01.06.10
i purchased this specialized s-works m4 road bike about seven years ago. i finally did some research on this awesome machine a few months ago and was surprised on what i have learned about this bike. the frame is extra aerodynamic for a road bike, made with five different types of metals (al, v, si, mg, and cu), super stiff frame, light weight, and punishes the rider. yes, punish the rider. the nice quality of being super stiff is for power transfer from the cyclist legs to the crank is all used for forward momentum of the bike and not wasted in the flexing of the frame. the problem is the frame is too stiff causing a harsh ride for the cyclist.
cycling experts who have reviewed this machine have said that they would be surprised for a cyclists to ride this bike more than 60 miles due to all the vibration being absorbed by the cyclist. wow, only 60 miles. this continuous vibration to the cyclist will cause premature fatigue.
i started wondering if i had a different bike for my ironman race in 2005. would i have had a faster time on the cycling portion? would the 26.2 miles of running after cycling 112 miles have been bearable with fresher legs if i had a different bike? would my experience overall for this race have been better? maybe, but i'll never know.
i still have the bike. i am still riding it. i plan on racing on it this year. my goal for 2010 is to knock out 3000 miles of cycling on this bike. i guess i am addicted to punishment.
