Is a Specialized Roubaix really slower than a Tarmac?

jweighell

Looking changing bike probably to a Specialized as this is what my LBS has...

Was looking at the Roubaix, but I hear the Tarmac is 'faster'... I will mostly be doing club runs + sportives on it, so the Roubaix sounds good. But I do also want to try some racing this year so I am torn between the two!

Is there really a difference in these two bikes in speed? Or is it just that the Tarmac gets you in a lower aero position?

Jonathan

jacroz

I test rode the Roubaix a couple of months ago and thought it was a great bike. You're definitely in a more upright position so wind resistance will be higher. Can't comment re tarmac.

danowat

Depends who's riding it......

jweighell

Depends who's riding it......

Me!

allen

The new roubaix is less upright that previous. Its more that the wheelbase is sliggtly longer making it more comfortable but slightly less nimble and a syou can t get a s low less racy. It does depend on how you want to ride though and for how long.

danowat

jweighell wrote:

Depends who's riding it......

Me!

Depends on your level of fitness then, the tarmac isn't going to make you into Wiggins, the Roubaix won't mean you'll be at the back of the pack, the real world differences between them, for us mortals, is probably minimal.

lochindaal

I've got a Roubaix (never ridden the tarmac) and had similar thoughts before buying it. Theoretically it would be slower due to position and also softened ride due to zertz damping.

I eventually decided 1) my main focus isn't racing and more importantly 2) the Pro's use the Roubaix for the Paris - Roubaix race and can ride it far faster than I will ever go so it shouldn't effect me

antfly

FWIW average speeds on my Roubaix are always slightly lower than on my alu bike, especially on the flat, same tyres and similar riding position. It would be great for sportives and club runs though.

jweighell

Will be test riding both tomorrow actually - probably the best thing to do!

Should also mention that I'm 6ft 2in tall with a 36" inside leg. Even on a large frame, I have to ride with the seat raised really high. Which makes the handlebars low down for me. So I wonder if a Roubaix will actually mean a normal drop to the bars?

On the other hand, I'm pretty competitive, so might be happy to compromise on comfort and go for the extra speed (?) of the Tarmac.

In otherwise, I'm confused... Maybe I should get both - sure my Mrs won't mind!

Jonathan

vorsprung

The Roubaix has a longer head tube. So it is more suited to a higher, more upright riding position.

The steering on a Roubaix is very stable rather than responsive, so I guess the Tarmac might take some corners better.

I don't have a Tarmac to compare it with but the transmission of power on the Roubaix compared with my other bikes seems just fine

rjsmith

I had the S-works version of both at one stage and much preferred the Tarmac for any kind of fast riding. In fact I ended up selling the Roubaix as I felt the Tarmac did everything, although I was doing a lot of racing at that time. I just didn't get on with the higher front end and not being quite as 'pin-sharp' as the Tarmac, but that might be just me.

Richa1181

If you're that tall I imagine you'll be having a few spacers under the stem on any bike. You could always go for the Roubaix and when you wanted the lower position for racing just set the spacers above the stem for the extra drop? I do the same on my bike if I'm doing a TT, it doesn't make an amazing amount of difference but it's a few grand cheaper than 2 bikes!

I'd say with the same rider on board neither bike it faster, you just need to pick the one that would be the most comfortable/stable at speed depending on what kind of riding you're doing. If you're doing circuit races get a Tarmac, if you're just doing general road riding on the Pavé that is British roads, get the Roubaix

antfly

They also have adjustable stems so you change the angle of the stem as desired. You do need to ask for the extra shims though.

carrock

jweighell wrote:

Will be test riding both tomorrow actually - probably the best thing to do!

Should also mention that I'm 6ft 2in tall with a 36" inside leg. Even on a large frame, I have to ride with the seat raised really high. Which makes the handlebars low down for me. So I wonder if a Roubaix will actually mean a normal drop to the bars?

On the other hand, I'm pretty competitive, so might be happy to compromise on comfort and go for the extra speed (?) of the Tarmac.

In otherwise, I'm confused... Maybe I should get both - sure my Mrs won't mind!

Jonathan

On a 58 you probably will have a normal bardrop

jweighell

Just so you know the end of the story, I tried both bikes today.

I really didn't get on with the Roubaix, it was too upright for me and felt a bit clumsy. Whereas the Tarmac was a great fit (gone for a 61cm) and not uncomfortable like I was expecting. Certainly the Roubaix was a comfortable/smooth bike, but didn't feel anywhere as near as nippy as the Tarmac.

Also got a great deal on a 2010 Tarmac, so I'm happy!

Jonathan

antfly

Were the tarmac and roubaix you tried the same size?

danowat

61cm sounds big, I am 6ft 3 and ride a 58cm Allez (similar geo to the tarmac)

amnesia

Great choice - I am sure you will love it !!

I put down a deposit on the 2011 Tarmac Comp yesterday. I am 178cm tall with an inseam of 80.5cm and went for the 56cm frame, although my LBS calculated my perfect Spesh frame would be a 55 if they made one.
I tried both the medium and large, and the 56 felt just right.

Have fun !

jweighell

Thanks amnesia - looking forward to it a lot!

It's the 2010 Tarmac Expert I'm getting for the price of the 2011 Tarmac Comp in the Saxo Bank white.

I have long legs, 36" inside leg (make that 91cm), so do need a big frame. The only slight concern is that the reach on the 61cm frame might be a bit long, so will look at getting a shorter stem, but otherwise it's a perfect fit for me.

amnesia

jweighell wrote:

Thanks amnesia - looking forward to it a lot!

It's the 2010 Tarmac Expert I'm getting for the price of the 2011 Tarmac Comp in the Saxo Bank white.

I have long legs, 36" inside leg (make that 91cm), so do need a big frame. The only slight concern is that the reach on the 61cm frame might be a bit long, so will look at getting a shorter stem, but otherwise it's a perfect fit for me.

Oooh nice !

Enjoy it

MaxwellBygraves

jweighell wrote:

Just so you know the end of the story, I tried both bikes today.

I really didn't get on with the Roubaix, it was too upright for me and felt a bit clumsy. Whereas the Tarmac was a great fit (gone for a 61cm) and not uncomfortable like I was expecting. Certainly the Roubaix was a comfortable/smooth bike, but didn't feel anywhere as near as nippy as the Tarmac.

Also got a great deal on a 2010 Tarmac, so I'm happy!

Jonathan

FWIW I think you made the right decision. Enjoy it!

langster

Take them both for a ride and be honest with yourself, whichever you feel happier riding is the right choice. Although the Roubaix looked like it slowed Cancellara down a bit

antfly

If it was too big for you it would feel clumsy, also there are various models. I know my Roubaix Expert is very sprightly.

nferrar

What bike shop fitted you based on your leg length? reach is the MOST important fit component and just getting a shorter stem isn't always a workable solution. But I hope it fits as you've bought it now!