Specialized Roubaix - anyone got one?

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Shaun

Founder
Moderator
Hi,

It looks like I'll be getting a redundency payout before moving to the new job, and I'd like to invest in a new bike.

I currently have a Sirrus Elite but I've fancied getting a Roubaix since I saw one being prepared for delivery at the local dealer's. I've heard some great things said about them and I wondered if anyone has one and can tell me what they think of it?

The model I'm looking at is the Specialized Roubaix Comp.

Cheers,
Shaun
 

Evilcat

Senior Member
Location
London
I started with a Sirrus Comp at the beginning of the year and in April splashed out on a Roubaix Expert as well.

Great bike (the Expert does have a rather garish red colour scheme which I like): comfortable, light, fast and easy to ride. The geometry is more forgiving than a race bike, and the Zertz inserts seem to damp road vibrations pretty well.

The only things I have swapped are the tyres (for Roubaix Armadillos) and the saddle for a Fizik Aliante for a bit more comfort on long rides. Also added Speedplay Zero pedals which seem to be a good match for cycling around London with frequent stops.

EC
 
I have a 2006 Roubaix Comp which I bought at the end of last year, at serious discount because it was end-of-year and ex-demo, but completely unmarked.

It's a bit of a 'bitsa', made-up of whatever the bike shop had lying around, I think
- Roubaix Comp frame, full Ultegra gruppo, Fulcrum Race 5 wheels, Cinelli Axis bars, Pinarello MOST stem, S-Works Pave seatpost

It also had Conti GP4Season tyres, but I replaced them because they had the most atrocious wet-weather grip and have put Michelin ProRace2 on - black and red frame, black wheels with red decals, red and black tyres : all looks a bit bling now !

I've also read that the OEM bars are a bit flexy but can't comment - my Cinelli's certainly aren't.

Out-of-the-box it comes with a couple of thick spacers under the stem and a big conical thing, but the bike shop had removed them and cut the stem down, so even though it has a relatively-long headtube the front end of mine isn't anything like as over-high as all the magazine reviews complain of.

I moved-up from a Spesh Allez and find the overall ride fairly similar - predictable and stable.
I got the tape measure out and adjusted all the dimensions the same, now swap between the two bikes - Roubaix for 'best' and sportives, Allez for winter/wet-weather/light-commuting.

On going back to the Allez, I notice just how much smoother and nicer the Roubaix is - not only is there far less vibration and kick from the back end over bumps, but everything seems to operate so much more smoothly too.
 

skwerl

New Member
Location
London
I have a 2007 Roubaix Pro. Have resisted the temptation to change anything so far. Probably will switch tyres soon and drop the cassette for a 23-12 for training rides. All in, it's a great bike.
 
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