2009 Roubaix Comp vs. 2009 Roubaix S-Works SL2

jonehall

I have an 09 Roubaix Comp, kitted with Campy Chorus 11.

I have been offered a great deal on an 09 Roubaix S-Works SL2 frame. I'll be around $600 out of pocket after i make the switch, which i can afford.

Has anyone ridden both these bikes and could you feel the difference? I'm hoping the S-Works Roubaix SL2 will feel a bit more responsive and lively due to the stiffer carbon - and maybe better power transfer due to the big chainstays.

(or I am just being a victim of marketing BS? In which case I'll save my $).

PS: i have a nice set of wheels already...

gkerr4

i say go for it - if you can afford it - I take it you are thinking of swapping the chorus11 over to the S-Works? - that would be an awesome combination.

I own an 08 S-Works roubaix (build with 08 record) and whilst I don't have a great experience of the other models I did test ride an 08 'elite' at the time - the S-Works is (or feels) a bit more responsive - it's also lighter and a bit stiffer around the BB area which should make it more "responsive" - course this could all have been in my head.

I'd definatley go for it at $600 if that is the cost to swap - it sounds like a bargain to be honest

what wheels do you have on your comp?

rdt

jonehall wrote:

(or I am just being a victim of marketing BS? In which case I'll save my $).

We're all potential victims of marketing BS, which attempts to breed dissatisfaction with what we have by dangling ever "better" products in front of us, and making us feel like we're missing out if we've just got the older / cheaper stuff. Peer effects (like forums) emphasise this hugely. That's why there's a tons of cyclists with kit drawers the equivalent of a loony bird's giant handbag closet or Imelda Marcos' shoe museum.

The truth is, the marketing BS massively exaggerates what are usually marginal differences between products.

And the research shows that money spent on experiences brings a lot more personal reward than money spent on "stuff".

Personally, I'd spend a load of time reading about how good the S-Works SL2 frame was, then look for some negative points about it, and spend all the loot on a (cycling) holiday instead

lochindaal

Sure I read in C Plus review that the S-Works is so stiff they preferred the ride of the Comp/Pro.

So depends if you are racing or doing long distance

Of course I could be remembering this all wrong :?