Thinking of getting a Roubaix!

manick0decp
manick0decp Posts: 190
edited December 1969 in Workshop
Any owners here, what are your thoughs? I'll probably get the Comp or Elite.
http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?sid=07Roubaix

Comments

  • digitaria
    digitaria Posts: 149
    I'm sure there are lots of Roubaix owners on here - I am certainly one. You can't go far wrong, really and the value for money is top notch. Disadvantages - well, it's generally Shimano-only in the UK and they aren't exactly exclusive. The Roubaix is the more "relaxed-geometry" bike, compared to the Tarmac and therefore more suitable for those of us who don't have the physical characteristics of Danilo Di Luca.
  • I have had my Roubaix for 3 yrs now. Agree with digitaria. The stock wheelseet isn't brilliant. I find the headstock a bit too tall for my taste.

    Take the long way home
    Take the long way home
  • daowned
    daowned Posts: 414
    Fast, comfy , looks the part had one for a few months, get the Comp over the Elite or higher spec if you can.
  • northpole
    northpole Posts: 1,499
    I managed to pick up a Roubaix Pro with Dura-Ace wheels (non standard but looks fantastic) and, after adjusting to the Shimano shifters from Campag (works faultlessly, but I still prefer the feel & logic of Campag) I am now extremely impressed.
  • EvilCat
    EvilCat Posts: 27
    Bought a Roubaix Expert a couple of months ago. Fast, light and very comfortable. The Expert and Pro use the same frame (difference is Ultegra vs. Dura Ace) as do the Comp and Elite.

    EC
  • diyfiesta
    diyfiesta Posts: 15
    How does the Roubix compare to something like the Allez? A chap at Evans recommended the Allez and Pinicle Espelands and I was curious if these are all similar alternatives?
  • graeme_s-2
    graeme_s-2 Posts: 3,382
    <blockquote id="quote"><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"><i>Originally posted by diyfiesta</i>

    How does the Roubix compare to something like the Allez? A chap at Evans recommended the Allez and Pinicle Espelands and I was curious if these are all similar alternatives?
    <hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote"></font id="quote">
    The Allez starts at about œ500, the Roubaix starts at about œ1300.
  • il_principe
    il_principe Posts: 9,155
    Can I ask why you are fixating on a Roubaix? If you are in the market for a new bike I suggest you test ride several different options.

    My Best Bike
  • andy_wrx
    andy_wrx Posts: 3,396
    I bought a Comp at the end of last year, ex-demo so rather reduced in price but virtually as-new condition.
    It's also a bit of a bitsa - upgraded to full Ultegra, Fulcrum 3 wheels, Cinelli Axis bars, S-Works seatpost : presumably whatever they had in the shop at the time.

    They had also removed all the spacers from the stem, including the big cone, and cut the stem down a full couple of inches - the headtube isn't that silly-long any more and I've got the bars significantly lower than the saddle.

    Goes well enough for me.
    A significant improvement in comfort over my base model Allez, which I'm keeping as a Winter/occasional-commuting bike.
    It feels slower because it's smoother, bit less stiff and harsh than the alu Allez, but the computer shows the average speeds are about the same and it's just as predictable, good-handling, etc.

    Time to dig-out the Summer bike (why's it just started raining ? Is it something I said ?)
  • diyfiesta
    diyfiesta Posts: 15
    bit of a side topic but I always wonder about when price points cross over, so for example, hypothetically speaking would a top of the range Allez which costs more than the base model Roubaix actually be better.

    Perhaps its not a sensible question as "better" can mean different things to different riders right, but to my original question about comparing the two, I guess I mean when the prices are similar and what application they're best suited for...

    ta
  • bahzob
    bahzob Posts: 2,195
    I bought an Expert beginning last year to do the TDF and must have knocked up over 6000miles to date. Found it very comfortable and plenty fast enough for my needs (sportives, last one over 30kph).

    That said had a few problems
    > Chain went after 2000miles (due to me touring and not being able to clean)
    > Back wheel went after 2500miles (due I think to luggage weight, replaced with Mavic, no problems since)
    > Bottom bracket knackered after 3500miles.

    And made some changes:
    > Came with triple rather than double as first use was solo TDF with luggage so wanted small gear to be sure could get up hills.
    > Corsa Open KX tyres: stunning. Puncture proof, fast, comfortable and grippy.
    > IT Sword bars. Find them a lot more comfortable than the originals and transform the handling/stablity, especially on fast descents.
    > Just put on Toupe saddle as old Alias getting a bit worn. First impressions good.
    Martin S. Newbury RC
  • d_c_h_w
    d_c_h_w Posts: 31
    I'm really enjoying mine. The frame is so much more comfortable than anything I've had previously. I've managed to clock up about 500 miles on it in the 5 weeks since I put it together.

    http://picasaweb.google.com/domwhitepho ... 0134840082
  • PhilofCas
    PhilofCas Posts: 1,153
    <blockquote id="quote"><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"><i>Originally posted by andy_wrx</i>


    Goes well enough for me.
    A significant improvement in comfort over my base model Allez, which I'm keeping as a Winter/occasional-commuting bike.
    It feels slower because it's smoother, bit less stiff and harsh than the alu Allez, but the computer shows the average speeds are about the same and it's just as predictable, good-handling, etc.

    Time to dig-out the Summer bike (why's it just started raining ? Is it something I said ?)
    <hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote"></font id="quote">

    personally I would have liked to see a higher average speed [;)][:D][;)]!
  • andy_wrx
    andy_wrx Posts: 3,396
    <blockquote id="quote"><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"><i>Originally posted by PhilofCas</i>
    personally I would have liked to see a higher average speed [;)][:D][;)]!
    <hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote"></font id="quote">

    Yeah, spend a Grand more on a bike and magically your average speed will go up by 5mph.
    I think you've been taken in by an advertising brochure...

    why is it sunny all week yet rains at weekends ?
  • daowned
    daowned Posts: 414
    A full carbon frame with Shimano 105, Mavic Kysrium rims with not too bad tyres thats the Elite for œ1300.

    If you can get better spec than that for a cheaper price, consider the PlanetX and the Focus from Wiggle will beat the Elite on spec if your happy going for mail order.

    PlanetX allow you to come down to Doncaster for a test ride tho which is good.

    I was in the same situation and got a Elite and dont regret it.
  • sloxam
    sloxam Posts: 861
    got a comp and its ace! comfy, fast and light. good wheels too.

    winning is everything
    the reason i breathe
    a mans best friend
    legend
    roubaix

    couldn't think of a stupid elephant gag
    i hate hills (cos i'm fat)

    www.justgiving.com/steven-loxam/
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