just seems to handle better.  The hard part of this is that our bodies are situated more to the rear of the bike, so just stocking all your gear in the rear will make for some interesting handling.  It is doable but I would not want to be climbing South Hill Road with a really heavy rear set up unless I wanted to practice wheelies!!!




Let's see what Felt has to say about this beautiful bike:  FELT F65X

Built with internally and externally butted Superlite aluminum frame, the F65X addresses every need for the cyclocross racer. The frame and fork have maximum clearance for mud shedding, and the bike is equipped with Avid BB5 disc brakes for precise braking in any condition. With a BB30 bottom bracket, ControlTaper headtube, and SRAM components, it all adds up to a quick, lively and durable ’cross bike ready to tackle any course.


  • Finish:  Matte Black
  • Sizes:  700c x 47cm, 50cm, 53cm, 55cm, 57cm, 60cm
  • Weight:  20.81 lbs | 9.46 kg
  • Frame:  Felt Cyclocross Superlight Custom Butted 7005 aluminum, hydroformed shoulder friendly top tube, aluminum BB30 shell, DT cable routing, forged aluminum dropouts w/ IS disc mount & replaceable rear derailleur hanger
  • Fork:  Felt Cyclocross UHC Perfomrance monocoque fork; 100% Carbon Fiber blades w/ aluminum ControlTaper 1.125"" - 1.5"" steerer tube, crown, & dropouts w/ post mount disc tabs
  • Headset:  FSA NO.42 1.125" - 1.5" integrated, w/ aluminum 15mm cone spacer, 2 x 10mm PC headset spacer, 1 x 5mm aluminum headset spacer, Felt Tornado aluminum top cap & 2024 anodized aluminum bolt
  • Stem:  Felt SL 3D forged 6061 aluminum w/custom Cr-Mo bolts, +/-7° rise, Ø31.8mm bar clamp, 47cm=80mm, 50cm=90mm, 53cm-55cm=100mm, 57cm=110mm, 60cm=120mm.
  • Handlebar:  Felt CXR, 6066 butted double butted aluminum, ergonomic, Ø31.8mm, Drop=118mm, Reach=72 mm, 47cm=380mm, 50cm=400mm, 53cm=420mm, 55cm=440mm, 57cm=440mm, 60cm=440mm
  • Grips:  Felt Gel Velvet Tape w/ F-Wing emboosed logos
  • Bar Ends:  Felt Bubble-Tech "F Wing" Icon End Plugs
  • Shifters:  SRAM Apex DoubleTap
  • Front Derailleur:  SRAM Apex Ø34.9mm
  • Rear Derailleur:  SRAM Rival
  • Crankset:  SRAM S350 BB30, 46/36T; 47cm=165mm, 50cm=170mm, 53cm=172.5mm, 55cm-60cm=175mm
  • Chainwheel:  SRAM 46/36T
  • Bottom Bracket:  SRAM BB30
  • Chain:  SRAM 10-speed
  • Freewheel:  SRAM, 11-28T
  • Brake Levers:  SRAM Apex
  • Brakes:  Avid BB5 disc w/ ASHIMA 6 bolt 410 stainless steel rotor, front=160mm, rear=140mm
  • Cables:  Felt All-Weather sealed slick brake & derailleur housing
  • Saddle:  Felt SL, w/ Carbon Fiber injected base & hollow Cr-Mo rails
  • Seat Post:  Felt CXR.2 forged 6061 aluminum, Ø27.2mm
  • Seat Post Clamp:  Felt 6061 forged aluminum, Cr-Mo bolt and stainless steel nut-bar, Ø31.8
  • Rims:  Felt CXR disc
  • Front Hub:  Felt CxR disc
  • Rear Hub:  Felt CxR disc
  • Spokes:  Stainless steel
  • Tires:  Vittoria Cross XG Pro 700c x 32c

  • Felt MSRP: $1859.00
    Tom's Sale Price:$1799
    Tom's Size 53 Stock Sale Price: $1700 (One available only at this price)

    We have 1 Size 53 in stock right now with more frame sizes coming in shortly with our spring order.  If you would like to check out the bike stop by the shop or call to set up an appointment.

    Tom's Pro Bike Service
    3687 Walden Avenue
    Lancaster, New York 14086
    F: (716)651-0858

    Wednesday, January 16, 2013

    What To Wear Wednesday - COLD WEATHER GEAR FOR MEN

    Photo



    Still looking for some warm weather riding gear?  Today we are highlighting the Castelli Pazzo Jacket and the Castelli Sorpasso Bibtight.


    Photo

    
    Castelli Pazzo Jacket: $180.00
    • Front and sleeves with sg0.6 windproof fabric
    • Warmer fabric on back and side panels for breathability
    • Zip-off sleeves for 3-season versatility
    • Full-length ykk® camlock zipper
    • 3 rear pockets
    • Rear reflective tabs keep you visible in low-light conditions
    DOUBLE FUNCTIONALITY

    Pazzo means “crazy” in Italian, perhaps a fitting adjective for someone looking for a garment that can provide true 3-season versatility. Too often jackets with removable sleeves are developed as jackets, with the vest just an afterthought. That’s not the case here. The Pazzo jacket is equally great as a vest or as a jacket, and it will quickly become a favorite addition to your wardrobe because of this versatility.

     Castelli Sorpasso Bibtight: $180.00
    weather conditions
    Warm and summerMild and dryMild and dampCool and dryCool and dampCold and wintery
    min0 °C(32.0 °F)max15 °C(59.0 °F)
    • Thermoflex and thermoflex core due fabric
    • Giro++ seamless straps on bib
    • Giro3 ankle grippers position the tight and seal around shoecover
    • Ykk® ankle camlock zippers with reflective tape for high visibility
    • Progetto x2 air seat pad for comfort and improved airflow
    BEST TREATMENT IN MATERIALS, DESIGN, AND FIT

    This is it: the tight that’s getting glowing reviews from magazine testers all over the world and is the favorite among the Castelli test crew. The comments that keep coming up are the great fit along with exceptional comfort down to very cold temperatures or even when the thermometer rises.
    The secret to the great fit is the mixture of Thermoflex Core Due along with our standard Thermoflex that lets us create just enough stretch, but with enough support to keep everything in place.
    The wide temperature range is thanks to the inner layer of Thermoflex Cure Due using hollow-core polyester for great moisture management and insulation. All that plus the Progetto X2 Air seat pad, Giro++ bib straps, and camlock ankle zips with reflective overlays. It will get glowing reviews from you too.

    We have much more gear available and ask that you stop by to check out our clothing selection.  With the additional floor space from our expansion we are able to stock more clothing and have it out on the showfloor for easy access!
    Tom's Pro Bike Service
    3687 Walden Avenue
    Lancaster, New York 14086
    T: (716) 651-9995
    F: (716)651-0858






    Tuesday, January 15, 2013

    Tuesday TT/Triathlon Post - QUNITANA ROO SEDUZA



    Are you in the market for a new TT/Triathlon Bike?  Check out our write up on the Quintana Roo Seduza and see what QR says about their bike:

    SPECIFICATIONS


    The Seduza's redesign is based on the needs of experienced tri bike fitters asking for taller head tubes to improve their bike fitting needs. The headtube of the 2011 Seduza has been lengthened to accommodate a wider range of riders. Better fit and increased comfort will translate into faster riders. The Seduza incorporates the CD0.1 rear seatstay design with the new Seduza version - wind tunnel designed and dual bladed.

    Features include:
    • Wind tunnel designed seatstays
    • Dura Ace bar-end shifters
    • Ultegra rear derailleur
    • FSA Gossamer Compact crankset
    • Shimano RS-20 wheels
    • Revised seat clamp design
    • Taller headtube for better fit
    • Available as complete bike & frameset
    • Sizes: XS (650c), S, M, L

    CONTROLS Headset: FSA Orbit IS; Handlebar: Alloy; Aero bars: Vision Clip On; Stem: Quintana Roo; Saddle: Velo; Seat Post: Carbon Aero

    DRIVETRAIN Front Derailleur: 105; Rear Derailleur: Ultegra; Shifters: Shimano; Cranks: FSA Gossamer Compact; Bottom Bracket: FSA; Cassette: 105; Chain: 105

    BRAKE SYSTEM Brakes: Tektro; Levers: Tektro RX4.1

    WHEELSET Wheelset 700c: Shimano RS20; Wheelset 650c: Alex 220; Tires: Maxxis Columbiere

    GEOMETRY

    XS50491072.57838.594.569.857.244.265045.339.3
    S54491072.57838.594.872.857.76.84.870050.238.8
    M585212.572.57838.597.676.260.56.84.852.740.3
    L625516.872.57838.51018063.96.84.856.842.4

    We have other manufacturers of Triathlon/TT bikes in stock and highly recommend a fit to determine the best bike for you!  For more information contact us!

    MSRP:  $2300.00
    Tom's Sale Price:  $2050.00
    Tom's Blog Price:  $1950.00 - This price is valid only if you mention blog and on in-stock merchandise only.

    1 Large 2011 left at $1805.00 
    All others are 2012


    Tom's Pro Bike Service
    3687 Walden Avenue
    Lancaster, New York 14086
    T: (716) 651-9995
    F: (716)651-0858

    Monday, January 14, 2013

    Mountain Bike Monday - LYNSKEY PRO29 VF HARDTAIL




    Are you in the market for a custom 29'er Titanium Mountain Bike?  Check out the Lynskey Pro29 VF.  We have a medium XT build size frame coming in stock soon and can order other frames or you can have a custom frame built to your liking!
    Let's see what Lynskey has to say about their bike:
    We built the PRO29 for those riders who wanted a race-oriented mountain hardtail with 29" wheels. We received countless requests for a true high-performance 29er that was not a do-all bike. Designed around the tight, twisty singletrack of the Southeast, this bike is at home on technical terrain and shines on fire roads and double track. Made from aerospace grade 3/2.5 titanium, this frame is built to go fast. In fact, if it's not the fastest 29er hardtail you've ever ridden, send it back for a full refund.
    The PRO29 boasts a multi-shaped tubeset for stiffness, beautiful lines for pure aesthetics, race proven geometry, excellent responsiveness and confident handling. In 2011, we introduced an oversized 2 inch Helix downtube and oversized headtube creating our stiffest best handling 29er frame to date. In addition, we added a plate style chainstay to provide significant tire clearance.
    This VF model comes with Wright Style Dropouts with replaceable hangers which are for dedicated geared setups.

    Comes with the following features:


    • Oversized 2 inch HELIX shaped downtube provides a stiff bottom bracket for efficient energy transfer and stable front end handling
    • Oversized headtube for increased front end stiffness and accepts 44mm headsets for both straight and tapered steerer tube forks
    • Plate style chainstays for significant tire and drivetrain clearance
    • Race-tuned tubeset provides precision handling and excellent stability without sacrificing rider comfort
    • HELIX toptube provides precise handling and control
    • Wright Style Dropouts with Replaceable Hanger for dedicated geared setups
    • Chainstay lengths that promote better traction when climbing
    • Headtube angles that are quick but not twitchy
    • Enhanced bottom bracket height for additional clearance
    • 34.9mm clamp-on front dérailleur (Low Mount Bottom Pull Required)
    • Downtube shifter cable routing
    • 27.2mm seatpost size (seatpost clamp included) : 400mm seat post recommended
    • 73mm bottom bracket (English)
    Give us a call, send us an e-mail, or stop by the shop to check out the bike or ask any questions.  We have other mountain bikes in stock or available to order as well!


    STILL TIME TO REGISTER FOR THE UPCOMING WINTER RACE SERIES!!!


    Tom's Pro Bike Service
    3687 Walden Avenue
    Lancaster, New York 14086
    T: (716) 651-9995
    F: (716)651-0858

    Saturday, January 12, 2013

    Saturday's Miscellaneous Musings - SHOP RIDE TODAY




    We are riding from the shop today - should be around noon but check Facebook or give us a call to confirm.  Supposed to be 50+ degrees out so shake those winter blues and get some January road miles in.

    I met this couple in Seaside, Oregon.  They were from Iowa and out visiting family and we talked about touring and my adventures for 30 minutes.  I don't ever remember having that long of a conversation with someone at the gas station while we filled our tanks up!

    One thing I told Tom when we discussed me coming on board to run the blog and help out in the shop part-time was that when I see someone riding their bike it makes me smile and he agreed.  It does not matter where I am, who it is, or what their situation is - it makes me smile.  I try to ride outside 2-3x a week minimum during the winter and sure the conditions can be trying and deflating at times but I have never put my bike away and said well I am not ever going to do that again.


    This is near Point Reyes Station, California.  I had stopped to chat with the owner of a Local Bike Shop and he pointed me in this direction.  I was not disappointed to say the least!

    Just in case my friend Linda is reading this post I made a comment like my last sentence this past October when I was the bike relay leg for Beach2Battleship Full Ironman.  Nothing like pounding away on a bike for 120+ miles and putting everything you have into it and then hoping off the bike and being asked how it went.  I responded quite emphatically that I don't know if I will ever do that again!  But you know what - I would do it again - as a matter of fact I would do it every day if I could find the time.  Some days would be work, some days would be inexplicably awesome, and some days would be like every other day - just a day on the bike.  But the key is that it would be a day on the bike!


    Sure you can have a lot of fun in the winter time as well but you had better be prepared for some hard work!  I personally find the work is well worth the scenery and peace and quiet you get riding in these areas.
    So come join us tomorrow for some smile inducing bike riding.  Riding my bike is fun but riding my bike with people who love to ride their bike is AWESOME!  Do you ever carry a camera with you to take photos as you travel along?  I would highly recommend it because there are photos that I have from years past that I scroll through and look at and just smile remembering where I was at that particular time.


    The Salsa Mukluk is good on creek beds as well.  Your feet might get wet but the smile doesn't go away until long after you have showered!

    If you need more information on finding that special bike or would like to discuss our weekly group rides give us a call, send us an e-mail, or stop on by the shop.  Remember if you have a particular bike or question you would like answered in the blog leave a comment or send us an e-mail.  We have a lot of bikes in stock to cover but we also want this to be informative for you.  Once the weather breaks for good I will be test riding and reviewing the bikes to give you more hands on reporting of a particular bike - can't wait to find someone to ride the Co-Motion Tandem with me!


    STILL TIME TO REGISTER FOR THE UPCOMING WINTER RACE SERIES!!!


    Tom's Pro Bike Service
    3687 Walden Avenue
    Lancaster, New York 14086
    T: (716) 651-9995
    F: (716)651-0858

    Friday, January 11, 2013

    Fast & Furious Friday - SPECIALIZED TARMAC PRO SL4 DA


    Looking for a powerful and sleek race bike?  Come on in and check out the Specialized Tarmac SL4!

    The Mannequin's dress is discussed in THIS BLOG POSTING.

    Whether it's winning the Tour de France or a local crit, the next generation of Tarmac—the SL4—was born to race, with head-snapping acceleration and razor-sharp handling. The Pro model has even higher stiffness-to-weight than last year's industry-leading SL3 frame, with race-proven Dura-Ace components and Roval Fusée SLX 23 wheels for ultra light performance.

    • Specialized SL4 FACT IS 10r carbon frame with uniquely shaped, tapered head tube and OSBB: now even stiffer and lighter for pure, unbridled speed and power
    • Full monocoque FACT carbon fork with a tapered carbon steerer is super light with great torsional rigidity for high-speed handling
    • Roval Fusee SLX is our best all-around alloy wheelset, with DT Swiss internals and an asymmetrical rear rim for outstanding combination of performance and strength
    • Specialized Pro FACT Carbon crankset with oversided BB and removeable spider, has an unparalleled stiffness to weight ratio for efficiency and power transfer
    • 1-1/8" to 1-3/8" steel headset with stainless steel cartridge bearings is low-maintenance, smooth, and durable; plus 8mm carbon cone and 20mm of carbon spacers
    • Specialized Pro FACT carbon seatpost absorbs road vibrations and is stiff and efficient; paired with comfortable, high-performance Toupe Expert saddle with flat profile and Ti rails
    • Adjustable 4-position oversized alloy stem with carbon-clip front cone plus 31.8mm bar clamp for strength and versatile positioning


    This guy won Olympic Gold on the Tarmac!


    Technical Specifications
    FRAME:  Specialized FACT 10r carbon, FACT IS construction, tapered/shaped HT, compact race design, 1-3/8" lower bearing, OSBB
    FORK:  Specialized FACT carbon, full monocoque, OS race for 1-3/8" bearing
    HEADSET:  1-1/8" upper and 1-3/8" lower stainless steel cartridge bearings, w/ 8mm carbon cone spacer and 20mm of carbon spacers
    STEM:  Specialized Pro-Set 7075 3D forged alloy, cone head bolt and plastic clip, 12-degree, 4-degree shim, 31.8mm
    HANDLEBARS:  Specialized Tarmac Expert, 2014 alloy
    TAPE:  Specialized Pro D2
    FRONT BRAKE:  Shimano Ultegra
    REAR BRAKE:  Shimano Ultegra
    BRAKE LEVERS:  New Shimano Dura-Ace STI, Flight Deck compatible
    FRONT DERAILLEUR:  New Shimano Dura-Ace 11-speed
    REAR DERAILLEUR:  New Shimano Dura-Ace 11-speed
    SHIFT LEVERS:  New Shimano Dura-Ace STI
    CASSETTE:  New Shimano Dura Ace, 11-speed, 11-28
    CHAIN:  New Shimano Dura-Ace 11-speed
    CRANKSET:  Specialized Pro FACT carbon
    CHAINRINGS:  52/36
    BOTTOM BRACKET:  OS integrated, sealed bearings
    FRONT WHEEL:  Roval Fusee SLX23
    REAR WHEEL:  Roval Fusee SLX23
    FRONT TIRE:  Specialized Turbo Pro, BlackBelt, 127TPI, aramid bead, 700x23c
    REAR TIRE:  Specialized Turbo Pro, BlackBelt, 127TPI, aramid bead, 700x23c
    INNER TUBES:  Turbo Ultralight, presta valve
    SADDLE:  Body Geometry Toupé Expert, hollow Ti rails, 143mm
    SEATPOST:  Specialized Pro SL, FACT carbon, 27.2mm
    SEAT BINDER:  Forged bolt and nut, 32.6mm

    Specialized MSRP:  $6000.00
    Tom's Sale Price:  $5400.00

    Come on by and check out the Tarmac - you won't be disappointed.  We have many other brands of bikes in stock as well so stop by and check out our inventory.  If you are new to biking speak with Tom about setting up a fit to ensure you get the perfect bike for you!
     
    Tom's Pro Bike Service
    3687 Walden Avenue
    Lancaster, New York 14086

    T: (716) 651-9995
    F: (716)651-0858