Specialized Roubaix SL4

rickwiggans

Perhaps what you need then, is an 18 month old Dolan Hecules with Di2 dura Ace, for only £1500. Oh, I just happen to be selling one!

sparklehedgehog

your best bet is to get a "soiled" one from Evans cycles. They have an Elite for £1520 just because the owners manuals are missing!

You won't find that price beaten anytime soon...

Baracus

Manual? Was I supposed to receive an owners manual when I bought it?

rickwiggans

I got a DVD with a manual for every Spesh bike. Except mine. Excellent!

unixnerd

I got a manual for the bike and a bunch of Shimano manuals for the groupset with mine.

Tiberius007

sparklehedgehog wrote:

your best bet is to get a "soiled" one from Evans cycles. They have an Elite for £1520 just because the owners manuals are missing!

You won't find that price beaten anytime soon...

Wow, thanks just looking now. And they have the size I wanted too. I am currently drooling at the prospect. That is good value and being the 105 set makes me feel a whole lot better.

Surprised I have not spotted that before.

I know I am a perfectionist and pedantic, and beggars cant be choosers but I am not the biggest fan of white.

The again I want the black but prefer the gloss finish.

Think I need shooting :-)

Going in for another look!

Tiberius007

Do I need to worry about missing manuals?

Never normally that much in them or are Spesh ones different?

There was nothing of any great importance in my Scott manual and that was a decent bike.

Tiberius007

rickwiggans wrote:

Perhaps what you need then, is an 18 month old Dolan Hecules with Di2 dura Ace, for only £1500. Oh, I just happen to be selling one!

Thanks Rick :-)

Sure its a great bike, and I do like the Dolans but think my heart is elsewhere at this time. Sure someone will snap it up though.

Dick Scruttock

If it helps with sizing I am very similar dimensions to you height and inseam wise. I can ride either a 56 or a 54 in specialized sizing.

I bought a 56cm SL-4 in late 2012, after buying a 54cm Venge last year I have just sold the 56cm SL-4 to buy a 54cm one. The 56 just always felt big, its hard to describe but it just never felt 100% right. I tried everything, different bars, stems saddle heights, in-line posts etc but it just never felt as comfortable as the smaller one. Now I am on a 54cm with a longer stem it just feels a better fit for me.

Tiberius007

Rick Draper wrote:

If it helps with sizing I am very similar dimensions to you height and inseam wise. I can ride either a 56 or a 54 in specialized sizing.

I bought a 56cm SL-4 in late 2012, after buying a 54cm Venge last year I have just sold the 56cm SL-4 to buy a 54cm one. The 56 just always felt big, its hard to describe but it just never felt 100% right. I tried everything, different bars, stems saddle heights, in-line posts etc but it just never felt as comfortable as the smaller one. Now I am on a 54cm with a longer stem it just feels a better fit for me.

Rick many thanks. Just what I wanted to hear. Threw my leg over both sizes recently, albeit one was a Tarmac and could just not decide. neither felt wrong. I ride a 54 standard set up race now. There was just something about the 56 that felt better and more comfortable even though the TT is longer. Maybe it was in my head.

I have located a Spesh concept store with reasonable distance so I think that is the best step.

Tiberius007

Ok. am I right in thinking Spesh frames have a lifetime guarantee or am I making that up?

Reason I ask is I have contacted Evans re that rather good offer on the SL4 Elite and they say only a 1yr guarantee?

Am I going mad

Tiberius007

And now for my next Q - sorry guys.

Can't decide between white gloss and black matt Frame? I like black (but prefer gloss) but its a poor spec at the base level so my thoughts do I get the base model and update to Ultegra?

Full Ultegra groupset is about £500.

SL4 compact looks nice with the red bits.

Quandary, the SL4 Elite is £1900 so do I go with proposition of a lower spec and upgrade or is the frame different in the higher models? It is certainly the cheaper option and I would get the full groupset then. And better than 105.

The Evans sale option obviously blows this all out of the water in terms of value, but then I have the guarantee issue, and just wonder if it is worth the risk or do I just buy the lower spec brand new. And then people are just saying white is not good. Others say its better for visibility on the road.

Thanks again guys - sorry for all the questions and I know ultimately it is my decision but it helps to have all the ammunition. And this is a lot of money to me so dont want to be stuck with a ....... well rash coice.

unixnerd

Colour of the bike doesn't affect visibility as much as you think. From in front or behind you can see hardly any of the bike's colour.

Think wheels. That's where you want to put the upgrade budget, set aside maybe 400 quid for new wheels at some point in the future (less what you can sell existing wheels for). Very few bikes come with the quality of wheels you'd like to see on a top end steed. I think anything around 1500g a set with good bearings is what you should aim for.

Sawilson

The warranty is with Specialized not Evans and they should sort out any issues you have direct with Specialized on you behalf.
The bike comes with a 1 year warranty on the whole bike and a lifetime warranty on the frame as long as you are the original owner (terms and conditions apply to both)
The frame from the base model right up to comp level is exactly the same using fact 8 carbon after this it goes to fact 10 and then the S-Works is fact 11.
I brought the comp version with the red frame which I love as I didn't want black which every other bike seems to be at the moment it also had the new 11 speed ultegra which I wanted.
I have been watching this thread for a while and now think you are looking too deeply, take one out for a demo, if you like it, buy it, if not look for something else.
It's a bike, not a life changing decision, the nights are getting lighter you should be out riding rather than worrying about the details.
Man up and git yer wallet out.

Tiberius007

Sawilson wrote:

Man up and git yer wallet out.

Thanks.

I think your right, too deep. Hell whats the worst that can happen the missus is on my back for spending more money. Then again I can just get on my new bike and ride to Lands End.

DHA987S

Tiberius007 wrote:

Do I need to worry about missing manuals?

Never normally that much in them or are Spesh ones different?

There was nothing of any great importance in my Scott manual and that was a decent bike.

All the manual says is don't fall off and take us to court, and gives the torque settings. I think you can download pdf versions

Dick Scruttock

Tiberius007 wrote:

There was just something about the 56 that felt better and more comfortable even though the TT is longer. Maybe it was in my head.

Probably the extra height of the head tube making for a slightly more relaxed ride?

anonmouse

Sawilson wrote:

The warranty is with Specialized not Evans and they should sort out any issues you have direct with Specialized on you behalf.
The bike comes with a 1 year warranty on the whole bike and a lifetime warranty on the frame as long as you are the original owner (terms and conditions apply to both)

Under the SOGA, Evans is liable for the first 6 months, after 6 months and up to 6 years it's up to you to prove the item is faulty. That doesn't mean all items must last 6 years, of course.

After 6 years it is up Specialized.

Tiberius007

anonmouse wrote:

Sawilson wrote:

The warranty is with Specialized not Evans and they should sort out any issues you have direct with Specialized on you behalf.
The bike comes with a 1 year warranty on the whole bike and a lifetime warranty on the frame as long as you are the original owner (terms and conditions apply to both)

Under the SOGA, Evans is liable for the first 6 months, after 6 months and up to 6 years it's up to you to prove the item is faulty. That doesn't mean all items must last 6 years, of course.

After 6 years it is up Specialized.

Excellent. Much appreciated. Was worried if looking at a bike classed as soiled it somehow voided the warranty. Evans didn't really answer my query - well I don't think they did anyway. This helps. Cheers.

Tiberius007

Rick Draper wrote:

Tiberius007 wrote:

There was just something about the 56 that felt better and more comfortable even though the TT is longer. Maybe it was in my head.

Probably the extra height of the head tube making for a slightly more relaxed ride?

Thanks Rick. Yes there is a difference - and I had assumed it was that but in other threads others were saying that because of the TT length it was negligible due to the extra reach. That's why I am in such a quandary over the frame size. The 54 feels right in terms of size but the 56 just feels comfortable. Wish I was 5-11 :-)
When I was fitted for a Ribble I was going to get the 56 with a slightly shorter stem to negate the extra TT length. Simple maths seems to show that that should work. :?:

Sawilson

Haven't you bought one yet..............

Looking at the geometry chart the biggest difference in individual sizes tube sizes between 56cm and 54cm frame is the length of the head tube which jumps from 165mm to 190mm, while some of the other measurement only increase by a few mm, obviously they will not all increase at the same ratio as they have to keep the geometry roughly the same, but this might be why you find the 56cm more comfortable.
The normal rule of thumb is to buy the smaller frame and fit a longer stem if you fit a shorter stem to a larger frame it never tends to work as well. I know this from experience bought a bike that was the right price but the wrong size, fitted shorter stem and in-line post but the riding position is still compromised.
5' 11" (Get some platform shoes)
Decisions, decisions
Looks a good weekend you should be out riding
Wish you would buy one, cannot stand this cliffhanger much longer, no fingernails left.
And please................ Let us know what you get ?

Tiberius007

Thanks for all the advice guys - and yes I am back again.

Well I haven't bought it ........ yet . but I have been at the Spesh store for a while shall we say, this morning. And at least I have the frame size sorted, hurrah. 54 is definitely best option in the Roubaix, 56 was probably just that bit too long. So that is one good thing. So I am now just pondering the sale bike with the better spec or the new bike with lower spec, and upgrade later.

The downside to all this today is that I also saw the new Cannondale synapse Carbon 5 at another shop and it was very nice indeed.

Yes I know ... just buy a bl##dy bike :-)

sparklehedgehog

Just a quick observation with the Cannondale is that it has external cabling so

A: looks more untidy (personal choice, just trying to help)
B: means more road grit/crud will take it's toll on the cables over time (especially winter)

but yeah it is a great bike based on the reviews and also to be fair i think any £1500 bike nowadays is such a high standard that you really can't go wrong with them. I do believe hand on heart it will ride a tiny bit harsher and may be slightly more aggressive in position but, again, that's all for you to consider.

With regards to your get sale bike without unnecessary manuals (downloadable so massive bargain for lack of something that you can get online anyway and not really need as, trust me on this, they're pretty useless) or buying the lower spec and upgrading later, you will spend a lot more money long term. It's a much better investment to get the bike with the spec in at purchase.

Get your wallet out!!!

Sawilson

Mr Tiberious007.......
Is it your intention to lead the forum another merry dance as looking at your last few threads you seem incapable of actually purchasing any bike.
Your first thread to self build or not, had all the forum members giving their advice on what they thought your best options should be.
Your second thread then moved onto the Ribble Gran Frondo where you had owners singing praises of their steeds, and I believe this is a perfectly good bike in its price range.
You then moved onto the Roubaix SL 4 which is also very highly regarded by its owners, who gave all there recommendations.
And now your looking at the Cannondale Synapse, why not start another thread just for the hell of it and get the owners to waste their time giving you their thoughts so you can then move onto another bike.
Are you conducting some kind of independent bike review.
Was cycling your first sport of choice or did you work through a few others first possibly football then rugby etc.
Most people on this forum are passionate about there bikes and you seem to listen to all there advice and then snub the bike for another one.
I don't expect you to buy the first recommendation you get, but this seems to be a recurring pattern.
Your thoughts please..........

sparklehedgehog

Interesting!

Tiberius007

Sorry guys. I really didn't intend to upset anyone or waste anyone's time if that is what you thought. I was just seeking advice from people far more knowledgeable than myself.
I do like all the bikes I have mentioned and asked for advice on, but rather than wasting peoples time I will just read and not post if I have this wrong. I could quite easily have bought the Ribble at first sight but decided as it was a relatively large investment to consider beforehand and get the very best purchase I could that would give me some longevity.
My intention was only to seek views of knowledgeable people to help inform and expand my knowledge and eventual purchase. I have valued everyone's advice who has responded to my questions and all have helped me in one way or another.
Apologies again if you thought I was not serious about this.Thank you all again.

littledove44

Tiberius007 wrote:

Sorry guys. I really didn't intend to upset anyone or waste anyone's time if that is what you thought. I was just seeking advice from people far more knowledgeable than myself.
I do like all the bikes I have mentioned and asked for advice on, but rather than wasting peoples time I will just read and not post if I have this wrong. I could quite easily have bought the Ribble at first sight but decided as it was a relatively large investment to consider beforehand and get the very best purchase I could that would give me some longevity.
My intention was only to seek views of knowledgeable people to help inform and expand my knowledge and eventual purchase. I have valued everyone's advice who has responded to my questions and all have helped me in one way or another.
Apologies again if you thought I was not serious about this.Thank you all again.

Don't worry.
The general warning is "beware! Internet forums may contain nuts!"

Some people make quick decisions and spend ages wondering if they made the wrong decision.
Some people make quick decisions and never give it another thought.
Some people take ages to make a decision and spend ages wondering if they made the right decision.
Some people take ages to make a decision and never give it another thought.

Whichever camp you fall in it is fashionable to chastise the other three camps.
Actually no one is wrong.

The one thing you do need to know though is that whatever decision you make, if it is wrong, you can always buy another bike to fix it.

Sawilson

Mr Tiberius007
I was not out to offend you, but the only person you are not listening to is yourself, all the answers you are getting, are the members preferences for said bike, it seems like you are seeking the ultimate answer to the right bike.
Unfortunately there isn't one, but most members narrow them down to a few choices, pick one and fall for its charms.
Very few people actually buy a bike and end up hating it, but there are a few.
I think the most important point you are missing is, we all luv our steeds, but it's about the cycling, went out this afternoon, sun shining, shorts and short top on, did my fastest ever time on a local loop, out of breath powering my legs up a short climb, felt on top of the world. At that point I wasn't bothered what bike I had, it was all about the buzz.
And that's far more important than Ribble or SL4, I hope you find what you seek.

Tiberius007

Thank you to you all for your advice and help.

Tiberius007

Afternoon guys who have previously provided advice in this chain.
Just wanted to give you all an update (should you be interested of course but more importantly just to prove I was actually using all the advice you gave to my own decide my own needs/requirements) - and just to prove I was not a total wacko :-)
Well after much research, test riding and soul searching I have finally made my choice and you will be glad to hear a purchase - hurrah I hear!
I went for the Spesh Roubaix in the end, geometry just suited me and my needs for what I wanted from my riding and I really do like the bike too. Got a good deal at Evans - reduced £150 and £100 trade in to boot, was hard to beat on value for what I was looking at anyway. Can use that money saved for some other kit etc. Just waiting delivery now.
So just wanted to say again a big thanks for all your help, advice and patience. :-)