Specialized Roubaix Elite

davelakers
davelakers Posts: 762
edited April 2008 in Workshop
Anybody got one?
Anybody know anyone who has?
Heard any stories?

I have reserved one today after a very impressive test ride. I also tested the Bianchi Via Nirone which was very nice and the Trek 1.9 which was OK.

Cant wait to pick it up in a couple of weeks.

Comments

  • fto-si
    fto-si Posts: 402
    I got one .. I changed my Bianchi Via Nirone for it
    Really like the bike .. can't say how it comperes to anything other than the Bianchi as they are all I have riden.
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  • pneumatic
    pneumatic Posts: 1,989
    I've got a Roubaix expert (same frame, higher spec drivetrain). It is a really great bike for me (middle aged, overweight but passionate about my cycling). Since I got it, I have read nothing but good reviews by other Roubaix riders, particularly as regards comfort and speed, with which I completely agree.

    The only criticisms I have read are:

    the high stem (for which I say thank goodness!),
    the rather clumsy livery (mine's an 06 and not as ugly as some!),
    the number of them on the road (are we wise bunnies or foolish lemmings?) and
    something about an unexciting ride, which I don't really understand, as I have had more fun than I can handle on mine over the last year.

    Fast and Bulbous
    Peregrinations
    Eddingtons: 80 (Metric); 60 (Imperial)
  • davelakers
    davelakers Posts: 762
    Thanks for the replies.

    The Bianchi Via Nirone was nice but not a very relaxed position. The Trek was ok and didnt really excite me at all. It felt too upright if you know what I mean?

    The 56" frame of the Roubaix felt right as soon as I sat on it. I did a couple of miles over a fairly bumpy old road and it felt smooth compared to my current ride. Also in the Specs favour was the compact chainset with the 28t rear cog. Just wish I had the bike for the Lakeland Loop last weekend. It should be a very smooth and comfortable ride on my London-Paris ride in September!!
  • fto-si
    fto-si Posts: 402
    I have upgraded the wheels on my Roubaix, I don't know if it was all in my mind or not but I am sure I could feel a great improvement.
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  • thexvw
    thexvw Posts: 135
    I have a comp, fantastic bike.

    What wheels did you upgrade to ?
  • fto-si
    fto-si Posts: 402
    thexvw wrote:
    I have a comp, fantastic bike.

    What wheels did you upgrade to ?

    Mavic Aksium
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  • davelakers
    davelakers Posts: 762
    What is the problem with the wheels?

    A few people have mentioned the wheels being a problem. What effect will they have on the performance? Would it be drastic?
  • MegaCycle
    MegaCycle Posts: 236
    I have a Roubaix Expert and upgraded my wheels too. Nothing wrong with the Ultegra wheels, I just wanted something lighter.

    LOVE the bike
  • pneumatic
    pneumatic Posts: 1,989
    I remember reading a review of the elite 06 in C+. The complaint about the wheels was that they were not worthy of the frame and felt unreliable when cornering. I can't remember what they were at that time, but it seems that Spesh acted quickly and upgraded to shimanos.

    Fast and Bulbous
    Peregrinations
    Eddingtons: 80 (Metric); 60 (Imperial)
  • davelakers
    davelakers Posts: 762
    The stock rims on the '08 are Mavic Open Sports. Are these the basic entry level Mavic Rim?

    Cant find them on the Mavic website.
  • daowned
    daowned Posts: 414
    davelakers wrote:
    What is the problem with the wheels?

    A few people have mentioned the wheels being a problem. What effect will they have on the performance? Would it be drastic?

    I have had my Roubiax Elite for over 15 months and after 6 months the wheels were worn. Its very easy for water to get in to the hubs as they are Specialized own make and are not sealed so keep this in mind as you will want to upgrade soon. I don't rate the headset either, again no sealed bearings other than that it's a fine comfy fast bike.

    For the extra £200 you can get the Comp with upgraded rims to Mavic Open Pro rims (not sport rims) Shimano 105 brakes (not some unnamed dual pivots), Shimano chainset (better than the FSA imho).

    On looking back if I had £1300 now for a bike I would have a look at the Bianchi and Focus bikes, because pound for pound your getting slightly better components for your money.
  • davelakers
    davelakers Posts: 762
    I have some Ritchey Road Comp wheels on my current bike and also a spare pair of Shimano R500 wheels. Would either of these set of wheels be an improvement?

    Im extremely happy with the Ritchey Wheels, they feel very sturdy and light.
  • daowned
    daowned Posts: 414
    I would think that the any half decent wheels would be an improvment.

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