New carbon frame - considering TMR or Venge

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docmandu
Posts: 49
Joined: Sat Aug 09, 2008 1:19 pm

by docmandu

Hi guys / gals

Am in the market for a new carbon frame to upgrade my Specialised Tarmac.

Have about £2-2.5 grand to spend. Any ideas?

Like the look of BMC TMR, or possible Spec Venge.

Wanted for sportives and trips to the Alps climbing.

Already have Cosmic Carbone wheels which love so not looking to change them.

Answers on a postcard!

Kind regards.
If less is more.....just think how much more, more must be!!!!

by Weenie


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BRM
Posts: 817
Joined: Sun Mar 16, 2014 3:43 pm

by BRM

You should not start with looking to looks.
You should start with mapping a virtual bike that suits you the best.
Bring in: geometry, personal preferences, budget, purpose and other needs, etc
Then you will end with a blueprint that works like a filter.
And so you will be able to search in a more intelligent way for a match.

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shoopdawoop
Posts: 434
Joined: Thu Dec 22, 2011 12:37 am

by shoopdawoop

What dont you like about the tarmac that makes you want to change? Might help us narrow it down.

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docmandu
Posts: 49
Joined: Sat Aug 09, 2008 1:19 pm

by docmandu

Tarmac is old one bought in 2005. Just looking for something a bit stiffer and newer.
If less is more.....just think how much more, more must be!!!!

tinozee
Posts: 764
Joined: Wed Jun 01, 2011 7:53 am

by tinozee

I have been on Tarmacs for a while and one frame really tempting me is the new Scott Addict.

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tabmaster
Posts: 304
Joined: Thu Oct 23, 2008 11:38 pm
Location: England, occiasionally Flanders.

by tabmaster

What you clearly require is something Italian, with some heritage, after several years on a Tarmac! ;)
If the grand tours are like classical music, kermesse racing is punkrock, Belgian style.
Colnago C50, Campag SR11

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docmandu
Posts: 49
Joined: Sat Aug 09, 2008 1:19 pm

by docmandu

Thankyou for your kind pro-Italian advice.
If less is more.....just think how much more, more must be!!!!

bikewithnoname
Posts: 1733
Joined: Tue Sep 22, 2009 1:29 pm
Location: Paris

by bikewithnoname

If you're thinking you'd like an aero road frame perhaps take a look at the Canyon Aerorad or the Scott Foil (both of which are about 50% of your budget).

Look 795 may also be in your ballpark if you like it's slighty unconventional styling
"We live in an age when unnecessary things are our only necessities." Oscar Wilde

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tabmaster
Posts: 304
Joined: Thu Oct 23, 2008 11:38 pm
Location: England, occiasionally Flanders.

by tabmaster

docmandu wrote:Thankyou for your kind pro-Italian advice.


Aww, come on Howard - you knew it was me! Seriously though, I think the advice about finding which frame manufacturers geometry 'fits' you best is good advice.
If the grand tours are like classical music, kermesse racing is punkrock, Belgian style.
Colnago C50, Campag SR11

NealH
Posts: 548
Joined: Sat May 12, 2007 3:40 am
Location: Ormond Be, FL

by NealH

I'd recommend the Venge. Super nice aero road bike. Plenty stiff, plenty agile, and it rides good.

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docmandu
Posts: 49
Joined: Sat Aug 09, 2008 1:19 pm

by docmandu

Must admit I do like the look of the Venge and its similar geometry to the Tarmac that I'm used to.
If less is more.....just think how much more, more must be!!!!

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shoopdawoop
Posts: 434
Joined: Thu Dec 22, 2011 12:37 am

by shoopdawoop

The venge is a great bike, considered it heavily against my Tarmac but coming from an s5 I decided against aero.

The TMR is also a good choice but I will say that the brakes are not the best. Having wrenched my own TM01 and a friends TMR brakes, as well as reading it a lot, they are pretty on or off; very hard to setup with good modulation and in general. If you change wheels a lot I would recommend against it.


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Philbar72
Posts: 185
Joined: Tue Sep 17, 2013 9:47 am

by Philbar72

I own a TMR01 - its a fantastic bike with some caveats.
Positives:
it is extraordinarily fast. it handles and brakes really well. it looks fantastic. in my view ( and feedback from clubmates say as well) , its faster than an equivalent S5 (though that may have something to do with the engine on top), its far more compliant than a scott Foil, and looks better than the out going aeroad (subjective view). i've back to backed it with a clubmates venge ( the s works 2012 frameset), and it rides better (but i'm biased!), though doesn't climb quite as well.

Negatives: adjusting anything is a pain and requires you to carry extra's like spacers for the brakes ( if you run zipps or carbon based wheels) for when the pads get worn as the brakes don't adjust like conventional rim brakes ( they are mini vees). the salddle adjustment needs a 13mm spanner. adjustin the seat vertically needs 3 pairs of hands!

I haven't tried it against many other aero road bikes.

Grill
Posts: 662
Joined: Mon Aug 20, 2012 12:12 pm
Location: Oop North

by Grill

BRM wrote:You should not start with looking to looks.
You should start with mapping a virtual bike that suits you the best.
Bring in: geometry, personal preferences, budget, purpose and other needs, etc
Then you will end with a blueprint that works like a filter.
And so you will be able to search in a more intelligent way for a match.


I disagree with this. 99% of people will like 99% of bikes as long as they think it looks good.

At the end of the day they're just bikes. They can all go up and down mountains.

by Weenie


Visit starbike.com Online Retailer for HighEnd cycling components
Great Prices ✓    Broad Selection ✓    Worldwide Delivery ✓

www.starbike.com



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docmandu
Posts: 49
Joined: Sat Aug 09, 2008 1:19 pm

by docmandu

I'm with you mate......and the end of the day as many of the great pics on this :oops: site testify to.....looks ARE important !!!!
If less is more.....just think how much more, more must be!!!!

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