Specialized Centrum ... anyone tried it?

[Ricardo68]

http://www.thetristore.com/products/centrumsport08.jpg

I'm looking to hear from anyone who's tried this thing. I love the looks of it and haven't had the opportunity to give it a ride.

I'm hoping it's not all style no substance.

It's a simple looking singlespeed. In Aus there's also a 3 speed version which could be nice too.

Specs (not that specialized specs ever mean much to me):

Frame Specialized A1 Premium aluminum
Fork Specialized A1 Premium aluminum
Rims/Wheels Specialized/Alex RHD 26
Hubs Front: Specialized Hi Lo disc; Rear: Specialized singlespeed disc
Spokes 15-gauge stainless-steel
Tires Specialized Nimbus Sport, 26 x 1.5
Crankset Specialized singlespeed
Chainwheel 38T
Handlebars Specialized aluminum
Tape/Grips Specialized dual-density Kraton
Stem SBC aluminum
Brake Levers Shimano
Brakes Shimano mechanical-disc
Pedals Specialized Globe anti-slip composite
Saddle Specialized Body Geometry
Seat Post Specialized aluminum

[Christo]

No but I'm dying to - hopefully the shop has one in on Saturday so I can try one - the boss was thinking about it.

Personally I think they're ugly in a sexy kind of way :confused: but as I'm SS obsessed I can overlook that.

Wish the head angle wasn't so slack for a commuter - and also so you could retrofit suspension if wanted.

If I get my stinky arse on one I'll let you know....

[Christo]

Got my stinky arse on the three-speed version today.

Very nice, great ratio, good brakes, crap pedals - they'll want replacing ASAP.

The stock stem was a little short on the large one I tried but otherwise it went like a rocket.

If I didn't already have too many bikes I'd be doing one of these up as a great town bike. You could also fit 700c wheels in I reckon, there seemed to be enough clearance.

[dhdave199]

That bike looks so mad and smooth.

[Ricardo68]

Got my stinky arse on the three-speed version today.

Very nice, great ratio, good brakes, crap pedals - they'll want replacing ASAP.

The stock stem was a little short on the large one I tried but otherwise it went like a rocket.

If I didn't already have too many bikes I'd be doing one of these up as a great town bike. You could also fit 700c wheels in I reckon, there seemed to be enough clearance.

Nice :) I was dreaming of asking the guy at LBS to put the 700c wheels from a Special Globe on it (8 speed Nexus hub) and going for a play. I'm sure he'd laugh at me though, or charge me a fortune.

How was the 3 speed it terms of weight, it may make sense to put a rear deraillier on it? From memory hubs are pretty heavy ... If it's even possible.

Ah bugger it, I'll track the bugger down myself, looks too sexy to ignore!

Thanks for the replies :)

Ric

[Qwazil]

can you put normal mountain bike suspension on this bike?

[le chat]

You guys should also have a look at the old Cannondale Bad Boys if you can get one on OZ. They're all black like this, come with a headshock and have a slightly steeper headangle, Cannondale made them especially for commuting

[Qwazil]

What would the maximum height of drops be that you could safely do on this thing?

I know the shock on the arms could be a little rough compared to a normal mountain bike but would it be safe to clear 5+ steps on this without the frame melting into oblivion?

[chuckrockswell]

im sorry, but it looks way to much like a girls bike.......... i think its the low standover.

just picture it in pink with a basket on the front......

[Qwazil]

What would the maximum height of drops be that you could safely do on this thing?

I know the shock on the arms could be a little rough compared to a normal mountain bike but would it be safe to clear 5+ steps on this without the frame melting into oblivion?

Ohh...Please does anyone know the answers to any of my questions?

Im about to go out and by this bike and i would really love to know......

[Tomas]

What would the maximum height of drops be that you could safely do on this thing?

I know the shock on the arms could be a little rough compared to a normal mountain bike but would it be safe to clear 5+ steps on this without the frame melting into oblivion?

No. Use the bike for whats it's intended. Thats the fucking WORST question ever.

"how big can i go on this bike"... i thought school holidays ended.

[Axela8]

im sorry, but it looks way to much like a girls bike.......... i think its the low standover.

just picture it in pink with a basket on the front......

Now there's a good project...!
I think the dopey saddle's mainly resonsible for that.
Go hard and put a carbon shell saddle on it and it'd look well better (and punish you for saying it should be pink!)