Hot on the heals from an impressive 2010 racing season, Specialized released the new 2011 Specialized Tarmac road bike. The Pro SL3 is in for review and it sits right below the S-Works lineup in the series of Tarmac’s. With two colors depending on build kit, you can get your Tarmac Pro SL3 kitted out with SRAM Red in white, carbon/blue with the Dura Ace kit (on review) or as frame only.

From Specialized.com:

With the word “Pro” in its name, the Tarmac SL3 Pro boldly sets its performance standard with FACT 10r frame, Dura-Ace components, and Specialized Pro FACT carbon cranks.

• New SL3 FACT IS 10r carbon frame is now even stiffer and lighter for pure, unbridled speed and power
• The FACT carbon fork with a tapered steerer is light, stiff and compliant
• Roval Fusee SL wheelset combines our lightest alloy rims with aero features for a durable and compliant ride for everyday training
• Specialized Pro FACT carbon crankset with oversized BB and removable spider has outstanding strength to weight ratio for superior efficiency and power transfer
• Campy-style 1-1/8″ to 1-1/2″ headset with steel bearings ensures precision, low maintenance and lighter weight
• Pro FACT carbon seatpost is super light and stiff for optimal power transfer

Initial Impressions: Specialized Tarmac Pro SL3 DA

The first thing I noticed straight out of the box is that there is a lot more white and blue on the frame than I had anticipated. Up until this point, all of the pictures I had seen online only showed the side view, and this frame has blue and white inlays on the tops and bottoms of every tube. Additionally, the inside of the fork legs and chainstays have the Tarmac logo set in for an extra kick. This graphics treatment creates traffic stopping good looks not normally found on raw carbon road bikes.

The Shimano Dura-Ace kit found on the Tarmac Pro SL3 is mostly Dura-Ace with a couple of Ultegra parts thrown in the mix. You get the Dura-Ace hoods, rear derailleur and front derailleur, but the brakes, chain and cassette (11-28 for the mountain stages) are from the Ultegra line. The crankset is out of Specialized own stable (FACT 53/39) and is an incredibly light, stiff option that works perfectly with the BB30 bottom bracket design. The rest of the components also come from Specialized as the build rounds out and matches the frame perfectly including the Roval Fusee SL wheelset that uses DT Swiss internals and has four white spokes in series to match the frame.

Overall build weight out of the box for this $5,000 road bike came in at 15.36 pounds on the 58 which makes it a very light overall build for that size.

Stay tuned for more on the Specialized Tarmac Pro SL3 DA as we get rubber to road and start putting the miles in on this new rig from the Big S. For more information visit your local Specialized dealer or Specialized.com.

Note: The red accented saddle pictured is a Specialized Toupe Team (130 width) and not the Specialized Romin Expert (143 width) that came with the bike.

With quotes like these:

“GRAND AWARD WINNER FOR BEST RECREATION PRODUCT OF 2008″
- Popular Science Magazine

“…changing gears has never been easier.”
- Bicycling Magazine

“You can stay on the gas and flip through the gears with no hesitation. It’s seamless power.”
-Chris d’Aluisio, director of advanced research and development, Specialized

“immediate and very smooth and accurate…. It’s super nice.”
-Frankie Andreu, former Tour de France racer and TV cycling commentator

I was primed and ready to try out Shimano Di2…the component group to end all component groups.

More On the Shimano Dura Ace Di2 Groupo

Shimano Press Release:

Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 Components

Shimano officially announced Dura-Ace Di2, a technologically advanced, electronic shifting option for the all new 7900 series Dura-Ace. Comprised of Dual Control type shift / brake levers, front derailleur, rear derailleur, and a battery pack, the new Dura-Ace Di2 7970 components provide precision electronic performance and integrate seamlessly with components from the 7900 series Dura-Ace group while adding only 68 grams to the entire group.

Electrically actuated shifting significantly eliminates issues associated with cable friction and contamination because the derailleurs respond to electrical impulses that are delivered in fractions of a second. The shifters are now merely switches which also allows for creative placement of optional remote shifters while also reducing the weight and profile of the main shift units. Derailleur movement is precisely controlled through computer automated movement and servo motors creating perfectly synchronized and calibrated shifts every time.

ST-7970 Dura-Ace Di2 Dual Control Levers
By using unidirectional carbon fiber brake lever blades and eliminating all of the mechanical shifter parts, the new Dual Control lever weight is reduced by over 155g over the mechanical version. The ergonomics are slimmed down and further refined for a comfortable grip.

The wiring harness for the shifters is designed to accept the all new FlightDeck computer (SC-7900) featuring heart rate, altitude, grade, cadence, estimated caloric consumption, gear position, and battery life all directly downloadable data via a wireless connection.

RD-7970 Dura-Ace Di2 Rear Derailleur
Like the 7900 mechanical derailleur, the 7970 has a new carbon fiber rear pulley cage and the new design is compatible with wider range cogsets, accommodating up to a 27 tooth cog. The differences are the fact that the unit is now driven by a servo motor instead of a cable and spring, so shifts are identical and precise every time as the computer control unit analyzes each shift.

The derailleur has a built in mechanism that will allow the body to move inward under impact to reduce the potential for damage in the case of a crash. Cycling through the shifting a couple of times allows the shifter and rear derailleur to automatically re-synchronize.

FD-7970 Dura-Ace Di2 Front Derailleur
The front derailleur is the “brains” of the system. The integrated ultra-compact CPU not only ensures that shifting is perfect for both the front and rear derailleurs individually, but also by monitoring the position of each, creates a front derailleur that tracks the chain and requires zero manual trim without sacrificing any shifting speed. The front derailleur logic also performs the inward shift from the big chainring in two parts to eliminate chain drop, with both actions measured in fractions of a second.

SM-BTR1 Dura-Ace Di2 Battery Pack
The 7.4V, high performance Lithium Ion battery is designed to deliver reliable, long life even in the worst conditions. In conditions requiring consistent and frequent shifting, the battery is capable of 1000 kilometers of use.

The battery is rechargeable and comes with a mount that easily adapts to most bikes. Lithium Ion technology is lighter, more compact and better performing than other power sources, making it a clear choice for Di2.

Dura-Ace Di2 redefines the highest level of component performance and solidifies the brand as the benchmark for professional cyclists and road cycling enthusiasts alike. Dura Ace Di2 will be available January 2009.

Enough Tech Talk – How Does Shimano Di2 Shift?

First, at $4,700 US (yes you are reading the sign correctly in the picture below…try not to throw up all over your keyboard), this group better make me a faster rider. You know something is really expensive when hard core roadies are going…”I don’t know…that is a lot of money for a component group.”

Trying to forget about the price, in all honesty…the shifting on the Shimano Dura Ace Di2 setup is CRISP! The new shifters took some getting used to. I actually couldn’t figure it out at first and it took a little instruction to realize the push/push function of the electronic shifters. There are two seperate paddles as you can see in the pictures below. With each very short throw, the derailleur moves through the motions almost effortlessly.

On the rear shifting setup, there is one feature that is going to be greatly missed…there is no option to move up multiple gears on the cassette. You can only move up one at a time as you get ready for that stupid steep climb up ahead. Even though you can shift up pretty rapidly because of the fast action and short throw, you still can’t just dump the cassette when needed.

The front derailleur shifting on the Dura Ace Di2 system was flawless. Shifting to the big ring has never been easier and it is done with a short click of the shifter. You no longer have to throw the brake lever inboard like conventional Shimano cable driven systems. The front derailleur also auto trims based on your rear gear selection. As you shift through the rear cassette, it automatically adjusts to prevent the chain from rubbing on the FD cage. The front derailleur just shifts quietly and perfectly every time and this is the biggest selling point of the Dura Ace Di2 in my opinion.

The other obvious selling point of the Dura Ace Di2 from Shimano is the absence of cable friction and stretch.

Is the Shimano Dura Ace Di2 Group worth it?

For me…no. That is a lot of money to throw down on electric shifting. It was cool to play around with for awhile, but in the end…I have zero issues out of my current Dura Ace group and I do not see the need to spend that kind of money. Is it cool to see technology progressing and to have other options? Sure! But for this rider…I’ll still to cable driven for now.

Big thanks to Josh and the crew at Outspokin’ Bicycles for the invite. I took a ton of pictures as you can see below. Like a true mountain biker…I couldn’t help taking pictures of some of the fat tire porn around the shop, so enjoy the shots.

With quotes like these:

“GRAND AWARD WINNER FOR BEST RECREATION PRODUCT OF 2008″
- Popular Science Magazine

“…changing gears has never been easier.”
- Bicycling Magazine

“You can stay on the gas and flip through the gears with no hesitation. It’s seamless power.”
-Chris d’Aluisio, director of advanced research and development, Specialized

“immediate and very smooth and accurate…. It’s super nice.”
-Frankie Andreu, former Tour de France racer and TV cycling commentator

I was primed and ready to try out Shimano Di2…the component group to end all component groups.

More On the Shimano Dura Ace Di2 Groupo

Shimano Press Release:

Shimano officially announced Dura-Ace Di2, a technologically advanced, electronic shifting option for the all new 7900 series Dura-Ace. Comprised of Dual Control type shift / brake levers, front derailleur, rear derailleur, and a battery pack, the new Dura-Ace Di2 7970 components provide precision electronic performance and integrate seamlessly with components from the 7900 series Dura-Ace group while adding only 68 grams to the entire group.

Electrically actuated shifting significantly eliminates issues associated with cable friction and contamination because the derailleurs respond to electrical impulses that are delivered in fractions of a second. The shifters are now merely switches which also allows for creative placement of optional remote shifters while also reducing the weight and profile of the main shift units. Derailleur movement is precisely controlled through computer automated movement and servo motors creating perfectly synchronized and calibrated shifts every time.

ST-7970 Dura-Ace Di2 Dual Control Levers
By using unidirectional carbon fiber brake lever blades and eliminating all of the mechanical shifter parts, the new Dual Control lever weight is reduced by over 155g over the mechanical version. The ergonomics are slimmed down and further refined for a comfortable grip.

The wiring harness for the shifters is designed to accept the all new FlightDeck computer (SC-7900) featuring heart rate, altitude, grade, cadence, estimated caloric consumption, gear position, and battery life all directly downloadable data via a wireless connection.

RD-7970 Dura-Ace Di2 Rear Derailleur
Like the 7900 mechanical derailleur, the 7970 has a new carbon fiber rear pulley cage and the new design is compatible with wider range cogsets, accommodating up to a 27 tooth cog. The differences are the fact that the unit is now driven by a servo motor instead of a cable and spring, so shifts are identical and precise every time as the computer control unit analyzes each shift.

The derailleur has a built in mechanism that will allow the body to move inward under impact to reduce the potential for damage in the case of a crash. Cycling through the shifting a couple of times allows the shifter and rear derailleur to automatically re-synchronize.

FD-7970 Dura-Ace Di2 Front Derailleur
The front derailleur is the “brains” of the system. The integrated ultra-compact CPU not only ensures that shifting is perfect for both the front and rear derailleurs individually, but also by monitoring the position of each, creates a front derailleur that tracks the chain and requires zero manual trim without sacrificing any shifting speed. The front derailleur logic also performs the inward shift from the big chainring in two parts to eliminate chain drop, with both actions measured in fractions of a second.

SM-BTR1 Dura-Ace Di2 Battery Pack
The 7.4V, high performance Lithium Ion battery is designed to deliver reliable, long life even in the worst conditions. In conditions requiring consistent and frequent shifting, the battery is capable of 1000 kilometers of use.

The battery is rechargeable and comes with a mount that easily adapts to most bikes. Lithium Ion technology is lighter, more compact and better performing than other power sources, making it a clear choice for Di2.

Dura-Ace Di2 redefines the highest level of component performance and solidifies the brand as the benchmark for professional cyclists and road cycling enthusiasts alike. Dura Ace Di2 will be available January 2009.

Enough Tech Talk – How Does Shimano Di2 Shift?

First, at $4,700 US (yes you are reading the sign correctly in the picture below…try not to throw up all over your keyboard), this group better make me a faster rider. You know something is really expensive when hard core roadies are going…”I don’t know…that is a lot of money for a component group.”

Trying to forget about the price, in all honesty…the shifting on the Shimano Dura Ace Di2 setup is CRISP! The new shifters took some getting used to. I actually couldn’t figure it out at first and it took a little instruction to realize the push/push function of the electronic shifters. There are two seperate paddles as you can see in the pictures below. With each very short throw, the derailleur moves through the motions almost effortlessly.

On the rear shifting setup, there is one feature that is going to be greatly missed…there is no option to move up multiple gears on the cassette. You can only move up one at a time as you get ready for that stupid steep climb up ahead. Even though you can shift up pretty rapidly because of the fast action and short throw, you still can’t just dump the cassette when needed.

The front derailleur shifting on the Dura Ace Di2 system was flawless. Shifting to the big ring has never been easier and it is done with a short click of the shifter. You no longer have to throw the brake lever inboard like conventional Shimano cable driven systems. The front derailleur also auto trims based on your rear gear selection. As you shift through the rear cassette, it automatically adjusts to prevent the chain from rubbing on the FD cage. The front derailleur just shifts quietly and perfectly every time and this is the biggest selling point of the Dura Ace Di2 in my opinion.

The other obvious selling point of the Dura Ace Di2 from Shimano is the absence of cable friction and stretch.

Is the Shimano Dura Ace Di2 Group worth it?

For me…no. That is a lot of money to throw down on electric shifting. It was cool to play around with for awhile, but in the end…I have zero issues out of my current Dura Ace group and I do not see the need to spend that kind of money. Is it cool to see technology progressing and to have other options? Sure! But for this rider…I’ll still to cable driven for now.

Big thanks to Josh and the crew at Outspokin’ Bicycles for the invite. I took a ton of pictures as you can see below. Like a true mountain biker…I couldn’t help taking pictures of some of the fat tire porn around the shop, so enjoy the shots.