RBA Review: Specialized Secteur Comp
THE STORY
The Secteur is not a name you would think of from Specialized (Tarmac, Roubaix, Transition and Ruby come to mind). New for 2010, the Secteur borrows the best attributes of the Roubaix design (taller head tube, more upright position) but features an aluminum frame and a lower price-point than the very popular Roubaix, making it more accessible to a wider range of buyers. The frame is designed with ‘an endurance focus,’ according to Specialized, with some obvious ‘comfort’ options thrown in.
THE BIKE
The Secteur Comp begins with an E5 aluminum frame, mated to carbon seat stays with shock-absorbing Zertz inserts, a FACT carbon fork with Zertz inserts, rack/fender fittings, a four-position stem and FACT carbon Pave seatpost. The saddle is a Body Geometry Avatar Gel with gel-padding. Shimano 105 takes care of the shifting with Tektro brakes. The Secteur Comp features Mavic CXP-22 wheels with Specialized 700x25c All-Condition Pro II tires with Flack Jacket protection. Our 58-centimeter Secteur Comp features a 72.5-degree head tube angle with a 73-degree seat tube angle and a 58.2-centimeter top tube length.
THE RIDE
We threw a few monster climbs and long days at the Secteur Comp, and it performed really well. We fell in love with the wider 25c tires, were happy with the compact gearing and impressed with the Shimano 105 shifting performance. Having ridden a few Roubaix models over the years, the Secteur Comp is reminiscent of that design but doesn’t have the overall ‘flow’ of the all-carbon Roubaix. It descends really well, corners adequately and, despite the weight, climbs like a much more expensive bike. Buried in the pack, the Secteur Comp not only looks like its much more expensive brethren, it held steady and performed really well. We would recommend this bike to someone looking to spend just over $1500.
PRICE: $1695
WEIGHT: 20.8 pounds (58cm)
INFO: www.specialized.com
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