If you want to, you obviously can also give your opinion on the esthetics (they are like opposites but i truly can appreciate both), but my main question is based on the specs.
The Tarmac is from 2019 / 2020, but new group set and cassette (both 2024) and carbon Fulcrum Speed 55T wheelset. Only used in racing matches, not when training. Rim brakes (which I care less about).
The Ultimate is probably 1 yr old, Sram rival AXS, DT-Swiss E1800 wheels, diskbrakes and powermeter.
I know it’s comparing apples with oranges, but I’m going to buy one of the two. Can’t decide. Any help, and what would you do?
by ExitOk9872
7 Comments
I have an S works and I love it, but the problem is I wouldn’t buy another road bike without disc brakes. There’s so much better in the rain so I go to the Canyon.
I’m personally partial to the disc brakes and also the integrated cable routing on the Canyon.
I know people who own Canyons and love them. My personal concern with them is having heard stories from local bike shops about difficulty doing repairs and maintenance due to the need to get custom parts that take a long time to be delivered. Whereas with Specialized everything is more or less readily available or quick to order.
I’ve been trying to talk myself out of buying a rim brake S-Works SL6 frame for months now. It’s widely considered to be one of the best rim brake race bikes ever built.
That said, I’m a little suspicious of the one you shared. The mismatched tires, cockeyed quick releases, front quick release on the “wrong” side, non-drive side photo, and replaced groupset are all beige flags at best. Mostly just points to a bike that wasn’t terribly well looked after.
Edit to add: the ultimate is also a great bike, but in base model spec it falls way short of its full potential
Unpopular opinion:
I would love to go back to a non integrated bike with nice, Dura Ace MECHANICAL shifting.
I don’t like electronic shifting. Add insult to injury, I am waiting for my new $400 DA shifter (found an open box unit) because my bike tipped over. Not a crash, just tipped over at a standstill.
Makes me want that fabled ’90s Serotta Colorado with the paint scheme that Tarmac has.
I’d take the SWorks just for the colorway.
I have a love-hate relationship with through axles too, so I’d probably lean rim brakes there as well.