Specialized frame geometry

Camp Agnolo
Camp Agnolo Posts: 3
edited March 2013 in Road buying advice
Hi everyone. New member here and I am after some advice.

I have been looking at getting a new carbon framed bike to replace my battered but reliable old Scott Speedster. I have decided it is going to be a Specialized. I have looked at the Tarmac and the Roubaix and need to advice on just how different the two frames geometry are. I know the Tarmac is a more race oriented frame but is there really that much of a difference? I tend to do sportives and the occasional TT (not got a TT bike , just use clip on aerobars) so either frame would do. Would I be better getting a pure race geometry or a more multipurpose one?

Comments

  • alihisgreat
    alihisgreat Posts: 3,872
    The Roubaix is sit up and beg... I'd go for the Tarmac if you want to ride it fast.
  • The Roubaix may not be a speed machine but it certainly is not a sit up and beg ride.

    Camp Agnolo if you will be doing more sportives than TT's then I would go for a Roubaix over a Tarmac.
  • Thanks for the info. I think the Tarmac may be the better option to be honest. I would like to know I got the speed if I need it.
  • Gabbo
    Gabbo Posts: 864
    Depends how tall you are. The Tarmacs themselves become very high at the front as size increases.

    The XL has a 58.2cm virtual top tube and a 20.5cm head tube. If you ask me, that's too high at the front. The 56 is a little more forgiving being 56.5cm top tube and 17cm head tube.

    The Roubaix on the other hand is all about comfort. Very high at the front. If you really want something really racey, maybe consider a Scott Foil or Cannondale Supersix.

    Tarmac is still a lovely bike (being that it's a M or smaller).
  • alihisgreat
    alihisgreat Posts: 3,872
    Gabbo wrote:
    Depends how tall you are. The Tarmacs themselves become very high at the front as size increases.

    The XL has a 58.2cm virtual top tube and a 20.5cm head tube. If you ask me, that's too high at the front. The 56 is a little more forgiving being 56.5cm top tube and 17cm head tube.

    The Roubaix on the other hand is all about comfort. Very high at the front. If you really want something really racey, maybe consider a Scott Foil or Cannondale Supersix.

    Tarmac is still a lovely bike (being that it's a M or smaller).

    or just use a -17degree stem.
  • bernithebiker
    bernithebiker Posts: 4,148
    My 54 S works SL4 has a 135mm headtube, and i still need to use a - 20 something degree stem.....

    Hard to find smaller headtubes these days unless you look at tri/tt type bikes.