Domane vs Roubaix

A friend of mine has been looking for a more sportive orientated bike as a first venture into the world of road cycling.
With decent stockists of Treks and Specialized where we live, the choice is between the Domane and the Roubaix, as for a first bike it's probably better to buy what you can actually try out rather than buy off the internet.
The budget stetches to £1800, which lines up:
Trek Domane 4.3
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/trek/domane-43-triple-2013-road-bike-ec041048
Specialized Roubaix
http://www.specializedconceptstore.co.uk/detail/13roubaix/roubaix/roubaix%20elite/
When asked, the shop assistants weren't able to offer extensive comparison of the bikes side by side with regard to their particular strengths and weaknesses.
Aside from brand preferences, and "choose the bike you like best", which bike is better and why.
Thanks in advance
With decent stockists of Treks and Specialized where we live, the choice is between the Domane and the Roubaix, as for a first bike it's probably better to buy what you can actually try out rather than buy off the internet.
The budget stetches to £1800, which lines up:
Trek Domane 4.3
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/trek/domane-43-triple-2013-road-bike-ec041048
Specialized Roubaix
http://www.specializedconceptstore.co.uk/detail/13roubaix/roubaix/roubaix%20elite/
When asked, the shop assistants weren't able to offer extensive comparison of the bikes side by side with regard to their particular strengths and weaknesses.
Aside from brand preferences, and "choose the bike you like best", which bike is better and why.
Thanks in advance
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Giant Anthem SX
Giant TCX CX bike
Defy Adv Pro 2 shiny nice bike.
Boardman comp hardtail. Not so little oxo,s
oh and the roubaix is ugly.
Personally I have the Roubaix elite and I love the bike but I have to say the Domane always seems to get good write-ups
The Specialized is a compact double with a 34-28 low gear which is not quite as low but probably adequate for all but extreme climbs.
I'd also pay attention to the seats, for recreational riding wider has been better for me. It's difficult to judge how a seat will feel after a few hours, but I'd suggest choosing the widest one the doesn't rub or feel 'too big'. Having an uncomfortable seat is probably the cause of most discouragement for beginning cyclists.
Jay Kosta
Endwell NY USA
the zertz inserts.
Both bikes deliver value and decent ride and the purchasing decision if you can't differeniate between the two rides could be down to the colour scheme. Or is it just me that is shallow
No press for bb90, bearings are cheaper and need fewer tools than HT2.
I'm sorry but your reasoning is entirely fallacious.
Carbon 456
456 lefty
Pompino
White Inbred
I think they make my Secteur look beautiful... :P
B'Twin Rockrider 8 XC
B'Twin Rockrider 9.1
No doubt some members will think Eva looks minging :roll:
Just as a left field thought for you
Quintana Roo Cd01
Project High End Hack
Cannondale Synapse SL (gone)
I like Carbon
The Domane though is a completely different bike. It is much much smoother, more comfortable, lighter and "just seems right"
It is more of a sportive bike than the Boardman but it does not feel as upright as i thought it would. I opted for the 4.5 for Ultegra over 105 as i had 105 on the Boardman.
In my opinion the Trek is a bike which will allow you long days in the saddle with some degree of comfort. I am well happy with the Trek.
Both perfect bikes for their Sportive intentions. Go with what feels best on test rides and matches your preferred spec more....or just pick the best colour
I tested mine before buying and any decent bike shop knowing you have an £1800 budget shouldn't be pressuring you.
That's like saying one bucket of sh17 is smellier than another. You'd not want either of them dumped on you. Can't say I like the look of either bike, but I do wonder about the Domane's bendy bit breaking. Plus I know how to pronounce Roubaix, French accent and all, whereas Domane sounds suspiciously made up. And Lance rode Trek.
So I'd get a Cannondale Synapse
It's just a hill. Get over it.