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Specialized 2010 road preview

  • The Specialized Roubaix platform will carry over into 2010 essentially unchanged.

    The Specialized Roubaix platform will carry over into 2010 essentially unchanged.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Separate seat stays and a curved top tube contribute to a reasonably comfortable ride.

    Separate seat stays and a curved top tube contribute to a reasonably comfortable ride.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • The new frame is built using an entirely different procedure and is both 153g than before yet a claimed 18 percent more rigid.

    The new frame is built using an entirely different procedure and is both 153g than before yet a claimed 18 percent more rigid.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Similar treatment is given down below near the bottom bracket.

    Similar treatment is given down below near the bottom bracket.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • The Tarmac SL3 Superlight will also include a pair of 175g Specialized S-Works carbon bars with a classic bend.

    The Tarmac SL3 Superlight will also include a pair of 175g Specialized S-Works carbon bars with a classic bend.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Of course, Specialized has retained the previous Tarmac SL2's integrated bottom bracket configuration though the new press-in cups are lighter than the old aluminum sleeve.

    Of course, Specialized has retained the previous Tarmac SL2's integrated bottom bracket configuration though the new press-in cups are lighter than the old aluminum sleeve.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • The new FACT SL crank on the top-end S-Works Tarmac SL Superlight uses a carbon fiber spider and lighter chainrings.

    The new FACT SL crank on the top-end S-Works Tarmac SL Superlight uses a carbon fiber spider and lighter chainrings.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • The Tarmac SL3 chain stays are now boxier than before for extra rigidity.

    The Tarmac SL3 chain stays are now boxier than before for extra rigidity.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • The SL3's dropouts look like they might be carbon fiber…

    The SL3's dropouts look like they might be carbon fiber…

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • The new Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL3 bears strong visual resemblance to the current SL2 but in actuality, there is little in common.

    The new Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL3 bears strong visual resemblance to the current SL2 but in actuality, there is little in common.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Current demo bikes were set up with TRP R960 machined aluminum dual-pivot calipers but production Tarmac SL3 Superlight bikes will come with TRP's new forged magnesium 970SL brakes.

    Current demo bikes were set up with TRP R960 machined aluminum dual-pivot calipers but production Tarmac SL3 Superlight bikes will come with TRP's new forged magnesium 970SL brakes.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • A SRAM Red group contributes to the 5.95kg (13.1lb) claimed weight for a complete Tarmac SL3 Superlight.

    A SRAM Red group contributes to the 5.95kg (13.1lb) claimed weight for a complete Tarmac SL3 Superlight.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Specialized continues on with a traditional 27.2mm round seatpost, saying there is no weight or stiffness advantage with an integrated design.

    Specialized continues on with a traditional 27.2mm round seatpost, saying there is no weight or stiffness advantage with an integrated design.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • The seat stays are still slender for comfort and use an elliptical profile to keep lateral rigidity high.

    The seat stays are still slender for comfort and use an elliptical profile to keep lateral rigidity high.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Specialized claims the curved top tube is a key element for keeping the Tarmac SL3 comfortable.

    Specialized claims the curved top tube is a key element for keeping the Tarmac SL3 comfortable.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • The 2010 Comp will replace its straight 1 1/8" front end for a tapered one for extra steering precision.

    The 2010 Comp will replace its straight 1 1/8" front end for a tapered one for extra steering precision.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • The 2010 Tarmac Comp frame is essentially the same as the 2009 Tarmac Expert.

    The 2010 Tarmac Comp frame is essentially the same as the 2009 Tarmac Expert.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • A Zertz-equipped carbon post will help take the edge off of rough roads.

    A Zertz-equipped carbon post will help take the edge off of rough roads.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • The 2010 Tarmac Comp will use wishbone-style seat stays.

    The 2010 Tarmac Comp will use wishbone-style seat stays.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • …but they're actually aluminum forgings with separate plates welded on to create trick hollow structures that are supposedly both lighter and stiffer than a carbon fiber equivalent.

    …but they're actually aluminum forgings with separate plates welded on to create trick hollow structures that are supposedly both lighter and stiffer than a carbon fiber equivalent.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Internal ribs inside the head tube help prevent the thin frame walls from deflecting under load.

    Internal ribs inside the head tube help prevent the thin frame walls from deflecting under load.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • The brake is wholly mounted to the forward bulkhead but the whole assembly is then bolted together at the top of the steerer tube and down below with a carbon 'strap' to make for an ultra-stout front end.

    The brake is wholly mounted to the forward bulkhead but the whole assembly is then bolted together at the top of the steerer tube and down below with a carbon 'strap' to make for an ultra-stout front end.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • New for 2010 is the Secteur range, which aims to provide Roubaix-like comfort and positioning but at a lower price point courtesy of its aluminum frame construction.

    New for 2010 is the Secteur range, which aims to provide Roubaix-like comfort and positioning but at a lower price point courtesy of its aluminum frame construction.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • The top-end Secteur Comp will use carbon seat stays with shaping similar to that of the more expensive Roubaix.

    The top-end Secteur Comp will use carbon seat stays with shaping similar to that of the more expensive Roubaix.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • The curved top tube supposedly allows for more front-end flex over bumps.

    The curved top tube supposedly allows for more front-end flex over bumps.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Roubaix seat stays will continue to employ their radical shaping and Zertz viscoelastic inserts for a smooth ride.

    Roubaix seat stays will continue to employ their radical shaping and Zertz viscoelastic inserts for a smooth ride.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Specialized could have gone with more aero outer pods but elected the more traditional shape as it provides a more secure perch for riders' hands.

    Specialized could have gone with more aero outer pods but elected the more traditional shape as it provides a more secure perch for riders' hands.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • The head tube area looks - and is - fairly wide as compared to some of the Shiv's aero competition but Specialized claims that width actually improves drag figures at more realistic yaw angles and also makes for a stiffer and more predictably handling chassis.

    The head tube area looks - and is - fairly wide as compared to some of the Shiv's aero competition but Specialized claims that width actually improves drag figures at more realistic yaw angles and also makes for a stiffer and more predictably handling chassis.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • The Shiv is narrow but supposedly not at the expense of overall rigidity, which is said to be just shy of the current Tarmac SL2.

    The Shiv is narrow but supposedly not at the expense of overall rigidity, which is said to be just shy of the current Tarmac SL2.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Though all of the Shiv frame was carefully shaped, this is really what the wind will see first as the bike moves through the air.

    Though all of the Shiv frame was carefully shaped, this is really what the wind will see first as the bike moves through the air.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • The forward bulkhead reinforces the front end for greater rigidity and also effectively makes for a much deeper aspect ratio than the 3:1 normally allowed by the UCI for a single structure.

    The forward bulkhead reinforces the front end for greater rigidity and also effectively makes for a much deeper aspect ratio than the 3:1 normally allowed by the UCI for a single structure.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Specialized's newest time trial weapon is the Shiv - a menacing name for a not-so-friendly-looking bike.

    Specialized's newest time trial weapon is the Shiv - a menacing name for a not-so-friendly-looking bike.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Tight tolerances leave miniscule gaps between components for smoother airflow.

    Tight tolerances leave miniscule gaps between components for smoother airflow.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • The rear brake is located down below the chain stays where the air is already turbulent.

    The rear brake is located down below the chain stays where the air is already turbulent.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Cables are cleanly routed into the top of the top tube.

    Cables are cleanly routed into the top of the top tube.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Specialized again sticks with a conventional telescoping post for its added convenience.

    Specialized again sticks with a conventional telescoping post for its added convenience.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • The subtle tail on the back of the seat tube where the stays join helps maintain smooth airflow off the rear end.

    The subtle tail on the back of the seat tube where the stays join helps maintain smooth airflow off the rear end.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • The chain stays and seat stays feature a prominent kink near the dropouts similar to that used on the Transition.

    The chain stays and seat stays feature a prominent kink near the dropouts similar to that used on the Transition.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • The rest of the Tarmac line benefits from trickle-down technology, such as the mid-range Expert model which now gets the more advanced tube shaping previously reserved for the top end.

    The rest of the Tarmac line benefits from trickle-down technology, such as the mid-range Expert model which now gets the more advanced tube shaping previously reserved for the top end.

    Photo credit © James Huang