Sportive Bike - Roubaix or Canyon?

mooro

This might sound like an obvious question but i am after a pretty quick new bike for sportives and maybe a few lower cat races.

I was just about to buy a new canyon and am fortunate enough to have tried one (albeit only for a couple of miles)- probably a 9.0 SLX, but have noticed a few spec roubaix pro's form last year at a over £1000 off.

My question is that would I notice the difference over 100+ miles (including marmotte and some gran fondos in italy) in terms of comfort and backside pain and would this be a trade off for acceleration and possibly weight? I am trading up form a creaking 5 year old trek 5.9sl if that helps.

Would the roubaix feel that much slower / responsive with a longer wheelbase and more relaxed front end? How much flex do those inserts give?

langster

If the Roubaix is good enough for Cancellara, it might be OK for you.

mooro

oh yeah, i forgot it had the motor.....

northpole

This isn't very helpful but you really ought to arrange a test ride on the Roubaix if possible. It might not tell you much over a few miles, but it might just immediately tick all your boxes or do the complete opposite!
I'm not sure you can take too much from this but a work colleague is very keen to change from Tarmac to Roubaix to reduce road buzz. One man's road buzz can be another's positive feel....

Peter

The Other McHoy

And Canyon SLX is good enough for Gilbert and, before that, Evans etc. etc.

Canyon CF SLX is a superb machine and astonishing value for money. Top carbon frame, CITEC aero wheels, top Ritchey components, Full Dura Ace groupset for under three grand! A similar quality Trek, Specialized, Scott bike would cost at least 1500 more. Dare to be different, everyone and their dog has a Specialized thanks to their brilliant marketing to take over the world of cycling.

notsofast

My mate just got a Roubaix and its very nice, as nice as anything I have ever ridden. If I was in the market myself at that price range I would get one, in fact I have half an eye on ebay for a frameset. No experience of the canyon though.

In fact it has rejuvenated his passion for cycling. I used to kick his arse but I'm a bit worried about what summer will bring, he's doing that many miles. I might even have to get on the turbo.

Gazzaputt

Canyon no contest imo

RDB66

Gazzaputt wrote:

Canyon no contest imo

+1 for the Canyon.

bhickey

Was looking for a 'Sportive' bike 18mths ago, bought the Roubaix and never looked back. Immensely comfortable - just seems to soak up the road....

crimsondynamo

The two bikes have very different geometry. For my size (the 61cm frame) the HT on the Roubaix is a massive 3cm taller, and its angle is 1.5 degrees slacker. To go into gross generalizations, the spesh is less aggressive and more comfortable (for people like me with poor core strength and bike handling!!!), but the Canyon ought to be faster and more "flickable".

Before splashing teh cash its worthwhile looking at your existing bike geometry set up and identifying your likes/dislikes, and of course getting properly measured. It's also worthwhile thinking about he style of rider you are.

Squillinossett

Canyon, I think most spesh bikes are drab.

mooro

cheers for the feedback guys, some really helpful stuff in there.

I have just got the geometry details from Trek (super quick by the way!) and have put the others in a spreadsheet to show the difference. Will try seeing how this would feel in reality. Not an exact science obviously but should be able to get an idea.

Also booked a roubaix for a test ride this weekend.

I must admit after three hours on heavy windy roads on Sunday i longed for a light sharp bike like the canyon, a few miles on when the road became poor quality thought a more relaxed style would be better!

of course if i went for a canyon i would need to then consider if i went for either black or white...... not that i am indecisive.

mooro

cheers for the feedback guys, some really helpful stuff in there.

I have just got the geometry details from Trek (super quick by the way!) and have put the others in a spreadsheet to show the difference. Will try seeing how this would feel in reality. Not an exact science obviously but should be able to get an idea.

Also booked a roubaix for a test ride this weekend.

I must admit after three hours on heavy windy roads on Sunday i longed for a light sharp bike like the canyon, a few miles on when the road became poor quality thought a more relaxed style would be better!

of course if i went for a canyon i would need to then consider if i went for either black or white...... not that i am indecisive.

Mccaria

I have the white (62cm) and the black (60cm). Was in between sizes so got both to compare. I always tend to go for black frames, so went out on a limb and got the white frame in the TDF sale, just to see what it was like to have a non-black bike !

I prefer the black (easier to keep clean or rather hides the grime better) but it is a more "industrial" look. The white has a glossier/finished look about it. White is more in your face whereas the matt black can give a very understated build.

From what I understand Canyon has had some problems in the past with the white finish leading to some frames being returned. Not sure if this is still an issue.

vorsprung

I have a Roubaix Comp but it is my first Carbon bike. Also I like the long distance (200 miles+) distances so have slightly different interests in what to look for in a bike

One thing that might sway your opinion is that Canyon would be mail order only
Specialized might well have a dealer that is in your area

I've not a big expert on this and that type of bike but the Roubaix does feel very stable.
So much so that when I first tried it I thought it handled like a boat
It absorbs road shock in quite a remarkable fashion but has a good way of converting your pedal strokes into speed without much flexing

The geometry, the relative size of the headtube vs virtual top tube is fairly unusual but there are several other bikes with a similar layout (Colnago Ace, Bianchi Infinito, Eddy Merkx EMX1, Look 566) aimed at the sportive market

Finally, for the same sort of money you could get a custom steel bike built by a UK frame maker or a titanium bike

nferrar

I have an 08 Roubaix, it's a comfy bike but also very neutral, which can be good when you just want to do some miles but short of closing your eyes on a fast downhill it's never going to excite you. It also isn't very stiff at the back, then again mine is the base model and a couple of years out of date so an s-works Roubaix might give you the best of both worlds.

Personally I'm looking to get a second bike this year, something that will make we smile as I get it out of the garage, no clue what yet though No intention of getting rid of the Roubaix though, great for a winter bike etc.

EKIMIKE

In terms of geometry, Canyon's have a tall head-tube so you can quite easily get a nice comfortable(more upright) position. In fact most of the Omega Pharma pro's ride with neg. angle stems to get a lower position. So you're getting a frame with racing performance but without some crazy race geometry.

I've also found the ride very comfy compared to my Alu bike. I assume this is because of the thin seat-stays or maybe the fact that carbon is vertically compliant - whichever of the marketing cliché's you prefer.