Thoughts please. Specialized Roubaix or Cannondale Synapse.

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Chap sur le velo

Über Member
Location
@acknee
For the past 9 months I have really enjoyed a 12 year old, all carbon Willier Motorillo and now thinking of an up grade.

My profile: Age 63 with lots of sporting interests so two rides a week on average but I'm riding at least a 50km and 50mile challenge a month. Have done 100km a few times and before winter aim to do a 100 mile day.

193cm tall with 91cm inside leg measurement.


Looking to upgrade a)because I can and b) for max comfort and an overall newer "nicer" ride. Currently my wrists do ache after poor roads and longer rides.
If this goes well and I continue to ride the distances thinking I might go for a custom build at the next milestone birthday!


Both of the above seem to attract excellent reviews as benchmark setting endurance bikes. The Specialised also seems to have suspension built into the head tube which should give a more comfortable ride. But its still a little confusing as there's a no of models to choose from.

https://www.specialized.com/gb/en/shop/bikes/road-bikes/performance-road-bikes/roubaix/c/roubaix
eg https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/184960995648?hash=item2b1088d140:g:6kYAAOSw35Fgz3lw

https://www.cannondale.com/en-gb/bikes/road/endurance/synapse
e.g. https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/184960904273?hash=item2b10876c51:g:NBEAAOSwS6Rg1S0f


I would prefer to spend upto £3k, (maybe more see above examples) on a second hand (eBAy?) bike but would like some informed help as I start to keep an eye out on what's available.

1 Also want to fit 28 or 32mm tubeless tires - for convenience and for ride comfort (I doubt I'll be getting any younger)
2 Probably not electronic shifting - unnecessary IMO. I'm not racing
3 Ambivalent re disc brakes. Might be nice but could I change pads myself?
4 Wheels seem the most favoured upgrade. Do either of these have 'average' wheels as factory fit?
5 What are the best groupsets to look for?
6 Sizing an XL / 58-61cm frame?
6 What am I missing?

I'm sure that there are lots of other good bikes you'd recommend but I'd rather look out for one or two and get the right spec in the right colour (not too "blingy").

Look forward to thoughts. Thanks in advance.
 
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vickster

Legendary Member
Might just be me, but I wouldn’t spend £3k+ on a second hand carbon bike with no warranty.

surely you can get something good new for that budget, although availability is pretty ropey If wanting now.
If you want disc brakes surely not being able / willing to change pads shouldn’t be a deal breaker. Just pay an LBS £20 to do it occasionally, this isn’t an all weather commuter.
Sizing for specific models look at the size guide and then test ride to confirm. If needed, budget £200 for a fit (or use a good LBS like Sigma sports that will provide solid advice)
 
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Venod

Eh up
Location
Yorkshire
I have never owned a Specialized but the Roubaix is my kind of bike, I don't think the head tube suspension is required for road use though, the reason I have never had one is I don't think they represent value for money.
I have a carbon Synapse running 32mm tubeless tyres, its very comfortable, I got it pre Covid though.
The stock wheels were a bit heavy so I relegated them to winter use on another bike and built some lighter ones, I also changed the chainset to spider rings and managed to get a good deal on a save seat post, which are hard to find in stock.
If you get the right model you can of course have all these included.
As @vickster says do you want to spend £3k+ on second hand, it will get you a nice new one with warranty, its finding one in stock that's the problem.
Disc pads are very easy to change.

The model I would go for with your budget is the Ultegra spec, the wheels also look decent on this.

https://www.cannondale.com/en-gb/bikes/road/endurance/synapse-carbon/synapse-carbon-ultegra
 
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Cycleops

Legendary Member
Location
Accra, Ghana
Can't really add much either, just a few general points.
The difference between 28 &32c tyres isn't going to be noticeable. If comfort is all important maybe consider a gravel bike which will have bigger tyres you can run at lower pressures.
Pressfit bottom brackets might be worth giving a miss, although the Cannondale is sure to have one.
Might be worth looking at some of Decathlon's up market Van Rysel models. Great VfM and warranty.
Get discs for sure.
Size wise I guess XL or 61.
The biggest problem is going to finding one that's available before Christmas :sad:
 
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newts

Veteran
Location
Isca Dumnoniorum
I have a 2018 Roubaix comp with future shock 1.0. It is a very comfortable & forgiving ride.
Makes me smile everytime i ride it^_^
Unfortunately the current Roubaix comp has almost doubled in cost from what i paid in early 2019.
 
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OP
Chap sur le velo

Chap sur le velo

Über Member
Location
@acknee
Interesting comments thanks please keep them coming.

Will search but it's prompting a new thread. "Would you buy a second hand Carbon bike?"
 

TwoStews

Active Member
Location
Sheffield
Both great bikes, I've ridden each. Personally I would favour the Synapse, it strikes a great balance between comfort and speed.

Discs brakes are a no-brainer for me. Pretty much all modern calipers make changing the pads a cinch and all other maintenance can be done easily enough at home too if you're up for it.

I have bought two second hand carbon bikes and would gladly buy another again. Happy to share my thoughts and experience here or on another thread 👍🏼
 
Will search but it's prompting a new thread. "Would you buy a second hand Carbon bike?"

In principle, no.

But then depends on the price. I wouldn't spend 3k on a second hand carbon bike. Too risky.

But, say the bike costs £3k new and is sold second hand for say 1k....then ALSO no because if they sell it for that cheap, there's defo something wrong with it.
 

Venod

Eh up
Location
Yorkshire
I wouldn't spend 3k on used carbon, but I wouldn't spend 3k on new carbon.

I would buy used carbon at the right price but the frame would have to be pristine and I would like to know its history.

I have sold used carbon but well under 1k and it was pristine, but people value things differently and a very expensive frame may be a good buy at 3k its the warranty that may not be transferable, but it doesn't worry some.

A mate was knocked off his new Orbea aero bike by a dog, resulting in a cracked chainstay, he had it repaired and you wouldn't know, it looks immaculate, you could buy something like this and never know its being repaired but if it rides OK does it matter.
 

Nebulous

Guru
Location
Aberdeen
The difference between 28 &32c tyres isn't going to be noticeable. If comfort is all important maybe consider a gravel bike which will have bigger tyres you can run at lower pressures.

You sure about that? I moved from 23s to 25s on my carbon bike and certainly noticed it. I then moved to a steel bike with 28s and again that was more comfortable. I've just ordered a new bike with 32s and hoped to notice a difference with that as well. I've run lower pressures each time. 23s I was running at 110 front 120 rear, 25s, 90 / 100 and 28s at 70 / 80.
 
Location
Wirral
You sure about that? I moved from 23s to 25s on my carbon bike and certainly noticed it. I then moved to a steel bike with 28s and again that was more comfortable. I've just ordered a new bike with 32s and hoped to notice a difference with that as well. I've run lower pressures each time. 23s I was running at 110 front 120 rear, 25s, 90 / 100 and 28s at 70 / 80.
But as you've got a pressure variable and a frame variable you cant actually be sure it isn't just the tyre width?
 

Nebulous

Guru
Location
Aberdeen
But as you've got a pressure variable and a frame variable you cant actually be sure it isn't just the tyre width?

The point about wider tyres is that they allow you to run lower pressures, which increases your comfort.

In many ways I don't care what it is, I just want to be able to complete a long-distance Audax, without significant long-term damage. The advice I received to use the bike I already had for LEL didn't work for me. I'm now trying to find the holy grail.

32 tyres appear to be a sweetspot though, comfortable enough to reduce fatigue without compromising on rolling resistance. I'm hoping to find a difference in my move from 28s to 32s.
 
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