From Mountain to Road - A tale of the newly converted

From Mountain to Road by Jo Riley

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Jo in her normal environment.

I like dirt.  Lots of dirt – and dust, rocks, fast swoopy singletrack descents, flat handlebars and knobbly tyres.  Yes, I love mountain biking.
However, there comes a time in a girls life when she needs a little variety.  After all, it is the (sugar and) spice of life, isn’t it?  So when the Hampton Cycles resident expert of all things road, Leigh, said he had just the bike for me, who was I to argue?  I decided to take the plunge into the world of fancy road bikes.
I’d seen glimpses of my bike while Tris and Tim were building it and finally saw it in its full glory one wet Saturday afternoon.  A Specialized S-Works Roubaix. 

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Jo's new Specialized S-Works Roubaix

As I sat on it on the windtrainer in the middle of the shop, we were drawing a lot of admiring glances.  I liked to think they were all for me but alas no, the bike was getting all the attention.  And quite rightly so.  Fitted out in Sram Force, Roval Fusee SL25 wheels and other carbony goodness, it’s very pretty.  And finished in matt black it matches my Specialized Fate 29er perfectly (this is very important!). 
Now, I’m sure there are flashier, faster and sexier bikes out there but for me, this is perfect.  Ideal for long training rides, a dabble at crits and maybe (only maybe) a road race or two.
Anyway, finally a dry, work free day arrived and it was time to go for a ride.
I haven’t been to the Yarra Boulvard for a couple of years and was pleased to find it had been resurfaced and was lovely and smooth.  No wait, what’s that??  It’s not been resurfaced?  What can it be then?  My bike??  Really?
Today was a revelation for me.  I never would have believed a road bike could be so smooth and comfortable.  The ride was like silk and so confidence inspiring.  No hovering over the saddle when anticipating a bump, less caution descending at speed – it was pretty darned amazing.
Cornering was precise, no drifting out into the middle of the road (or maybe that’s just my dodgy bike handling) and it felt stable and secure and accelerated quickly out of corners, up hills and flew down the other side.
And the brakes!  I never knew road brakes could actually stop you in less then 50 metres!  I felt so happy and confident on this bike that I couldn’t stop riding it and did another lap, just for fun.  Now THAT is just weird.
Any negatives?  My legs are cactus from some long hilly MTB rides recently and I got overtaken by a bloke on a singlespeed with flat handlebars.  Otherwise, I’m loving the ride.

 

Thanks Jo for taking the time to write this review. Looking forward to hearing more about your Road & Mountain Bike Racing.

S-Works Tarmac SL4 SRAM Red Black - Limited Edition "Specs" - Pre order

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'12 Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL4 SRAM RED Black - Limited Edition

We are taking Pre-Orders of this 15 only in Australia bike, Call or email us to secure one.

03 9521 8700

info@hamptoncycles.com.au

 

You are already familiar with the S-Works Tarmac SL4. You have spent countless hours looking at the beautiful lines of the frame and the perfect geometry. Have you ever considered what it would look like in all black?

Specialized has built up a limited run of 300 complete bikes with a very custom feel in all black for just that reason. This exclusive bike has minimal graphics which are gloss black over a matte black frame. In fact, it only has a Specialized “S” on the headtube and S-Works on the downtube. The graphics have been removed from the Zipp 404 tubular wheels and the stem and seat post are free of logos as well. This sort of subdued styling looks extremely sophisticated and fast.

The components are the latest from SRAM. The new SRAM Red group is in full effect, straight down to the crankset, which is a noticeable difference from other S-Works models in the line-up. Having the complete group ensures that everything works flawlessly together and once again adding to the custom feel of this particular bike.

The beauty is in the simplicity. This bike is built around performance as paramount and understated black aesthetics to create the “sleeper” attribute. There are no flashy graphics to make this bike seem fast, only amazing technology that truly is fast.

Specification Description
Frame Specialized S-Works SL4 FACT 11r-carbon
Fork Specialized S-Works FACT-carbon
Headset 1-1/8" upper and 1-3/8" lower Cr-Mo cartridge bearings, w/ 8mm carbon cone spacer and 20mm of carbon spacers
Rims/Wheels Zipp 404 Firecrest Carbon Tubular
Tires Specialized S-Works Turbo Tubular, 700 x 23c
Crankset New SRAM Red
Chainwheel 53/39
Bottom Bracket SRAM ceramic press in BB30 bearings
Chain KMC X10 DLC Superlight
Front Derailleur New SRAM Red
Rear Derailleur New SRAM Red
Rear Cogs New SRAM Red, 10-speed: 11-25
Shifters New SRAM Red
Handlebars Specialized S-Works Tarmac carbon, Short Drop
Tape/Grips Specialized Pro D2
Stem New Specialized S-Works ProSet
Brake Levers New SRAM Red
Brakes New SRAM Red
Saddle Specialized Body Geometry Toupe Pro w/carbon rails
Seat Post Specialized S-Works SL FACT-carbon, 27.2mm
Seat Binder Forged alloy, Ti bolt and nut, 32.6mm

* Subject to change without notice.

Limited Edition Tarmac SL4 S-Works Black - Pre Order yours now - Hurry!

As seen on Bikerumour

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Coming soon is a limited edition blacked out 2012 Specialized Tarmac SL4 with new SRAM Red and Zipp wheels. Nothing new about the frame, but it looks good. Only 300 are on offer. Consider this your heads up to get an order in now.

The frame is done with minimal graphics in black on a matte black frame. The Zipp stem bar and wheels have had the logos removed, which pairs well with the dark gray rings on the new SRAM Red.

Looks pretty clean, what do you think?

 

 

Specialized Helmet Amnesty still on. S-Works Helmet $149 Propero $79. Be quick

Specialized Helmet Amnesty

Until March 30th you can bring in your old helmet, it doesn’t matter what brand,and exchange it for a Specialized Propero or S-Works helmet at a reduced price.

So take advantage of this great offer and ride away in a new helmet and feel the benefits of the Specialized helmets great features, including;

Propero Was $149 Now  $79 -This race-inspired design is known for its great fit and great value. With similar features to the S-Works Prevail—like the Tri-Fix webbing system and 4th Dimension Cooling—the Propero II handles even the most intense efforts on the pavement.

S-Works Was $239 Now $149 -The S-Works is Specialized’s ultra-light CPSC-certified helmet. It’s all about minimum weight, maximum ventilation and complete comfort.

Helmetamnesty

New S-Works Shiv Di2 getting built up today. Come & check it out

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S-Works Shiv Di2

We ignored UCI rules and designed the Shiv exclusively for triathlon: with unmatched aerodynamics, the Fuelselage integrated hydration system, and a huge range of fit adjustability. The S-Works FACT IS 11r carbon frame, Zipp 404 wheels, and Dura-Ace Di2 drivetrain make the S-Works an ultralight, crazy fast package.

Features

  • The ultimate frame for all distances of triathlon, this S-Works FACT IS 11r carbon frame with OSBB is optimized for crosswinds and the most aerodynamic race-ready frame anywhere
  • S-Works FACT carbon monocoque fork with crosswind-optimized airfoils is stiff and stealthy for precision steering and max speed
  • Specialized S-Works FACT carbon OSBB crankset with TT chainrings, removable carbon spider, and ceramic bearings, combined with state-of-the-art Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 electronic shifting for ultralight, smooth performance
  • Fuelselage™ integrated hydration system keeps your fluids hidden inside the down tube for ergonomic fueling and optimal aerodynamics
  • New, fully adjustable, Specialized Carbon Aerobar with semi-integrated aero stem adjusts to fit any rider
  • Stiff, light, contoured Body Geometry Romin Evo Pro saddle positions the rider for optimal power transfer and comfort
  • Lightweight, Shiv FACT carbon aero seatposts are reversible, with 12.5mm and 37.5mm offset options, for wide range of saddle fit (both included)

Project Black Venge a bit too plain? Taking deposits for Limited Edition Venge WC 46 Frames

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S-Work Venge WC 46

If you are in to the latest and greatest of the Specialized Bikes and Frames, you will know the Venge is where it is, at the moment.

The Project Black Frames whilst rare now, will prove to be popular for 2012. The McLaren Venge will be something to covet, but at $18000 might be out of your budget.

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Hampton Cycles will have something for you

The WC 46 Frame to commemorate Cav's World Championship win and the 46 years since Briton Tom Simpson won it last will only be available in small numbers - 10 in Australia.

The Black on Black with Chrome highlights through the inside of the Chainstays and seatstays and forks, Is just that little bit different. Stealth with a touch of Bling.

Contact us on 03 9521 8700 or email info@hamptoncycles.com.au to secure your frameset.

$4499

Just think how good this frame will look built up.

 

Leigh

Read here about Specialized S-Works Turbo tyres and why the latest are so much better

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S-Works Turbo mounted to my awesome ENVE 45 clinchers

I have trained on, raced on, recommended Conti GP4000S tyres for the past 2-3 years with great all round durability, relatively good handling and speed to their durability. In my opinion no other tyre I had tried ticked all 3 boxes as high as these Clincher tyres.

I had tried the previous edition Specialized S-Works tyres last year and managed to get 2 different punctures in 2 days on a brand new pair. Not what my faithful Conti's had ever done. Hey it might have been bad luck, but they definitely werent going to be for me for an everyday tyre. Sure the S-Works seemed to handle better than the GP4000S's but I wasn't keen on changing tyres every 1000kms or so.

My 2012 S-Works Venge came with the Specialized S-Works tyres as standard on them and I just figured I would ride them until they cut up and wore out. Hey who throw's out new tyres?

I was really impressed with how they handled again and their feeling to me, of low rolling resistance and speed whilst still being comfortable to ride on. I had put in 1000 odd kms and was surprised to see they were still cut and nick free both front and rear and hadn't missed a beat. This through the wet weather that Melbourne had through winter, that usually destroys my tyres.

2000kms in and Damo and I were both commenting on how much better they were than the last time we tried them. So I did a little research and remembered meeting a German guy last year at a Specialized launch and that he had previously worked at Continental as their R&D guru. the penny dropped, these were his new tyres for Specialized. Wolf Vorm Walde is his name so I googled it and came up with this interesting little interview that Jared Gruber did with him at Peleton magazine

Place http://pelotonmagazine.com/Chatter/content/18/849/Wolf-Vorm-Walde in your browser if the link doesn't work.

Now almost 3500kms in, still no punctures, the back tyre is starting to show signs of debris having a go at the tyre and is starting to square off a bit. Super impressed with them thus far and have absolutley no hesitations in recomending these to anyone wanting a high performance Racing tyre that you can leave on to train with.

The 2 items on my bike that I am most attached to and would never thought I would change are my Specialized Romin saddle and what were my GP4000S.

With these new tyres -No more GP4000S for me.

Leigh

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700x23c standard.

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Suppliant 220 tpi with Blackbelt Puncture protection is working for me.

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The biggest cut in the tyre and its still didnt puncture!

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Hard to show the squaring off.

 

These babies RRP at $99 each but at Hampton Cycles we are doing introductory pairs at $140. Come in and give them a try. You wont be dissappointed.

 

Green S-Works Venge Frameset in store only 10 in Australia. More Project Black Venge frames too

Green, the colour of the Sprint Jersey at the Tour De France.

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Green, the colour of the bike Mark Cavendish rode along the Champs Elysee to victory to win his first Green Jersey.

Now you can ride the same bike as Cav, Come check it out in store.

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54 cm and 58 cm Project Black Venge frames back in stock. Be quick as these wont last!!!

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Glenvale Crit with @cccyclingclub @c_ports @lsd_snr @hampton_cycles @stalds

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Damo @ DeLuca discussing Tactics - DeLuca I am going to attack all day, Damo Uh Oh!

After rolling up to Sandown on Tuesday night for my first A grade race it was time to back it up with a Sunday morning crit at Glenvale.  Shop owner Damian Jones and Craig Porter made up the Hampton Cycles contingent ably assisted by Leigh 'I'm not ready yet' Schilling who spent the morning behind the camera lens and filling his two young daughters with Coke (hopefully his wife reads this blog!)

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Proof of the Coke intake

 

The sun was out, the conditions were great and when I rolled up and received $45 prize money from last year's B grade effort the day couldn't have started any better.  How quickly things can change....

 

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Quality Field just here

Standard pre race routine saw Ports and I warm up with a ride down to Glenvale where we hooked up with Damo just before the race. As soon as things got underway it was obvious that this was going to be a much harder race than my first A grade one 5 nights earlier.  An early break leapt away and the chase was on with the rest of the field being worked over in an attempt to bring things back.  This was where things started to go to custard.  After moving forward to be near the front of the chase group I found myself sitting second wheel and next thing I'm looking around to see a gap opened up behind and we are half way across which seemed like a good idea at the time but not for long. 

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Muzza realising his mistake about here

Next thing it's my turn on the front and feeling obligated after following the wheel for a while I gave it everything in an attempt to get across what was left of the gap.  This wasn't B grade which I soon realised as I made little impact on the gap and had no choice but to retreat to what would hopefully be the safety of the bunch.  Wrong again - with lungs burning I slotted back in and battled away for another 5 or so laps but the effort had cooked me and it was game over.

 

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Ports copping a spray from DeLuca for dropping the wheel - Who needs friends?

 

From the comfort of the side of the road I watched Damo turn himself inside out in a break of 10 that worked hard in an attempt to stay away and Ports working overtime to maintain good position in what was a strung out bunch in pursuit. 

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Damo starting to suffer

Some big efforts from the chasers saw them reeled in only to see another break go clear which would prove to be the winning one.  The bunch tried hard to pull them back and a big turn on the last lap from Ports was only enough to bring the bunch to within 50 metres at the find bend but it wasn't enough and the break held on with 2006 Commonwealth Games Points Race Gold Medallist Sean Finning taking the chocolates. 

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Ports giving it a last ditch effort to chase down the break

If there was any consolation the CV of the winner highlights the quality of the field and it's not a bad effort for a few old dads to be going around in what is some of the most competitive crit racing around.  Looking forward to keeping my nose out of the wind in the next outing.

 

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Wokka Showboating - He loves the camera whilst Stalder drives it as usual

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Damo & Ports trying to recover

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DeLuca on another attack

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Damo trying to hold on

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Ports turn to showboat - 2 hands on the bars in a corner mate

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race report by Muzza

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Damo looking pooped