Roubaix/Carbon - New or 2nd Hand ?

zak3737

Ok, so I've convinced myself that a Roubaix is what I need, after trying a 2015 Sport model, (complete with the new CV-R seatpost)

A lbs has a nice new shiny one in stock, in the right size, and ready to go, for £1500.
Tempting, and of course, that lifetime Frame warranty would be good.

Or - do I tempt myself with a 2nd hand model, off Ebay or Gumtree.......perhaps 2012, but for £800 !

Just how safe is buying a Carbon frame 'used' ?

I'm no lightweight, at 90kg.

Thoughts ?
Thx

handsome devil

Great bikes. Great frames and while not brilliantly specc`d, upgrade over time when funds allow and you will have one fantastic road bike. I had a 2009 Comp (105, RS10`s) and it just floated along!

I was in a Concept Store last week and was offered the 2015 version in the rather bright green for £1350 without really trying

I too am considering going back to a Roubaix while following threads regarding the Canyon Endurace with interest. But when all`s said and done, you can`t beat testing your desired steed so that`s ultimately why the Roubaix will win out

handsome devil

Oh, btw buy new don`t risk secondhand. Just haggle for the best deal and enjoy the lifetime warranty (Spesh are particularly good with claims should you be unfortunate enough to test them). Not worth seconhand unless the deal is too good to turn down!

zak3737

I know - I love the look of some of the Canyon bikes, but without riding & testing them, just wouldnt buy blind.
I take on board what you say about new, there is some comfort in that for sure, and after an actual ride on the Roubaix on Tuesday, i'm hooked, it was lovely.

Interesting what you say about being offered a reduction on the '15 bike, thats the very one i rode, - bit bright eh, but lovely bike !
I thought they were restricted by Spesh pricing policies, hence they all discount by same amount on block at end of season ?!
PM me which Concept Store ?

nochekmate

No reason to fear buying second-hand carbon if it's been well looked after and that the wheels and components are not shot. The 2012 Roubaix may well be better spec than current models too.

I have two carbon framed road bikes, a Colnago C40, from the turn of the century and a 2009 Madone 6.9. I bought both framesets secondhand and although I have had them a while they are still in excellent condition. If I was to sell the Madone second-hand I would struggle to get the same money as the cost of a new Roubaix yet this is a bike with full SRAM Red groupset and Dura-Ace wheelset (I know the bikes themselves are very different but it highlights new v old factor)

Only you can decide whether the saving is worth the 'risk' associated with buying second-hand. If the original owner is local and has the associated paperwork then they may be willing to return the frame if it suffered a failure during your period of ownership.

Second-hand for me (depending on price and condition) as I couldn't bring myself to pay Spesh New prices for the components they include on their models.

northpole

I'd always look to the second hand market to see what is available in preference to new.

As a testament to durability, I have a 2006 Roubaix Pro which was my best bike and has been used for my daily commute in central London every day, all year round, all weather conditions. It still works great and shows no signs of fatigue (wish the same could be said of me!!).

Buying second hand requires patience and one simple piece of advice would be that you must see the bike before buying to ensure it is in mint condition.

Peter

zak3737

Thx fellas, sounds like the £800 for the '12 Roubaix Elite is perhaps a good buy, - & it has full 105 too, so more than adequate.
Its an hours drive, so perhaps I should have a look.

Dippydog3

I have a Roubaix and weigh 90kg. Run it with 25 mm tyres and you will love it.

With the old version you will not get the seatpost and I do not think the extra money is a lot to pay for the peace of mind. It's not just the frame that is older, but the components as well.

The latest models do not have the best components, but just changing to 105 probably won't satisfy you. I took my 105 off and put it in a box. It's still there. I added 11 speed Ultegra and love it.

zak3737

Yes I'd factored the Seatpost into things, after testing the Sport model with it, and loving it, it would be pointless buying a used one without.

So, £800, + £135 CG-R (which its available for), plus fuel to collect, + 'possibly' a couple of new tyres, depending on condition........ and I'm in for £1k, for a 2yr old Elite, with 105.

The '15 Sport model, with full 105, and seatpost. is £1500, - or 'possibly' £1350, - need to make a call !

£350 difference, seems not a lot for ultimate peace of mind perhaps.

That LOUD Green/Lime colour is perhaps the biggest hurdle !

slowbike

I bought my Tarmac S/H - off a chap on here.

I bought the benefit of upgraded wheels and finishing kit and obviously lost the lifetime manufacturers warranty I could've had with a new bike.
But I looked at it that if a manufacturer was offering lifetime warranty then they've got to be pretty certain that their product is worthy of that so I'd be pretty unlucky to need it.

So, if the price is right for the kit being offered then go for it, if not then wait or go new.

mattv

The frame was redesigned last year too. It's a lot stiffer yet more comfortable than the previous one. Also 105 is revamped for 2015. The action of the front mech is much nicer. Only drawback of New 105 is the custom chainrings on the crank, which the roubaix doesn't have anyway.

samsbike

My view is get a new one. Also I think that that the newer carbon frames are probably ever so slightly better just as people get better with what they can do with them.

Gaz777

Zac3737, I own this in 58cm; it now has a CG-R seat post fitted.



If you're local to me you'd be welcome to come and try it with the CG-R to see what you think.

Gareth

handsome devil

I too have just picked up a 2014 Roubaix SL4 C2 Sport Compact for £1280. Couldn`t resist going back to a Roubaix. All the current talk of the Canyon Endurace couldn`t persuade me (lack of test ride, warranty claims process, etc,etc) but good luck to all those that have taken the plunge - I hope they don`t get too many issues to have to resolve.

Will put on my Ultegra 6700 wheelset, immediately upgrade brakes & front mech to 105 (cost of around £50 at mo via CRC with extra 10% using code `SHIM`) and enjoy the most comfortable road bike I have ever ridden and relax knowing there is the lifetime warranty on the frame should I need it while purchasing via a (fairly) local shop so nice and easy to get any issues resolved quickly all adds to the enjoyment factor.

"You pays yer money and....." you know the rest

zak3737

Thats a great deal HD,......the 2015 Sport model available in my lbs @£1500, has the CG-R seatpost fitted as standard, which is appealing, and its also got the new 105 11speed groupset too.

The Brakes are only Axis 1.0, or something, so if they're not good, I could always wop some 105 or Ultegra's on later at nominal cost.....

Gaz777

The brakes was a change on mine; I fitted Ultegras when they were on special offer on Wiggle as an upgrade to the standard brakes, and changed the pads to Koolstops.

I realise this doesn't apply to everyone, but my LBS have been, and continue to be, brilliant, which means I won't consider Internet only bikes (also taking into account the issues mentioned above by HD). I'd rather support the shop and the truth is you can't really get a bad bike at this price point anyway, so I'd rather get the one with the backing of the shop. I've bought various other bikes from them as well as my Roubaix and they've never been anything other than excellent.

zak3737

I agree, my lbs Spesh specialists are great to deal with, very friendly and enthusiastic, and despite not having an 'official' route for Finance, is quite happy for me to pay half, and spread the rest, very trusting and reasonable.
I guess the only issue I have at the moment is the 'Hyper Green' colour only available currently, - 'tis very bright, perhaps looks a tad faster than i'm likely to be pushing it for a while !
Can I carry it off I wonder.......... ;-)

Anonymous

Zak3737 wrote:

Can I carry it off I wonder.......... ;-)

Not a cat in hells chance, so good job you are actually getting a Sirrus 8)

Wise choice too with its handling and braking superiorities over the Roubaix.

zak3737

Carbonator wrote:

Zak3737 wrote:

Can I carry it off I wonder.......... ;-)

Not a cat in hells chance, so good job you are actually getting a Sirrus 8)

Wise choice too with its handling and braking superiorities over the Roubaix.

*shakes head......*
For someone not keen on debating, you're contributing often to my threads.......

Dont recall saying I 'was' getting a Sirrus ? Just asking a question........

zak3737

Well, jumped in & bought myself an 2011/12 Roubaix Elite, in truly immaculate condition, and with full 105 set, including new 105 Brakes, new Seatpost & Saddle from a new Tarmac, and also upgraded wheels from his new Tarmac too, ....all for £695.
I'm adding a CV-G Seatpost, and if the tyres are 23's, as he thinks, then I'll add some 25's, and hopefully got myself an uber comfy bike for great value.

I did speak with Spesh UK, and they confirmed that geometry is virtually the same as the '15 models, which I tried recently, so should all ok and very similar.

I realise the SL2 isnt perhaps as laterally stiff as the current SL4, but to be honest, I doubt I'll be pushing on hard enough to notice.

Maybe in a year, I'll upgrade to a new model, but for now, content.

( Stem is flipped up, which I'll change, and bars lowered round)

handsome devil

Very nice Zak, great price too!

As you say lower the bars slightly, turn the stem and lose the rear wheel reflector

As I have already said and no-one can deny - great frame. What you hang off it is more subjective. 105 throughout is a great start.

The wheels maybe worth considering - are they Axis? Standard spec on Spesh roadbikes in recent years. Not too bad although on the heavy side but thats to be expected for factory spec.

Defo go for 25`s over 23`s - nice and comfy!

Enjoy, you won`t regret your decision

zak3737

Thx HD, I'm chuffed :-)

The wheels are actually DT Swiss 4.0, - which were fitted to the Tarmac he's upgraded to, so not sure what he's moved up with him. But I think they'll be fine, if not, can be changed in due course.

Didnt notice the reflector - good spot !

zak3737

Thx HD, I'm chuffed :-)

The wheels are actually DT Swiss 4.0, - which were fitted to the Tarmac he's upgraded to, so not sure what he's moved up with him. But I think they'll be fine, if not, can be changed in due course.

Didnt notice the reflector - good spot !

handsome devil

Ah, DT Swiss 4`s are Axis 4`s are they not?

Axis are a model exclusively made for Spesh by DT Swiss I believe. Anyhow the 4`s will be an improvement on the Classics which I had on my Allez and the 2`s which I had on my Roubaix.

Very nice bikes. I have just put on the 105 brakes and front mech, changed the standard carbon post to the Pave with the Zertz insert and changed the wheels to my Ultegra 6700`s - everything else is stock.

Can`t wait to give it a blast tonight

nochekmate

You got a decent bike for the money and given that it is about 50% of the new price with better components then this represents a good trade off for the fact that it's not new. Hell if the frame broke tomorrow (highly unlikely) then you could always buy another and move the parts over and still be just about on budget! Other advantage is that it's not lime green either.

Don't worry about that laterally stiff issue - most riders would never be able to tell the difference with the marketing blurb. Enjoy the Roubaix (although personally I hate the riding position that they offer)

carrock

Base Level Roubaixs have great frames but tend to be underspecced in group and wheels.

Fulcrum Racing 3 wheels (1555g) are £300 on sale at wiggle ( RRP £450)

Fit Schwalbe Ultremo Tyres and Specialized Turbo Tubes and should transform the bike

Also- I retrofitted the CGR seatpost to my Roubaix S works, and along with 28mm Ultremos, it makes for a very comfy ride.

zak3737

Thx carrock, - its an Elite model, so has full 105 Groupset anyway, and recently fitted new 105 Brakes too.
I'll see what the wheels are like, in all honesty, I'm not sure i'll notice much difference in any, so perhaps not worth upgrading as yet.
The CG-R seatpost is winging its way to me now as I type, after trying the '15 model, I thought I should go for that too.
Tyres will definitely be changed, and interesting that you have gone 28c - I'd wondered whether the frame would take that. Was thinking def 25's.......

Tubes make a difference too ?

imposter2.0

Looks like a good buy. Ironically - looking at that setup - the previous owner would probably have been better off with a Sirrus.