Specialized Tarmac Comp vs. Felt F4

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konichiwa

2007-04-30 5:30 PM

Extreme Veteran

488

Southeast, PA

Subject: Specialized Tarmac Comp vs. Felt F4

I want to upgrade my road bike and wanted to get opinions on the following bikes:

2007 Specialized Tarmac Comp (105 w/ Ultegra rear, w/ Mavic Aksium)MSRP $2199
http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=22283

or

Felt F4 - (ultegra w/ DA rear, w/ Shimano WH-561) $2329
http://www.feltracing.com/products/product.asp?pid=4&catid=18,19,26

IMO, on paper, the Felt looks like a better deal for the components ($130 for a groupo upgrade), but I wanted get ppl's opinion on the frame. Is the Tarmac frame any better than the F4's?

If you've ridden either of these bike/frames, let me know what you think!

Thanks,
-Tim

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KSH

2007-04-30 9:34 PM

in reply to: #782342

Champion

10471

Dallas, TX

Subject: RE: Specialized Tarmac Comp vs. Felt F4

I first owned a Trek 1000 and then upgraded to a Tarmac Expert. I know the Expert has full Ultegra (brakes, everything) and is full carbon. Looks like the Comp is just a step down based on the components?

I didn't ride a Felt, but I can say that I loved the feel of the Tarmac over a few other bikes that I rode.

What I found though, was that even though something looked great on paper, riding it is what made my decision.

Go test ride both of them and see if one of them grabs you! Good luck!

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Pollywog

2007-04-30 10:36 PM

in reply to: #782342

Member

281

Subject: RE: Specialized Tarmac Comp vs. Felt F4

I have a 2007 Tarmac Comp. Overall I really like the bike. The bike is very comfortable and absorbs the road bumps very well. The bike is a 1000 times better at going up steep grades than my two previous bikes, 83 Trek 520 & 03 Lemond Tourmelet. I was so impressed I took the Tarmac over to my dad for him to test ride. He was very impressed with the Tarmac. The only negative so far is the front 105 sometimes overshifts from the big ring to the little ring, dropping the chain.

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KRCSWO

2007-05-01 6:48 AM

in reply to: #782342

Expert

647

Sarnia, Ontario

Subject: RE: Specialized Tarmac Comp vs. Felt F4

My wife just bought a 2006 F4 for a great price. Check out this sale:

https://www.bikesportmichigan.com/shop/product.php?productid=16190

So far she seems to really like the bike.

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runpuddrun

2007-05-01 9:36 AM

in reply to: #782342

Extreme Veteran

494

Overland Park, KS

Subject: RE: Specialized Tarmac Comp vs. Felt F4

That's weird because I am thinking about getting a road bike because I really want to start riding with a roadie group and join the university club cycling team and I can get a Tarmac Expert Double for $1000.00 I think it is too good an offer to pass up. I just need to somehow find the cash, currently looking for stuff to sell around the house.

I love the Tarmacs, but I also like the felt as I have a Felt S32 tri bike.

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KSH

2007-05-01 9:49 AM

in reply to: #782342

Champion

10471

Dallas, TX

Subject: RE: Specialized Tarmac Comp vs. Felt F4

The only negative so far is the front 105 sometimes overshifts from the big ring to the little ring, dropping the chain.

Well, my Ultegra components did this too... a small adjustment at the bike shop fixed it.

My Race Log

2007-05-01 11:27 PM

in reply to: #782342

Subject: ...

This user's post has been ignored.

KathyG

2007-05-02 5:47 AM

in reply to: #782342

Champion

19812

Subject: RE: Specialized Tarmac Comp vs. Felt F4

Felt is cheaper due to the lack of advertising.

I have the Tarmac Comp bought the 2007 in January. Honestly I don't really like the bike that much. I think part of it is I had a bad experience when I bought it from the LBS that supports my tri club. The other thing is it doesn't fit me as well as my tri bike which I love. I do love the saddle though.

Really parts don't matter, which fits you best? Get that one.

You want better parts on the Tarmac upgrade them at time of purchase most shops will swap out parts even money or if they cost more/less have you pay or get credit for the difference. at the time of purchase.

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MiTri_Chic

2007-05-05 1:58 PM

in reply to: #782342

Subject: RE: Specialized Tarmac Comp vs. Felt F4

The F4C at Bikesportmichigan.com is awesome if they still have it in your size (I heard though if they don't for a limited time they will swap the 2007 F4 for the same price) the components on that are worth the price alone.... I love the Felt line of bike. They are good quality at a fair price.

runpuddrun

2007-05-08 6:44 PM

in reply to: #782342

Extreme Veteran

494