BRAND NEW 2015 Specialized Tarmac Released

 2015 Specialized Tarmac Reaches a New Level of Direct Rider Influence

"For the new redesigned, Specialized Tarmac, the big story isn't about the disc brakes or new geometry, it's about size specific optimization. In the past, engineers have always developed a 54 or 56 cm size frame, then tweaked that formula to work for the full spectrum of sizes.




One of the major design goals for the new Tarmac was to create a bike that was stiffer and more responsive for larger riders, yet introduced flex for smaller riders, and maintaining agility across the board."  -  bikerumor.com

They designed each frame from the ground up for a total of 13 different configurations (seven rim-brake sizes, another six for the disc version). Each size has its own carbon layup and performance targets. The design team's goal was as short as Alberto Contador or as tall as Tom Boonen, who both race on teams sponsored by Specialized.

The company also made other subtle changes, giving each frame a 12 percent boost in pedaling efficiency. The new Tarmac also comes with three size-specific headset sizes and fork steerer tubes.

One of the biggest changes to the new Tarmac is at the seat post junction, where an internal binder system has allowed them to almost eliminate the tubing above the top tube, thus adding compliance to the frame. While much of the tubing looks similar to the past iteration, including a massive down tube and huge oversize bottom bracket area, the seat stays are more tapered and curved and the chain stays shift from a boxy profile to a more rounded shape — both of which add to ride comfort.




The other major change the Tarmac sees is the introduction of disc brake models. The 2015 Tarmac will be available in three disc brake options: a Dura-Ace Di2-equipped S-Works level with Shimano R785 hydraulic brakes, an Ultegra Di2 Pro Disc Race model, again with R785 brakes, and an Ultegra Di2 Pro Disc Race model with RS685 brakes.


Here are some comments from professional cyclists that have ridden this bike.


"Testing the bike on different types of climbs has proven it's very fast, especially when standing on the pedals, going downhill, it's a very good handling bike that goes where you want it to go. It's an unbeatable feeling. One of the best features is the enormous stiffness, which translates to a high capacity to transmit power, and that's what we're all looking for."

-Alberto Contador, Winner of All 3 Grand Tours




"The new Tarmac is smoother and easier to handle, especially when changing speed and overall has a better balance of stiffness and stability. It feels like the positive aspects of the SL4, responsiveness and stiffness, are enhanced."

-Vincenzo Nibali, Defending Giro D'Italia Champion





Stay tuned to our blog for more 2015 Specialized updates!

 

 Bicycle Sports

2770 Interstate 10 E
Beaumont, TX 77703

(409) 860-5959

www.bicyclesports.com

lifeisgood@bicyclesports.com

2014 Eastern Cobra - Strong Beginner BMX

 

Look and Feel Like a Pro on the 2014 Eastern Cobra BMX Bike.

The Cobra's neutral geometry makes it easy to learn tricks, plus its fully sealed rear hub with five sealed bearings guarantees smooth rolling performance. 1020 Hi-Ten frame with integrated headset is robust, yet responsive while the forged alloy U-brake provides reliable speed control. The fat seat gives a comfortable ride, Eastern Phorcys 25/9T microdrive keeps them looking like a pro and tubular chromoly 3-piece cranks increase strength during take-offs and landings. When their skills advance and they're ready to step it up, use the Eastern Frame Upgrade program to step into pro-level products at a fraction of the cost (www.easternbikes.com for participating shops).

• Heavy-duty 1020 Hi-Ten steel frame is built tough
• Integrated headset is lightning fast and responsive
• Tubular, heat-treated chromoly 3-piece cranks are light, stiff and virtually bombproof
• Eastern Phorcys micro gearing with 25T sprocket and 9T driver
• Eastern saddle and seatpost with durable cover
• Nylon platform pedals are lightweight, durable and grippy
• Forged alloy U-brake for unsurpassed stopping power
• Multi-Surface tires are great for dirt, park and street use
• Rugged 20" wheels with 36 spokes stand up to a beginner's abuse
• Fully sealed rear hub with 5 sealed bearings for smooth rolling
• Comfortable Eastern Riblet grips
• Includes 2 steel pegs

 

 Bicycle Sports

2770 Interstate 10 E
Beaumont, TX 77703

(409) 860-5959

www.bicyclesports.com

lifeisgood@bicyclesports.com

Does Your Bike Need Service? Let Us Help.

Here is Our Tune-Up and Service Menu. Your Issue Not On The List? Just Ask Us.

Tune Ups: This service is for a bicycle that doesn't need any one thing, but could benefit from a little attention overall. Includes bearing adjustments on the BB, headset, both hubs, minor spoke adjustments, brake and gear adjustments, and lubrication wherever necessary.

•  Tune ups follow a flat rate from $44.99 for a single speed bicycle to $74.99 for a multi-speed tune up with replacement parts. Most bicycles will be $59.95. 


• When combined with a tune up, a drivetain degrease is just $29.99 ($45.00 value). Please be aware that since this does involve removing the chain, bicycles with non-reusable master links will require an extra part. 


• A complete overhaul involves disassembly, cleaning, inspection, lubrication, and reassembly and adjustment of the entire bike. This includes cleaning and repacking every possible bearing. Perfect for a bike that's survived a hurricane or two. With a tune up, $159.99 ($179.99 value). 

 Wheels

• True: traditional wheel: $26.50 ($19.50 if bike purchased here). Hidden Nipples: $34.50. 
• True and replace spokes:  Traditional wheel $29.50-$34.50. Disc Brakes $39.50-$45.50. Hidden Nipples $49-$55
• Lace Wheel: $65

Services À la carte:

• Flat tires: $6.50-$12.50 per wheel. Internal 3 speeds: $24. Unicycles: $14.50. Electric Scooters: $39.50
• Mini Gear Tune Up: $39.50. With installation of parts: $49.50. 
• Brake tune up: $24.50-$49.50 (1 caliper adjustment to 2 hydraulic caliper adjustments). Installation of new brakes is $49.50-$89.50. NOTE: Brake adjustments and installation includes wheel true. 
• Pack Bike for Shipping: $59.99. Unusually shaped bikes: $129.50
• Build Pre-Assembled bike from a box: $79.99 single speed, $99.99 for multi-speed
• Build unassembled bike (internet special) $150.00 
• Tape Bars: $19.50 + parts
• Install Bars: No cables: $12.50, Shifters+Gears: $22.50, Road bike: $49.50 (includes taping bars)
• Training Wheels: $17.50
• Computer:  $14.50 regular, $24.50 cadence, $44.50 exotic 
• Rear Rack: $14.50
• Front Basket: $14.50
• Pedals: platform: $10. Pedals and cleats (no items purchased) $45. This includes installation and adjustment on a wind trainer. If Bicycle, shoes and pedals were purchased there is no charge.
• Chain: $12.50 for installation. Cutting a chain to length $6.50

 

 Bicycle Sports

2770 Interstate 10 E
Beaumont, TX 77703

(409) 860-5959

www.bicyclesports.com

lifeisgood@bicyclesports.com

4 Ways To Extend The Life Of Your Cycling Shoes

Want Your Shoes To Last for Five Or More Years?

One of the best features of cycling shoes is that they last far longer than other sports shoes. For example, you must replace running shoes every six months (or sooner) because the materials inside the soles lose their ability to provide cushioning. Also, regular sneakers are in constant contact with the ground and the soles and uppers wear rapidly. Contrarily, if cared for, a quality pair of pedal pushers could last five or even ten years! 

These easy tips will help you get the most from your shoes:

— Maintaining the fit: We recommend wearing only cycling socks with your riding shoes because these thin socks won't stretch the shoes, which can ruin the snug fit so important for efficient pedaling. 

— Walking: Shoes made for off-road use or touring sport lugged soles and recessed cleats that are made for easy walking. Road-specific shoes, however, are designed for optimum power transfer when pedaling. While these shoes may include heel and toe tabs for walking, it's best to walk as infrequently as possible. Walking flexes the soles and stretches the shoes. Over time, this changes the fit and the stiffness of the shoes, which decreases efficiency and comfort.

— Moisture: Water won't hurt cycling shoes as long as you dry them properly. To do this, as soon as you get home, extract any removable liners and stuff the shoes with newspaper, which will absorb the moisture and dry the shoes. Do not place the shoes by a heat source Check those cleat bolts so they won't loosen and ruin your ride!because this can damage them. If the shoes are really wet, replace the newspaper after a few hours (the first batch is probably saturated). 
 
— Maintenance: While not much can go wrong with cycling shoes, we recommend checking the bolts that attach the cleats to the soles about monthly. If these loosen, the cleats can change position, which may cause knee pain. If you have a pair of shoes with buckles that ratchet, they may be attached with hardware. It's a good idea to regularly check that this hardware is tight, too.
 


 

Bicycle Sports

2770 Interstate 10 E
Beaumont, TX 77703

(409) 860-5959

www.bicyclesports.com

lifeisgood@bicyclesports.com

Do Your Hands Hurt After Riding?

 

6 Ways To Prevent Discomfort in Your Hands

 

1. Handlebar-Shoulder Ratio:

One way to get an idea of what width handlebars works best is to measure the distance between your shoulder blades. Have someone hold a yardstick against your back to take a reading.

Drop handlebars come in sizes ranging from about 38-cm to 44-cm wide and you select by matching the width of your shoulders. So, if the distance between your shoulder blades is 42-cm, that's what the handlebar width should be, measured from the center of the other end. Some manufacturer's measure from outside-to-outside, so check with us if you're not sure.  

2. Improve Breathing and Control

The right bar width will provide comfort and increased efficiency because you'll be able to breathe better. It's especially noticeable if you've been using too-narrow a drop handlebar and you climb frequently. You'll appreciate additional leverage too, whenever you stand.

3. Extra Padding

If regular tape doesn't provide enough comfort, another effective improvement can be made by inserting additional bits of padding under the tape and the hoods. In this case, we've used the excellent Marsas foam inserts.

After positioning and holding them in place with electrical tape, try not to overlap the bar tape as much as you would normally when wrapping – you'll need to save a bit for the extra bulk and slightly bigger diameter of the padding to make it last to the end at the top of the bar.
Other padding can be installed under the brake hoods, but this takes a bit of doing, as you have to roll the rubber back far enough to make access easy and prevent folds. Do this before taping up.

4. Bar Tape


The padding on your handlebars is one of the easiest and most effective ways of making your bike a more comfortable ride. Some tapes contain a gel-like material integrated into the fabric to make it even more forgiving.

After you've removed the old tape, start winding the new stuff from the bottom of the handlebars upwards. The trickiest bit is getting the tape to go around the brake lever body in a tidy way; use one of the extra pieces of tape provided to hide the lever clamp – too many wraps around the clamp zone and you may run out before you get to the top of the bars.

Finish off by cutting diagonally in line with the edge of the bar bulge and tape the edge over with some black electrical tape to make it neat and tidy.



5. Try Higher Bars

Riser bars are also available, which are models that slope upwards on the ends to provide less bend in your back when you lean forward to grab the grips. Many off-roaders find that risers are just the ticket for a more comfortable position. They're also typically a bit wider than flat bars to provide additional leverage, which is helpful on technical terrain.

6. Lever Adjustment

As well as making life safer and less tiring, getting your lever reach correct will boost your confidence by increasing your braking control. Some Shimano STI levers can be moved closer to the bar by either screwing in the small adjustment screw as shown (Sora models) or inserting a set of spacer shims (current Tiagra, ST-R600, ST-R700).

You'll need to release a bit of cable at the brake anchor bolt to bring brake adjustment back to normal, then retighten firmly; but check that the cable hasn't suffered from cut strands at the old pinch point, and replace if in doubt.

If your levers have no adjustment, releasing a little cable will help you achieve an easier braking action, especially if you have smaller hands.

Bicycle Sports
2770 Interstate 10 E
Beaumont, TX 77703
(409) 860-5959
www.bicyclesports.com