2011 Specialized Roubaix Elite - Apex?

glastored

Hello all

I've got my eye on a 2011 Specialized Roubaix Elite, 58cm.
They retail at £1649 - so I've yet to fully convince myself to shell out that much.
The concept store did lend me a demo bike and it was very comfy - almost too comfy really. But I imagine on a longer ride I would really feel the benefits with less aching in my back and feet.

I notice on the Specialized.com site, they advertise an Apex version:
http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/SBC ... cname=Road

This comes in a really nice black, whereas the UK 105 version is White/Grey/Red which I think will look dated pretty quickly.

I rang the Bristol concept store and asked if the Apex will be sold in the UK and the man didn't seem to know....

Anyone come across this before please? Is there a way of getting the US version?

Also, people with Roubaixs - have you been able to live with the non-crispness/aggression of the Roubaix?

Thanks

Slacey

My rather cheaper Secteur Elite is Apex equipped, and while I think it's a great groupset, for the extra money the Roubaix costs I'd want at least Rival if not Force IMO.

Jake2.0

Slacey wrote:

My rather cheaper Secteur Elite is Apex equipped, and while I think it's a great groupset, for the extra money the Roubaix costs I'd want at least Rival if not Force IMO.

How's the secteur? i'm going for a test ride next week the only thing that bothers me, is it to upright to race with?

luv2ride

I got a 2010 Roubaix Elite just before New Year, and got the shop to swap over my SRAM Rival kit onto it as I liked it so much (the original 105 kit is now on my alu Boardman). With the rubbish weather and being full-on at work I haven't chance to get out on the Roubaix much but I have found it to be super smooth, but still picks up speed well, and is plenty stiff enough for me. I'm very happy with it, but then I wanted a comfier bike for longer distances rather than a flat out racer. One thing I've already noticed is tat I can maintain a higher average speed on the Roubaix than I ever could on the Boardman! 8)

Slacey

I went for the Secteur as I had back problems a couple of years back and have lost some flexibility so needed something more upright. It certainly has a turn of speed, but I guess it depends on the level of racing you want to do.