New road bike advice needed!!

SCHeckled

Having been into mountain biking for several years, last year I purchased a 2009 Specialized Sirrus expert in order to get a bit of fitness. Previously I had owned a couple of road bikes (a Giant and a Scott) but found that after a short period I always suffered lower back pain. I absolutely love the more upright riding position of the Sirrus (having ditched the stupidly high stem) and reallly enjoy riding it, so much in fact that I am thinking of replacing it with another fully fledged road bike.
As I love the ride of the Sirrus so much I thought about a Sportive type bike and particularly like the look of the Specialized Roubaix comp for about £2k which would seem to match my requirements perfectly(carbon frame, more comfortable upright position etc). I have also fallen in love with the Cube Agree GTC Race which seems to be good value compared to the Roubaix especially as it is now under £1500, but think it may be a little too 'head down' for me.
1. Has anyone got any experience of the Roubaix or suggest a better value alternative?
2. How easy would it be to fit a higher rise stem to the Cube to adjust the geometry, as I would to my MTB to better suit me (yes I am a complete road novice!)

Any advice gratefully received.

cougie

Seems an expensive gamble to make ? If you need an upright position then why not spend money on some road wheels, tyres and trackpump and a higher geared block for the mtb ?

Or go somewhere for a proper bike fit and explain your problems ? A pricey off the shelf road bike probably wouldn't be my first choice if you are planning on altering the position.

unixnerd

If you need an upright position then why not spend money on some road wheels, tyres and trackpump and a higher geared block for the mtb ?

Because it'll be heavy and even with a high ratio cassette you still have a lower ratio chainset. I have an 11 tooth top rear on my Marin but I can spin out on the road as the chainwheel is only 42t.

I'd not say no to a Roubaix or it's Cannondale equivalent (the Synapse) myself. You might find a decent used one on ebay, I've seen a few go for around 1000. Just be sure you know which version and year you're buying. Around 2008 they changed the frame quite a bit with more shock absorbing seatstays (they look really different to normal seatstays).