It’s been a couple of years since I last had anything to post about even though there has been a few miles down the road. Shortly after my last post in August 2023, my Specialized S-Works bike was accidentally ran over by a friend when he was backing out of my driveway. No blame on him; but a lesson here is that it is always one’s own responsibility to take care of your own bike. Things in life like this can happen and it’s best to make the best of it.
So…I pulled out my 13YO Orbea and rode on that til I decided what to do next. I really am one that leans heavily towards Specialized and began to check out their new bikes. While online at their website, I chatted with one of their reps and the equivalent new bike to the one I had was going to be way more than what I could spend. But after looking at a number I decided to go with the Specialized Tarmac SL8 Expert.
Little did I know how much this bike would transform my riding. Of course, pretty much all new bikes today come with electronic shifting and disc brakes (those two features are major pluses compared to the rim brakes and standing shifting). But what really helped out was the SRAM group set of 48/35 chain ring and the 12 speed 10-36 cassette. The SRAM Rival E-tap electronic shifting has also the power meter in the crank set.
The 48/35 & 10-36 group set provides a variety of different combinations for various types of elevation and speeds that allows me to stay in the group rides much longer before getting dropped.
Besides it is a good looking bike as well! I suppose good things can come from something that seemed devastating at the time! Ride Safe! Ride Lots!
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