Specialized S-Works M4 (2000?)

[jimo746]

Something a little bit more modern, probably borderline "Retro" I guess, but still 20 years old and sporting a few retro touches ie 1" headtube, aluminium frame, rim brakes etc...

A year 2000(?) Specialized S-Works M4 aero road bike, I picked it up locally to try something a bit different. Advertised as a 56cm but I measured it at 54cm, although after a 30 mile test ride we seem to get on together

I'm in the process of moving a 2x11 groupset onto it from my other bike, so will update with photos when it's ready.

 

[jimo746]

Well... it's ready at last.
Transplanted a Sensah Empire 2x11groupset onto it, FSA SL-K brakes, Deda Superzero bars, a Magene power meter chainset (from their Kickstarter campaign), and some 60mm carbon clinchers with Novatec hubs + Vittoria Corsa 23c tyres (25's wont fit in the rear of the frame!!).

Did a steady 35miles on it today and it didn't miss a beat, compact and super stiff is how I'd describe it

 

[zerogravitas]

Great job modernizing this! Looks fantastic. How do you find the Empire components?

If I had a nitpick it would be that the handlebar should be rotated down a little so the drops sit flatter. Otherwise super rebuild!

 

[dannylonglegs98]

Those tyres look wicked on those rims

 

[jimo746]

Great job modernizing this! Looks fantastic. How do you find the Empire components?

If I had a nitpick it would be that the handlebar should be rotated down a little so the drops sit flatter. Otherwise super rebuild!

Cheers. I’ve been using the Sensah stuff for nearly a year now, no problems at all, although I swapped the front Mech for a SRAM Force one as the Sensah mech was a bit “average”. Feels at least as good as 105/Tiagra at any rate.
I’m using Sense ignite 2x9 shifters on my Gravel bike too.

I agree about the handlebar, I would have done it mid ride but I didn’t want to faff about miles from home, they’ve been rotated down a bit now, as you noticed, the drops weren’t quite flat, apart from aesthetics it just didn’t feel right when riding in the drops.