Roubaix? Perhaps something else?

[FailsafeOperator]

Hello everyone. First post with what I believe to be a big decision.

Bought a Trek 1.2 (54) and fell in love with cycling. Been riding for 2 years and looking for a bike for those longer bike rides around 100 miles. For my height I could either go 52 or 54 and confirmed a 52 would be more comfortable for those long ride yet still keep up with the local bike club.

The local bike shop deals in Trek and Specialized only so naturally I have looked very closely at the Domane and Roubaix. I do have some apprehension about carbon frames after doing some research.

Does anyone recommend a company that will allow custom builds? In a perfect world, I would buy a Roubaix with an aluminum frame.

Any thoughts? Thanks in advance.

 

[vickster]

Why concerned about carbon?

Best thing to do is to go ride the different options. Maybe look further afield at shops stocking different brands if that's an option or of interest

 

[Joffey]

Like Vickster says, why are you concerned about carbon?

After doing some research I would have thought that you would go for carbon, not the other way round.

 

[ianrauk]

Don't worry about buying a carbon bike. Millions of happy carbon bike riders out there around the world including the majority of professional road racers. So if they can throw them around without any damage then you certainly won't be able to damage them.
Carbon frames are far stronger then you can imagine.

 

[Fenrider]

Wasn't the Specialised Secteur an aluminium-framed version of the Roubaix, using the same geometry and Zertz inserts?

 

[ianrauk]

Wasn't the Specialised Secteur an aluminium-framed version of the Roubaix, using the same geometry and Zertz inserts?

It was indeed. I had one of each. The Roubaix was a lovely ride, the Secteur not so.

 

[vickster]

Wasn't the Specialised Secteur an aluminium-framed version of the Roubaix, using the same geometry and Zertz inserts?

No longer made. Look like Specialized have the Allez and a gravel bike in alu? Might be worth trying an Allez to see what it's like if wanting an alu Specialized?

 

[Spiderweb]

I don't know what you have read? Nothing at all wrong with carbon frames, both Specialized & Trek offer a lifetime frame warranty, this should erase any doubts you have.
Both the Roubaix & Domane offer a lovely smooth ride and all day comfort. I have a 2010 Roubaix Pro it's the smoothest ride I've ever experienced. I would test ride both at your local bike shop, you won't be disappointed.

 

[mjr]

Yeah, all frame materials have their pluses and minuses. If you want to scare yourself out of aluminium, search for "fatigue limit"

Steel is real.

 

[vickster]

All day comfort, also look at steel and Titanium

 

[Fonze]

I ride my Roubaix daily , I'll do 50k one day then the next I do 15-20 at speed , lovely comfy bike ..

 

[mangid]

Another happy Roubaix rider here, super comfortable, most of my rides on it are 80miles+

 

[vickster]

I ride my Roubaix daily , I'll do 50k one day then the next I do 15-20 at speed , lovely comfy bike ..

But never in the rain given it's carbon

 

[Fonze]

I ride any weather , rain sun hail , bike is to be ridden that's why I bought it ..

 

[Supersuperleeds]

The Diverge comes in aluminium