S Works Tarmac or Scott Foil

[Pokerface07]

I actually own both these bikes...

The Tarmac is an easy bike to ride. Climbs well, comfy, responsive.
The Foil is a bit heavier, doesn't handle quite as well (for me) and has really crappy rear braking.

I'm going to make some changes to my Foil setup to try and improve the way it handles and brakes though.

Between the 2, I'd go for the Tarmac.

My other bike, and the one that is by far the best - is the Emonda SLR. It's just everything I want in a bike.

[Noctiluxx]

Many great race bikes out there. Tarmac Lightweight, TCR SL, Emonda SLR, SS Evo, Ultimate Evo, Specialissima, to name a few. Pretty sure you can't go wrong with any of these bikes and a few I'm missing.

[dim]

I've owned several bikes including Trek, S-Works etc

and the one which I have kept and which I use as my 'fast' bike is my old Giant TCR Composite 2

I've added decent wheels though .... it fits me like a glove

I'd like to try a Scott Addict though (a climbing bike) and may buy a used one in January and use it as my daily commuter .... If I get on with it, I will add some aero wheels and use it for some sportives or Audax rides

[TonyM]

Tarmac = all round bike with some aero properties

Scott Foil = all round bike with aero properties

So if aero quite important to you in a all round bike then go for the Foil (AND check the geometry)

[TurboKoo]

I’ve been riding with Foil for the last 12 months now and been really happy. Ride is good and plenty stiff when needed. Compared to Giant Propel it’s more comfortable and stiffer especially in BB area. Compared to Focus Izalco max it’s bit harder ride but feels much faster.

Direct mount brakes provide lot of power but rear takes time to adjust perfectly. Most people seem to have wrong length in housing and that creates really bad braking.

My vote would go to Foil.

[Pokerface07]

Direct mount brakes provide lot of power but rear takes time to adjust perfectly. Most people seem to have wrong length in housing and that creates really bad braking.

My vote would go to Foil.

So, do I need more housing or less housing to improve the braking?

[dim]

I'd love a Canyon Aeroad .... can't afford it though

I'm following a few guys on Strava who have these .... these guys have very fast times

[TurboKoo]

Direct mount brakes provide lot of power but rear takes time to adjust perfectly. Most people seem to have wrong length in housing and that creates really bad braking.

My vote would go to Foil.

So, do I need more housing or less housing to improve the braking?

Depends on your current setup
Not possible to know without pictures.

[TonyM]

I'd love a Canyon Aeroad .... can't afford it though

I'm following a few guys on Strava who have these .... these guys have very fast times

Fast guys are usually fast with anything

Look at the sales when Canyon does it. You can really make a good deal!

[Stickman]

S works Tarmac SL5 ... now S works Tarmac SL6...i recomend

I've read that the current Tarmac frame is as aero as the first generation Venge, but 200g lighter than the previous Tarmac frame design with non-dropped seat stays.

[TonyM]

S works Tarmac SL5 ... now S works Tarmac SL6...i recomend

I've read that the current Tarmac frame is as aero as the first generation Venge, but 200g lighter than the previous Tarmac frame design with non-dropped seat stays.

That‘s the marketing claim from Spez.

[Stickman]

And those are always honest and reliable

Still, I do love the look of the newer frame compared to the older Tarmac frame.

[Pokerface07]

Direct mount brakes provide lot of power but rear takes time to adjust perfectly. Most people seem to have wrong length in housing and that creates really bad braking.

My vote would go to Foil.

So, do I need more housing or less housing to improve the braking?

Depends on your current setup
Not possible to know without pictures.

I have exactly enough external housing to turn my handlebars fully to one side. The rest is internal so no way to photograph that!

Just a hint - what works better - longer or shorter housing?

[TurboKoo]

Most important part is the last piece from frame to brake. If it’s too long it will create friction and try to push the brake to other side. If it’s too short same cable will pull brake asymmetrical. These mistakes normally create situation where other side brake pad is closer to rim and rub. When cable housing is correct length you can adjust brakes so that brake pads touch rim at the same time.

I had initially SM-CB90 brake adjuster under bottom bracket but it created too sharp angle so had to change it to SM-CB70 to make it work perfectly.