Specialised Roubaix - Which Secondhand Model for value ?
I would like to upgrade my 10 year old Specialised Secteur with a secondhand Roubaix. I understand the frame geometry is very similar between both models - comfortable Endurance style.
I have very limited knowledge of how the Roubaix design has developed and changed over the years. I am a 'casual' weekend cyclist - not especially fit, but just enjoy being out. I only need models towards the lower specifications, not the very high end.
My question is which of the older Roubaix models represents the best value for money - advances in the models technology over time, balanced against the likely secondhand price?
Thanks for any help with this - there are a lot of older models to choose from !
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Never owned one but this will give you an overview of the evolution of the models. Really depends on budget but as a base level, I would focus on the latest frame iteration which I think was introduced in 2020.
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In the traditional way I can only comment (recommend) what I've got.... a 2018 Roubaix Comp. It has Future Shock and can take 32 tyres. Since I pretty much oved over to mtbing I haven't used mine much recently but when I do I really appreciate its ability. I find Future Shock excellent and helps with all the crap road surfaces we have to endure.
Oh, mines got a lovely paint job.
“You may think that; I couldn’t possibly comment!”
Wilier Cento Uno SR/Wilier Mortirolo/Specialized Roubaix Comp/Kona Hei Hei/Calibre Bossnut1 -
That is a great link - just the sort of information I need, to get my head around this subject. Many thanks !
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Thank you for sharing your experience - much appreciated. Sounds like I definitely need to go for the models after Future-Shock was installed. Just out of interest, why have you gone over to MTB?
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Glad it was useful. I can't add much more than to say I think it's a lovely bike.... very comfortable and good for getting the miles in.
As to why I've moved to mtb.... I had a short layoff from cycling a few years ago due to a health scare that actually came to nothing and which hasn't had any long term effect. However, I decided I didn't want to keep riding hard on every ride I did, you know... better speeds, faster segments, longer distances etc.
As a result I resurrected an old Scott mtb that I had in the garage and had for family duties. I took it to a trail park and loved it. Bought myself a better mtb, got the kit and I haven't looked back.
Now my rides are based on how well I can ride technically.... can I get through this obstacle, can I ride this trail. if I'm scared can I overcome it. I find it very satisfying to overcome those challenges and look back at trails that I initially chickened out of trying to to find that I can now cruise down them comfortably.
I also enjoy the exploring possibilities a mtb brings.
So still a challenge but a different one. I'm pretty ancientnow btw, so this is an old mans thoughts.
HTH
Derek
“You may think that; I couldn’t possibly comment!”
Wilier Cento Uno SR/Wilier Mortirolo/Specialized Roubaix Comp/Kona Hei Hei/Calibre Bossnut1 -
Interesting. I am a bit more mature than I would like to be, too !
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No worries, good luck with the search!
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Haven't been on for a while but glad that I saw this.
Same as you, had a Secteur and loved it, then moved on to Roubaix and have owned every model since except SL8.. so far! Covered at least 1000 miles on each, many more on some and ride all year round.
All were good, but best by far was the first of the future shock models, 2018 I think. Great combination of comfort, speed and feel. The model after with the camtail seat post was just a bit less involving and I've gone back to Tarmacs despite being well into my 50s.
I'll throw a curve ball in here. The bike I really love and which now has Roubaix geometry is my winter bike.. a 2024 Allez Sport. Sure it's still alloy but fast comfort with durable components in hydraulic 10 speed Tiagra. A bit of shopping will get you a brand new one for not much over a grand... add a set of Hunt 4 season or Roval SLX 24s and 32c tubeless and you'll have a superb replacement for your Secteur forwellundertwograndwithno looming £200 headshock services.
Hope this helps first hand experience often trumps opinion 👍️
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That helps me alot Steve, many thanks for taking the trouble to help me! For some reason I have missed your post - apologies for not replying sooner. I need to read it again very carefully and google the models you have mentioned. Watch this space !
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£200 Headshock services are not my cup of tea, so the Allez Sport suddenly looks more interesting.
I am not bothered by speed, it's more about comfort. May I ask, how does the Allez compare with that, both handlebars and seatpost etc.
The widest tyres I can fit on my decade old Secteur are 25mm. Perhaps something with much wider tyres and Endurance geometry may be more than adequate for my needs, without the Roubaix price?
Thanks for your help.
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Geometry is very similar to the Roubaix so you're not stretched. I swapped out the perfectly good standard bars for Ritchey Streem alloy with a flat top. Not silly money, about £80 from memory, but very comfortable if you spend much time on the tops.
Tyres. 25c eh? You're in for a nice surprise 😮. And that's where your comfort is going to come from. I've just come back from a ride on my Allez experimenting with some 35c Specialized Mondo which was lovely, although 32c is probably the sweet spot for comfort, speed and mudguard compatibility. You'll forget zertz ever existed, that's for sure!
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Thanks Steve, my old bones are liking the sound of 35c.
Saving a copy of all these comments, which will come in very useful.
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