Carbon/White '06 Specialized Tarmac Expert
Well, I finally did it. I started searching for a new bike last year (I talked about it in these posts: 1, 2, 3 and 4). I decided on the 06 Specialized Tarmac Expert. I bought it yesterday after work, it should arrive sometime next week – before the weekend I hope!
I decided on the Carbon/White color scheme. I liked it better than the Team Gerolsteiner colors because it has an understated coolness about it. But wish that the Expert came in a black/red color scheme like the S-Works versions. It rocks! But, that frameset alone costs as much as my bike & pedals.

Speaking of pedals, I have chosen the LOOK Keo Carbon. Sweet & light. I’m looking at Specilized shoes since the ones that I use for Moutain Biking have been so good. They run wide and that makes my feet happy. However, I will be going to the Perl Izumi outlet in Park City, UT to see what they have before I decide.

Carbon/White '06 Specialized Tarmac Expert
Carbon/White ’06 Specialized Tarmac Expert
(click here to enlarge)
FRAME Specialized FACT 6r carbon, triple monocoque construction, compact race geometry, Zertz seatstay inserts
FORK Specialized FACT monocoque carbon fork, full carbon legs, crown and steerer, with Speed Zertz
HEADSET Specialized Mindset Plus, 1 1/8″ integrated threadless, sealed stainless steel cartridge bearings, carbon 20mm cone with two 5mm alloy spacers
STEM Specialized Pro-Set lightweight stem, 3D forged alloy, 4-bolt 31.8mm bar clamp, 4- position adjustable
HANDLEBARS Specialized Pro lightweight handlebar, all aluminum, racing drop, 31.8 clamp
TAPE Body Geometry Bar Phat, cork ribbon with 2.5mm gel padding
FRONT BRAKE Shimano Ultegra
REAR BRAKE Shimano Ultegra
BRAKE LEVERS Shimano Ultegra, 10-speed, STI, flight deck compatible, with brake lever extensions
FRONT DERAILLEUR Shimano Ultegra, 31.8mm clamp, bottom pull
REAR DERAILLEUR Shimano Ultegra, short cage
SHIFT LEVERS Shimano Ultegra, 10-speed, STI, flight deck compatible
CASSETTE Shimano Ultegra, 12-25t
CHAIN Shimano Ultegra, 10-speed
CRANKSET Shimano Ultegra, double crankset, Hollowtech II 2-piece design
CHAINRINGS 53x39T
BOTTOM BRACKET Shimano Ultegra, Hollowtech II
PEDALS Composite-body test ride pedals
RIMS Mavic Ksyrium Equipe, welded aluminum double wall rim, machined sidewalls
FRONT HUB Mavic Ksyrium Equipe, 18 hole, Mavic QR
REAR HUB Mavic Ksyrium Equipe, 20 hole, Mavic QR
SPOKES Stainless 14g aero
FRONT TIRE Specialized Mondo Pro, 700x23C, aramid bead, 120TPI
REAR TIRE Specialized Mondo Pro, 700x23C, aramid bead, 120TPI
TUBES Specialized standard presta tube, 0.9mm thickness
SADDLE Body Geometry Alias, carbon reinfoced base, microfiber cover
SEAT POST Specialized Pavé FACT carbon seatpost with Zertz insert, 27.2mm
SEAT BINDER Specialized, forged/CNC, double wedge
NOTES Chain stay protector, reflectors, chain catcher, clear coat, owners manual

Here’s some info on the pedals:
  • Weight: 230g/pair
  • Body Material: Injection Molded Carbon
  • Spindle Material: CrMo steel
  • Bearings: 2 sealed bearings, needle bearing
  • Adjustments: Spring tension, 12-18 Nm
  • Color: black
  • Extremely light, low stack height, excellent cornering clearance
  • 15.7mm Pedal-to-spindle distance KEO grey cleat (4.5° float)
LOOK Keo Carbon pedal
LOOK Keo Carbon pedal
(click here to enarge)

So, if you ride and are in Provo, Orem or somewhere else in Utah Valley, maybe I’ll see you on the road. I ride the Provo River trail to Vivian Park or continue up Provo Canyon’s South Fork a few times a week.

Happy riding!