== Bike-Walk Alliance of NH ==

News from the British Bike Association

With over 43,000 people around the world following what the British Bike Association has to say via their Bike News web site, BWA-NH decided to post some of their product reviews which may be of interest to us here in New Hampshire. Nothing is being sold via these postings, BWA-NH is not charged anything, and membership in the BBA is free. Why not check it out? Comments and feedback to BWA-NH are welcome.

From BBA, October 2011:

New Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL3 for 2011

When you want the best, there are few bikes that you'd choose ahead of the new Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL3. I'm not saying that this is the best, just that if you had the money, its definitely one to consider.

With a pedigree that comes from its association with the Saxo Bank racing team, the Specialized SL3 won the Paris to Nice 2010 with Alberto Contador at the helm. In order to maintain its Pro Tour success, Specialized S-Works has produced the updated Tarmac SL3, which is due to launch in the run up to Christmas 2010, although you may find some of the larger frames are a few weeks later.

The Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL3 2011 is expected to dominate races next year, but the road bike is also expected to achieve success on the open market, with amateur cyclists and semi-professional racers warming to its overall appeal. The Tarmac SL3′s immense aesthetic appeal sets it apart from many bikes, but it is likely to be the unparalleled stiffness-to-weight ratio that attracts the most interest from serious cyclists.

Boasting the Specialized S-Works FACT carbon crankset, which is thought to offer one of the highest strength-to-weight ratios available, the Tarmac SL3 provides exceptional efficiency and power transfer. Add to this the Shimano Dura-Ace shifters for precise and immediate shifting, the Tarmac SL3′s 20-gear system offers supreme high-speed performance. Drag is minimised by the lightweight Roval Rapide wheelset, which features carbon-alloy hybrid rims. The Tarmac SL3 has not advanced in huge leaps and bounds on the 2010 model; nevertheless, minor improvements here and there in addition to a thicker and stiffer fork have combined to produce a truly exceptional road bike that is guaranteed to perform well throughout 2011 and beyond.

Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL3 2011 Road Bike Full Specifications

• Frame: S-Works SL3 FACT 11r; FACT IS construction; compact race design; 1 1/2″ lower HS bearing; carbon over-sized bottom bracket
• Fork: Specialized FACT carbon full monocoque; OS race for 1 1/2″ bearing
• Front Derailleur: Shimano Dura-Ace
• Rear Derailleur: Shimano Dura-Ace
• Number of Gears: 20
• Shifters: Shimano Dura-Ace STI; flight deck compatible
• Chainset: S-Works FACT carbon
• Chainrings: 53 x 39T
• Bottom Bracket: OS integrated; ceramic bearings
• Cassette: Shimano Dura Ace; 10-speed; 11-27
• Chain: Shimano Dura-Ace
• Pedals: Black cage; body & toe clips with strap
• Front Brake: Shimano Dura-Ace
• Rear Brake: Shimano Dura-Ace
• Brake Levers: Shimano Dura-Ace STI; flight deck compatible
• Handlebars: S-Works SL Carbon; classic bend
• Stem: S-Works 3D forged 7050 alloy with carbon-wrap top and front cap
• Headset: 1 1/8″ upper and 1 1/2″ lower Cr-Mo cartridge bearings integrated with headset; carbon 8mm cone spacer and 20mm of carbon spacers
• Grips: Specialized S-Works wrap
• Rims: Roval Rapide SL 45
• Front Hub: Roval Rapide SL 45
• Rear Hub: Roval Rapide SL 45
• Front Tyre: S-Works Turbo; 700x23c; Aramid bead; 220TPI with Black Belt protection
• Rear Tyre: S-Works Turbo; 700x23c; Aramid bead; 220TPI with Black Belt protection
• Tubes: Super Light Turbo; 60mm presta valve
• Saddle: Body Geometry Romin Team with solid Ti rails
• Seatpost: S-Works FACT carbon; 27.2mm
• Seat Binder: Forged alloy; 32.6mm
• Extra Features: Carbon chain stay protector; derailleur hanger; clear coat

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