Roubaix or BMC Granfondo?

Captnemo

Hi all,
I currently ride a 2011 specialized Allez comp and whilst this is a very good bike i'm looking for something that is going to be a little more comfortable over a longer distance.
I had my mind set on a specialized Roubaix sl4 Di2 but then came across a review on the BMC Granfondo GF01 Di2 and was just wondering if anyone has any experience with either of these two bikes?
The BMC on paper appears to me to offer better value for money but then again the Roubaix is renowned for being a very comfortable bike.
Many thanks

smidsy

Ride them both and get the one that fits you and performs for you the best.

themekon

The Roubaix is a fantastic bike to ride on rough roads over any distance. I know nothing about the BMC.

robbo2011

I love my BMC SLR01, it's very comfortable bike. The GF01 is likely to be even more comfortable, I'd give it some serious thought. Nice to own a less common bike too...

unixnerd

Bought an SL3 Roubaix this year and it's just stunning. Supremely comfortable and very light. After a seven hour ride only my legs hurt. The rest of me could have done it all over again!

alihisgreat

I'd go for the BMC just because its a BMC.

Some comparisons are made with the Roubaix here and its a good write up of first ride impressions if you haven't already seen it: http://road.cc/content/news/56410-first-ride-bmc-gran-fondo-gf01

unixnerd

The BMC does look very nice but I wonder how much those 28c tyres increase wheel weight? The Specialized Roubaix tyres are what they call 23/25 and weigh 240g, I ride mine at 120psi and it glides over bad surfaces. I ride them on two bikes and have never punctured, even on the dreaded Drumochter cycle path (which the Roubaix was perfect for).

When reading these reviews (same applies to both bikes) remember that you're going to be using it on the road and not the cobbles. The biggest difference I noticed was comparing my Roubaix to my CAAD5 on a downhill section of newly laid chippings in the main road. If was verging on painful on the CAAD5 at 105psi (with the same tyres) but just a dull vibration on the Roubaix at 120psi.

It sounds like the BMC is a half way house between a full road bike and the Roubaix. But the fact it runs 28c tyres makes it seem more cobble focused that the Roubaix if that makes sense. It'd be enlightening to ride them back to back.

I'd also look at the Cannondale Synapse which I suspect is closer to the BMC. I'd originally wanted one of those but the bike shop 200m from my house is a Specialized dealer and I wasn't going anywhere else. The Synapse and BMC have far nicer colour schemes IMHO.

robbo2011

Well I guess you could always put narrower tyres on the GF1 if weight was a concern.

Captnemo

Cheers for the input guys.